Latest news with #IanRankin
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star's gritty detective drama lands on Netflix with rare perfect score
Rebus is the second adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels. The collection began in 1987 and it is still going strong, with 25 tales in total. Fans of Outlander star Richard Rankin will be thrilled to learn that his hit series, Rebus, is now streaming on Netflix UK. The show marks the second on-screen adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's renowned Inspector Rebus novels, which comprise 25 gripping tales that started captivating readers back in 1987. The series stars Richard as the titular detective navigating Edinburgh's underworld to dismantle an organized crime ring, while struggling with personal demons. Rebus received widespread critical acclaim upon its initial release, earning a rare perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews. Richard's portrayal of the character garnered high praise. The Spectator wrote: "Richard Rankin is so perfectly believable in the role that you never tire of watching him and keep rooting for him even when he's being a complete and utter idiot." The New Statesman added: "Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance. He is so believable." Initially broadcast on BBC One, the show delves into John Rebus's life as he adjusts to life post-divorce and grapples with a rapidly shifting workplace landscape. Comprising six standalone episodes, Richard previously shared his thoughts on taking on the iconic character in an interview with Digital Spy: "He's one of the, I suppose, most iconic Scottish detectives, and is still very much present in Ian Rankin's novels. He's got such a big fanbase." Rankin acknowledged: "So I think taking it on, I was probably aware that there'd be certain expectations and anticipation." He added: "And they would have their own version of what they think the character should look like – which I think is good to be aware of." He elaborated: "To do the character as much justice as possible, I think you have to just acknowledge that, and park it, because you're not going to be able to give every version of everyone's expectations." To prepare for the role, the actor dedicated considerable time to research, which included delving into several Rebus novels. Rankin aimed to reimagine the character in his own unique way, especially since the series was "not a reboot or sequel". His portrayal garnered rave reviews, with The Guardian describing him as "the most irresistible incarnation yet", further adding: "Richard Rankin's Rebus is physical, forceful and irresistible, his eyes twinkling by default yet capable of glazing over with regret or being suddenly clouded by crimson mist."
Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Aye Write to make Glasgow comeback in festive season run-up
The 20th anniversary edition of Aye Write will be held in November, six months later than normal, after a delay over a vital funding decision. The festival will be the first full-scale version to go ahead for two and a half years when it finally returns. However, it is expected to be several months before its line-up is confirmed as a programmer still has to be appointed to lead the organisation of the event, which was controversially shelved last year. Glasgow Life, the council-funded trust which runs many of the city's flagship events and festivals, has pledged that this year's Aye Write will have 'the vibrant, high-quality programme our audiences expect". Last year's festival was called off less than two months before it was due to be staged after Creative Scotland turned down a bid for Scottish Government funding. A small number of 'pop-up events' featuring high-profile writers instead went ahead under the Aye Write banner between April and August. Glasgow's Aye Write book festival will be returning in November. Picture: Newsquest Aye Write has not had any dedicated funding from the city council or Glasgow Life in recent years. It was also excluded from the official programme to mark Glasgow's '850th anniversary' in 2025. The festival had been expected to make a comeback in its usual slot in the calendar in May after Aye Write was allocated £87,500 in annual funding for the next three years by Creative Scotland in January. However, our sister title The Herald revealed last month that its comeback had been put off indefinitely after Creative Scotland was forced to delay hundreds of long-term funding decisions due to uncertainty over its future government budgets. The Mitchell has previously hosted Aye Write events Picture: Newsquest At the time, Glasgow Life said the shorter timeframe had not left enough time to organise a 'high-quality' Aye Write and that it was looking for 'the best time of year' to hold Aye Write to avoid clashing with other major events in Glasgow. Aye Write has been largely based in the Mitchell Library and Royal Concert Hall, which are both run by Glasgow Life. Other events have been staged at the Old Fruitmarket, the Drygate Brewery, the Tramway, the Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Glasgow Film Theatre, the City Halls and Glasgow University. Leading Scottish authors who have appeared over in recent years have included Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead, Alexander McCall Smith, Darren McGarvey, Sally Magnusson, Louise Welsh and Sara Sheridan. Val McDermid is among the writers to appear at previous editions of the Aye Write book festival in Glasgow (Image: PA) Other special guests have included singer-songwriter Karine Polwart, musician Stuart Braithwaite, cyclist Graeme Obree, comics Frankie Boyle and Ruby Wax, and broadcasters Robert Peston, Andrew Marr and Archie Macpherson. Bob McDevitt, one of Scotland's best-known book festival programmers, had led the organisation of recent editions of Aye Write. However it is not known if he will be involved in the return of the event in November. A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said the exact details of this year's festival were expected to be confirmed by the end of this month. She added: 'Planning is still progressing so as yet we cannot provide details on the format. However, we are committed to delivering the vibrant, high-quality programme our audiences expect. 'As with all multi-year funding recipients, we are working with Creative Scotland to agree revised plans following their funding announcement. 'As is the case with each Aye Write festival, programming is being led by Glasgow Life's libraries team with the support of a dedicated festival programmer. 'The contract for our previous festival programmer has concluded and we will be advertising a new contract, which will extend across our 2025 and 2026 festivals, in the coming weeks.' Billy Garrett, director of culture, tourism and events at Glasgow Life, said: 'We're delighted to confirm that Aye Write will return in November 2025. 'The festival is a popular highlight in the city's cultural calendar and Scotland's literary scene and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Glasgow and beyond. 'We know its return will be warmly welcomed by authors and attendees alike, and we are working hard to finalise our plans. 'We look forward to sharing more information and announcing the dates for this year's festival in the coming weeks.'
The Herald Scotland
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Aye Write to make Glasgow comeback in festive season run-up
The festival will be the first full-scale version to go ahead for two and a half years when it finally returns. However it is expected to be several months before its line-up is confirmed as a programmer still has to be appointed to lead the organisation of the event, which was controversially shelved last year. Read more: Glasgow Life, the council-funded trust which runs many of the city's flagship events and festivals, has pledged that this year's Aye Write will have 'the vibrant, high-quality programme our audiences expect.' Last year's festival was called off less than two months before it was due to be staged after Creative Scotland turned down a bid for Scottish Government funding. A small number of 'pop-up events' featuring high-profile writers instead went ahead under the Aye Write banner between April and August. Glasgow's Aye Write book festival will be returning in November. Picture: Newsquest Aye Write has not had any dedicated funding from the city council or Glasgow Life in recent years. It was also excluded from the official programme to mark Glasgow's '850th anniversary' in 2025. The festival had been expected to make a comeback in its usual slot in the calendar in May after Aye Write was allocated £87,500 in annual funding for the next three years by Creative Scotland in January. However The Herald revealed last month that its comeback had been put off indefinitely after Creative Scotland was forced to delay hundreds of long-term funding decisions due to uncertainty over its future government budgets. The Mitchell has previously hosted Aye Write events. Picture: Newsquest At the time, Glasgow Life said the shorter timeframe had not left enough time to organise a 'high-quality' Aye Write and that it was looking for 'the best time of year' to hold Aye Write to avoid clashing with other major events in Glasgow. Aye Write has been largely based in the Mitchell Library and Royal Concert Hall, which are both run by Glasgow Life. Other events have been staged at the Old Fruitmarket, the Drygate Brewery, the Tramway, the Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Glasgow Film Theatre, the City Halls and Glasgow University. Leading Scottish authors who have appeared over in recent years have included Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead, Alexander McCall Smith, Darren McGarvey, Sally Magnusson, Louise Welsh and Sara Sheridan. Val McDermid is among the writers to appear at previous editions of the Aye Write book festival in Glasgow. (Image: PA) Other special guests have included singer-songwriter Karine Polwart, musician Stuart Braithwaite, cyclist Graeme Obree, comics Frankie Boyle and Ruby Wax, and broadcasters Robert Peston, Andrew Marr and Archie Macpherson. Bob McDevitt, one of Scotland's best-known book festival programmers, had led the organisation of recent editions of Aye Write. However it is known if he will be involved in the return of the event in November. A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said the exact details of this year's festival were expected to be confirmed by the end of this month. She added: 'Planning is still progressing so as yet we cannot provide details on the format. However, we are committed to delivering the vibrant, high-quality programme our audiences expect 'As with all multi-year funding recipients, we are working with Creative Scotland to agree revised plans following their funding announcement. 'As is the case with each Aye Write festival, programming is being led by Glasgow Life's libraries team with the support of a dedicated festival programmer. 'The contract for our previous festival programmer has concluded and we will be advertising a new contract, which will extend across our 2025 and 2026 festivals, in the coming weeks.' Billy Garrett, director of culture, tourism and events at Glasgow Life, said: 'We're delighted to confirm that Aye Write will return in November 2025. 'The festival is a popular highlight in the city's cultural calendar and Scotland's literary scene and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Glasgow and beyond. 'We know its return will be warmly welcomed by authors and attendees alike, and we are working hard to finalise our plans. 'We look forward to sharing more information and announcing the dates for this year's festival in the coming weeks.'
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Prepare yourself for a very dark Rebus novel
We have a rough idea that it involves giant mice galloping feverishly on running wheels that are attached to the national grid. Clearly the mice in Spain and Portugal have been enjoying too many siestas when they should have been breaking a sweat. How else to explain the recent blackouts in those countries? Edinburgh crime scribe Ian Rankin found himself in Portugal, celebrating a very special occasion when the blackout hit. 'A 65th birthday to remember,' he says. 'Power went out as we boarded an underground train. Stayed off around 10 hours. Top tip: always book a hotel with natural light in its corridors and stairwells. Ours was like the blitz…' On the plus side, this experience will surely give Ian some ideas for his next Rebus novel, which we're guessing will be titled… Dark Deeds in Dark Corridors. Cash and carry Reasonable reader Steve Graham says: 'Perhaps it's true that money can't buy happiness. But it's only fair that somebody gives me some and lets me learn that lesson for myself.' Hugh Dougherty wonders why the road crew who obliterated the craters on Glasgow's Merrylee Road left this mysterious slot. 'Could it be,' he wonders, 'to accommodate a giant Scalextric set?' (Image: Contributed) Stormy language Watching meteorologists pontificate on the telly isn't the most thrilling of activities. Your average weatherman or weatherwoman usually just points at an image of the UK covered with loads of clouds, then says: 'Heavy downfalls expected, with light showers interspersed between the heavy downfalls, and a smattering of drizzle between the light showers. Now back to the news.' Though occasionally something more unexpected happens during such broadcasts, as the Diary has been discussing. Peter Wright from West Kilbride says: 'Who can forget Michael Fish gesticulating as his arm highlighted the magnetic letters 'F O G' down the Pennines. Then the 'F' fell off, leading to the immortal apology: 'Sorry about the 'F' in FOG.'' Stoned again 'Would it kill the makers of avocados to put a different toy inside?' asks frustrated reader George Hackett. 'I have more than a hundred wooden balls already…' Fruity fella What happened to those halcyon days when teenage lads met to discuss the footy? Gone, it seems. Now they have more serious thoughts on their mind. Chris Robertson was on a Glasgow train and overheard one young chap say to another: 'Bro'! Have you changed your opinion on cheese, grapefruit or grapes?' 'Nah,' replied his pal. 'I'm sticking.' Movie munchies Cinephile Bev Skarratt tells us: 'I recently watched the film A Fistful Of French Sticks. It's a Baguettey Western.'
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Ian Rankin: John Rebus author caught on underground train during Portugal power outage
Crime author Ian Rankin has been caught up in the mass power blackout in Portugal Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin has compared being caught up in the widespread power blackout in Portugal to the 'Blitz' as he marked his 65th birthday. The 65-year-old, who is the author of the hugely popular John Rebus novels, took to social media to comment on being caught up in the nationwide power outage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Celebrated crime author Ian Rankin | John Devlin It comes as thousands of UK travellers trying to return home on Tuesday were stranded overnight because of widespread power cuts in Portugal and Spain. Much of the two countries was brought to a standstill on Monday after a power cut switched off traffic lights and left people unable to access cash machines. Mr Rankin posted on X the power outage had struck the Iberian peninsula while he was boarding an underground train. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The author posted on social media: 'A 65th birthday to remember. Power went out as we boarded an underground train. Stayed off around 10 hours. 'Top tip: always book a hotel with natural light in its corridors and stairwells. Ours was like the blitz.' People stand behind a police cordon outside Madrid Puerta de Atocha - Almudena Grandes train station in Madrid, Spain. Picture: Pablo| Getty Images The outage, which started around midday on Monday, caused widespread disruption to subway systems, traffic lights, airports and retail outlets across Spain and Portugal. In Spain, around 35,000 rail passengers were left stranded at stations and on halted services, while hospitals had to switch to backup generators to maintain critical operations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
