Latest news with #ValMcDermid
The Herald Scotland
02-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Dive into Scotland's history, win a copy of Art Deco Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland's historic environment and is responsible for more than 300 properties including Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Skara Brae and Elgin Cathedral. But did you know that we also publish books? From coffee table must haves celebrating Scotland's historic environment to visitor guides on heritage sites, conservation guidance for historic buildings and even children's books, there is something for everyone's bookshelf. Art Deco Scotland by Bruce Peter (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) What is the historic environment? After our people, it's one of Scotland's most precious assets. It's not just our wonderful castles and cathedrals - the historic environment is all around us in our towns and villages, tenements, factories, gardens, lighthouses, battlefields, railway stations and even skateparks! The places we live in, work at and visit remind us how people have shaped our society and landscape over time, right up to the present day. Our heritage is expanding, with buildings that have not yet been designed destined to one day become a part of our historic environment. History never stops. It's a lived, participative experience where new generations will decide what is valued. The stories our historic places tell connect us with our families, our friends and ourselves. They mean something to us as a nation, a community or as individuals and they belong to everyone. Without these local or national landmarks, Scotland just wouldn't be Scotland. Part of our mission is to tell Scotland's story, which we strive to do across the properties in our care, our events, outreach and learning programmes, and our publications. The Story of the Scottish Crown Jewels (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) Each year, we publish a varied range of books about Scotland's historic environment, working with top award-winning authors. Bloody Scotland, which is one of our best-sellers, is a collection of gripping short stories by 12 of the country's best crime writers including Val McDermid and Denise Mina. Other popular titles include Where Are the Women? by Sara Sheridan, which celebrates Scotland's forgotten heroines and entertainingly reimagines a history of what might have been, dedicating fictional streets, buildings and monuments to real women and sharing their true stories; and For the Safety of All, written by Donald S Murray, which explores Scotland's lighthouses through history, storytelling and the voices of the lightkeepers. Many of our books delve into stories of the heritage on our doorstep, showcasing how history has shaped Scotland, as well as featuring images from our extensive archives collection, including the Honours of Scotland, that we are entrusted to conserve. St Kilda the Last and Outmost Isle (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) St Kilda, The Last and Outmost Isle by George Geddes and Angela Gannon is a detailed account of Britain's most remote island; A History of Scotland's Landscapes by Fiona Watson and Piers Dixon brings the past to life with a new perspective on Scotland and the renowned Alexander McCall Smith takes readers on a unique tour of Scotland's capital with Edinburgh: A Work of Beauty telling the story of Edinburgh's famous landmarks and lost buildings, the people who made them and the people who lived in them. Stirling Castle for Kids book (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) Meanwhile, St Peter's: Birth Death and Renewal by Dianne Watters, explores the history of the 1960s Modernist seminary, featuring an insightful photographic essay by the artist Angus Farquhar. A number of our works have been shortlisted for and won prestigious literary awards including Bloody Scotland, which won the Crime Writers' Association's Silver Dagger award. From Mousa to Mackintosh: the Scottishness of Scottish Architecture by Professor Frank Walker was shortlisted in Scotland's National Book Awards 2023 for an exceptional study of the country's architecture over the millennia. We were also highly commended as runner-up for 'Publisher of the Year' at the Saltire Society Literary Awards 2018. You can enjoy our range of detailed pocket books, available at our sites, that visitors can conveniently carry around with them while exploring Scotland's historic places. Among these is Scotland's History written by one of the country's leading historians, Fiona Watson, as well as Above Scotland by the writer and broadcaster, James Crawford, which features striking archive and contemporary aerial photography to provide a unique insight into Scotland today. Our latest publication is one of the most exciting yet and one of our fastest selling books to date. Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age by Bruce Peter is the latest book from the HES publishing stable. Its publication ties in with the centenary of the Art Deco movement, which was born in 1920's Paris. The book has been two years in the making, working with Bruce Peter, Professor of Design at Glasgow School of Art, who had an idea for a book on the decorative style that encompassed not just architecture and buildings but furniture, textiles, ceramics and sculpture. Featuring over 400 photographs and illustrations, including more than 150 images from our archives, Art Deco Scotland shines a spotlight on a fascinating part of Scotland's 20th century heritage and is a beautiful reflection of the period. The combination of expert knowledge coupled with striking imagery and design has created a compelling new book which has been flying off the shelves. Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age by Bruce Peter is available on for £30. To celebrate its release, we are delighted to offer readers of The Herald the chance to purchase a signed copy of Art Deco Scotland, where the first 25 copies sold will be signed by the author Bruce Peter. Visit to claim your copy. We hope readers enjoy Art Deco Scotland, and do head to to explore our wide collection of books – with topics ranging from architecture and industry to landscapes and royal history, there truly is something for everyone!
The Courier
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Dundee's Brian Cox among big names in Kirkcaldy festival programme launching this weekend
Succession star Brian Cox features alongside a host of local talent in a packed programme of Kirkcaldy events launching this weekend. Lang Toun Fest is Kirkcaldy's first arts and culture festival. And other big names taking part include Fife-born author Val McDermid, who is interviewing former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Hacienda DJ Graeme Park will also return to his roots for a special benefit gig in aid of Sarcoma UK. However, a host of community talent is also included in the five-week extravaganza. Lang Toun Fest kicks off on Friday May 30 with the Lang Toun Jazz Proms opening concert. It officially closes with Fife Pride on July 5. More than 125 events are already organised, with more being added. They include live music, literature, performance, yoga, comedy, food demonstrations, talks, walking tours and exhibitions. Thousands of printed programmes are now available at venues across Kirkcaldy. The idea for a community-based festival came from discussions among the Kirkcaldy Partners group, comprising individuals and groups from across the town. They share a passion to showcase all that's positive and creative about the Lang Toun. And they took the chance to build on existing initiatives such as the Adam Smith Festival of Ideas, Fife Pride and the Kirkcaldy Walking Festival. Plans are now under way to make the Lang Toun Fest an annual event. Love Oor Lang Toun development manager Ryan Strachan said: 'Lang Toun Fest 2025 is a celebration of arts, culture and local talent.' Full details on all the Lang Toun Fest events can be found at:
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 Independent
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
McDermid praises ‘inspirational' libraries ahead of campaign launch
Bestselling crime writer Val McDermid has returned to her childhood library in Kirkcaldy, saying she she would not be where she is today if it had not been on her doorstep. The author, who is best known for her Wire In The Blood series and Karen Pirie novels, was visiting the library in Kirkcaldy Galleries ahead of the launch of the Love Libraries campaign. The campaign, which begins on February 14 and runs until October, is designed to encourage more people to join libraries and make use of what they have to offer, and focuses on the benefits librarians bring to communities throughout the country. I would not be where I am today if this building had not been on my doorstep Val McDermid, crime writer Val McDermid, who is a lifelong advocate of libraries, reflected on the role they played in her own life. 'It's great to come here today and see so many children finding ways to tell stories and experience stories,' she said. 'Coming back to this building, I remember how much it meant to me. 'I would not be where I am today if this building had not been on my doorstep. 'My parents couldn't afford books but they understood they were the passport to better life chances than they'd had. 'But it's not just writers who have their doors opened to the wider world by libraries. 'Engineers, lawyers, builders, artists, geographers, mathematicians, musicians – the list is endless. 'Libraries open windows that let us all fly.' The Love Libraries campaign is organised by the National Library of Scotland and a range of partners, including: the Scottish Library and Information Council; the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland; the Association of Public Libraries Scotland; and the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries. The campaign is part of the National Library of Scotland's centenary programme, and Val McDermid is one of the library's official centenary champions.
