The world’s friendliest crime-writing festival is back with a vengeance — and this year, it’s got one hell of a guest list. From global bestsellers to local legends, Bloody Scotland is ready to set Stirling buzzing with mystery, murder, and mayhem this September.
Sir Ian Rankin Steps Up as First-Ever Guest Programmer
Sir Ian Rankin — the man behind iconic detective John Rebus — is doing more than just attending this year’s Bloody Scotland festival. He’s curating it.
Rankin has taken on the role of the festival’s first ever guest programmer. And he’s not messing around.
“You get in touch with writers you admire,” he said. “You say, ‘We’ve got a festival going on. Would you fancy coming along?’ I’ll be interviewing you on stage. And nobody said no — which is a real thrill.”
That personal touch seems to have paid off.
From 12 to 14 September, the streets and halls of Stirling will host some of the biggest names in crime fiction — alongside the broadcasters, historians, and forensic scientists who give their stories real bite.
Star-Studded Cast Includes Jo Nesbo, Kathy Reichs, Kate Atkinson
This year’s line-up reads like a crime fiction fan’s dream bookshelf.
Jo Nesbo, the Norwegian author of the Harry Hole series, is making a rare Scottish appearance. Kathy Reichs — the real-life forensic anthropologist whose books inspired Bones — is also booked in.
Kate Atkinson, beloved for her Jackson Brodie novels, will be on stage too.
And that’s not all:
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Terry Deary, creator of Horrible Histories, will blend gore and education in only the way he can
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Steph McGovern and Jeremy Vine bring their broadcast flair
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Rev Richard Coles, former pop star and now mystery writer, adds another layer of intrigue
It’s a weird, wonderful, and slightly dangerous mix. Which, frankly, is exactly what Bloody Scotland aims for.
Venues Across Stirling Set to Come Alive
The festival’s not tucked away in a single building. It’s stitched into Stirling itself — using some of the city’s most iconic venues.
Expect events across:
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Albert Halls
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Trinity Church
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Central Library
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Golden Lion Hotel
That last one’s a bit of a festival hub. It’s where authors drink, plot, gossip, and sometimes bump into their readers over a late-night dram.
There’s even been the odd author-versus-author football match at the pitch near Stirling Castle in years past. Bloody, but in the best way.
Scottish Talent Brings Local Firepower
The international stars are grabbing headlines, sure — but the local line-up is just as fierce.
Here’s who’s repping Scotland at the 2025 edition:
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Denise Mina, one of the country’s most daring crime stylists
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Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, writing as Ambrose Parry, return with historical flair
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Graeme Macrae Burnet, long-listed for the Booker, brings the literary edge
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Lin Anderson, one of Bloody Scotland’s founders, holds the home ground
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Alex Gray, Judy Murray, and more round out the home team
Yep, that Judy Murray. She’s swapping tennis courts for typewriters and joining the line-up with her new venture into fiction.
Festival Has Roots, But It’s Not Stuck in the Past
Bloody Scotland might’ve started in 2012, but it hasn’t stood still.
It’s now a firm fixture on the international literary calendar. And it’s known not just for A-listers, but for welcoming new talent and celebrating community. Rankin called it “the world’s friendliest and most-inclusive crime fiction festival” — and that’s not just PR fluff.
The event has a history of championing up-and-coming voices, especially those from marginalised backgrounds or underrepresented regions.
Expect panels that cover serious issues — like representation in publishing or crime writing’s role in exploring trauma — alongside the gory, fun stuff.
What’s On the Agenda?
Full programme details will be released closer to September, but here’s what’s likely based on past years and this year’s tone:
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One-on-one author interviews led by Rankin and others
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Panel discussions about crime trends, true crime, and publishing
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Readings and book signings across Stirling
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Live podcast tapings with mystery and crime shows
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Murder mystery walking tours through Stirling’s shadowy streets
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And probably more whisky than strictly necessary
Table: Bloody Scotland 2025 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 12–14 September 2025 |
| Location | Stirling, Scotland |
| Guest Programmer | Sir Ian Rankin |
| International Guests | Jo Nesbo, Kathy Reichs, Kate Atkinson |
| Scottish Authors | Denise Mina, Ambrose Parry, Lin Anderson, others |
| Venues | Albert Halls, Trinity Church, Golden Lion Hotel |
| Other Guests | Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine, Terry Deary |
The Bloody Scotland crew don’t just rely on big names. They work to make the festival feel personal — even when it’s global.
One of the organisers once said their goal was to make everyone feel like they were part of the story. And in Stirling, surrounded by authors swapping ideas over wine and readers queuing for signings, that doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
