Rankin writes a new chapter by mixing it with the music world

HE is best known for writing best-selling novels about the hard-nosed, heavy-drinking Detective Inspector Rebus.

But since he "retired" the character, author Ian Rankin has been keeping himself busy with a host of other activities, such as writing comic books, interviewing First Minister Alex Salmond and campaigning for more books to be published in Braille.

Yesterday, Mr Rankin launched an appeal to help re-house the Edinburgh-based Scottish Braille Press and protect it for the future, as it needs to be relocated to a more suitable building and fitted with new equipment.

His latest challenge, however, will see him take to the stage of a city nightclub to perform his own DJ set from his own music collection.

He will play a set at Cabaret Voltaire on January 22 following a gig by one of his favourite city bands, Saint Jude's Infirmary.

But the thought of taking to the decks is already putting the writer in a "tizz" as he still has to go through thousands of records and CDs to come up with his set list.

He said: "I would like to play an eclectic mix of stuff from my personal collection, stuff that people want to hear and stuff people should be hearing.

"Luckily I've got thousands upon thousands of records in my office so I've got a lot to choose from."

Since retiring Rebus, Mr Rankin has spent time turning his New York Times serial Doors Open into a full-length novel, writing the press release for the Mogwai album The Hawk is Howling and chairing literary events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Saint Jude's Infirmary are playing at Cabaret Voltaire to launch their new single Little Sparta, from their forthcoming album, which is as yet untitled.

Mr Rankin collaborated with the band on the album's last song The Foot of the Walk, penning the lyrics and also narrating parts.

Grant Campbell, 34, the band's singer and songwriter, said he was glad to have Mr Rankin on board for the launch of the new single.

He said: "Ian is a really sound guy who knows his music.

"He is an avid music fan and it's been a dream getting him in."

Although they have not discussed what he will play on the night, Mr Campbell imagines Mr Rankin will play "some classics" including Joy Division and The Rolling Stones, as well as a lot of post-punk music.

The Cabaret Voltaire gig will also feature two other bands, Jesus H Foxx and Miles Mayhem.

DJ Ian Rankin – as he is being billed by the venue – will perform his set at the after-show party.