It’s the news we have all been expecting but dreading nonetheless. Bloody Scotland, definitely one of my personal highlights of the literary festival calendar, has been cancelled as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Sad times for us all, especially the hardworking team behind this annual event. Read on for the official press release from the organisers.
BLOODY SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED BUT EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR GOING AHEAD ON SAME DATES ONLINE
We are very sad to announce that Bloody Scotland will not be taking place in Stirling this year due to the global Coronavirus pandemic. The safety of our team, participants and audiences is paramount and even if social distancing restrictions are lifted by September we feel we cannot proceed as normal without knowing safety can be absolutely assured.
Though we will miss celebrating the finest local and international crime writing at the festival, we hope to bring you a taste of that classic Bloody Scotland atmosphere in the form of online events which we are currently in the process of costing and plotting.
Festival Director, Bob McDevitt said:
‘I’m absolutely gutted that we won’t be gathering in Stirling this year for our annual shindig but I am looking forward to finding some new and innovative ways to bring some fantastic crime writers into your living rooms. See you all in 2021 for our 10th anniversary!‘
Here’s hoping that we still get to experience a little of that festival magic later in the year. I know one thing for sure – I will be booking my hotel for 2021 just as soon as I can. I have a feeling it is going to be a festival to remember.
Jen Med's Book Reviews 
Gutted but was expecting it. Good to have it confirmed x
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Me too on both counts. This is my favourite festival but it’s the only safe decision for both visitors and locals as well as all the authors etc. Sad times this year. Lots of stay(in)-cations for all
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So sad about it but it’s safer this way x
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It really is the only sensible decision but still sad
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I’ll be celebrating my 30th with my Bloody Scotland mug 🙂 and can’t wait to see you again when it’ll be safe to do so! x
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Will be looking forward to it. We were meant to be doing loads this year to celebrate Mandie turning fifty at the end of it. Now we do loads next year to commiserate her having passed that landmark lol
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