Sci-fi fans gather for convention

Props from the new Dr Who series will be exhibited

Science fiction fans from around the world have gathered in Glasgow for their biggest festival of the year.

More than 4000 enthusiasts have made the journey for the five-day World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) at the SECC.

It has returned to Scotland after a 10-year absence.

Scottish author Iain M Banks is in the running for one of the prestigious Hugo awards for excellence in science fiction and fantasy.

Catwalk show

Other high profile events include the premiere of gamerZ, a new Scottish movie with a fantasy twist, and an original play Lucas Back in Anger by local theatre company Reductio ad Absurdum.

There will also be a catwalk show where costume designers show off their unique creations.

Worldcon is the longest-running general science fiction convention in the world David Stewart Worldcon spokesman

A major art show will feature the works of more than 80 artists, including Hugo-winners Jim Burns, Michael Whelan and Frank Kelly Freas.

The exhibition area will have props from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Stargate and Dr Who as well as displays of the activities of science fiction fans throughout the world.

Special guests include Dr David Southwood, science director of the European Space Agency, and Alan Lee, who won an Oscar for set decoration on the Lord of the Rings films.

Scottish writers, including Ken MacLeod, Charles Stross, Richard Morgan and Alastair Reynolds will be participating.

Sci-fi fans have gathered from around the globe

They will be joined by leading writers such as Terry Pratchett, Brian Aldiss and Joe Haldeman.

Event spokesman David Stewart said the event was a sci-fi lover's dream.

"Worldcon is the longest-running general science fiction convention in the world," he said.

"We have a lot of panel sessions ranging from the philosophy of science fiction to discussing the works of authors and the future of science fiction publishing.

"We also have a hard science programme stream, and we'll have key speakers talking about space exploration."