Bute Noir bring Chinese authors Na Duo and Cai Jun to Scotland for the unique crime writing festival.
Bute Noir is a unique crime writing festival held on the Isle of Bute in Scotland. It brings together writers, readers, and anyone with a fascination for crime writing.
It takes place at the grand Gothic Glenburn Hotel, a perfect host for the festival. This year the festival lands on the weekend of August 1st.
It has long attracted writers not just form Scotland but further afield. This year is unique, with the inclusion of famed Chinese authors Na Duo and Cai Jun.
Na Duo has written over 20 novels. Before writing he was first a civil servant and then a journalist.
Cai Jun is one of China’s bestselling thriller and suspense writers. Several of his works have been adapted into movies and TV shows. Two of his short stories have been translated into English. Suzhou River was included in The Books of Shanghai (2020) while Huangcun was included in Sinophagia (2024).
Sitting in the courtyard of the British Library in London the day before traveling to Scotland for the festival, making the most of a sunny evening, Na Duo expressed “I’ve come to the UK in the best season! A few days ago, in Shanghai, it was 35 degrees. The weather here is much better. However, I’m not sure if this is the weather for crime writing. Maybe it would be better in the winter when it gets dark at 3pm…” He is eager to attend Bute Noir. “I am very much looking forward to the trip to attend Bute Noir. I’m excited to meet British authors and crime writers. I’m especially excited to understand what the most recent trends and style of English writing is, and what crimes they are following in British society. I am also glad to have this opportunity to share what China is writing about.”
Cai Jun shared his fellow authors thoughts, stating: “Scotland to me is a very special place, I have always been keen to visit due to its heritage, culture and natural beauty. Going to Bute Noir is an amazing opportunity.”
At Bute Noir, the pair will discuss ‘Shanghai Noir’ in a talk with festival director Craig Robertson.
Speaking during a phone call, Mr Robertson shared how “delighted” he is that Na Duo and Cai Jun would be joining the festival. While they like bringing new authors and international writers to the festival, Chinese authors are a first.
“It’s the first time we’ve had anyone from China and it’s rare for any Chinese authors to attend festivals in the UK.”
This year marks the 8th edition of the Bute Noir crime festival. It originated at a chance meeting between author Craig Robertson and Karen Latto who runs Print Point bookshop on the Isle of Bute. As well as Na Duo and Cai Jun, this years festival features many writers including Val McDermid, Paula Hawkins, Chris Hammer, Abigail Dean, T.M. Logan, J. D. Kirk, Chris Brookmyre, Denise Mina, Alex Gray and Mark Billingham.
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