IAN Rankin, Lynda La Plante and Ann Cleeves will be among the authors appearing at a major crime writing festival in September.
Taking place in Stirling, Bloody Scotland will also feature appearances by Chris Brookmyre, Sir Vince Cable, Peter May, Denise Mina, Alex Gray and a host of other writers.
The event, which runs from September 8 to 10, will be launched with a gala opening at Stirling Castle followed by a torchlight procession to the city’s Albert Halls, where Rankin will talk about 30 years of detective Rebus. Val McDermid will also celebrate a 30-year anniversary, with her first crime novel being published in September 1987.
The opening reception on September 8 will also see the announcement of this year’s McIlvanney Prize winner for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year.
Other highlights over the weekend include a joint appearance by Cleeves and actor Douglas Henshall from the adaptation of her series.
Festival director Bob McDevitt said: “Last year was my first year looking after the festival and I have to say that I was amazed by the tremendous vibe from our audiences — they really do come to have fun.”
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