Rebus creator Ian Rankin has joined the illustrious ranks of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Fifer crime writer is being celebrated in a new exhibition at Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum.
A rare selection of personal items, manuscripts and images belonging to the best-selling author are on show in a new exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of his much-loved sleuth Detective Inspector Rebus.
Co-curated by Rankin and the museum, Rebus30 explores the relationship between the man and his character and their connections with Edinburgh’s places, people and history.
This weekend will be one of literature, music, art and film in Rebus’s hometown.
“I don’t think the Rebus novels could be set anywhere else — they really are about Edinburgh,” Rankin explained.
“I still haven’t got to the bottom of what makes Edinburgh tick or what makes it a unique setting.
“It just seems to be a place that has influenced writers, and continues to nurture writers.”
Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener Donald Wilson, said: “Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s favourite super sleuth, RebusFest delves into the murky underworld of Inspector Rebus and the imaginative mind of his maker.
“Over three decades, Rebus has evolved into one of the nation’s most familiar fictional figures; as ingrained in popular culture as Miss Jean Brodie or Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.”
He was pleased the exhibition would run in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature and in the heart of the city Rankin and his detective call home.
Curatorial and engagement manager Gillian Findlay said it had been incredible to scratch below the surface of the Rebus stories for this very personal display.
Celebrating the connections between Rankin’s characters and the city it features manuscripts and personal items interpreted by the author in his own words as he reflects on three decades of writing.
“We are very thankful to Ian Rankin for opening up his heart and creative mind for RebusFest and for allowing us to produce this fascinating display, she added.
It runs until January 21 and more information is available at www.ianrankin.net/rebusfest/.
