Host of top names for all tastes to appear at Glenrothes festival

The countdown is on for the ReimagiNation: Glenrothes festival which is brimming with top names and interactive events.

From Thursday to Saturday, Rothes Halls will host a gang of bestselling crime writers, hands-on events for families and children, a world-renowned football commentator, a brace of TV presenters and an evening of whisky, words and music.

If gritty crime drama is your thing, then Doug Johnstone, Mark Billingham, Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre offer their insights into the seedier side of society.

For those who prefer something a little less murderous, James Crawford, whose new three-part BBC series Scotland from the Sky airs in May, will be talking about Scotland’s story of war, adventure, landscapes and people as seen from the air.

There is also the chance to enjoy a pie and a chat with Archie Macpherson, the voice of a nation’s footballing hopes and dreams.

The festival coincides with the 70th anniversary of Glenrothes, and there are a number of events celebrating the town’s milestone.

In a free, but ticketed, event titled Debate: Glenrothes – A New Day? chaired by writer and broadcaster Richard Holloway, a panel will discuss the highs and lows of Scotland’s new towns.

Free activities for families will include face-painting and handson art workshops inspired by Glenrothes’ public town art.

The festival runs into the evenings with An Evening of Whisky, Words and Music on Friday with storytelling from crime writers Luca Veste and Stuart Neville together with music from Glenrothes’ own Andrew Ferguson.

Closing the festival will be the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. The band features Mark Billingham, Doug Johnstone, Stuart Neville, Chris Brookmyre and Luca Veste with Val McDermid on vocals.