Author Liam McIlvanney longlisted for book prize named after his father
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Daily Record
05-08-2025
- Daily Record
7 'thrilling' detective novels set in and around historic Scottish city
Susan from The BookTrail maps real locations from Neil Broadfoot's detective series across Stirling, Edinburgh, and beyond. Scotland's historic city of Stirling has long captured the imagination with its castle, cobbled streets and battlefield past. But thanks to crime author Neil Broadfoot, it plays host to an equally gripping fictional world. His gripping series has led readers to discover hidden corners of the country in ways they might never have expected. And Susan from literary travel agency The BookTrail has mapped out the places featured in Broadfoot's seven-book Connor Fraser detective series. Writing for VisitScotland, her journey through the series shows how fiction and real-world locations can blend to offer readers an immersive, book -inspired adventure across Stirling, Edinburgh and beyond. Susan explained how her lifelong love of literary travel began with Around the World in 80 Days. Today, her website allows readers to follow in the footsteps of characters across dozens of books set around the world. 'The mix of historical detail and thrilling plot is an exciting combination,' she said, describing Broadfoot's work. 'With the main location of Stirling, and visits to Edinburgh and Belfast, there is a real sense of travel, history and intrigue with this series.' Broadfoot's series was inspired by a game of football at the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival, which is held annually in Stirling. Since then, his novels have taken readers on journeys through graveyards, hospitals, universities and castles. Cowane's Hospital – No Man's Land The opening book, No Man's Land, introduces Connor Fraser, a close protection expert and former PSNI officer. It led Susan to Cowane's Hospital, one of Stirling's most striking historical buildings. Built with funds from merchant John Cowane, it once housed retired members of the local guild and offers views across the city from near the castle. 'I might never have discovered this place or learned of its history without No Man's Land,' Susan noted. Church of the Holy Rude – No Place to Die Just a short walk from the castle sits the Church of the Holy Rude, a location woven into the second novel, No Place to Die. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Stirling and famously held a royal coronation. 'There's this parallel world that only readers can truly access and appreciate,' Susan said. 'It feels magical every time.' Cambusbarron and Gillies Hill – The Point of No Return Broadfoot's third book, The Point of No Return, brings readers to Cambusbarron, a village just outside Stirling. Its ancient hillfort, Gillies Hill, is thought to be where Robert the Bruce camped before the Battle of Bannockburn. 'Who knew that crime fiction would take me down a rabbit hole of proportions I have not experienced since Alice in Wonderland,' Susan wrote. Edinburgh and Leith – No Quarter Given No Quarter Give, the fourth novel shifts much of the action to Edinburgh, particularly the Scottish Parliament and Victoria Quay in Leith. With political intrigue and vivid locations, it explores a different side of Scotland's capital. Leith Docks, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and even indie bookshops like Argonaut Books feature in the journey. Bannockburn – Violent Ends Known for its role in the 1314 battle, Bannockburn remains a powerful symbol of Scottish identity. The fifth novel, Violent Ends, uses it as both a historical backdrop and a key setting in the plot. Susan said the book inspired her to learn more about the area and its lasting significance. University of Stirling – Unmarked Graves Set around the campus and its central loch, the sixth book, Unmarked Graves, uses the university's scenic landscape to chilling effect. Susan found new meaning in familiar settings, writing, 'I could appreciate the veil of fiction over the view in front of me.' Stirling Old Town Cemetery – Exit Wounds The final novel, Exit Wounds, is largely based in Belfast but returns to Stirling for one of its most atmospheric scenes. The Old Town Cemetery, near the castle, was the site of the last siege led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Susan described it as 'perhaps my favourite spot on the Broadfoot BookTrails, for it felt as if I could just hear the whispers of the past and present coming together.'
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Daily Record
Top jazz musician set for music nights at historic Stirling city centre hotel
Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion venue in the city. One of the world's greatest jazz and blues musicians is to launch a series of lounge music piano nights at one of Scotland's most historic hotels. Piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion in Stirling. Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will be performing on Wednesday July 9. Hotelier and entrepreneur Gary Atkinson said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away. 'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele. 'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.' Gary is no stranger to the hospitality and music scene, having previously owned and ran hotels and many premium stadiums, hosting some of the greatest artists including Oasis, Harry Styles, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyonce. Pipkin studied jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and has played prestigious venues such as the acclaimed 'Piano Night' in New Orleans. He is also a touring member of Morcheeba, performs with his band The Ikos, and has played with numerous leading artists including Ray Davies and David Byrne. He has shared stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, with Grammy award winner Jon Cleary inviting him to jam whenever he's in town. Fans include Jonathan Ross, Hugh Laurie, David Arnold, and Jamie Cullum. Pipkin first discovered the New Orleans style in the early 90s and has become a regular performer in that city, with appearances that include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. A fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit, he has played thousands of club in a career spanning nearly three decades. During the Covid lockdown he performed more than 120 broadcast shows from his home and completed his solo album 'C'mon Sunshine' - an all-original collection of songs on the subject of hope. On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders. Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full entertainment and event schedule for Cronies will be released shortly. The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and features a majestic golden lion above the entrance porch. With its central location, it has been a long-standing favourite for diners, travellers and for friends to catch up, including Burns and his Cronies. In August 1787, he and his travelling companion Willie Nicol stayed at The Golden Lion and in the evening they were joined by local businessman Christopher Bell. At the time the Castle was very rundown and this inspired Burns to write the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse on a pane of glass in his second-floor bedroom. 'Here Stuarts once in glory reign'd, And laws for Scotland's weal ordain'd ; But now unroof 'd their palace stands, Their sceptre's sway'd by other hands. The injur'd Stuart line is gone, A race outlandish fills their throne An idiot race, to honour lost : Who know them best despise them most.' Realising his lament for the deposed Stuart line and shock at the dilapidated state of the Castle had caused offence, Burns returned to the hotel in October and smashed the pane of glass with the butt of his riding crop. Gary shares: 'Our Cronies bar and restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience. 'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local and Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination.'
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
World famous jazz artist announces gig at historic Scottish hotel
Pipkin has been described as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will perform in Stirling next week. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 9 and hotelier Gary Atinson cannot wait to welcome him to the hotel, which has connections to Rabbie Burns and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. He said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away. 'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele. Read More 'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.' Pipkin has played prestigious venues throughout his career and as well as being a touring member of Morcheeba as well as his own band The Ikos, he has played with artists such as Ray Davies and David Byrne. He has been performing the New Orleans style since discovering it in the 1990s and is a regular in that city. On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders. Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and housed Rabbie Burns during a stay there in August 1787 when he wrote he even wrote the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse into a pane of glass on the second floor, which he then later destroyed. Mr Atkinson added: 'Our Cronies bar & restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience.' 'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local & Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination."
