Organisers of Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s crime writing festival
which takes place this weekend, today confirmed that Scotland’s First Minister,
Nicola Sturgeon, will chair a conversation with Scottish Queen of Crime, Val
McDermid, on Friday, February 24.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Programming and Creative
Projects Ben Torrie, said “We
are thrilled to announce that the First Minister will be joining us to chair a
conversation with Val McDermid, undoubtedly one of the world’s stars of crime
writing. Come and join us for what promises to be a fascinating, incisive and
entertaining event.”
Val McDermid has sold over 17 million books to
date across the globe and has been translated into more than 40 languages. 1989, the second book in
her new series, has been a triumph making the First Minister’s best books of
2022 list. McDermid
is perhaps best known for her Wire
in the Blood series, featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill
and DCI Carol Jordan, which was adapted for television starring Robson Green
and Hermione Norris. Her most recent TV series Traces aired in a BBC1 primetime slot in 2021
and a second series is currently in production, as is ITV’s adaptation of Karen
Pirie, based on McDermid’s cold case detective of the same name.
The First Minister is known to be a keen reader
and has publicly commented that reading gives her a lot of joy. She has long
been a fan of Val McDermid’s work, having first met her at the Edinburgh
International Book Festival in 2015, and has regularly recommended McDermid’s
books on her annual Best Books list. Nicola Sturgeon first attended Granite
Noir in 2019.
Granite Noir returns from Thursday 23
to Sunday 26 February with a packed programme highlighting Aberdeen’s history,
atmosphere and strong sense of place and celebrating the very best crime
writing. With a particular focus on the Gothic this year, Granite Noir welcomes
writers including Charlie Higson and Louise Welsh, science communicator Kathryn
Harkup and KC Wendy Joseph and offers audiences gripping author talks, great
music, captivating exhibitions and fascinating workshops.
Tickets are still available for the conversation between Val
McDermid and the First Minister which will take place in Aberdeen’s Music Hall
on Friday, February 24 at 8.00pm. Tickets for all events in the Granite Noir
programme can be booked through www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, by calling 01224 641122 and in
person from the Box Office at the Music Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre.