Exclusive Bloody Shetland Holiday Host

Ann Cleeves, the internationally renowned best-selling crime writer whose books inspired the BBC TV series Shetland, is to join a group of visitors on an exclusive "Bloody" holiday to Britain's most northerly islands with award-winning tour operator, McKinlay Kidd and Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival, Bloody Scotland.

A dream holiday for fans of crime writing, the unique three-night Bloody Shetland adventure with Ann Cleeves begins as the Bloody Scotland festival, in the historic city of Stirling, draws to a close on Sunday 13 September 2015.

The group will travel to a top-secret location on the magical Shetland islands where, following an overnight stay in one of the islands" most welcoming hotels, Ann Cleeves will join the group for a full day's exploration of the stunning locations that inspired her writing and which also appear in the hit BBC TV series (the third season of which is due to be screened later this year). The day will conclude with a fun murder mystery evening in one of the hotels featured in some of the TV episodes.

Speaking on the launch of McKinlay Kidd's new Bloody Shetland holiday with Ann Cleeves, Ann said: “There's a magic in sharing favourite places with other people. Shetland is bleak and beautiful and I can't wait to see how readers respond to Jimmy Perez's home.”

Robert Kidd, Director at McKinlay Kidd added:

Dom Hastings, Manager of the Bloody Scotland festival, which takes place from 11 to 13 September 2015 said: “We're delighted to be working with McKinlay Kidd to add an extra dimension to the festival this year. Ann's stories have brought Shetland so vividly to life for readers all over the world, it seems fitting that festival-goers will have the chance to experience the islands up close, with Ann herself. Bloody Shetland with Ann Cleeves is part of our biggest, most ambitious programme to date, and we can't wait to reveal it all on 3 June.”

Bloody Shetland with Ann Cleeves will conclude with an opportunity for guests to learn more about the islands" great historical sites and mysteries, myths and legends - from impressive prehistoric remains to dramatic natural seacliffs.

Prices for the holiday experience start from £849 per person and include return flights to Shetland, airport transfers and touring on Shetland by coach, three night's bed and breakfast, evening meals, entertainment and the services of a local tour guide throughout. Guests will also receive signed copies of Ann's new Vera novel, Moth Catcher and the latest Shetland novel, Thin Air, as well as tickets to a special Ann Cleeves" event at Bloody Scotland (one of the main attractions in this year's yet-to-be-announced programme, launched on 3 June).

Places on this holiday experience are limited, to book or for more information about McKinlay Kidd's full range of tailor-made holiday experiences visit seescotlanddifferently.co.uk or call 0844 873 6110.

The full Bloody Scotland programme will be launched on Wednesday 3 June. For more information, please see bloodyscotland.com.