Bestselling author Peter May returns to music for special UHI online album launch

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will host a special online event next month celebrating the musical debut of internationally bestselling novelist Peter May.

‘Towards the light: an evening with Peter May’ will take place online on Wednesday 1 April 2026 from 7pm to 8pm with the room opening at 6.45pm. 

Best known as a Sunday Times bestselling crime writer with more than 16 million books sold worldwide, Peter May is returning to his first artistic love, music, with the release of ‘Towards the Light’, the first commercially produced album from the Peter May Band. 

The album is a deeply reflective collection of eleven songs exploring mortality, memory, resilience, truth and hope. Blending intimate personal storytelling with sharp social commentary, the project marks a significant new creative chapter in May’s career, bridging his craft as a novelist with the emotional immediacy of songwriting. 

The online launch event will see Peter in conversation with Nicola McAlley, STV presenter and journalist. Together they will discuss the inspiration behind the album, the differences between writing fiction and composing music, and the themes that run through the record. The evening will also include selected tracks from the album and a live audience Q&A. 

Peter May has long-standing ties to UHI and is a committed supporter of the university. He founded the Peter May Fiction Prize, which supports emerging writers studying at UHI, and has championed creative writing talent across the Highlands and Islands. His connection to the university makes this launch event particularly special. 

Speaking about the album, Peter May said: 

“These songs came from the same place as my novels – a curiosity about what it means to be human, how we deal with change, loss and love. Writing novels taught me structure and story. Music gives me emotion and immediacy. Together, they tell the full story.” 

The event is free to attend but booking is required. For full event details and to reserve a place, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/events