Naughtie and Anderson among line-up for Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival

Former MI6 member Charles Cumming, Bloody Scotland founder Lin Anderson and former BBC presenter James Naughtie are among the line-up for the 2023 Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, held between 15th to 17th September. 

A torchlit procession through Stirling’s historic old town will again announce the festival. Scotland will tackle England in the crime writers’ football match at King’s Park, a free event which is also aimed at including the local community. There will be a return of the Crime at the Coo cabaret featuring an array of crime writers, and a performance by the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers.

This year, there will be a True Crime Writing Walking Tour investigating some of Stirling’s most notorious crimes and Crime Master, chaired by Luca Veste and C L Taylor with guests including Mark Billingham, Mark Edwards, Susi Holliday, Gytha Lodge and Abir Mukherjee.

Naughtie and Cumming will be discussing the espionage novel in the 21st century, while Anderson will be on stage with a specialist in soil forensics, a forensic pathologist and Donald Findlay KC. Val McDermid, who was recently longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize 2023, will be in conversation with Abir Mukherjee. 

Meanwhile, the "Darkest Web" panel, will feature C J Tudor, Kate Simants and Gordon J Brown, tackling the "dark side of the internet, social media and the online rise of incels". Denise Mina, the first woman authorised to write Raymond Chandler’s detective, and Karen Smirnoff, who has picked up the baton of Stieg Larsson’s Blomquist and Salander books, will take on iconic crime books originated by men. 

Make Me Clean (Viper) author Tina Baker who was herself raised in a travelling community, will join panel about the world of travellers. Featuring many more events, the festival will conclude with an event with two former winners of the McIlvanney Prize: Craig Russell who is again longlisted for the prize this year, and Liam McIlvanney, whose father is the eponymous William McIlvanney.

Those who can’t make it to Stirling can choose to watch a curated selection of events online beginning at 1.30 p.m. on Friday 15th September and concluding at 1 p.m. on Sunday 17th. The McIlvanney Prize and Bloody Scotland Debut Prizes will also be broadcast live.

Stirling council leader Chris Kane said: "The narrative of Bloody Scotland, now in its 11th year, has been keenly embraced by book lovers across Scotland, the UK and the world and has become one of Stirling’s most loved annual events. Our historic city centre and world-class attractions have helped make Stirling a must-visit destination and Bloody Scotland adds to our vibrant cultural scene. 

"It is more than a literary festival. It has become a fringe of friendliness, warmly anticipated by authors, visitors and locals, who create such a brilliant atmosphere every year."

James Crawford, chair of Bloody Scotland, added: "Bloody Scotland is a highlight of the book festival calendar because of its wonderful and eclectic mix of household names and new authors breaking into the world of crime fiction.

"It is a hub of inspiration for readers and aspiring writers and is continually recognised as the place where many careers began. This makes it more than just a book festival, but a place where creativity and community can thrive. It doesn’t just showcase books and authors, but makes and shapes them too."

Bob McDevitt, director of Bloody Scotland, commented: "I’m currently enjoying my summer reading which consists of some of the fantastic crime novels by authors who will be attending the festival in September – we really do have a varied programme this year with brilliant debuts, intriguing historical novels, topical political thrillers, complex character studies and some top notch non-fiction. I can’t wait to introduce these authors to our audiences for what will be, I’m sure, another memorable Bloody Scotland weekend."

Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, said: "Alongside its incredibly strong core programme of writers from across the country and beyond, Bloody Scotland promises a great range of fun and surprising events and activities for everyone – football games and cabaret included! You’re guaranteed to hear from the most recognised crime writers, at the same time as being introduced to debut work by authors who might just become your next favourite.

"Crime writing is one of Scotland’s most popular genres of writing and among our strongest literary exports."