The first steps in a £6 million appeal

THIS story – Rebus’s first case since he was officially “retired” in Exit Music three years ago – was written to raise money for a charity that is very close to Ian Rankin’s heart.

He first read it in public last week at a special event in aid of the Royal Blind School’s 6 million appeal for a “home from home” for its students. Rankin’s teenage son Kit, who has Angelman syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that left him blind and unable to walk and talk – is a pupil at the school.

The Very Last Drop was specifically written for last Thursday’s event, which took place at Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery and raised 9,200 for the appeal.

As well as a fee paid by The Scotsman for reproducing the story, 4,500 was raised from an auction in which the prizes included a pie and pint with Rankin at the Oxford Bar, a limited first edition of his last novel The Complaints, an appearance as a character in his next novel, a bottle of “Rebus 20” limited-edition whisky bottled by Highland Park and a bound copy of the manuscript for The Very Last Drop.

The Royal Blind School needs to raise 6m over the next four years in order to create a new residential centre. A new swimming pool and sports hall will also be built to replace the existing one, which has deteriorated beyond repair.

Readers wishing to contribute should send cheques to Royal Blind School Appeal, Royal Blind Head Office, PO Box 500, Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh EH10 4HZ. Further queries about how to help can be sent to Marion Anderson at the same address (marion.anderson @royalblind.org or tel [phone]). Donations can also be made on www. schoolappeal.royalblind.org