Inspired by our upcoming Edinburgh Literary Retreat, here’s a curated guide to some of the best Scottish authors and books set in Scotland; perfect if you’re planning a trip, joining the retreat, or just fancy being transported there from your sofa.
Scotland has produced a remarkable literary tradition; one shaped by rugged landscapes, complex history, and a fiercely distinct cultural voice.
Some of these books are classics, some are contemporary favourites, but all of them offer a real sense of place.
Nomad Book Club
Scotland is the Nomad Book Club pick for May 2026, where we explore a new country or region each month through books set in that place. Sign up to the newsletter to join the club and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.
29th May – 1st june 2026
Edinburgh Literary Retreat
Explore Edinburgh’s literary magic with a bookshop crawl, a Sherlock Holmes–inspired mystery, Harry Potter sites, and a literary pub crawl that brings the city’s stories to life.
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Fiction Books Set in Scotland
1. Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon
Often hailed as Scotland’s favourite novel, Sunset Song follows Chris Guthrie, a young woman growing up in rural Aberdeenshire in the early 20th century.
As she navigates family hardship, changing social structures, and the impact of the First World War, the novel captures the fading of traditional farming life with lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
I have to give my complete honest review here and say I tried but I could not finish this book. I really struggled with the archaic language, coupled with a lot of Scottish terminology I couldn’t grasp. I really did give it a go and I even tried to the audiobook to see if that would help, but in the end, I opted to watch the film instead.
2. Corrag by Susan Fletcher
This evocative historical novel centres on Corrag, a mysterious young woman accused of witchcraft in the aftermath of the Glencoe Massacre.
Through her testimony, the story explores themes of prejudice, survival, and humanity, offering a deeply moving perspective on a dark chapter in Scottish history.
3. 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Set in Edinburgh’s New Town, this charming, episodic novel introduces a cast of quirky residents living at 44 Scotland Street.
With gentle humour and keen observations of everyday life, it’s a warm and engaging portrait of modern urban Scotland.
4. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This contemporary bestseller tells the story of Eleanor, a socially awkward woman leading a rigid, isolated life.
As her past gradually comes to light, the novel explores loneliness, trauma, and the healing power of human connection with both humour and compassion.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the titular character, and her dark and twisty past will keep you guessing right up until the end. I highly recommend this as an uplifting read.
5. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Set in a 1930s Edinburgh girls’ school, this sharp and witty novel follows the unconventional teacher Miss Brodie and her group of chosen pupils.
It examines influence, loyalty, and manipulation, all delivered in Spark’s distinctive, economical prose.
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
A classic adventure tale, Kidnapped follows young David Balfour as he is betrayed, abducted, and caught up in the political turmoil of post-Jacobite Scotland.
Alongside the charismatic Alan Breck Stewart, David’s journey through the Highlands is full of danger and intrigue.
7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Blending historical fiction, romance, and time travel, Outlander follows Claire Randall, a 20th-century nurse transported to 18th-century Scotland.
Amid clan conflicts and political unrest, she finds herself torn between two worlds—and two loves.
8. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
A raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction and urban life in Edinburgh, Trainspotting follows a group of heroin users navigating friendship, survival, and despair.
Written in Scots dialect, it’s a bold and controversial modern classic.
I’ve read and re-read Trainspotting several times and it still blows me away. It takes a little while to get into the language (I don’t recommend this book if you’re not a native English speaker, for example), but once you get the rhythm, you really get a feel for the different voices of the characters. The film by Danny Boyle is also fantastic.
9. The Heart of Mid-Lothian by Walter Scott
One of Scott’s finest historical novels, this story follows Jeanie Deans, who undertakes a perilous journey to London to seek justice for her sister.
Set against the backdrop of 18th-century unrest, it explores morality, loyalty, and social justice.
10. Lanark by Alasdair Gray
A genre-defying masterpiece, Lanark weaves together realism and dystopian fantasy.
The novel alternates between the life of a struggling artist in Glasgow and a surreal, otherworldly city, creating a complex meditation on identity, creativity, and society.
11. The 39 Steps by John Buchan
A fast-paced thriller, this novel introduces Richard Hannay, who becomes entangled in a spy plot and must evade capture while uncovering a conspiracy.
Set partly in the Scottish countryside, it’s a foundational work in the espionage genre.
Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Fiction
Often referred to as “tartan noir”, Scottish crime fiction is known for its dark atmosphere, moral complexity, and strong sense of place.
1. Knots & Crosses by Ian Rankin
The first novel in the Inspector Rebus series, this book introduces Edinburgh detective John Rebus as he investigates a string of child abductions.
It sets the tone for a long-running series known for its psychological depth and gritty realism.
2. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
A deeply unsettling novel, The Wasp Factory is narrated by a troubled teenage boy living in isolation on a Scottish island.
Dark, disturbing, and provocative, it explores themes of identity, violence, and control.
3. A Place of Execution by Val McDermid
Set in a remote Derbyshire village but written by a Scottish crime master, this novel follows the investigation into a young girl’s disappearance.
Decades later, a journalist revisits the case, uncovering shocking truths. It’s a masterclass in suspense and structure.
4. The Edinburgh Mystery: and Other Tales of Scottish Crime
This collection brings together classic and lesser-known crime stories set across Scotland, offering a varied glimpse into the country’s long-standing fascination with mystery and justice.
Scottish Books About Books
1. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
A dual-timeline novel, this story follows a modern writer researching Jacobite history in Scotland, whose work begins to mirror events from the past. It’s a richly atmospheric blend of romance, history, and storytelling.
2. The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
Set in Scotland’s National Book Town of Wigtown, this witty memoir chronicles the daily life of a second-hand bookseller. Filled with eccentric customers and dry humour, it’s a delight for book lovers.
3. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
A heartwarming novel about a librarian who starts a travelling bookshop in the Scottish Highlands. As she brings books to remote communities, she also finds a new sense of purpose and belonging.
Non-Fiction Books About Scotland
1. Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
Part travelogue, part history, and part humorous memoir, this book follows the two actors as they journey across Scotland exploring its heritage, clans, and whisky culture.
2. Lochs and Legends: A Scotsman’s Guide to the Heart of Scotland by Andy the Highlander
A lively and informative guide to Scotland’s landscapes, myths, and traditions. Blending history with humour, it offers an accessible introduction to the country’s cultural richness.
3. Landlines by Raynor Winn
A reflective travel memoir, Landlines follows the author’s journey across Scotland’s rugged terrain while coping with personal challenges. It’s a meditative exploration of nature, resilience, and healing.
Honourable Mentions
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Although a global phenomenon, this beloved novel was written in Edinburgh and reflects the city’s atmospheric charm in its magical world-building.
I mean, how can I not give this five stars? This series defined my childhood.
2. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Created by an Edinburgh-born author, Sherlock Holmes remains one of the most iconic literary detectives, with stories that helped define modern crime fiction.
3. Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales
A rich collection of traditional stories featuring selkies, kelpies, and other mythical creatures, offering insight into Scotland’s oral storytelling heritage.
4. My Heart’s in the Highlands: Classic Scottish Poems
This poetry collection showcases the lyrical tradition of Scotland, including works that celebrate its landscapes, history, and national identity.
More Scottish Authors & Books Set in Scotland
Whether you’re drawn to windswept historical sagas, gripping crime novels, or reflective memoirs, Scottish literature offers a powerful sense of place and voice—one that continues to resonate with readers around the world.
Do you have more Scottish writers or books about Scotland to recommend? Leave your suggestions in the comments below
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Travel Book Journal
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Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
