This atmospheric group portrait shows nine of Scotland’s most successful crime writers: Doug Johnstone, Chris Brookmyre, Marisa Haetzman, Denise Mina, Manda Scott, M R Mackenzie, Douglas Skelton, Neil Broadfoot and Claire Askew. It was made at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which has taken place annually in Stirling since 2012. In addition to conventional book readings the festival includes a torchlit procession through the streets of Stirling in the shadow of the haunting Medieval castle. Scotland has an international reputation for publishing high quality crime fiction. Sometimes referred to as tartan noir, stalwarts of the genre include Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. The commissioned artist for this portrait was David Eustace, an Edinburgh-based photographer. Eustace has photographed many creative Scots over his career including veteran actor Brian Cox and the artist John Byrne.