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BLOODY SCOTLAND The streets of Stirling run red as Scotland’s deadliest literary festival returns
This September, authors, publishers and fans from around the world will descend upon historic Stirling to celebrate the (i ctional) dispatching of bodies at the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland. With a dynamic programme, this year promises incisive social commentary, anniversary celebrations and a truly global scope. Literary luminaries scheduled to appear include Val
McDermid, Irvine Welsh, Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, Stuart MacBride, Frank Gardner and many others. From further ai eld, The Kiwis are Coming! welcomes authors from New Zealand, whilst Brexit chat abounds at Adios, Auf Weidersehen, Arrivederci, Au Revoir, in which continental crime writers discuss what might happen post-March 2019.
Other socially minded panel discussions include Breaking Barriers, examining the challenges faced by writers in breaking through the glass ceilings of race, gender, class and sexual orientation, while Time’s Up for Violence Against
Women will tackle the endemic violence against women in crime i ction and real life. The Crimes and Misdemeanours of Muriel Spark celebrates the centenary of her birth and explores the great dame’s dark side as the progenitor of Tartan Noir. Another highlight from this year’s programme will be an appearance from Ashley Jensen (pictured), star of the TV adaptation of Agatha Raisin, in conversation with MC Beaton, author of the aforementioned series.
Lest you think all the fun is saved for the written word, authors will be hanging up their pens for the annual Scotland v England football game and the infamously chaotic Master Criminals and Masterminds quiz. There will also be readings of the murder mystery musical The Generalist, as well as a performance by the crime authors supergroup Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, who are scheduled to perform (or perhaps murder) a few tunes. Sounds like quite a lot of bloody fun. (Deborah Chu) ■ Various venues, Stirling, Fri 21–Sun 23 Sep.
1 Sep–31 Oct 2018 THE LIST 53