Crime author duo write up for a star role in arts festival

Renowned crime novelists Val McDermid and Sir Ian Rankin are among the stars of this year’s Largo Arts Week.

The two-Fife-born writers will each feature in “an audience with” sessions at next month’s festival.

Held in Lower Largo and surrounding communities, the event combines artists’ studios, concerts, free gigs and talks.

And it includes appearances by folk musicians Rab Noakes and American R&B guitarist Brooks Williams.

International sculptor David Mach, singer and broadcaster Richard Jobson and children’s illustrator Jill Calder are also on the bill.

A total of 66 artists, nearly double the number who participated in the festival’s inaugural event in 2019, will exhibit in 36 homes and studios.

Lower Largo is famous as the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, who inspired the story of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

And the village’s Crusoe Hotel is the main festival hub. It will host the events featuring Val McDermid and Sir Ian Rankin, who will be interviewed by Richard Jobson.

Other key venues are the Upper Largo Hotel and community cafe The Aurrie.

Festival director Andrew Stenson said: “With the Robinson Crusoe connection, Lower Largo already has great literary tradition so we are delighted to welcome two famous Fifers and world-renowned novelists in Val and Ian to Largo Arts Week this year.

“It’s also great to see so many local artists participating.

“We have a tremendous mix of local artistic talent and high-profile acts and we’re hoping for a real carnival atmosphere in the villages throughout the week.”

Other highlights include a recital at The Aurrie by internationally-recognised opera singer Charlotte Whittle.

There is a free open air concert, while local bands Astral Suns, Longway, The Passing Stages and The Best Dressed Blues Band will play a series of free gigs.

The festival takes place from July 16 to 24 and tickets are expected to go on sale in early July.

“It is great to see so many local artists participating

TREAT: Sculptor David Mach and broadcaster Richard Jobson are among those taking part in Largo Arts Festival.