Never paid so city of Stirling
Scotland organisers to bring a real sense of the festival to the whole of Stirling.”
Appearing on the 2018 programme, which runs from September 21-23 and closes with Irvine Welsh, this year includes writers Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, Chris Brookmyre and Quintin Jardine.
For fans who enjoy the science behind the crime-solving process there are expert talks by BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, forensic scientists Dr Richard Shepherd and Professor Sue Black, Kate Bendelow, author of The Real CSI, and consultant anaesthetist Dr Marisa Haetzman.
Back by popular demand are festival favourites the Scotland v England crime writers football match, this year captained by Chris Brookmyre and Mark Billingham, along with last year’s surprise hit, a live podcast hosted by Steve Cavanagh and Luca Veste. Festival superband the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers makes a return and the festival’s first-ever musical is aired, an original piece from the pen of Sophie Hannah.
Two book-to-TV events follow previous sell-out sessions with Ann Cleeves and Douglas Henshall. MC Beaton will be appearing with the cast and crew of her Agatha Raisin series, and Helen Fitzgerald will be there with an actor from the new TV adaptation of The Cry.
Alan Bett, literature officer at Creative Scotland believes crime writing is one of Scotland’s most enjoyed genres at home and is among the country’s principal literary exports.
He said: “The term Tartan Noir is gaining recognition and respect from readers across the globe. Creative Scotland are delighted to support Bloody Scotland. It promises a programme of events that allow the all-important reader to engage with crime writing and writers in informative, inventive and entertaining ways.”
A key aim of Bloody Scotland is to showcase new talent. Unknown authors are scheduled to read from their newly published books before the headliners take the stage in the Albert Halls, bringing them to a wider audience. Hopefuls also get the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of publishers and agents.
The Golden Lion will remain the social hub of the festival and will host a Waterstones bookshop, well-stocked bar, the ballroom for events and a green room. The Albert Halls will remain the largest venue with capacity for an audience of 700. Due to popular demand, the Allan Park South Church venue has also been added with additional seating.
There continues to be a discount for local residents, tickets for the unemployed and disabled access with a mini bus between venues for those who require it.
For more information and tickets visit www.bloodyscotland.com/events Bloody Scotland established itself as the country’s leading international crime writing festival in 2012 after being set up by acclaimed writers Lin Anderson and Alex Gray, who were later joined by Craig Robertson and Gordon Brown.
Since then it has brought hundreds of crime writers to Stirling.
The literary celebration continues to go from strength to strength with more events that ever before are taking place at the weekend.
Tickets are going fast, already 15 per cent up on 2017, which was the festival’s most successful year to date. Seen as innovative in the way it presents the genre to fans and aspiring writers, it makes full use of the historic venues in Stirling’s Old Town.