Renowned Scottish crime writer Sir Ian Rankin has taken on a new role as the first guest programmer for the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling. The festival, established in 2012 by Scottish crime writers Lin Anderson and Alex Gray, has become a popular event featuring celebrated authors from the UK and around the world. Sir Ian, best known for creating the iconic detective John Rebus, is collaborating with festival director Bob McDevitt to curate this year’s lineup, injecting his personal touch and introducing new events to the programme.
Having been a longstanding supporter of the Bloody Scotland festival, Sir Ian expressed his enthusiasm for the event, praising it as the world’s friendliest and most inclusive crime fiction festival that attracts top talents to the city of Stirling. He has been actively involved in the festival over the years, from leading the Scotland crime writers’ football team to spearheading the torchlight procession through the streets of Stirling. Working alongside fellow authors like Abir Mukherjee, Lin Anderson, Craig Robertson, and Gordon J Brown, Sir Ian is gearing up for the festival scheduled to take place from September 12 to 14 this year.
Festival director Bob McDevitt commended Sir Ian’s dedication to Bloody Scotland, highlighting his imaginative contributions to the programming process. Known and respected globally, Sir Ian’s involvement is set to bring a fresh perspective and unique events to this year’s festival. The full festival programme is expected to be unveiled in June, promising an exciting lineup of events and discussions for crime fiction enthusiasts to enjoy.
In conclusion, Sir Ian Rankin’s new role as guest programmer for the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival marks a significant milestone for the event. With his wealth of experience and passion for crime writing, Sir Ian is poised to enhance the festival’s offerings and deliver an engaging and memorable experience for attendees. Fans of the genre can look forward to a diverse and dynamic programme curated by one of Scotland’s most respected crime writers.