Iain Dale, MD of Biteback Publishing, has acquired world rights to The Lockerbie Bombing by former Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP. Rights were acquired from Caroline Michel at PFD.
On 21 December 1988, Pan Am flight 103 departed London Heathrow for New York’s JFK Airport. Shortly after take-off a bomb was detonated, killing all aboard and devastating the small Scottish town of Lockerbie below. Only one man, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, has ever been convicted of the crime, though no-one believes it was the work of a lone agent.
The Lockerbie Bombing is the definitive story of the atrocity and its aftermath from a man who has played a central role in the story. As Scottish Justice Secretary it was Kenny MacAskill who, in 2009, took the decision to release al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds. In the book, MacAskill will detail the build-up to the attack, the international investigation that followed it, and the diplomatic intrigue that saw a Scottish court convened in the Netherlands. It explains the controversial release of Megrahi, the international dimensions of the case and the commercial and security interests involved. Finally, it will answer the questions of why and how the atrocity happened – and who did it.
Kenny MacAskill said: ‘A lot has been said and written about both Lockerbie and me. I was central to much of it. This is my chance to set out what happened, why and by whom. I’m delighted to be working with Biteback, who have shown a willingness to publish without fear or favour. This book challenges many of the powerful and I’m grateful for Biteback’s support.’
Iain Dale said: 'Almost thirty years on, and still so many questions surround the events leading up to the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 and the investigations following it. As a central figure in the release from prison of the man held accountable for the bombing, Kenny MacAskill's account of the atrocity and its aftermath will cast new light on the affair, and I'm very pleased that Biteback will be publishing it. It is a book which will add a lot to what we already know.'
The Lockerbie Bombing will be published in May 2016, and supported by a major press campaign.
For more information please contact victoria.gilder@bitebackpublishing.com or call 020 7091 1260