Ian Rankin among authors to attend inaugural Scottish crime writing festival

Published on 14/09/2012 11:38

IAN Rankin and Val McDermid are two of the top names appearing at Scotland’s first crime writing festival.

• First festival celebrating Scottish crime writing to be attended by Ian Rankin and Val McDermid

• Bloody Scotland in Stirling will also be attended by Christopher Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride and Denise Mina

Fans of the genre are gathering in Stirling for the three-day Bloody Scotland event which begins today.

As well as getting to hear from some of their favourite authors, enthusiasts will be able to pick up tips to pen their own stories during a series of workshops.

Christopher Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride, Denise Mina and Quintin Jardine are among more than 50 best-selling authors taking part in the festival, which organisers say will be a “bloody good affair.”

A dinner and drama performance will mark the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story and William McIlvanney will discuss his classic Laidlaw, which was published 35 years ago and is credited with giving birth to “Tartan Noir”.

Author and festival co-founder Alex Gray said: “We are proud to see the first Bloody Scotland festival come to fruition and it is fitting to announce the welcome return of William McIlvanney.”

The Scottish Crime Book of the Year winner will be announced at the end of the event on Sunday. Six works have been shortlisted for the £3,000 prize.

Stirling Lord Provost Mike Robbins said: “We’re delighted to enhance Stirling’s reputation as a city which embraces literary talents by welcoming the inaugural Bloody Scotland international crime writing Festival.”

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