Rebus author confirms book fest date
SKYE Book Festival-goers are in for a special treat this year, as crime writer Ian Rankin has confirmed his attendance.
In the same week he announced his famous detective, John Rebus, is to return to television screens after a 10year absence, Britain’s most successful crime writer, Ian Rankin, brought ‘the best news imaginable’ to festival organisers.
The Fife-born author said he is ‘delighted and honoured’ to read from some of his work, and meet with the audience to discuss the origins of his character Rebus.
Festival chairman and Aros director Donald Macdonald said: ‘Skye Book Festival has gone from strength to strength over the six years of its existence but we little imagined that we could attract one of the country’s best-known writers when he is at the peak of his success with the work underway for more Rebus on TV. It is fantastic news and will ensure our festival will be busier than ever this year.’
The festival has rapidly carved a niche for itself nationally with past attractions including Val McDermid, Donald S Murray, Sally Magnusson, Peter May, Roger Hutchinson, Lady Claire Macdonald and the launch of both volumes of the best- selling Great Book of
Skye. It also features a ‘poetry walk’ each year as part of the regular programme.
This year’s event will run from August 31 to September 2. Organisers of the Skye Book Festival have already confirmed the attendance this year of Graeme Macrae Burnet, whose second novel, His
Bloody Project, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2016 and won Saltire fiction book of the year 2016.
Early ticket purchase is advised for the Macrae Burnet and Rankin events, which will be held at Portree’s Aros Centre.