Author Liam McIlvanney longlisted for book prize named after his father
The writing duo Ambrose Parry, consisting of Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, also makes the longlist.
The accolade recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing and is named in memory of William McIlvanney, often described as the godfather of tartan noir.
Writing duo Ambrose Parry, comprised of Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, are on the longlist (Bob McDevitt Photography/PA)
The list features five authors who organisers say got their first big break when they were shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.
Callum McSorley was shortlisted for the debut prize in 2023 when he went on to win the main McIlvanney prize, while Tariq Ashkanani and Allan Gaw have both won the debut prize – in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Heather Critchlow and Daniel Aubrey have both previously been shortlisted for the debut prize.
Festival director Bob McDevitt said: 'Supporting new writers is at the heart of Bloody Scotland and it is great to see so many authors graduating from the debut shortlist to the main prize and slugging it out with more established names.
'I'm glad I don't have to pick a winner from this excellent crop of crime novels.'
The winner of the prize will be announced on the opening night of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling on September 12.
The longlist was chosen by a panel of booksellers, librarians, broadcasters and bloggers.
DV Bishop, who originally won Pitch Perfect at Bloody Scotland in 2018, is one of only two authors who appears on the longlist for the second year in a row.
Douglas Skelton, who has now been longlisted for the prize six times, also appeared on the longlist last year.
– Works and authors named on the longlist
Whispers of the Dead by Lin Anderson
The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani
The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey
Carnival of Lies by DV Bishop
Unsound by Heather Critchlow
The Moon's More Feeble Fire by Allan Gaw
The Good Father by Liam McIlvanney
Paperboy by Callum McSorley
The Good Liar by Denise Mina
Gunner by Alan Parks
Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry
Midnight and Blue by Sir Ian Rankin
A Thief's Blood by Douglas Skelton
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Children's TV icon announces return to series reboot after 20 years
A legend of British children's TV has confirmed that he'll be reprising his iconic role from one of the best-loved kids shows of the last 20 years. Andrew Agnew, who played PC Plum in Balamory between 2002 and 2005, will be stepping back into his old costume for the planned reboot, coming in 2026. Balamory, which ran for four seasons and more than 200 episodes, was the Scottish kids' TV show that defined a generation with its memorable 'What's the Story?' theme tune and picturesque setting. Filmed in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull – one of the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands in Scotland – Balamory followed the lives of the small fictional island community who lived in the titular village. In September 2024, it was confirmed that Balamory would be returning with brand new episodes in 2026, with BBC bosses setting the official revival date. Ever since, speculation has been rife as to whether its lead stars Andrew, Julie Wilson Nimmo, and Miles Jupp, among others, would be coming back for another go. Now Andrew has confirmed that he'd be well up for producing more stories from Balamory, returning to the role of Balamory's local police officer PC Plum. He told BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live that he'd be more than eager to get back to Tobermory for more filming when production resumes in the near future. 'If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure. But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it.' Andrew's recent comments echo those of Julie's too, who simply said 'Yup' when asked by a fan of the show if she'd be coming back as Miss Hoolie, Balamory's nursery teacher. Joking that Balamory's anticipated return was 'bigger than the Oasis reunion', Julie made it clear that any future episodes of the children's show would involve her. Head of children's TV at the BBC, Kate Morton, revealed the news in 2024: 'A whole new generation will discover and enjoy Balamory as we bring families together with this new update for CBeebies. 'It will be a real treat for parents who grew up with the show to now introduce their little ones to the brightly coloured world getting to know a host of old and new characters together.' More Trending While some of the old cast appear to be returning, there's also the question of whether a reboot calls for some original and newly developed characters. And while many fans would love of whether production will return to the beautiful Isle of Mull, which has a population of approximately 3,000 people. View More » Watch episodes of Balamory on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Toby Jones reveals disappointing update for BBC series hailed 'one of the best' MORE: BBC addresses fury after legendary band's final ever show wasn't filmed at Glastonbury MORE: BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Committee asks BBC boss for view on ‘what went wrong' with Glastonbury coverage
The BBC has faced strong criticism for continuing to livestream the performance of punk rap duo Bob Vylan, which is now the subject of a criminal police investigation, at the festival on iPlayer. The BBC has faced criticism for continuing to livestream Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set(Ben Birchall/PA) They led chants of 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)' during their set on the West Holts Stage on Saturday, with the broadcaster providing on-screen warnings about discriminatory language on its platform. It later apologised on Monday and said the chants held 'antisemitic sentiments' that were 'unacceptable'. Irish rap trio Kneecap, who are also facing an Avon and Somerset Police investigation, appeared on the same stage directly after Bob Vylan and led the Glastonbury audience in 'Free Palestine' chants. It has since been revealed that Tim Davie was at Glastonbury when the pro-Palestine chants were broadcast. In a letter sent to Mr Davie by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage asked the BBC boss 12 questions after saying its coverage had caused 'widespread concern'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy previously said that 'several' editorial failures 'becomes a problem of leadership' during a statement on the BBC's coverage to the Commons. It has since been revealed that Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, was at Glastonbury when Bob Vylan performed (Peter Byrne/PA) Among the questions, Dame Caroline said: 'Before the festival started, did the BBC consider streaming all or part of its Glastonbury coverage with a short time delay, to allow room to respond to events if necessary?' The Conservative MP went on to ask how many BBC staff and contractors were working at Glastonbury or on its coverage, if staff with the authority to cut Bob Vylan's live stream were present during their performance and whether ending the live stream was discussed mid-performance. Dame Caroline then asked: 'At what level were the decisions made to not stream Kneecap live and to stream Bob Vylan live, but with a warning on screen?' The letter asked if the BBC had a contingency plan for the event and who was responsible for forming and actioning the plan, before asking if the broadcaster would review its Editorial Guidelines and guidance for live output 'to ensure they are fit for live streaming'. The Tory MP added: 'In summary, what is your personal assessment of what went wrong and what (are the) key lessons that the BBC will take away from the experience of live streaming Glastonbury 2025?' Dame Caroline said she hoped for Mr Davie's response to the questions within two weeks. Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury is also set to be investigated (Yui Mok/PA) Avon and Somerset Police said it had launched a probe into both the Bob Vylan and Kneecap performances after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead the investigation. A force spokesman said: 'This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage. 'The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.' In response to criticism of their performance on Tuesday, Bob Vylan said in a statement posted on Instagram that they were being 'targeted for speaking up' and that 'a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace.' The statement said: 'We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. 'We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal force' against innocent civilians waiting for aid. 'A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.'
South Wales Argus
4 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Wimbledon diary: Petra Kvitova takes the mic and Alexandra Eala flies the flag
The 35-year-old was emotional when interviewed in front of an appreciative crowd following the defeat, leaving the scene of some of the greatest moments of her career with tears in her eyes. She then took her last chance to usurp the moderator of her final post-match Wimbledon press conference, taking control of the loudspeaker to introduce her own media access to the journalists by announcing: 'I'm Petra Kvitova, and this is my last press conference here.' ***** Alexandra Eala made sure her country was represented during her match against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Twenty-year-old Alexandra Eala made her Wimbledon Centre Court debut when facing reigning women's singles champion Barbora Krejcikova in the first round. The Filipino ensured the flag was flown for her nation not only via her performance – a gallant loss having taken the first set – but also through a unique accessory provided by sponsors Nike. Eala wore a hairband shaped into the form of the sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, in a box that was printed with the Filipino proverb 'kung may tinanim, may aanihin' – 'if you plant, you will harvest'. ***** Rebel Wilson and Cate Blanchett in the Royal Box on day two (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Australian actress Cate Blanchett, star of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was in attendance alongside compatriot Rebel Wilson, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. New Zealander Russell Crowe was also present in the Royal Box, with the star of Gladiator and Les Miserables joined by his fiancee and fellow actor Britney Theriot. From the same industry was Sarah Lancashire, beloved for her roles in Happy Valley and The Last Tango in Halifax, whereas from the sporting world golfer Justin Rose was joined by his wife Kate. ***** Quote of the day 'Would I want to play three-out-of-five? No. I would rather the men play two-out-of-three. I don't think we all need to start playing three-out-of-five. I personally will not watch a full five-hour match. People can't even hold their attention long enough they say these days with phones. How are they holding their attention for five hours? ' – Jessica Pegula when asked if women would switch to a best-of-five format. Picture of the day Katie Boulter watching her partner Alex De Minaur beating Roberto Carballes Baena on Court 18 (Adam Davy/PA) Tweet of the day You're very welcome, it was nothing! I hope your mum is doing well. Send her a kiss from me and take good care of her! ❤️ — Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 1, 2025 Wednesday's match of the day Emma Raducanu celebrates victory against Marketa Vondrousova in the second round in 2021 (Adam Davy/PA) Emma Raducanu's second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova will be a real draw on day three as two former grand slam winners meet at a relatively early stage in the tournament. Raducanu won the US Open aged just 18, prior to which she made her main-draw Wimbledon debut during the same season and defeated Vondrousova in a memorable match on her way to the third round. Vondrousova, who would go on to win Wimbledon in 2023, comes into their tie in good grass form having taken the Berlin Open earlier this month and will be hoping to turn the tables on the British star. Wednesday's weather Cloudy changing to light rain by late morning with a maximum temperature of 26C, according to the Met Office.
