Alexander McCall Smith becomes Hospitalfield House patron

A leading Scottish author has been named as patron of an Angus arts venue.

Alexander McCall Smith is to take on the role at Hospitalfield House, Arbroath.

The novelist and creator of the No1 Ladies Detective Agency series and the Sunday Philosophy Club series has a special affection for the building and has featured its jazz concerts in his 44 Scotland Street series.

An appearance by Mr McCall Smith at Hospitalfield, attended by a capacity crowd, was a highlight of last year’s events programme.

He joins a list of honorary patrons, including Sir Mark Jones, former director of the V&A, and artist and playwright John Byrne.

He said: ”I am delighted to be able to support Hospitalfield. Hospitalfield has a very special place in Scottish cultural life, and its associations with art and music are deep-rooted and strong.

”I very much look forward to the year ahead.”

Mr McCall Smith will address a gala dinner later in the year at Hospitalfield in support of the centre.

Hospitalfield Trust vice-chairman Carol Pope said: ”We are thrilled to have Sandy McCall Smith’s support.”