The writer of a harrowing mini-series about the Rochdale grooming scandal has been named screenwriter-in-residence for the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Glasgow-born Nicole Taylor penned BBC One’s critically acclaimed Three Girls, which followed the victims of a sexual exploitation ring and starred Maxine Peake.

Taylor, whose credits also include the Bafta-nominated drama The C Word, will receive a £7,500 bursary and be handed access to the four Edinburgh universities between now and June next year as she holds the role over 2017/2018.

Three Girls
Three Girls (Sophie Mutevelian/BBC/PA)

She takes over from fellow Scottish writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns, who was the first person to be named screenwriter-in-residence for the festival last year. 

Taylor said: “I am so delighted and grateful to have been chosen as the EIFF’s screenwriter-in-residence.

“I can’t think of a more valuable opportunity for a screenwriter than access to the great brains and great work of Edinburgh’s universities.

“I’m so excited about the year of discussions that lie ahead, which I hope will be the touchpaper for new ideas and new work.”