Writing festival was criminally good
Stirling event enjoyed biggest draw yet
Organisers of last weekend’s ‘Bloody Scotland’ international crime writing festival have reported a 17 per cent increase in audience numbers.
Ticket sales for the annual Stirling event, set up by a group of Scottish crime writers in 2012, were 9985 this year compared to the 8474 in the year 2017.
Festival Director Bob McDevitt said of last weekend’s event: “The sun shone and the stars came out for another record-breaking Bloody Scotland. I’ve once again been overwhelmed by the tremendous good humour and bonhomie exuded by crime writers and readers.
“We brought nations together, discussed different genres, drank some gin, sung a few songs and even before the festival was over people were booking hotels and looking forward to next year.”
The festival uses a number of atmospheric historic venues in Stirling’s Old Town setting it apart from other literary festivals.
Highlights of this year’s festival included a Gala Reception at the Church of the Holy Rude, a torchlight procession for over 500 people led by Liam McIlvanney, Val McDermid and Denise Mina; a performance by band The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, and the ever popular Scotland v England football match (won 6-3 by England).
There were also appearances by Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh and BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner.
Actor Ashley Jensen (who stars as Agatha Raisin) and Sophie Kennedy Clark (from The Cry) brought a spot of TV glamour to the weekend and the Albert Halls, and the Crime at the Coo cabaret was a sellout.
Other events which were completely sold out ranged from the Gala Opening (500 capacity) to Val McDermid and Denise Mina, Two Lives Lived in Death (Professor Sue Black and Dr Richard Shepherd) and Ann Cleeves and Louise Penny (all 700 capacity), The Quiz (300 capacity) and The Reykjavik Connections with Ragnar Jonasson, Lilja Sigurdardottir and Simon Cox.
Stirling Provost Christine Simpson said: “You don’t need to be Inspector Rebus to work out that Bloody Scotland is one of Stirling’s most loved events.
“I was delighted to be present at the Gala Opening on Friday night which saw Liam McIlvanney winning the prestigious McIlvanney Prize, named after his illustrious father.
“Bloody Scotland is like all the best works of crime fiction – full of exciting plots, intriguing strangers and all manner of thrilling twists and turns.”
The 2019 Bloody Scotland Festival will run from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 September.
For more information: www. bloodyscotland.com