A new mortuary at Dundee University has been named after crime writer Val McDermid following a public vote.

The facility was funded by the “Million for a Morgue” campaign, during which the public donated money to the project while also voting for which crime author to name it after.

The campaign aimed to raise cash to match a £1m investment by the university for new facilities.

Ms McDermid said it was a “very proud moment” for her.

The Val McDermid Mortuary, which is now up and running, is the first in the UK to exclusively use the Thiel method of embalming, which it is hoped can provide “significant breakthroughs” in scientific, medical and dental research and training.

A total of 10 authors supported the campaign and were in the running to have the morgue named after them. Each online vote contributed £1 to the appeal.

Runner-up Stuart MacBride has had a dissection room at the mortuary named after him, while the other eight authors have had their names put on Thiel embalming tanks.

More Information:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-28308847

Raith Rovers will be dressed to kill next season after sponsor Val McDermid revealed the club’s new strip.

Crime writer and lifelong fan McDermid was at Stark’s Park to unveil the shirt the players will wear as they take on Rangers, Hibernian and Hearts in the Scottish Championship.

McDermid’s decision to sponsor the kit was announced earlier this week.

She said: “I grew up in a culture where there was the notion that if you did well, if you were lucky enough to have a talent and to be successful, then you should put something back into the community that nourished you, and this is a way of doing that.”

The Kirkcaldy team caused “dancing in the streets of Raith” in April when they lifted the Ramsdens Cup.

More Information:

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/val-mcdermid-s-raith-rovers-sponsorship-about-giving-something-back-into-the-community-1.409773