Top crime writers clued up for festival

Published on 15/09/2012 00:00

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

Fans of the genre have gathered in Stirling for the three-day Bloody Scotland event which began yesterday.

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.

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.