A COVETED crime writing award will be given out this year in Stirling, thanks to a sponsor coming forward.

The McIlvanney Prize will go to the winner of the Scottish Crime Book of the Year competition at the Bloody Scotland festival in September.

Glencairn Glass, famous for its whisky glass, stepped up to sponsor the award, along with the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.

More than 60 entries have been received for this year's main accolade, which will be handed out in memory of William McIlvanney on Friday, September 18.

But first, a longlist will be announced toward the end of June with the finalist revealed at the start of autumn.

The international crime writing festival itself is planned to go ahead between September 18 and 20.

Glencairn Glass are also on board as a sponsor of the prizes this year.

The company has already been producing a crystal decanter for the winner of the McIlvanney Prize and the enhanced partnership came naturally.

The McIlvanney accolade also comes with £1,000 and a nationwide promotion in Waterstones.