Literary Travel in Scotland & The Best Scottish Books
20th September 2024
Throughout history, Scotland has had a profound impact on the literary world, contributing to some of the most celebrated writers and literature in history. The country’s rich tradition of storytelling, shaped by its landscapes and turbulent history, has inspired authors for centuries. Writers like Sir Walter Scott, often regarded as the father of the historical novel, helped shape the genre with works like Ivanhoe and Waverley, capturing the imagination of readers around the world. Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, left an enduring legacy with his poetry, including the iconic Auld Lang Syne, which is sung across the globe to celebrate the New Year and other occasions.
For literature lovers looking to visit Scotland, we have collated some must-visit bookshops, festivals and libraries, as well as our staff book picks for the quintessential Scottish reading experience.
Braemar Literary Festival
The Braemar Literary Festival is a captivating annual event in the Cairngorms that takes place in late September. Celebrating the written word, the festival brings together a diverse range of authors, poets, and storytellers for a weekend of talks, discussions, workshops, and readings. With a focus on both local and international voices, it offers an intimate setting for audiences to engage with writers and immerse themselves in literature.
The Watermill
The Watermill Bookshop in Aberfeldy is a charming, award-winning independent bookshop set within a beautifully restored 19th-century mill. Spread across three floors, it offers a carefully curated selection of books alongside a gallery showcasing contemporary art and a delightful café. The unique setting, complete with original mill features, creates a cosy atmosphere for browsing both books and artwork.
Leaky’s Bookshop
Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness is a literary gem and Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop, housed in a beautiful old Gaelic church. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by shelves filled with thousands of books, from rare first editions to affordable paperbacks. The shop has a rustic wood-burning stove, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for browsing. In addition to its vast collection of books, Leakey’s has many old prints, maps, and other curiosities for all to enjoy.
Armchair Books
Armchair Books, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a beloved second-hand bookshop known for its quirky charm and labyrinthine interior. Overflowing with towering stacks of books, the shop offers a wide-ranging collection. The slightly chaotic atmosphere inspires one’s sense of wonder, inviting you to get lost among its shelves and stories. A visit to Armchair Books is a whimsical experience amidst the historic surroundings of Scotland’s capital.
Innerpeffray Library
For history and literature lovers, a trip to Innerpeffray Library is a must. As Scotland’s first free public lending library, founded in 1680, it holds a plethora of historical records and literature. The collection even includes hand-drawn world maps from before the United States of America was an independent country. If it is of interest to you, Away from the Ordinary can book you an exclusive tour of the library, highlighting records and books that are of specific interest.
Our Team’s Favorite Books
Karolina:
I couldn’t choose just one – I really like Muriel Spark, in particular her book “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” which is set in Edinburgh. Kathleen Jamie is also really good. She is a Scottish Makar and largely writes poetry but also has some non-fiction collections and short stories about the Scottish Isles, Scottish landscape and wildlife. Another good one is Nan Shepherd’s “The Living Mountain” which is a beautifully written non-fiction book about the Cairngorms and the practice of mountaineering.
Michael:
Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. A classic novella about the interplay of good and evil in human nature. The book is written from the perspective of Dr Jekyll’s Lawyer who believes Mr Hyde to be a different man extorting Jekyll, only to discover the truth further down the line. I love the exploration of the duality and persuasive performances which make up masculine identity.
Sarah:
I loved the Katie Morag books as a girl. Beautifully written and illustrated by Mairi Hedderwick, these books are extremely well observed, with realistic, non-condescending children’s stories about life in rural Scottish communities. Katie Morag is a tough and outspoken young girl who is always off on a new adventure, with a side of mischief, on her quiet island home. I think these picture books share a lovely tale of girlhood and Highland life, with delightful illustrations and dynamic characters.
Aeneas:
My top pick would have to be Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a classic adventure novel set in 18th-century Scotland, following the journey of young David Balfour. After being cheated out of his inheritance and abducted by his villainous uncle, David embarks on a quest across the Scottish Highlands. The story has everything you need from a good novel, Jacobites, great character development, and beautiful depictions of the rugged Scottish landscape.
John:
Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon tells the story of Chris Guthrie, a young woman torn between the old traditions of the land and the expanding reach of the modern world. It is often hailed as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, and I particularly love the way it reflects on the impact of war, industrialisation, and social change on Scotland’s rural communities.
Erin:
As the Women Lay Dreaming by Donald Murray. It is my favourite because it is highly emotive and painfully true. It gives a lovely insight into the close-knit nature of Highland, and especially island communities, where families are bound together in their remote communities. There are painful repercussions of this in times of trauma, however, and this is what the book describes so beautifully. The idea of a whole island in simultaneous grief over the Iolaire disaster is gut-wrenching. Every home was left broken as a result of this tragic event. It is very moving.
Chiara:
I liked A Stranger Came Ashore by Molly Hunter – it is a children’s novel set in Shetland. The story follows a young boy named Robbie Henderson, whose family takes in a mysterious survivor following a devastating shipwreck nearby. Robbie grows suspicious of the stranger, who seems to have a supernatural connection to the ancient legend of the Selkies—creatures who are seals in the water but can take human form on land. It is an exciting story using ancient Scottish mythology.
Becky:
When I need a book to read by the pool on holiday I go to Scottish author Jenny Colgan. The last one I read was Bookshop on the Corner about a librarian who loses her job in Birmingham and on a whim up-sticks and moves to a fictional sleepy village in the Highlands (Kirrinfief) to set up a mobile library. The book is more about the characters she meets than her life. It’s a feel-good, easy read, and you can’t beat a love interest with a happy ever after!
Ailsa:
The Crow Road by Iain Banks. I remember loving the characters, the familiarity, and the humour of this book when I first read it. The protagonist is a student from a small town in Argyll, (I felt a connection) who tries to solve a family mystery. It is a witty read with lots of dark humour.
If you would like a bespoke Scottish itinerary with a focus on literature, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today to start planning your dream trip, and if you need any more literary recommendations then please don’t hesitate to get in contact. For more inspiration, read: