Liam McIlvanney wins McIlvanney Prize

Liam McIlvanney has won the McIlvanney Prize 2018 for The Quaker (HarperCollins). 

The prize was renamed in 2016 in memory of Liam McIlvanney's father, crime writer William McIlvanney, who is often referred to as the Godfather of Tartan Noir.

Comedian Susan Calman, one of the judges for this year's prize, said: "The Quaker was, for me, the stand-out book from the longlist. It’s one of those novels that as soon as I finished it, I looked forward to reading it again. Not only did I love the evocative recreation of Glasgow but the characters created were refreshing and surprising. It was such a pleasure to read."

Denise Mina, winner of the McIlvanney Prize 2017 with The Long Drop, handed over the engraved decanter and a cheque for £1000. 

The award recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing and includes nationwide promotion in Waterstones. It is presented annually at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling. Also judging this year were Craig Sisterson, and Alison Flood.

Following the ceremony guests formed a torchlight procession (with Bloody Scotland branded umbrellas at the ready) through the streets of Stirling led by Val McDermid, Denise Mina and Liam McIlvanney.