Tartan Noir with Professor David Wilson and Martin Frizell

About this event

Professor David Wilson and Martin Frizell explore the myths of tartan noir and examine the realities of Scottish crime. What happens when the stories we tell about crime become more powerful than the reality? Join criminologist Professor David Wilson and journalist Martin Frizell for an engaging evening exploring some of Scotland’s most talked-about crimes – and the stories that have grown up around them. Drawing on decades of experience in journalism and criminology, the evening looks at why certain crimes continue to grip public attention, how “tartan noir” has shaped Scotland’s reputation, and where the reality of crime differs from its portrayal in books, television, and true crime culture. Through cases including Bible John, Peter Tobin, Dennis Nilsen, Robert Black, the Dunblane massacre, organised crime in Scotland, and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the discussion moves beyond headlines to ask what these stories really tell us about violence, fear, and society. Alongside the cases themselves, Frizell and Wilson explore: Why serial killers feature so heavily in Scottish crime fiction despite being rare in reality How Scotland went from being labelled the “murder capital of Europe” to experiencing historically low homicide rates The impact of crime dramas and true crime on public attitudes to masculinity, punishment, and justice Thoughtful, accessible, and often surprising, True Crime Tartan Noir invites audiences to reflect on the difference between myth and...

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