The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
Article Source: Glencairn Glass
Last Updated: 16 January 2026 12:17
In partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, the competition invites both experienced and novice writers from around the world to submit an original crime story of under 2,000 words. The criteria this year is that the protagonist must be from Scotland. Entries close on 31 March 2026.
The overall winner will receive £1,000, publication of their story on the Bloody Scotland website, and will be offered a guest appearance at the Bloody Scotland Festival in September 2026. The runner-up will be awarded £500, with both winning stories also published on the Glencairn Glass website.
The Glencairn Glass is no stranger to the world of Scottish crime fiction. It is produced by the award-winning Scottish family glassware business Glencairn Crystal and the company has celebrated and supported the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival since 2020 with its Glencairn Glass sponsorship of both the McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year awards.
Previous winners
Since its inception, the competition has drawn hundreds of entries from both established and emerging voices in crime fiction worldwide. For many writers, it has been a career springboard.
Allan Gaw, runner-up in 2022/23, has since achieved major success, winning the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut Novel Prize and securing a four-book publishing deal with Polygon. Frances Crawford, the 2022/23 winner, has signed a two-book publishing deal with Penguin and sees her first novel hit the shelves in 2026. The competition’s inaugural winner, Brid Cummings (2021), went on to sign with a UK literary agency after finishing her first psychological suspense novel which has since been published by Audible.
The judges
For the first time, this year’s judging panel includes six of the UK’s leading crime book influencers* alongside Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal.
Commenting on the competition, Kirsty said: “We’re thrilled to launch the fourth year of our short story competition with our official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass, as we continue to support and celebrate the world of crime fiction. Each year the calibre and creativity of the entries exceed our expectations, and we’re excited to discover the new voices and gripping stories that this year’s competition will bring”.
How to enter
All short story entries must be submitted at www.whiskyglass.com. The competition closes at midnight on Tuesday 31st March 2026. The winner and runner up will be announced in the summer.
Bloody Scotland’s Festival Director, Bob McDevitt, said: “We are excited to read a new crop of stories, and hope that the competition provides a stepping stone in developing the careers of some talented new voices”.
For further details about the competition please visit: www.whiskyglass.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
From a single cottage to a nationwide network as Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years
Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years by releasing archive and contemporary images charting its journey from a single converted cottage in 1931 to a nationwide network of hostels.
READ MORE
Scotland Home of the Year star, Danny Campbell, set to host design workshop at Sterling Home
Shoppers and interior design fans are invited to a fun-filled day out as Sterling Home hosts a special in-store event at its recently refurbished Tillicoultry store on Saturday 21st February.
READ MORE
Sophie Ellis Bextor and Marc Almond join huge line up at Discovery Festival 2026
The full line-up for Dundee's Discovery Festival has been announced, joining the epic roster are Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Marc Almond, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100!
READ MORE
Country and Western themed Sound Bites Festival promises locals and visitors a rootin tootin time
Alloa town centre is set to be bustling with activity when Sound Bites Festival rides back into town for its second year on Saturday 28 March, this time with a country and western theme.
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Celebrate Galentines Day with Pride and Prejudice at Stirling Castle
This Friday 13th February, Stirling Castle is hosting the perfect Galentine's Day celebration with a special showing of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film.
READ MORE
Studio King Street Shortlisted for Stirling Business Awards 2026: New Business of the Year
Studio King Street, a joint venture with Johnston Media, has been shortlisted for the New Business of the Year category at the 2026 Stirling Business Awards.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events!
READ MORE
Give mum a meaningful day at Dobbies
This Mother's Day, treat mum to a special experience at Dobbies Garden Centres, one that she'll cherish long after the day itself.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble set for Spring string quartet tour
Scottish Ensemble's first tour of 2026 will see luminous string quartet performances bringing the first light of Spring to venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents with return of Mamia New Parent Fund
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
READ MORE
A brand new international theatre show, dedicated to the music of Cher, is coming to Scotland
Rachael Hawnt, the winner of ITV's Starstruck, is leading a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher.
READ MORE
Entries go live for Scottish Golf events season
Scottish Golf is excited to build on a successful 2025 championship season as entries go ‘live’ for a wide-ranging 2026 calendar of events.
READ MORE
itison launches itison Now, a new instant dining service
itison has launched itison Now, a new dining service that lets members enjoy 50% off food at some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
READ MORE
Deadline approaching on important budget survey
Time is running out for residents to have their say on proposals to help bridge Stirling Council’s estimated £12.25 million budget shortfall next year (2026-27).
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Lord Provost hails successful Royal visit to Stirling
Lord Provost Rosemary Fraser was among those to welcome The Prince and Princess of Wales to Stirling yesterday for a visit that celebrated the area's sport, creativity and community spirit.
READ MORE
Stirling tops TimeOut list as best place to visit in Britain
Stirling has been bestowed with yet another accolade as TimeOut Magazine has named the area as the best place to visit in the UK for 2026.
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links