Nicola Sturgeon to interview Ian Rankin at Bloody Scotland

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take to the stage with Ian Rankin to interview the author at Bloody Scotland next month. 

A self-confessed crime fiction fan, the First Minister was last seen at the Harrogate Crime Festival singing backing vocals with the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers following their appearance at Glastonbury.

Sturgeon, who will interview crime writing heavyweight Rankin on Saturday 21st September, said:  “Ian Rankin is one of Scotland’s most celebrated crime writers, world-renowned for his page-turning thrillers - so it’s a real pleasure for me to interview him at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

Rankin added: “I’ve probably done hundreds of events during my time as an author but this is a first for me. I’ve no idea what the First Minister will ask or where our conversation will lead. I just know she’s one of the best-read politicians currently gracing the world stage - and she definitely knows her crime fiction!”

Tickets for the event at the Albert Halls in Stirling are selling fast, with 403 for the 700-capacity venue already sold. The event will take place at 8pm. Dr David Wilson with Lin Anderson, Chris Brookmyre and Michael Robotham, Alexander McCall Smith with Alex Gray, Denise Mina and Louise Welsh and Richard Osman with Mark Billingham are also on the bill.