Glenrothes 70th birthday party promises to be criminally good

Famous writers will come together for new town’s big bash in May

Fife crime writer Val Mcdermid launched a criminally good programme for the Reimagination festival taking place in Glenrothes this spring.

Developed in consultation with local residents, the festival, which takes place in the town’s Rothes Halls from May 17 to 19, celebrates 70 years since Glenrothes was formed as a new town.

Big names including Judy Murray, Sally Magnusson, Archie Macpherson, Christopher Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone and Mark Billingham were unveiled as the programme was launched on Wednesday.

Along with authors Stuart Neville and Luca Veste, Val will be joined on stage by Christopher, Doug and Mark as their band the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers provide the finale in the form of murder-inspired cover tunes on the Saturday night.

“Because we’re doing the band stuff, there are lots of crime writer events,” said Val.

“All of them are good writers, popular writers, so it’s a chance for people who are interested in crime, which is a very popular genre, to come along and hear from some excellent practitioners of the genre.”

Run in collaboration with Fife Cultural Trust, the festival is brought to Fife by the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Featuring writers, musicians and poets, the programme has events catering for a wide audience, including interactive activities for youngsters.

Reimagination has already toured Cumbernauld, Irvine and East Kilbride, shining the spotlight on Scotland’s new towns.

Val added: “The events in the festival very much focus on 70 years of Glenrothes, and people can have a walk through the town and learn about the history of the development of the new town idea and how it has changed over the years.”

Janet Smyth, programme director for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Having travelled from Cumbernauld to Irvine and East Kilbride it has been fascinating to see how these distinct communities have played a part in the shaping of a post-industrial Scotland and to see how each has shaped their individual identities from the original common vision. “Glenrothes is the penultimate stop on our journey and Reimagination is all about looking at the places we think we know in new ways, and we hope the people of Glenrothes and book lovers everywhere will feel inspired by the stories that are shared at the festival.”

Yvonne Melville from Fife Cultural Trust added: “It will be a real thrill to see 70 years of Glenrothes celebrated in this way.

“People of all ages can play a part in the town’s milestone anniversary.”

Val Mcdermid will be joined by writers such as Judy Murray, Archie Mcpherson, Christopher Brookmyre and Sally Magnusson.