IAN RANKIN - TOP SCOT.

One of my favourite author's, Ian Rankin, has been named the Top Scot for 2005. It really is great to see Ian receive this award, as he has worked tirelessly to promote Scotland, on top of that, he has kept me awake many nights as I read the exploits of JohnRebus, and couldn't put the books down until I finished them! I even called one of my dogs Rebus, in honour of him!

IAN Rankin, the UK's bestselling crime author, was last night named this year's Top Scot at a glittering award ceremony that saw a wave of young Scottish talent coming to the fore.

The creator of "tartan noir" has become one of Scotland's best-known authors for his gritty depiction of Edinburgh, but despite the dark content of his novels, the author professes a great love for the city. He lives in Merchiston and is married with two sons. He is best known for his Inspector Rebus novels, many of which have been televised. He has also written short stories, radio plays and a work of non-fiction.

In a setting in which Rankin's dishevelled and dysfunctional character John Rebus would surely have been uncomfortable, last night's ceremony took place in the plush surroundings of Prestonfield House where the leading sports people, writers, broadcasters and musicians celebrated the best of Scotland.

He said: "I've written 16 novels, scores of short stories, several radio plays, occasional pieces of journalism and one full-length, non-fiction book ... all in an attempt to define the 'spirit of Scotland'. For me, it is an ongoing project."

Born in Fife in 1960, Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh. He has worked as a grape-picker, swineherd, taxman, alcohol researcher, hi-fi journalist and punk musician. He was made an OBE in the Queen's Golden Jubilee Birthday Honours in June 2002.

Congratulations Ian, on an award well deserved, you are a credit to your country and your profession.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY