CUMNOCK Chronicle editor-turned crime author Douglas Skelton will be rubbing shoulders with the elite of Scottish writers as a contender for a top award.

He is one of 10 authors who have made the final candidates for Scottish Crime Book of the Year, a list chosen by an independent panel of readers, for his book Open Wounds.

Among the competition are illustrious names such as Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre.

The winner will receive The McIlvanney Prize at an awards ceremony on the opening evening of Bloody Scotland, on Friday, September 9, in Stirling.

Mr Skelton feels honoured to be nominated and is not even contemplating winning such an award ahead of so many of his contemporaries.

He said: “Because it was the fourth book in a series, it had never entered my head that it would make it on to what is called the long list.

“When I was told it was on the list I was stunned. At the moment I can’t think of winning as it’s coming to terms with being on the list with the likes of Chris Brookmyre, Ian Rankin and Val McDermid.

“If it comes to the night, and they shout out my name I will deal with it then. Knowing me I won’t even think of a speech or anything and will end up flying by the seat of my pants.

“It is great though. The phrase I have been using is that I am ‘hyper-chuffed’ because it is a boost, there is no doubt about it, for me personally — and the books themselves.

“Open Wounds has already brought me rewards as it has led to me meeting people which could lead to good things in the future.”

As it is the last of four books in the series which features tough Glasgow detective Davie McCall, Mr Skelton is bemused, but not complaining at it making the list.

He says: “I am not sure why this one has made it and the other ones haven’t. It could be that it ties a lot of loose ends as the final instalment. But each of the other three books in the series have self-contained storylines. There are elements which carry one from first, second, third and through to the fourth.

“Things have been rounded off — but there are things that have been left open, because it is that kind of series and now everything ties up...or does it?”

Award-winning librarian Stewart Bain is part of the final judging panel, while Hugh McIlvanney OBE, brother of the late William McIlvanney, will present the award. The award recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing and includes a prize of £1000 and nationwide promotion in Waterstones.

Around the same time as the awards ceremony, Mr Skelton will be releasing his next work — The Dead Don’t Boogie: A case for Dominic Quest, which he describes as a bit ‘lighter than previous books, but not lighter on the body count’.