Rebus creator donates his work to the nation
Last updated 23rd May 2019
Crime writer Ian Rankin has made his life's work available to the country.
The 59-year old has donated around 50 boxes of material to the National Library of Scotland.
The public will now be able to access 45 years worth of the authors career in Edinburgh including conversations with fellow writers such as JK Rowling and early manuscripts.
The Fife novelist said he has a long affinity with the library way back to his university days.
"I remember that in my first week as a postgraduate student, we were given a tour of the National Library of Scotland, including access to the basement levels.
"The library has seemed like a friend ever since, so it seems fitting - as well as a thrill and an honour - that my archive should find a permanent home there.''
He continued by saying how the building inspired his first Inspector Reubus novel and that the vaulted underground corridors appeared in the books climax.
National Librarian Dr John Scally says it's a priviledge the ex-Edinburgh University student included their archives in his novels.
"Rankin's main protagonist, John Rebus, has walked George IV Bridge many times, and frequently visited this very library while researching cases.
"We are honoured to be a character in the Rebus novels alongside the city of Edinburgh, and we feel this is the rightful home for Ian's archive."
He also added that Rankin's history will be retained alongside the countries greatest ever wordsmiths.
"It will be preserved into perpetuity alongside other Scottish literary giants.
"Because of his generosity, readers will be able to gain insight into the creative process of this wonderful writer."