Bloody Scotland 2026

The Open University is delighted to be supporting a range of events at Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival, Bloody Scotland 2026. 

These include events with OU's Lara Frumkin and with TV stars and best-selling authors, such as Richard Osman and Robert Peston, and stars of Netflix hit series Dept. Q.

• Crime in The Spotlight 
  Crime in The Spotlight is Bloody Scotland's initiative to introduce readers to new and emerging writers during the festival. You can see a range of authors appearing before some of the events in the Albert Halls.
   
• Where does free speech end and extremism begin? Professor Lara Frumkin
  Friday 18th September - 13:30 (In person) 
  In this session, you'll have a chance to consider the fine line between free expression of ideas and speech that is considered extremist. Lara is a Professor of psychology at The Open University.
   
• The Kill Switch: Robert Peston
  Friday 18th September - 17:00 (In person) 
  Wednesday 30th September - 23:59 (Online)
  Join the ITV Political Editor and bestselling author Robert Peston as he discusses his new thriller, The Kill Switch.
   
• Richard Osman with Mark Billingham
  Friday 18th September - 20:15 (In person)
  Join global publishing phenomenon and beloved TV presenter Richard Osman as he discusses his latest thriller, We Chase Shadows, in conversation with fellow bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham.
   
• Desert Island Crooks: MW Craven, Louise Welsh, Kristen Perrin
  Friday 18th September - 21:45 (In person)
  Discover which favourite books authors MW Craven, Kristen Perrin, and OU honorary graduate Louise Welsh would rescue in a lively desert island-style debate.
   
• Dept Q: Scott Frank, Matthew Goode, Kate Dickie, Alexej Manvelo, Leah Byrne 
  Sunday 20th September - 15:00 (In person)
  Wednesday 30th September - 15:00 (Online)
  Join the creators and stars of the global Netflix Edinburgh-set crime series Dept. Q, including showrunner Scott Frank and cast members Matthew Goode, Kate Dickie, Alexej Manvelov, and Leah Byrne.
  
  Book tickets via the Bloody Scotland 2026 website.