Charity short story collection from Stirling writing festival is perfect tonic for crime and whisky lovers
A charity anthology of captivating crime fiction short stories has been released by up-and-coming crime authors who have emerged through Stirling’s Bloody Scotland crime writing festival. The collection, launched by The Glencairn Glass, features tales from 16 different authors who have participated in the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story competition over the past three years. All profits from the book sales leading up to Christmas will be donated to the cancer care charity Maggies.
The Glencairn Glass has been a steadfast supporter of Scottish crime writing talent through its sponsorship of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing awards since 2020. The anthology, named ‘The Last Dram’, was curated in collaboration with Stirling University, with students assisting in various aspects of the collection, from story curation to book design. Renowned Scottish crime fiction author Heather J Fitt, who appeared at this year’s Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, edited The Last Dram.
The anthology features works from winners and runners-up of the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition, including Allan Gaw, Phillip Wilson, Elisabeth Ingram Wallace, Brid Cummings, Jennifer Harvey, and Judith O’Reilly. Other contributing authors include Morgan Cry, Gayle Thompson, Louise Sharland, and more.
‘The Last Dram’ delves into grisly murder mysteries, chilling confessions, and intriguing tales of revenge. From a disillusioned tourist guide in Skye to a series of mysterious murders in a 1928 Glasgow police station, the collection promises spine-tingling reads for crime fiction enthusiasts.
Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal, praised the quality of the stories submitted to the competition over the years. The book is available in both e-book and limited-edition print formats, with a special gift pack also on offer. Readers can purchase ‘The Last Dram’ through the Glencairn Glass website online shop.
In summary, the charity short story collection ‘The Last Dram’ showcases the talent of emerging crime fiction authors from Stirling’s Bloody Scotland festival. With a mix of gripping tales and intriguing mysteries, the anthology promises to be a perfect read for crime and whisky lovers alike.
Insights:
The collaboration between The Glencairn Glass, Stirling University, and aspiring crime authors highlights the importance of supporting and nurturing emerging talent in the literary world. The initiative not only provides a platform for new writers but also contributes to a meaningful cause by donating proceeds to a cancer care charity. The diversity of stories featured in ‘The Last Dram’ showcases the richness and creativity present in the crime fiction genre, offering readers a thrilling literary experience.