INTERNATIONAL bestselling authors and crime fiction fans descended on Rothesay for a packed weekend of murder, mystery and mayhem as Bute Noir celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Writers from the USA, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Ireland, India and across the UK took part in this year’s festival, with events attracting packed audiences to the Glenburn Hotel.
Now firmly established on Bute’s cultural calendar, the crime fiction festival has welcomed some of the biggest names in the genre during its first decade, including Sir Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, Mick Herron and Mark Billingham.
This year’s line-up continued that tradition, with bestselling authors including Ruth Ware, Chris Brookmyre, Harriet Tyce, Tim Weaver and Louise Candlish appearing alongside emerging writers and debut novelists.
The programme offered considerably more than author talks, with a true crime event, live music, a quiz and even the return of the World Crime Writers Putting Championship adding to the weekend’s entertainment.
Organisers said book sales had been exceptionally strong, while visitors and authors alike praised the atmosphere at the Glenburn and their experience of the island.
Author Craig Robertson, who runs Bute Noir alongside Karen Latto of Print Point, described the anniversary festival as an outstanding success.
He said: “It was a lot of fun and so rewarding to hear how much local people and visitors enjoy and appreciate the festival.
“As ever, our authors went away wowed by how beautiful Bute is.”
Organisers thanked sponsors For Bute, Creative Scotland, Careplus and Martha Shaw for their support, alongside the festival’s team of volunteers.
Thanks were also extended to Michael and staff at the Glenburn Hotel, Duncan at ProSound, the events moderators, participating authors and audiences who supported the weekend.
Reflecting on the festival, organisers said the atmosphere at the Glenburn had managed to be both ‘chilled and buzzing’, with visitors travelling from around the world and leaving full of praise for Bute.
Attention is already turning to next year, with organisers inviting audiences to provide feedback to help shape the next festival.
Bute Noir will return to the Glenburn Hotel from August 6 to 8, 2027, with accommodation for the weekend already available to book.
