Scottish author William McIlvanney, best known for “Laidlaw” crime novels, dies at 79

LONDON – Scottish writer William McIlvanney, best known for his detective novel “Laidlaw” — called the first book of “Tartan Noir” by some — has died at 79.

His agent Jenny Brown said he died at his home in Glasgow on Saturday after a short illness.

McIlvanney, born in the town of Kilmarnock, was the son of a miner. He became an English teacher before changing careers in 1975 to write fulltime.

He is known for the “Laidlaw” trilogy, a crime series featuring Inspector Jack Laidlaw. Other works included “The Big Man,” made into a film starring Liam Neeson, as well as poetry and journalism.

Among his fans was Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who tweeted: “His writing meant so much to me when I was growing up. RIP.”