Published by Polygon, the book is an adventure story set around the whaling industry in Dundee in the 1860s and has been described by celebrated crime author and judge for the prize Ian Rankin as a “rip-roaring adventure mystery with terrific detail of place, period and shipping lore.”

Malcolm, who lives in Dundee and splits his time between writing and lecturing in history at Dundee College, beat off stiff competition from the two other finalists. Treading Water, by Claire Collison, from London, and The Curiosity Cabinet, by Catherine Czerkawska, from Ayrshire, were highly commended by the judges and have also been published by Polygon.

In a departure from previous rounds of the highly successful event, the winner was selected by 19 different reading groups from around the country. Each group read the three short-listed novels and cast votes for their preferred choice.

Mr Archibald’s success is remarkable given that the number of entries for this year’s competition rocketed to 240.

The scope of the prize has also broadened nationally and internationally, with more than half the entries coming from elsewhere in the UK and Canada, Germany, Australia and Spain.

Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus crime novels, was at DCA today to present Mr Archibald with a special winner’s plaque in front of an audience from the Scottish literary scene.

He said, “New and aspiring writers need all the encouragement they can get. This prize actually sees the short-listed novels published, making it one of a kind.

“I remember the buzz I got from seeing my first novel in print, and I hope all three short-listed authors are feeling the same. This year’s prize was hotly contested and more popular than ever. The field of writing has never been as strong in Scotland as it is today, and it’s wonderful for me to be able to welcome three new and distinctive talents. Long may they flourish.”

A clearly shocked Malcolm Archibald was almost rendered speechless when the winner’s name was read out.

He said, “I have no idea what to say. I just want to thank everybody including my two co-writers and I think their books were better than mine. I am very surprised indeed.”

Shortly afterwards Malcolm (47) still hadn’t recovered from the shock but outlined the back- ground to his novel. It had begun with a dissertation he wrote while a mature student at Dundee University.

He has produced non-fiction work on the same subject, most recently the book entitled “Whalers”. His father was a seaman.

He said this was in fact his second novel, having previously written Soldier Of The Queen. The winning book was published a month ago and he is now working on the next volume in the series.

Malcolm is married with three children.

The Dundee Book Prize is a three-way partnership between the City of Discovery Campaign, the University of Dundee and Polygon.

Campaign chairman Lord Provost John Letford said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Malcolm and I warmly congratulate him on writing such a fine novel. The prize is designed to discover great new writers and I think we have certainly achieved that goal.

“Not only Malcolm but Claire and Catherine have produced wonderful pieces of fiction and I’m sure they are as proud as we are to see their work in print.

“Dundee Book Prize has grown hugely in stature and this is reflected in the number of entries we have received from outwith Scotland. The prize has truly taken on an international perspective.”

The three finalists were selected by the judging panel comprising Ian Rankin, St Andrews-based poet and novelist John Burnside and BBC broadcaster Edi Stark.

Treading Water explores the impact the loss of a mother has on two daughters and the lives of their family. The Curiosity Cabinet is a romantic novel set on the fictional Hebridean island of Garve.