Exploring Tartan Noir: New online course examines Scotland’s crime-writing tradition
Published: 9 October 2026
A new online course, Exploring Tartan Noir, has been launched to examine Scotland’s crime-writing tradition and its cultural impact.
Murder, mystery and some of Scotland’s best-known crime writers take centre stage in a new online course from the University of Glasgow.
The free course, Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Writing, explores the storytelling techniques behind Scotland’s distinctive crime fiction tradition, examining plot twists, character development, narrative style and the themes that have made the genre a global success.
Designed as an introduction to one of Scotland’s most popular literary genres, the course features interviews, discussions and advice from leading crime authors including Louise Welsh, Christopher Brookmyre, Lin Anderson and Liam McIlvanney.
Hosted on the FutureLearn platform, the four-week course traces the history of Tartan Noir from its roots in the works of writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle through to contemporary bestselling authors including Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Denise Mina. Learners will explore the key elements of Scottish crime writing through weekly themes focused on plot, character and narrative.
The Tartan Noir course is led by Professor Gerard Carruthers and Dr Craig Lamont.
Dr Craig Lamont, Lecturer in Scottish Studies, at the University’s College of Arts & Humanities, said: “Tartan Noir has become one of the most significant developments in modern Scottish literature, attracting readers far beyond Scotland while remaining deeply connected to questions of place, history and identity.
“This course explores the history, themes and techniques that have shaped Scottish crime writing, from its literary roots to its contemporary forms. By bringing together academic perspectives and the insights of leading crime writers, it offers learners an opportunity to engage critically with a genre that continues to play an important role in Scotland's literary culture.”
Professor Gerard Carruthers, Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow, said: “Scotland has a long and distinguished tradition of crime writing. While contemporary authors have brought international attention to the genre, its foundations can be traced back to earlier writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle, whose work continues to shape our understanding of crime fiction today.
"Crime writing provides a particularly rich lens through which to examine questions of society, morality and human behaviour. By exploring the development of Tartan Noir and its distinctive preoccupations with place, character and community, this course highlights an important strand of Scotland’s literary heritage and its continuing influence on readers and writers alike.”
Author Louise Welsh, who is also Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow and takes part in the Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Writing course, said: “Scottish crime writing has developed a distinctive voice because of its strong sense of place and its willingness to engage with the realities of contemporary life.”
Produced by members of the Scottish Literature subject area within the University’s School of Critical Studies, the course aims to bring Scotland’s rich literary heritage to a global audience while offering practical insights into the craft of crime writing.
This is the latest online course to come out of Scottish Studies at Glasgow’s College of Arts & Humanites which has also produced courses on Robert Burns, Clans and Mary Queen of Scots.
Tartan Noir
Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Writing is now available on the FutureLearn platform here - https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/tartan-noir-scottish-crime-writing
First published: 9 October 2026