Richard Osman, Lucy Foley, and Lee Child are among the prominent authors set to participate in what organizers have described as a 'sensational' crime writing festival taking place in September. The Bloody Scotland festival, held in Stirling, has had its programme unveiled by guest programmer and acclaimed writer Denise Mina.
Star-Studded Author Line-Up
The event will feature a diverse array of crime writers, including Liz Nugent, Sarah Pinborough, Gregg Hurwitz, and Robert Bryndza. Additionally, Irish crime writer Andrea Mara and Cai Jun, one of China's bestselling authors, will be in attendance. Scottish literary talent is well-represented, with Harriet Tyce, Chris Brookmyre, Alex Gray, Lin Anderson, Louise Welsh, and Graeme Macrae Burnet all on the bill.
Denise Mina expressed her enthusiasm, stating: 'If Bloody Scotland 2026 is even half as much fun as I had helping to put this festival together then it’s going to be bloody brilliant. See you there!'
Broadcasters and Non-Fiction Events
Notable broadcasters Robert Peston, Olly Smith, and Jeremy Vine will also take part, alongside Irish comedian and Father Ted actor Ardal O’Hanlon. The festival offers a range of non-fiction events, including 'How to Clean A Crime Scene' with Ben Giles and 'A History Of Modern Britain In Twenty Murders' with Professor David Wilson.
Festival director Bob McDevitt commented: 'Working with Denise on the programme this year has been an absolute joy, and I’m now really looking forward to what promises to be a sensational weekend of non-stop bookish delights.'
Fringe Events and International Partnership
The festival will feature fringe events such as 'You The Jury', a play starring real-life lawyers and forensic experts at Stirling Sheriff Court, and an event with the creator and stars of Netflix show Dept Q. Other highlights include a screening of 'The Maltese Falcon', introduced by Julie M Rivett, granddaughter of author Dashiell Hammett.
This year marks the first partnership with Helsinki Noir, welcoming Finnish authors to Stirling and sending Scottish authors to Helsinki for a Bloody Scotland panel in 2027.
Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, praised the programme: 'Bloody Scotland has pulled together an exceptional programme for 2026, combining the stars of Scottish crime writing with luminaries from across the globe. It will be exciting for fans to see names like Lee Child brought to Stirling, alongside Louise Welsh, Graeme Macrae Burnet, and emergent authors such as Callum McSorley.'
The 2026 festival runs from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20. Stirling Council leader Susan McGill remarked: 'Bloody Scotland is a jewel in the crown of Stirling’s cultural offerings which attracts visitors from around the globe.' More information is available at bloodyscotland.com.
