Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best books that took place in Scotland that offer everything from gripping mysteries to heartwarming tales of love and loss. Here are my top 3 picks:
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
- Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon
Books set in Scotland offer a perfect mix of history, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable stories. From the misty Highlands to the lively streets of Edinburgh, these novels take you on a journey filled with mystery, adventure, and memorable characters. Whether diving into Scotland’s rich past, its intriguing folklore, or the beauty of its scenery, these books pull you into a world full of culture and charm. If you enjoy stories that are rich in atmosphere and emotion, books set in Scotland are a must-read.
TOP 20: Best Books That Take Place in Scotland
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
- Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
- The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
- 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
- The Shetland Island Series by Ann Cleeves
- The Blackhouse by Peter May
- The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- The Lady of the Loch by Elena Collins
- The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
- The Maiden by Kate Foster
- The Crow Road by Iain Banks
- The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
- The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare
- The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
- The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
- The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
1. Outlander
- Author: Diana Gabaldon
- About: A historical romance with time travel elements, following Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, who is transported back to 18th-century Scotland.
- Style of writing: Lush, descriptive, and immersive with deep character development.
- Length: 305,000 words
- Year written: 1991
- Emotional impact: Strong, as it blends love, loss, and historical upheaval, leaving a lasting emotional impression.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, due to its depth and detailed historical setting.
- Why read it: It’s a sweeping adventure with a strong romantic plot, historical richness, and a sense of epic storytelling.
2. Trainspotting
- Author: Irvine Welsh
- About: A gritty, raw novel set in Edinburgh, focusing on a group of heroin addicts navigating life and addiction.
- Style of writing: Dialect-heavy, fragmented, and vivid; raw and often shocking.
- Length: 110,000 words
- Year written: 1993
- Emotional impact: Powerful, often disturbing, exploring themes of addiction and self-destruction.
- Difficulty level: High, due to its use of Scottish dialect and challenging subject matter.
- Why read it: It’s a compelling, unflinching portrayal of addiction and the underbelly of Edinburgh, a crucial work of contemporary Scottish literature.
3. Sunset Song
- Author: Lewis Grassic Gibbon
- About: A beautifully written novel set in rural Scotland, focusing on a young woman’s coming of age and the impact of war on her community.
- Style of writing: Poetic, vivid, and reflective; rich in imagery and symbolism.
- Length: 120,000 words
- Year written: 1932
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving, exploring loss, resilience, and the passage of time.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high, due to its complex themes and historical context.
- Why read it: It’s a classic of Scottish literature, offering a deep dive into rural Scottish life and the emotional toll of historical events.
4. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
- Author: Muriel Spark
- About: Set in 1930s Edinburgh, this novel follows an eccentric teacher, Miss Brodie, and her influence over a group of girls.
- Style of writing: Sharp, witty, and satirical; full of dry humor.
- Length: 60,000 words
- Year written: 1961
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, as it examines power, manipulation, and loyalty.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with an emphasis on dialogue and social commentary.
- Why read it: It’s a masterclass in character study and social critique, exploring the complexities of influence and control.
5. The Wasp Factory
- Author: Iain Banks
- About: A disturbing and surreal tale about a young man in Scotland who harbors dark secrets and engages in bizarre rituals.
- Style of writing: Dark, twisted, and psychological; fast-paced and provocative.
- Length: 95,000 words
- Year written: 1984
- Emotional impact: Unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting shock value.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, due to its strange and unsettling narrative.
- Why read it: It’s a chilling and unique exploration of mental illness and family dynamics.
6. 44 Scotland Street
- Author: Alexander McCall Smith
- About: Follows the lives of the residents of a townhouse in Edinburgh, dealing with relationships, personal growth, and humor.
- Style of writing: Light, conversational, and humorous with gentle character development.
- Length: 80,000 words
- Year written: 2004
- Emotional impact: Warm and uplifting, offering a cozy, feel-good reading experience.
- Difficulty level: Easy, light reading with little complexity.
- Why read it: It’s a charming, character-driven novel with delightful observations of everyday life in Edinburgh.
7. The Shetland Island Series
- Author: Ann Cleeves
- About: A series of mystery novels set in the remote Shetland Islands, focusing on Detective Jimmy Perez solving various crimes.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, suspenseful, and tightly plotted.
- Length: Varies by book (approx. 90,000–100,000 words)
- Year written: Starting in 2006
- Emotional impact: Engaging, with a strong sense of place and emotional depth as the characters deal with personal and professional challenges.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with detailed mystery plots and character exploration.
- Why read it: For fans of cozy mysteries with strong settings, deep character studies, and subtle emotional complexity.
8. The Blackhouse
- Author: Peter May
- About: The first book in the Lewis Trilogy, a murder mystery set on the Isle of Lewis, blending crime with the island’s unique culture.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, and intricately plotted.
- Length: 105,000 words
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: Gripping, with a deep sense of place and complex emotional undercurrents.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with detailed descriptions and emotional depth.
- Why read it: It combines a compelling mystery with the beauty and isolation of the Scottish Isles, alongside a rich emotional narrative.
9. The Bookshop on the Corner
- Author: Jenny Colgan
- About: A heartwarming story about a woman who opens a bookshop in a Scottish village, forming connections with the locals.
- Style of writing: Light, cozy, and uplifting; focuses on emotions and relationships.
- Length: 85,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Sweet and heartwarming, with a sense of community and self-discovery.
- Difficulty level: Easy, perfect for light reading.
- Why read it: Ideal for book lovers who enjoy cozy, feel-good reads about second chances and building new relationships.
10. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
- Author: Gail Honeyman
- About: A quirky, emotionally charged novel about an eccentric woman from Glasgow who struggles with isolation and trauma.
- Style of writing: Witty, darkly humorous, and deeply empathetic.
- Length: 105,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Profound and uplifting, with moments of deep emotional resonance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with complex themes of loneliness and personal growth.
- Why read it: A beautifully crafted story of personal transformation, emotional healing, and the power of human connection.
11. The Lady of the Loch
- Author: Elena Collins
- About: A historical novel that ties two women's lives together across time, linked by a mysterious loch in Scotland.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, emotional, and character-driven with a blend of mystery and history.
- Length: 95,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Touching, with a sense of mystery and personal discovery.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a focus on plot and relationships.
- Why read it: For fans of historical fiction with a twist of mystery and a strong sense of place.
12. The Diary of a Bookseller
- Author: Shaun Bythell
- About: A humorous and insightful account of running a second-hand bookstore in Wigtown, Scotland.
- Style of writing: Witty, observational, and lighthearted.
- Length: 65,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Lighthearted and amusing, with a quirky charm.
- Difficulty level: Easy, perfect for light, non-fiction reading.
- Why read it: It’s a fun and quirky look at the day-to-day of bookstore life, with humor and personal reflection.
13. The Maiden
- Author: Kate Foster
- About: A historical novel based on the true story of Lady Christian Nimmo in 17th-century Edinburgh, a tale of crime and trial.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, suspenseful, and based on real historical events.
- Length: 100,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Tense and intriguing, with a focus on injustice and power dynamics.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with historical depth and legal context.
- Why read it: It’s a gripping historical tale based on real events, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
14. The Crow Road
- Author: Iain Banks
- About: A coming-of-age novel set in the Scottish Highlands, blending family drama with elements of mystery.
- Style of writing: Dark, witty, and introspective; combines elements of humor with deep emotional exploration.
- Length: 120,000 words
- Year written: 1992
- Emotional impact: Strong, with complex family dynamics and moments of deep emotional revelation.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with philosophical undertones and emotional depth.
- Why read it: A thought-provoking and engaging family saga with strong character development and a mystery element.
15. The Hunting Party
- Author: Lucy Foley
- About: A psychological thriller set in the Scottish Highlands, where a group of friends’ reunion takes a deadly turn.
- Style of writing: Tense, atmospheric, and suspenseful with shifting perspectives.
- Length: 100,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Gripping, with a sense of unease and increasing tension.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, with an accessible writing style and suspenseful plot.
- Why read it: A twisty, suspense-filled thriller set in a remote, atmospheric Scottish location.
16. The Strings of Murder
- Author: Oscar de Muriel
- About: A historical crime novel set in Victorian Edinburgh, blending mystery with supernatural elements.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, dark, and intricate with a touch of gothic horror.
- Length: 90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Engaging, with a growing sense of intrigue and danger.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a mix of historical detail and dark mystery.
- Why read it: A unique blend of crime and the supernatural with a gothic setting in Victorian Scotland.
17. Macbeth
- Author: William Shakespeare
- About: The classic tragedy of ambition and fate, set in medieval Scotland, where Macbeth rises to power through murder and deceit.
- Style of writing: Poetic, dramatic, and full of rich, symbolic language.
- Length: 30,000 words
- Year written: 1606
- Emotional impact: Intense and tragic, with deep themes of ambition, guilt, and fate.
- Difficulty level: High, due to its complex language and themes.
- Why read it: A timeless classic, offering deep insights into human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
18. The Turn of the Key
- Author: Ruth Ware
- About: A psychological thriller set in a Scottish Highland mansion, where a new nanny uncovers dark secrets.
- Style of writing: Suspenseful, atmospheric, and fast-paced with multiple twists.
- Length: 90,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Tense and unsettling, with a slow-building sense of dread.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a focus on suspense and psychological drama.
- Why read it: A modern gothic thriller set in a mysterious, isolated location with plenty of twists.
19. The Cracked Spine
- Author: Paige Shelton
- About: A cozy mystery set in Edinburgh’s literary world, revolving around a bookstore and a series of mysteries.
- Style of writing: Light, cozy, and character-driven with a hint of humor.
- Length: 85,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Uplifting and charming, with moments of intrigue and suspense.
- Difficulty level: Easy, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
- Why read it: A delightful mystery with a literary setting, perfect for fans of light, engaging whodunits.
20. The Lost Queen
- Author: Signe Pike
- About: A historical novel set in 6th-century Scotland, reimagining the life of Languoreth, the twin sister of the prophet Merlin.
- Style of writing: Lush, descriptive, and immersive with historical fiction elements.
- Length: 120,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Rich, emotional, and immersive, bringing ancient Scotland to life.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with detailed historical context and mythology.
- Why read it: A compelling historical novel for those who enjoy myths, legends, and tales of ancient Scotland.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, I think books set in Scotland offer a unique blend of history, culture, and powerful storytelling. For me, Outlander, Trainspotting, and Sunset Song are top picks. Outlander takes you on an epic journey through time with a mix of romance and history, while Trainspotting dives into the raw reality of addiction and life in Edinburgh’s streets. On the other hand, Sunset Song beautifully captures rural Scotland, offering a deep look at its people and their struggles. In my opinion, these three novels not only highlight Scotland’s diverse literary landscape but also leave a lasting impression, making them essential reads for anyone wanting to experience Scotland through fiction.
