PART OF BLOODY SCOTLAND – Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, 14 – 16 September
STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL

Saturday 15 September, 10.30 – 11.30am
Alex Gray has always wanted to weave in the life of a female pathologist ever since her first visit to Glasgow City Mortuary. Her initial experience of a post mortem examination and subsequent visits resulted in her being invited to take the University of Glasgow’s course in forensic medical science. In this talk entitles ‘Fascinating Forensics: Blood and Guts’ she discusses her experience which gave her the tools to make her character, Dr Rosie Fergusson as authetic as possible – and is joined by Professor Jim Fraser, director of Forensic Science at Strathclyde University.

Saturday 15 September, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
In a panel entitled ‘Meet My Alter Ego’ three of Scotland’s best-known crime writers are challended to talk about crime writing not as themselves, but as their detectives. Will we spot the difference between writer and their fictional creations?  Aline Templeton will speak in character as Galloway-based DI Marjory Fleming and be joined by authors Gillian Galbraith and Tony Black who will take on their respective roles as Edinburgh-based DS Alice Rice and DS Rob Brennan. The talk will be chaired by Lin Anderson.

Saturday 15 September, 3.30pm-4.30pm   
In a panel entitled, ‘Song of Death’, veteran crime writer Alanna Knight, author of the Inspector Faro series and debut crime writer V. M. Whitworth (whose novel is set in 900AD) will explore the art of story telling from the ballads of Medieval times up to the Victorian era. Chaired by historical novelist, Clio Gray, they will discuss how different periods in history inspired their own stories.

Sunday 16 September, 11.00am – 12noon   
Alanna Knight has written an introduction for the new book, Detective McLevy’s Casebook, a new collection of James McLevy’s short stories. His true crime stories of Victorian Edinburgh from a policeman’s perspective are said to have inspired Conan Doyle. As the author of the acclaimed Edinburgh-set novels, featuring Victorian detective Inspector Faro, Alanna Knight joins David Ashton to discuss McLevy and his contribution to crime writing in a talk entitled ‘Victiorian Detectives’.

All tickets £7/£6 Concession. For more information and to book tickets visit the Bloody Scotland website.