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Bloody Scotland audiences up 30% on pre-pandemic record
Audience numbers at this year’s Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival grew by up 30% on its pre-Covid figures.
Total audience numbers reached more than 13,000, well above its highest footfall of 10,000 dating back to before the pandemic.
This year, the Stirling-based event reached audiences in 25 countries thanks to online participation options.
On-the-ground book sales were healthy, with Waterstones reporting a 41% increase on last year.
Bob McDevitt, festival director said: “The Bloody Scotland weekend was a kaleidoscopic whirlwind. From the emotional announcement of the prize-winners, to the noise of the pipe band procession, the insight and entertainment of the panels to the noise of the Karaoke!”
He added: “We were once again blessed with the most fantastic authors, from famous faces and household names to our nervous spotlighters and unpublished pitchers, from our debuts and first-time visitors to festival favourites and fixtures, who, along with our amazing audiences and volunteers, were united in the common goal of enjoying each other’s company in our annual celebration of crime writing in all its glory.”
Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “Bloody Scotland has this year continued to draw a strong audience of crime fans and book lovers, serving this large and loyal readership. It has once more connected them to their favourite authors, but at the same time introduced them to new names such as debut writers and even those currently unpublished. Together, this builds and maintains a community of crime fiction enthusiasts, all in the scenic setting of Stirling.”
Bloody Scotland is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Next year it will run from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September 2025.
Highlights this year included the presentation of the McIlvanney Prize to Chris Brookmyre in the ballroom; a procession by Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band through the cobbled streets of Stirling and Karaoke at The Curly Coo, which featured performances by Emma Christie, Tariq Ashkanani, Erin Kelly, A J West and festival director, Bob McDevitt.
The winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize this year was Allan Gaw with The Silent House of Sleep. Pitch Perfect was won by Alys Cummings with The Answer is Murder.
