Stephen King, Ian Rankin and Val McDermid amongst line up for 2021 Bloody Scotland Festival

Crime writer, Ian Rankin at Bloody Scotland.

Stephen King, Ian Rankin and Val McDermid will feature in Bloody Scotland’s line up as the 2021 festival releases its new programme.

Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival will see in person events at the Albert Halls in Stirling as well as authors and readers contributing remotely.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, last year’s festival was a purely digital event.

This year’s festival will feature big names in literature including Stephen King, Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, Jeanine Cummins, Linwood Barclay and Robert Peston beamed into the Albert Halls where live interviewers will question them in front of a live and digital audience.

Joining the live events in person will be Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre, Marisa Haetzman, Lin Anderson, Abir Mukherjee, Craig Robertson, Alan Parks, Morgan Cry, Craig Russell and Stuart MacBride.

There will also be literary names from outside Scotland in attendance including, Paula Hawkins, Luca Veste, Mark Billingham, Mick Herron, S J Watson, Lisa Jewell, Stuart Neville, Kia Abdullah, E S Thomson and Louise Candlish.

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Set up by a group of Scottish crime writers, Bloody Scotland has been showcasing the best crime writing from Scotland and the world since 2012.

Bloody Scotland Director, Bob McDevitt said: “It’s going to be a Bloody Scotland like no other but we do love a challenge and I can’t wait to see all of our authors, and crime fans back together in real life while extending our global reach as we beam the festival all over the world.”

As well as literary readings and Q&As, the festival will feature a performance by the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a Quiz, and live versions of podcasts.

Local residents can enjoy a discount and there is disabled access with taxi services between venues for those who need it.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “I’m delighted to welcome back Bloody Scotland to Stirling.

“The return of this famous event, which showcases the best in Scottish crime writing, is a significant boost for tourism as well as Stirling’s wider economic recovery from the pandemic.

“Stirling is without doubt an excellent destination for world class events and the hosting of Bloody Scotland does justice to our reputation for hosting further events of this nature.”