Scottish lawyer rules in favour of MOK BookFest

A Scots legal eagle turned comic novelist, unusually for a lawyer, has offered to speak for nothing at a possible MOK BookFest. William McIntyre, creator of the Best Defence series, following the travails of a fictional criminal lawyer, Robbie Munro, is a regular visitor to Kintyre and recently backed a Campbeltown book festival. In June, Kintyre’s best known living crime fiction author Denzil Meyrick, whose sixth DCI Daley novel, The Relentless Tide, was published yesterday, said he would back a literary event in Campbeltown. In parallel with his writing career, Mr McIntyre works for Russell + Aitken solicitors, founded in 1818 in Denny, Falkirk. The company provides ‘legal advice and representation on criminal matters throughout Scotland’. Mr McIntyre, whose latest book, Stitch Up, has just been published said: ‘Coincidentally, I was speaking to a lady at my book launch who hails from Campbeltown. ‘She has an acknowledgment in my latest book and was suggesting just that very thing.’ The MOK BookFest branding is the concept of Edinburgh author Lucy Lloyd, who is a regular visitor to Carradale. Mr Meyrick spoke at Edinburgh’s book festival and on Facebook posed the question: ‘Who would be behind a Campbeltown literary festival?’ A statement below his question read: ‘Wide ranging, covering all genres, big names, as well as local writers, and outreach events to schools and libraries. ‘Another great way to showcase the town and the rest of Kintyre, in my opinion. ‘Adding to the other great festivals already attracting so many to the area.’ ‘It’s one of the most unique

places in Scotland, far away from the main centres of population, but it’s still on the mainland. ‘It has this feeling of being in the ’50s or ’60s... There’s a sort of otherness there.’ There were replies to his Facebook post and here is a selection: Glasgow author, Madelaine Black, whose critically acclaimed memoir Unbroken was published last year, wrote: ‘I’d speak and/or attend.’ Mandy Lay Robertson tagged Tracy Chambers and wrote: ‘What a wonderful idea Denzil. I know people use technology for reading books – but nothing beats the turning of a page for me.’ Thriller writer Theresa Talbot whose latest book is Keep Her Silent backed the plan with one word: ‘Me.’ Waterstones branch manager Craig Birrell said: ‘Can Waterstones Newton Mearns help – Pleeeeeeeeze!’ Mr Meyrick replied that there was a small bookshop in town – The Old Bookshelf – which he would be keen to see involved. But is there a desire to see a book festival become reality in Campbeltown and are people willing to help in its organisation? That will be the question at a Courier-promoted town hall public meeting, on Thursday October 18 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. All welcome, come along and have your say.