Visitor numbers make a killing at Stirling's international Bloody Scotland crime writing festival

Chris Brookmyre with his novel “The Cracked Mirror” won the festival's coveted McIlvanney Prize for the second time
-Credit: (Image: Colin Hattersley)


International crime writing festival Bloody Scotland achieved record attendance levels this year as the event continues to grow in popularity.

The event - which features the best literary talent in the country - is held in Stirling every year.

It closed earlier this month with a 30 per cent increase on its pre-Covid attendance figures.

Audience numbers for this year’s event, the 12th Bloody Scotland, are expected to weigh in at 13,000 over the weekend of 13-15 September, a significant increase on the best pre-Covid figure of 10,000.

Bloody Scotland, established in Stirling in 2012, also reached 25 countries across the world through its digital service, with Waterstones reporting a 41 per cent increase in on the ground book sales at venues including the Stirling Albert Halls.

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Highlights of Bloody Scotland this year included the presentation of the McIlvanney Prize to Chris Brookmyre for his novel, ‘The Cracked Mirror’, as well as a procession by the Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band, accompanied by Provost Elaine Watterson, through the heart of the city on Friday, September 13.

Chris Brookmyre with the McIlvanney Prize 2024
Chris Brookmyre with the McIlvanney Prize 2024 -Credit:Colin Hattersley

Stirling Council leader 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.

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“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.

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“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.”

Bloody Scotland also featured appearances by authors and broadcasters including Irvine Welsh, Richard Armitage, Peter James, Peter May, Louise Minchin and Frank Gardner.

Sold-out events included the Gala Opening at The Golden Lion Hotel and Ann Cleeves at the Albert Halls, as well as the Debut Prize Panel and Pitch Perfect - and even karaoke at the Curly Coo. The winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize 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’.

Bob McDevitt, festival director said: “The Bloody Scotland weekend was a kaleidoscopic whirlwind. 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.”