Bloody Scotland international crime writing ‘festival of friendship’ closes 30% up on pre-covid figures, with the digital component reaching over 20 countries and book sales up by 41%.
Audience numbers at Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival grew this year with total audience numbers expected to weigh in over 13,000 which compares well with the best pre-Covid audience of 10,000. The digital component also allowed the festival to reach audiences in 25 countries and on the ground book sales were up with Waterstones reporting a 41% increase on last year.
Widely described as ‘one of the friendliest festivals around’, highlights of Bloody Scotland this year were the presentation of the McIlvanney Prize to Chris Brookmyre in the ballroom (with a giant Glencairn Glass); a procession by Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band through the cobbled streets of Stirling; The Wickedest Link – a quiz in which Craig Robertson (thinly disguised as Anne Robinson) berated contestants before crowning Mark Billingham the winner; Richard Armitage who brought a spot of Hollywood glamour to the weekend and Karaoke at the Coo which featured performances by Emma Christie, Tariq Ashkanani, Erin Kelly, A J West and festival director, Bob McDevitt.
Events which were completely sold out ranged from the Gala Opening and Ann Cleeves to the Debut Prize panel and Pitch Perfect. Debut authors are at the heart of Bloody Scotland. The winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize this year was Allan Gaw with The Silent House of Sleep and Pitch Perfect – which this year had a prize of £1000 in memory of journalist Rae Stewart – was won by Alys Cummings with The Answer is Murder.
Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4, presented by Clive Anderson, travelled to Stirling to record in front of a live audience at the Festival with Chris Brookmyre, Marisa Haetzman (aka Ambrose Parry) and Richard Armitage alongside two musical guests. Broadcast on Saturday 14th and repeated on Thursday 19th the catch up link is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022zb6
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said: “Bloody Scotland continues to go from strength to strength and local residents and visitors from all over the UK and the rest of the world created a wonderful atmosphere in our streets and venues over the weekend.
It was a real highlight of our 900th anniversary celebrations. Bloody Scotland has become a real Festival of Friendship, with authors and crime fiction fans coming together in our bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels to enjoy a much-loved writing genre in such welcoming surroundings.
The festival brings such cultural and economic benefits. The parade to the Albert Halls on Friday night, led by the Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band, also highlighted the buzz it brings to our city. On the back of the Summer Sessions, Bloody Scotland again underlined Stirling’s success in organising these much-loved major events.
On behalf of the people of Stirling, I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in organising this amazing showcase of crime writing talent – and also congratulate all the prize winners over the weekend for the contribution they have made to Scottish literature.”
Bob McDevitt, Festival Director said: “The Bloody Scotland weekend was a kaleidoscopic whirlwind; from the emotional announcement of the prize-winners, to the noise of the pipe band procession, the insight and entertainment of the panels to the noise of the Karaoke! We were once again blessed with the most fantastic authors from the famous faces and household names to our nervous spotlighters and unpublished pitchers, from our debuts and first-time visitors to festival favourites and fixtures, who, along with our amazing audiences and volunteers, were united in the common goal of enjoying each other’s company in our annual celebration of crime writing in all its glory.”
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said: “Bloody Scotland has this year continued to draw a strong audience of crime fans and book lovers, serving this large and loyal readership. It has once more connected them to their favourite authors, but at the same time introduced them to new names, such as debut writers and even those currently unpublished. Together, this builds and maintains a community of crime fiction enthusiasts, all in the scenic setting of Stirling.’
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Next year it will run from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September 2025.
