Picture a Scottish storyteller who swapped ledgers for thrilling tales of espionage and whisky—meet Bill Flockhart! This Edinburgh native, who didn’t pick up a pen until his 70s, turned his love for Scotch and a knack for suspense into the gripping Operation Large Scotch series. Now a beloved thriller author, Bill proves it’s never too late to chase a passion.
The Making of Bill Flockhart
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Bill Flockhart spent decades in the finance industry, structuring deals and managing cash flow with precision. Before that, he worked eight years in a whisky distillery, soaking up the lore of Scotland’s national drink. A keen golfer and Heart of Midlothian football fan, Bill’s life was rich with experiences, but it wasn’t until retirement at 71 that he discovered his true calling: writing. Inspired by his love for political thrillers and authors like John le Carré and Frederick Forsyth, he set out to craft stories that pulse with intrigue.
Bill Flockhart’s Unforgettable Stories
Bill’s debut, Operation Large Scotch, published in 2017, introduces a dissident IRA cell plotting to devastate the Scotch whisky industry. Drawing on his distillery days, Bill weaves authenticity into a fast-paced tale of MI5’s race against time, earning 4- and 5-star reviews for its complex plot and vivid characters. The sequel, She’s Not a Lovely Girl, follows MI5’s pursuit of the escaped terrorist Mhairi McClure across Europe, packed with twists that keep readers guessing. Joppa Rocks, the third in the series, starts with a mysterious body on an Edinburgh shore, plunging MI6 into a world of drug trafficking and white slave trading. Vengeance in Valescure continues the saga with espionage and high stakes, while the fifth book, Shots on Target, promises more thrills. Bill’s style—taut, well-researched, and laced with local flavor—makes his novels a must-read for thriller fans.
His stories stand out for their international scope, hopping from Edinburgh to Leipzig to South Africa, and their grounding in real-world issues like the Good Friday Agreement. Bill’s knack for humanizing both heroes and villains, combined with his insider’s take on whisky and finance, creates a unique blend of grit and heart.
Why Bill Flockhart Matters
Bill Flockhart’s journey from banking to bestselling author is a testament to the power of reinvention. His Operation Large Scotch series has carved a niche in the thriller genre, captivating readers with its Scottish soul and global intrigue. Shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Book Festival’s Pitch Perfect event, Joppa Rocks showcases his growing influence. At 76, Bill inspires aspiring writers, proving age is no barrier to creativity. His authentic voice and meticulous research resonate with fans who crave stories that feel real.
- Published his first novel, Operation Large Scotch, at 71 in 2017.
- Authored five thrillers in the Operation Large Scotch series.
- Lives in Joppa, Edinburgh, with his wife, Joyce.
- Avid golfer and Heart of Midlothian football supporter.
About Bill Flockhart
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Operation Large Scotch and dive into Bill Flockhart’s world of espionage, whisky, and heart-pounding suspense!