Crime writer Ian Rankin is to weave some of his lyrical talent into this year’s Skye Book Festival.
The Fife author confirmed yesteday that he was “honoured” to read from some of his works and meet bookworms at the event in Portree on September 1.
He will lift the lid on some of the origins of his detective character John Rebus.
Event organisers described the booking as “the best news imaginable” for the festival.
Rankin confirmed earlier this week that Rebus is returning to television after a 10-year absence.
Festival chairman Donald Macdonald said: “We’ve gone from strength to strength but we little imagined that we could attract one of the country’s best known writers when he’s at the peak of his success.
“It’s fantastic news and will ensure our festival will be busier than ever.”
The annual fixture has rapidly carved a niche for itself nationally, with past attractions including Val McDermid, Donald S Murray and Sally Magnusson.
The new Rebus series will be made by London production firm Eleventh Hour Films, which is behind BBC’s new “Blood” and ITV’s “Foyle’s War” although it has not yet been announced which channel will broadcast the new Rebus series.
Ian Rankin to lift lid of Rebus origins at Skye Book Festival
