Manda Scott revealed to be the winner of the 2019 McIlvanney Prize

David Baldacci announced at the opening of Bloody Scotland that the winner of the 2019 McIlvanney Prize is Manda Scott for A Treachery of Spies published by Transworld.

Article Source: Brownlee Donald Associates
Last Updated: 21 September 2019 13:05

It is only the second time in its 8-year history that the prize has been won by a woman. Two previous winners – Denise Mina and Chris Brookmyre (this time as Ambrose Parry with wife Marisa Haetzman) were amongst the four finalists along with Doug Johnstone – but A Treachery of Spies was the unanimous winner.

Immediately after being presented the McIlvanney Prize 2019 by David Baldacci, Manda Scott announced that she wished to share the prize equally with all finalists - Doug Johnstone, Denise Mina and Ambrose Parry (Chris Brookmyre & Marisa Haetzman).

She invited them all to join her on stage on this day of climate protest and said 'This is the proudest moment of my life. We need to change if we're going to get through this moment of climate and ecological crisis and we need to change the way we do things - this starts with abandoning rivalry. We need to cooperate. We need to share. I would like this to be a grain of sand in a tide that sweeps us to a new way of being.'

The panel of judges which included Guardian journalist Alison Flood; Chair of Publishing Scotland, James Crawford and former Head of Programmes at Channel 4, Stuart Cosgrove, described A Treachery of Spies as:

‘A powerful, complex and remarkable espionage thriller: a present-day murder links back to Resistance France. An intricately plotted novel which keeps the reader guessing right to the end.’

Lee Child described it as:

‘a beautifully imagined, beautifully written, smart, sophisticated – but fiercely suspenseful – thriller’

Born and raised in Scotland, Manda has been, variously a veterinary surgeon, veterinary anaesthetist, acupuncturist columnist, blogger, economist – and author. She began her writing career with a series of crime novels, the first of which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. No Good Deed, the dark, edgy thriller which followed, was nominated for an Edgar Award and hailed as one of the most remarkable thrillers of the year in 2001.

The McIlvanney Prize recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing, includes a prize of £1000 and nationwide promotion in Waterstones.

This year Bloody Scotland also introduced the inaugural Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and special guest, Richard Osman, presenter of Pointless on TV and soon to be a debut author himself, presented it to Claire Askew for All the Hidden Truths published by Hodder. She is a poet, novelist and the current Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh.

Manda and the other winners went on to lead the torchlight procession with David Baldacci.

Festival Director, Bob McDevitt commented:
‘I am delighted that a woman has won both the McIlvanney Prize and the Debut Prize. Coincidentally we had already planned a panel on Spy Sisters about how women are beginning to enter the male dominated preserve of spy fiction. When Manda was longlisted for the prize we added her to the panel. Now anyone who had booked to see that event at 2.30pm tomorrow will be lucky to hear from the McIlvanney Prize winner.’

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Manda Scott revealed to be the winner of the 2019 McIlvanney Prize

David Baldacci announced at the opening of Bloody Scotland that the winner of the 2019 McIlvanney Prize is Manda Scott for A Treachery of Spies published by Transworld.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings