Ian Rankin to conduct Rebus tour for Maggie's

Rankin’s offer is aimed at boosting numbers taking part in the second Maggie’s Culture Crawl Edinburgh on 23 September and the inaugural Maggie’s Culture Crawl Glasgow taking place on 7 October, as well as nine other events across the UK.

Everyone registered for one of the 11 Maggie’s Culture Crawls across the UK by 30 June 30 will be entered into a draw to win one of six places on Rankin’s tour.

Rankin, who recently visited the original Maggie’s Centre, helping people with cancer and their families, in the grounds of the Western General in Edinburgh, said: “Visiting Maggie’s Edinburgh was nothing short of inspiring. The charity’s progressive attitude to cancer care left me feeling incredibly hopeful while also astounded that they rely almost entirely on voluntary donations.

“I would encourage everyone to sign up for one of the Culture Crawls. Not only will you be raising vital funds for a charity that helps so many, you will also be signing up for a unique, exciting and fun night in Inspector Rebus’s home city.”

The walks take in 10 miles of each city and are sponsored by Brodies LLP and are part of the Year of Innovation and Design Festival of Architecture events.

The Edinburgh event includes venues such as Fettes College and the Edinburgh College of Art while the Glasgow night walk will take in the BBC Scotland Head Office and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Anne Macdonald, 58, who is taking part in the Edinburgh walk, was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and said she found Maggie’s a tremendous support.

Ms Macdonald said: “Maggie’s has been a life line for me so it was lovely to be able to give a little bit back last year when I did the first Scottish Culture Crawl in Edinburgh.

“It was a fantastic event, a really wonderful evening and this year it is great to have Ian Rankin supporting and encouraging people to get involved for Maggie’s.”

Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s said: “Maggie’s Culture Crawls are fantastic events which succeed in capturing the essence of Maggie’s in a way which gives people a truly different experience of each city and the opportunity to raise vital funds to help Maggie’s continue to support anyone affected by cancer.”

Bill Drummond, managing partner of Brodies, said: “It’s great to have Ian Rankin on board this year, following Alexander McCall Smith’s huge contribution to the first Scottish Culture Crawl.

“Having taken part in the Edinburgh Culture Crawl last year alongside colleagues from Brodies, I know first-hand just how enjoyable the walk is. I met Culture Crawlers drawn to Edinburgh from all around the country and could see just how much good will there is for Maggie’s because of its great work for people whose lives are affected by cancer.

“We’ve been delighted to support Maggie’s for more than a decade now and would urge as many as people to get behind the Edinburgh and Glasgow Culture Crawls this autumn.”

Each event will feature musicians, performers,points of cultural and architectural interest plus food and drink.

Walkers will also be able to see Maggie’s travelling exhibition Just Incase.

Also part of the Festival of Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art have worked with Maggie’s to create a the exhibition, which ha 12 objects selected by 12 people who represent the ethos of Maggie’s in Scotland.

The exhibition includes objects from Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, David Page,(Page & Park), Richard Murphy, Snohetta, Neil Gillespie,(Reiach & Hall) Charles Jencks, Laura Lee, Marcia Blakenham, Sandy Nairne, and a current centre visitor.

Maggie’s celebrates its 20th anniversary this year as well as the opening of its 20th Centre when Maggie’s Forth Valley opens later in 2016.