A BEST-SELLING crime writer has revealed how he thought Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie was actually a bookshop.

International author Linwood Barclay believed he was delivering a talk at a bookseller but instead found himself at the notorious Riddie prison.

The novelist visited the 'Big Hoose' while in Scotland to give a talk about writing and was stunned when he turned up at the Victorian-built jail, The Daily Record reports.

Linwood told the paper: “I paid a visit to Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow to talk to two dozen inmates about writing.

“When I got there, I thought, ‘Wait a sec, this does not look like a Waterstones’.

“It was a real high point for me. Visiting the prison was an eye-opener but the prisoners seemed to enjoy my talk.

"I wasn’t aware of the history of the building but it’s been fascinating to learn about it since then.”

The 66-year-old, whose latest novel Find You First has topped worldwide best seller lists, will interview fellow author Stephen King at next month's Bloody Scotland book festival.

The event's director Craig Robertson, who will host the King/Barclay event, told the Record securing the pair was a “coup”.

He said: “I can’t wait to introduce them on stage in Stirling in front of a live audience in the Albert Halls.

"It’s going to be absolutely fascinating.”

The festival will take place from September 17 to September 19.

Further information can be found HERE.