Scotland, by books – Discover the books set in Scotland

The Highlands and Islands

With its endless selection of dramatic landscapes, the Scottish Highlands provide a scenery that is breathtaking and evocative and has long captivated writers and readers alike.  

Explore the Cairngorms through the poetic lens of Nan Shepherd in her mesmerising work The Living Mountain which chronicles her journeys into the hills with a unique and lyrical style.  

Books set in The Highlands and Islands: 

• Song of The Rolling Earth - in this book, Sir John Lister-Kaye evokes the tumultuous human history of the Scottish Highlands alongside the abundance of wildlife that inhabits the region. Through the lens of his own personal journey, the book offers a captivating narrative, painting a vivid picture of the Highlands' splendor. 
• Outlander - Diana Gabaldon brought the Highlands to life in these modern classics, transporting readers through time to dramatic landscapes of 18th century Scotland.

Argyll & The Isles 

While travelers are drawn to the Scottish region of Argyll and The Isles for its picturesque landscapes, the allure of this area extends far beyond its natural beauty. The regions hold a unique place in literature, providing inspiration for countless writers throughout history. 

Make sure to visit the remote Isle of Jura, where George Orwell wrote his dystopian classic 1984.  

Books set in Argyll & The Isles: 

• Kidnapped - this classic adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story of David Balfour, a young protagonist kidnapped and sold into slavery. Navigating treacherous landscapes across the Scottish Highlands and Argyll's islands, Balfour encounters diverse characters and thrilling escapades. 
• In Search of the Castaways - this classic by prolific French author Jules Verne follows the journey of Lord Glenarvan and his crew as they embark on a quest to find Captain Grant, shipwrecked on a remote island. The expedition takes them across the globe, including the western coast of Scotland and the islands of Argyll. 

Orkney

Over the centuries, Orkney has been a muse for many writers, with its wealth of historic sites including the birthplace of renowned Scottish writer George Mackay Brown. His works depict the rugged beauty of these islands, rich with imagery and local flavour.  

Make sure to check out the dedicated trail that has been established to guide visitors through the locations that inspired his writing. 

Books set in Orkney: 

• The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein - Kiersten White's novel retells Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through the eyes of Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor Frankenstein's adopted sister and eventual wife. Set in Orkney, Geneva, and Germany, the narrative delves into themes of power, identity, and the repercussions of obsession. 
• The Language of Bees - the ninth book in Laurie R. King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series follows the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and wife Mary Russell, as they solve mysteries together.  
• The Outrun - Amy Liptrot’s memoir chronicles the author's journey of recovery and self-discovery as she returns to her native Orkney at the age of thirty, grappling with addiction that has consumed the past decade of her life. The bestselling book has been adapted into a film and will be released on Netflix later in 2024. 

Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire 

It's no surprise that authors find themselves irresistibly drawn to the captivating allure of this region. Its rocky coastline stretches out to the North Sea, while its wild beauty holds a special place within many books. 

Make sure to check out the mystical landscapes surrounding Cruden Bay, a coastal gem nestled along the shores of Aberdeenshire. It’s believed to have ignited the imagination of Bram Stoker, serving as the haunting inspiration for his iconic novel Dracula. 

Books set in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire:  

• Sunset Song - Lewis Grassic Gibbon depicts the journey of Chris Guthrie, torn between her affection for the land and the challenges of farm life. Despite choosing to remain in her rural hometown, the upheaval of World War I and its aftermath cast a shadow over her cherished memories and beliefs. 
• Cold Granite - In Stuart MacBride's Cold Granite, Detective Sergeant Logan McRae returns to duty in Aberdeen to confront a chilling case - a series of gruesome murders targeting young children. 
• The Firebird - in this novel by Susanna Kearsley, Aberdeenshire plays a pivotal role as protagonist Nicola Marter embarks on a journey of self-discovery and intrigue. 

Edinburgh & The Lothians 

Edinburgh has inspired authors with its ancient architecture, duality between the Old and New Towns and the mystical narrow streets. Iconic characters like Harry Potter were born here, as were Sherlock Holmes, Miss Jean Brodie, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Inspector Rebus. 

The world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh is full of literary landmarks. Make sure to check out The Writers' Museum, located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It celebrates the lives and works of Scottish writers including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Books set in Edinburgh & The Lothians: 

• Trainspotting - written by Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting is a raw and gritty portrayal of Edinburgh, revolving around various residents of Leith, Edinburgh and their destructive tendencies. 
•  One Day - David Nicholls' novel takes readers on a journey through the lives of Emma and Dexter, whose paths intersect on July 15th of each year over the course of two decades against an Edinburgh backdrop. 
• The Da Vinci Code – in this gripping mystery thriller by Dan Brown that intertwines history, art, and religion, the story follows Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, and Sophie Neveu, a French cryptologist, as they unravel clues left behind by a murdered curator at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Brown based the finale of the story in Rosslyn Chapel. The book uses the chapel as a feature point in the quest for the location of the Holy Grail. 

The Kingdom of Fife

The region is celebrated in literature for its unique character and identity. A prominent author connected to Fife is Val McDermid, a bestselling crime writer known for gritty and suspenseful novels. McDermid was born in Kirkcaldy and her upbringing in the region undoubtedly influenced her writing.  

Make sure to visit the picturesque village of Falkland, which has been used as a filming location in the Outlander TV series.  

Explore more of Outlander's filming locations

Books set in The Kingdom of Fife: 

• Portrait of a Scotsman - the third book in Evie Dunmore’s A League of Extraordinary Women series, feature historical romances set both in London and Fife. This book follows London heiress Hattie Greenfield as she unexpectedly finds herself married to the brooding Scotsman - Lucian Blackstone.  
• A Darker Domain - this book by Val McDermid is the second novel in the Inspector Karen Pirie series, a gripping crime series set in the heart of Fife. While the story takes place in various locations across Scotland, McDermid's intimate knowledge of the region brings Fife to life on the pages. 
• The Bridge - Iain Banks takes readers on a compelling exploration of self-discovery set on a mysterious, world-spanning structure known simply as the Bridge. 

Dundee & Angus

Dundee & Angus are steeped in a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate readers worldwide. Among its esteemed authors is J. M. Barrie, whose timeless creation, Peter Pan, has enchanted generations with whimsical stories of Neverland.  

Explore J. M. Barrie’s Birthplace, a charming weaver's house. Delve into the washhouse where Barrie, at just seven years old, staged his first play, and found inspiration for the Wendy house in Peter Pan. 

Books set in Angus & Dundee: 

• The Fireraisers - the first book in the Detective Watters Mysteries by Malcolm Archibald is set in 1862 Dundee. Detective Sergeant George Watters investigates a series of arson attacks targeting businessman Matthew Beaumont's properties, uncovering a shocking connection to foreign powers and a murder mystery aboard a trade ship. 
• Joseph Knight - this book by James Robertson follows Sir John Wedderburn's journey from the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. Set against the backdrop of 18th and early 19th-century Dundee, the story delves into Wedderburn's fortunes made in Jamaica and his return to Scotland. 

Scottish Borders 

At the heart of the region lies one of the most celebrated Scottish authors, Sir Walter Scott, whose literary career left an incredible mark on Scottish literature and beyond. His literary legacy shines through timeless classics such as Ivanhoe, Waverley and Rob Roy captivating readers with vivid historical settings and unforgettable characters. 

Raised at his paternal grandparents' farm near the ruins of Smailholm Tower in Sandyknowe, Scott's formative years amidst the beauty of the Borders undoubtedly shaped his imaginative storytelling. 

Visit Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, where he became the biggest-selling author of his day. 

Books set in the Scottish Borders: 

• Thomas the Rhymer - this medieval ballad has been passed down through generations, originating from the Scottish Borders region. The ballad tells the story of Thomas Learmont, a 13th-century Scottish laird reputed to have had the gift of prophecy. 
• An Earthly Knight - this novel by Janet McNaughton reimagines the legend of Tam Lin, a famous Scottish ballad linked with the Borders. Set in 16th-century Scotland, it follows Jenny, a headstrong young woman entangled in the faeries' supernatural world. 
• To The Island of Tides - this book by Alistair Moffat is a captivating journey through history and self-discovery as the author embarks on a pilgrimage from his home in the Borders to the fabled island of Lindisfarne. 

Dumfries & Galloway 

The other region J.M. Barrie is associated with is Dumfries & Galloway. He resided in Dumfries from 1873 to 1878, a period that significantly influenced his creation of Peter Pan.

Make sure to explore the Neverland Discovery Garden, providing families with delightful experiences rooted in Barrie's imaginative legacy. 

Key books set in Dumfries & Galloway: 

• The Diary of a Bookseller - this memoir by Shaun Bythell chronicles his experiences as owner of Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop, located in Wigtown, often referred to as Scotland's National Book Town. 
• The Five Red Herrings - this detective novel by Dorothy L. Sayers takes place in the Scottish village of Kirkcudbright. The town provides the setting for Lord Peter Wimsey to investigate a local artist's murder.