Fife’s queen of crime fiction ties the knot

Bestselling author Val McDermid weds long-term partner

Best-selling author Val McDermid has started a new chapter in her life by marrying her long-term partner.

Fife’s queen of crime has tied the knot with Jo Sharp, a professor of geography at Glasgow University.

The pair publicly announced their nuptials by tweeting a photo of their wedding rings on Sunday, sparking a deluge of messages of congratulations.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was a guest at the ceremony and was among those to pass on her good wishes.

She tweeted: “Such a beautiful day. Thanks to you and @ProfJoSharp for letting us share it with you. “Congratulations again to you both.” Journalist and presenter Muriel Gray described the couple as “Mrs and Mrs Romantic” and added: “Have the happiest life together being kind to each other.”

Fellow Scots author Irvine Welsh and comedians Fred McAuley and Janey Godley also passed on their congratulations.

McDermid, 61, is best known for a series of suspense novels featuring Dr Tony Hill which were made into TV drama Wire In The Blood.

Born and raised in Kirkcaldy, she is a massive Raith Rovers fan and is a director of the Stark’s Park club.

A former pupil of Kirkcaldy High School, she was the first state school graduate to study at St Hilda’s College at Oxford University.

McDermid moved to Edinburgh from Northumberland early in 2014 after splitting with previous civil partner Kelly Smith. cwarrender@thecourier.co.uk

Val McDermid is best known for her suspense novels featuring Dr Tony Hill.

Love story – Val McDermid and Jo Sharp at their wedding, top, and the pair show off their rings, above.