Black Isle regular and Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin keeps big day at Buckingham Palace 'low key'...
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A FACE familiar to residents of a Black Isle community – and millions of readers around the world – received his knighthood yesterday.
Crime writer Sir Ian Rankin said it was “absolutely thrilling” to be honoured with a knighthood at Buckingham Palace and on his Twitter feed said "an Italian blow-out" at a cafe in London had been "the perfect end to a memorable day".
One tweet featured a picture of him with the gong around his neck celebrating with a drink at the bar and the line: "I kept it low key..."
The creator of Detective Inspector John Rebus has a holiday home in the Cromarty area and is a regular visitor to the area.
He has in the past participated in crime fiction literary weekends and often shares his comings and goings on social media.
The 63-year-old, who has won several national and international awards, was knighted for services to literature and charity on Tuesday.
He is best known for his crime novels focused on Rebus, which are mostly based in and around the Scottish capital. He has also found settings on the Black Isle.
After receiving his gong from the Princess Royal, he admitted he had been initially “bemused” when told about the knighthood, which follows an earlier OBE.
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He said the fact that it was for charity work, or charitable giving, as well as his books, was pleasing. He and his wife have run a charitable foundation for several years.
Congratulations for the honour have flooded in from fans and friends.
