The 14th edition of the international crime writing festival has been hailed an enormous success as visitors and locals rubbed shoulders with leading authors from all over the world.
Led by Guest Programmer Sir Ian Rankin, headliners also included American crime fiction legend Kathy Reichs, Norwegian superstar Jo Nesbo, TV favourites Steph McGovern and Jeremy Vine, as well as Scottish stalwarts such as Denise Mina, Lin Anderson, Ambrose Parry and JD Kirk.
Highlights of the festival, which ran from Friday to Sunday at popular venues including the Albert Halls, Stirling Central Library and Golden Lion, included the award of the McIlvanney Prize to Tariq Ashkanani for Scottish Crime Book of the Year, with the Bloody Scotland debut prize going to David Goodman.
'Going from strength to strength'
Supported by Dunblane’s Rubber Chicken Theatre Company and the Stirling School’s Pipe Band, Rankin led festival goers on a Day of the Deid walk on Friday night from the King Street roundel, inspired by Mexico’s famous Dia de Muertos.
Other highlights included a True Crime Walking Tour, which explored Stirling’s murderous history, Crime Family Fortunes and karaoke at the Curly Coo.
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “From the first page to the last line, Bloody Scotland delivered a compelling story yet again for visitors, fans, writers and local residents of Stirling.
“The international crime writing festival has gone from strength to strength since its beginnings in 2012 and we were delighted to once again play host again to everyone who enjoyed everything our top class venues, hotels, bars and restaurants have to offer.
“There were so many highlights, from the Day of the Deid procession through Stirling, to headline guests from all corners of the globe, including the United States, Canada, India, Norway and Sweden, and all over the UK.
“The 14th edition of Bloody Scotland has once again underlined Stirling’s credentials for hosting major events and, on behalf of the city, I would like to congratulate every prize winner and offer a huge thanks to everyone involved in organising such an excellent and diverse festival.”
Bob McDevitt, Festival Director said: “This was my tenth year programming Bloody Scotland and I can honestly say it was the biggest and best one yet, helped in no small part by having Sir Ian Rankin on the team this year. I saw so many happy faces on the streets of Stirling over the weekend and have had many messages of thanks from the authors who attended. Roll on next year!”