Novels Set In Scotland
Recently, I’ve noticed a trend of seeing more and more books that take place in Scotland, lining the shelves of bookstores.
As someone who grew up in Scotland, but left it for another country in adulthood, I love reading books with a Scottish setting. I especially love when some of the local dialects come through as it helps to take me back to the dreich weather and biting winds with real authenticity.
I know why I long for Scotland, but I wonder what has made it become more of a trend in literature. Is it thanks to the success of series like Outlander? I grew up near some of the season one filming locations, and at the time, I had no idea that it would become the massive hit that it did.Â
Whilst not every book set in Scotland will blow up in the same spectacular fashion as the Outlander series, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a read! There’s so many exceptional books out there, with many a hidden gem tucked away.Â
This list will continue to grow as I find and read more great books set in Scotland. Leave a comment down below if you think of any that aren’t on this list yet, but should be!Â
Once There Were Wolves, By Charlotte mcConaghy
Once There Were Wolves is set in one of my all time favorite places in Scotland, Glen Coe. It’s a mountainous region where you can get lost in the hills all too easily and go for miles without much sign of civilization.
The story follows Inti Flynn, as she and her team work to reintroduce wolves into this region to help cull the deer population and allow for the area to naturally rewild, without their constant over grazing.
There are elements of mystery and tension thrown in when someone goes missing, as well as hints of an unknown situation that caused serious psychological damage to her sister. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Charlotte McConaghy book without a little complicated romance mixed in too.
Trainspotting, by Irvine Welsh
Trainspotting is set in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is a far cry from the romantic notions of men in kilts such as Jamie Fraser in Outlander, instead it focusses in on a bunch of heroin addicts.
While it’s been a few years since I read this, I remember loving the use of the local dialect in the book, as I’m from that area. This may prove a little more of a difficult read if you are unfamiliar with the Scots way of speaking.
A book that packs a real emotional punch.
Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter must be one of the most famous books to be set in Scotland. Many of the locations she writes about are based on real places in Scotland, and many of the filming locations for the movies are in Scotland too.Â
You can actually stay in the suite where she finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It’s in a hotel in Edinburgh called The Balmoral Hotel, and this is actually where I got married!Â
I don’t feel like I need to tell you much about the book series, because unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past nearly 20 years, you’ll have a good idea of what it’s about.
Inspector Rebus Series, by Ian Rankin
Writer Ian Rankin is from the same area that I am. He’s a big inspiration to me and knowing he grew up along the road, so to speak, makes chasing the dream of becoming a successful writer all the more tangible.Â
This book, Knots and Crosses, which is book one of the Inspector Rebus series is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and I love that feeling of familiarity it gives. I think that’s why tartan noir is one of my favorite genres to read.
Rankin had never wanted to write these kinds of books, thinking that he should write more floral literature, but I’m so glad he eventually ended up creating this awesome tartan noir series in the end!Â
Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldon
Don’t judge me, but this has been in my TBR list forever! I know, I know, everyone is shocked to their core when I, a Scottish Woman, have not read the Outlander book series. It’s basically a criminal offence and I have no excuses to give you!Â
I absolutely couldn’t leave this bad boy out of the list though, because it’s probably one of the most popular books that take place in Scotland in recent years.Â
I grew up around several of the filming locations for the series, and for that reason alone I’d love to watch the show, but alas, I haven’t quite got around to that yet either! Don’t come for me!Â
D.C.I Jack Logan Series, By J.D. Kirk
DCI Jack Logan, the man, the myth, the legend. I’ve been following him and his team along for several books now, and I fully intend on continuing until there are no more to read.Â
While his character is technically based in Glasgow, we spend much of this book and others in more rural settings in various locations across the highlands of Scotland, depending on where his team is needed.
J.D Kirk has done a fine job of creating the characters in A Litter of Bones and throughout this series and each book has well thought out forward momentum to make you want to keep reading on to the next. This one comes with a hazard warning, once you start this series, it’s hard to put back down.Â
D.C.I Daley Series, By Denzel Meyrick
Denzil Meyrick was one of the first Tartan Noir writers that I stumbled onto, back before I knew it was its whole own genre. My love of all Scottish Detective books started right here with Whiskey From Small Glasses.Â
It was the first book I’d seen with the Scottish vernacular sprinkled in, which is something I’ll ensure continues into my own work. I’d love for my books to be released in a simpler to read form, (as I know some folks found this series a little difficult read) but I’d also like a true ‘Scots’ edition, with more of the dialect for those who are native.Â
I have so much to thank Denzil for and for how much this book impacted me, it was with a true sadness that I discovered he recently passed away. So, thanks Denzil, and long may your books continue to be found by Scottish readers and budding authors alike.
Love Books That Take Place In Scotland?
Then I think you’ll love my upcoming novel, Dying Tides. Check out the inside scoop on it before it’s released!
