Iain Banks

Between 1984 and 2013, Iain gave A LOT of interviews. And having spent a chunk of 2024 transcribing most of them, we can promise you that Iain was asked the same questions A LOT. As he did at events, he had the most gracious knack of answering those questions comprehensively, understanding that there would be at least one person in the room who hadn’t heard the story before. What was funnier, though, was watching Iain be asked a question he didn’t feel like answering, at which point he would enthusiastically and comprehensively answer a completely different question.

Out of 29 years' worth of conversation, we’ve selected seven complete interviews given between 1990 and 2013.

We chose these specifically because they cover the most interesting ground and Iain gives the most complete - or at any rate, the least glib or bored - answers.

Our thanks to all the interviewers and publications. Credit has been given where it’s known but if we’ve missed anyone, just get in touch.