scotland literary tour

Literary Tour of Scotland

From classic Scottish authors like Scott and Stevenson to popular modern writers like JK Rowling, a journey through Scotland can reveal many literary connections, from the elegant life of Edinburgh’s New Town to the inspiring landscapes of the Scottish Borders.

Perfect Time To Go

April - October

Number Of Nights

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• Tour Details

Starting in the picturesque town of Alloway, the Burns National Heritage Park and Trail celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns. The park takes in the cottage where the bard was born in 1759, a museum and a monument, as well as sites from his most famous works such as Auld Brig o’ Doon and Alloway Kirk and the Tam O’ Shanter Experience where modern technology brings an old tale to life.

Head south to Dumfries where more attractions offer an insight into Scotland’s most celebrated poet, including the Robert Burns Centre, Burns House and his Mausoleum. Pay a visit to Burns’ favourite pub ‘The Globe Inn’ where you can toast the Bard and even see his favourite chair. If time allows, visit Ellisland Farm to the north of Dumfries. This was Burns’ home for three years and where he found great inspiration for his poetry. Wigtown to the west of Dumfries is Scotland’s National Booktown where you can spend time browsing the shelves of bookshops, this makes for an enjoyable diversion for booklovers. Overnight in Dumfries area.

Head north-east to Moffat and onto St Mary’s Loch, a scenic spot with links to Sir Walter Scott, the English Lakeland poet William Wordsworth and also the Scots poet and writer James Hogg. (Look for the loch-side statue.) Continue east to Galashiels and Melrose to Abbotsford, built by Scott, and containing a treasure trove of Scottish historical and literary material. The famous scenic location of Scott’s View lies to the north-east. Overnight in The Borders area.

Travel north for Rosslyn Chapel, also mentioned by Scott, but more recently playing a crucial role in the plot of the blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code. Other literary sites in the Lothians are nearby, including Gullane in East Lothian. The attractive sandy beach here features in an exciting episode on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Catriona. Nearer Edinburgh, the little community of Swanston, below the Pentland Hills on the very edge of the city, is a setting for part of Stevenson’s St Ives. Overnight Edinburgh or East Lothian.

There are many more literary links in Scotland’s capital, perhaps the most literary place in Scotland and setting for the annual Edinburgh International Festival – a key event in the city’s festival calendar. Edinburgh has also the distinction of being designated the first World City of Literature by UNESCO. As an aid to creativity, the city has inspired writers from Robert Louis Stevenson (who used the story of the city’s real-life Deacon Brodie as a theme for his Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde) to Muriel Spark, whose book The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is deeply rooted in the city.

JK Rowling, meanwhile, created the Harry Potter series while living here. Other notable authors born here include Kenneth Grahame, writer of the children’s classic The Wind in the Willows and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. The city is also associated with contemporary writers, such as the detective novels of Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, as well as JK Rowling’s world of wizardry. The city’s Writers Museum explores the links between the city and Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson and you can also enjoy a literary pub tour. Overnight Edinburgh.

Head north for Perth, then onto Dunkeld. Signposts from the main road here mark The Hermitage, the woodlands by the River Braan. In the 18th century, an early Duke of Atholl built a picturesque folly, which still stands, overlooking the foaming river. It was called Ossian’s Hall, a reference to the then wildly-popular Poems of Ossian by James MacPherson. He was supposedly the discoverer of ancient Gaelic texts by a bard called Ossian, though the work was mostly from his imagination. His writings were the blockbusters of their day, translated into several European languages, and had a great impact on contemporary European literature – Goethe and Napoleon were fans!

From Dunkeld it is a very easy and pleasant drive along the edge of the Highlands north-eastwards via Blairgowrie to Kirriemuir. This former weaving town is a gateway to the Angus Glens. It was also the birthplace of JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. His birthplace house is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. His early years in Kirriemuir with his many brothers and sisters influenced the characters in his work. Even the outside wash house became his first theatre! There is a fascinating exhibition about Barrie’s life, as well as memorabilia and theatrical costumes. From Kirriemuir, return to Edinburgh via Dundee. Then travel south for an overnight in Edinburgh.

The above package includes:

• 5 nights hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
• Hire of self-drive car

Literary Tourism: Scotland

Kathleen Keenan

Kathleen Keenan is a writer and children's book editor in Toronto. In addition to Book Riot, she has written for Reel Honey, The Billfold, and The Canadian Press. She also edits a monthly newsletter for the indie bookstore A Novel Spot. Kathleen has an MA in English with a focus on nineteenth-century fiction, and there is nothing she loves more than a very long Victorian novel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @KathleenMKeenan or find her writing even more about books at kathleenmkeenan.com .

View All posts by Kathleen Keenan

I’m going to Scotland this month, and I could not be more excited because it’s my favourite place on earth. (So far! I haven’t been everywhere.) And one of the best things about Scotland is its rich literary history. The breathtaking scenery and fascinating history have inspired writers for hundreds of years. There are almost too many literary destinations in Scotland to choose from. 

A view of the Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. © User:Colin  /  Wikimedia Commons

I did what I could in one post. The route described below is a rough clockwise circle around Scotland that starts and ends in Edinburgh. (In other words, a dream vacation!) Without further ado, here are some of the best literary destinations in Scotland.

The Writers’ Museum is in a house originally built in 1622. By Stefan Schäfer, Lich [ CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL ], from Wikimedia Commons

Set aside an afternoon for a stroll along Leith Walk, a long street that connects the port area of Leith with the city centre. Leith is the setting for Irvine Welsh’s novel Trainspotting (though most of the movie was filmed in Glasgow).

If you’re looking for a guided literary tour of the city, you’re in luck. The Edinburgh Book Lovers’ Tour visits the favourite places of some of Scotland’s famous writers, including J.K. Rowling and Ian Rankin. Then there’s the Literary Pub Tour , which explores how pubs inspired many Scottish writers. There are even Inspector Rebus tours in honour of Rankin’s famous detective, as well as  guided Harry Potter tours .

THE BORDERS

Heading west, make time for a visit to Wigtown, Scotland’s “National Book Town,” which boasts tons of bookshops and its own literary festival.  

Burns was also from this area, so visit his birthplace and the cottage he lived in before heading north to…

GLASGOW AND AREA

Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo’s or the High Kirk of Glasgow. Photo by Michael Hanselmann [ CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons.

Before you leave the city, stop by one of its other beautiful churches and imagine what it might be like to broadcast a radio show from inside an abandoned one, just like the characters in Suhayl Saadi’s Psychoraag .

Then, head north out of Glasgow to Loch Katrine, the setting for Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake . With the famous Loch Lomond nearby, this area of Scotland is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

THE HEBRIDES AND WEST COAST

Sarah Main’s The House Between Tides is also set in the Hebrides, on a tidal island connected to the mainland by a causeway. If you have time, you can visit two tidal islands in the Hebrides: Oronsay and Baleshare.  

Back on the mainland, take the road known as Bealach na Ba near Applecross—the setting for Graeme Macrae Burnet’s bleak novel His Bloody Project . Admire the views and feel glad that you don’t live the life of a 19th-century crofter before heading northeast to…  

INVERNESS AND NORTH

When you’re tired of looking at the ocean, head to St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Magnus , a novel by George Mackay Brown, is about the life of this saint.

Slains Castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Revelation Space at English Wikipedia [ CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons

And on your way back down to Edinburgh, you can stop in a few more places. First up is J.M. Barrie’s birthplace, Kirriemuir . The Peter Pan author was born in a traditional weavers’ cottage, which meant the family lived upstairs and the ground floor was reserved for the loom.

Sadly, it’s time to go home—but you’ll definitely want to come back and hit all the literary destinations in Scotland that you missed this time around!

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BOOK LOVERS ' TOUR

“Gives you a sense of the real Edinburgh that is overlooked by many tourists.

It is an experience you should not miss" , national geographic.

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

FOR GROUP & PRIVATE TOURS

ALL YEAR ROUND

A guided walking tour visiting the sites and haunts of Edinburgh’s literary legends: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. J.M. Barrie, Alexander McCall-Smith, Ian Rankin, J.K. Rowling and others in the company of Allan Foster, author of Book Lovers’ Edinburgh: A Guide and Companion. Available for purchase on the tour!

Tour duration is 1.5 hours ( approx. )

Animation by Fabio Scaglione fabioscanimations.com

Literary Scotland

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £1275 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Charming and vibrant, Edinburgh is Scotland’s ancient capital city and a hub for culture and creativity. Edinburgh was the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature and has provided inspiration for writers such as J.K. Rowling and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Literary icons

Delve into the background of some of the most celebrated literary figures to emerge from Scotland and understand the land that influenced their writing and the setting where they first put pen to paper.

Trossachs National Park

Explore the romantic and inspiring Trossachs National Park, which was written about by Queen Victoria in her diary. Stop at Loch Katrine for a memorable journey on the Sir Walter Scott paddle steamer.

Burns Country

Discover the land that inspired Scotland’s National Poet, Rabbie Burns, and explore the museum dedicated to his life in the conservation village of Alloway. The picturesque village is also the home to Alloway Auld Kirk, the inspiration for the famous poem Tam O’Shanter.

Find inspiration

Find the writer in yourself through time spent relaxing and soaking in the wonderful scenery and landscapes across your journey. From views of mystical lochs to rolling green countryside these vistas have always invoked inspiration.

Scottish Borders

The borders have been home to many famous Scottish figures including Sir Walter Scott, author of such texts as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. Explore the abbeys and towns of this picturesque and less discovered region and visit Sir Walter Scott’s birthplace in Abbotsford.

A Literary Inspired Journey Through Scotland

Our literary tour of Scotland travels from Edinburgh to the Borders, the Burns Country of Ayrshire and through the Trossachs National Park, taking in the incredible landscapes that inspired some of the most famous Scottish writers, and indeed writers from around the world. From Robert Louis Stephenson to Sir Walter Scott, some of the finest writers in history have begun their work in Scotland. 

Scotland has provided inspiration to many writers both in the present day and throughout history. On this journey through southern and central Scotland discover the places that stirred Scotland’s finest writers, including the location where Sir Walter Scott overcame his writer’s block, the birthplace of Robert Burns, and the landscapes that inspired the romantic literature that kicked off Scottish tourism.

Beginning in Edinburgh, tour the streets that served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series and climb the Scott Monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. A trip to the Writers Museum hidden away in James’ Court off the famous Royal Mile is a must, as is a detour to Rosslyn Chapel featured in Dan Brown’s Davinci Code. 

From Edinburgh head towards the Scottish Borders, taking in the countryside that inspired many a storyline of Sir Walter Scott. Here, you can also visit the four impressive Border Abbeys of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh and Dryburgh in a relatively undiscovered and delightfully rural part of Scotland. 

Heading West you will explore the Burns Country of Ayrshire before travelling back through the beautiful Trossachs National Park. It is easy to see here, how the landscapes of Scotland have influenced great works of literature and we are sure you will leave inspired and full of wisdom about Scotland’s literary history. 

There are numerous book festivals that take place in Scotland throughout the calendar year, including the  world’s largest book festival in Edinburgh. There is scope to combine your holiday with one of these so please do mention if you are interested in this in your enquiry. 

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s impressive capital and UNESCO City of Literature. Climb the Scott Monument, the largest monument to a writer ever built, and discover why ‘Scotland never owed so much to one man’ – Sir Walter Scott. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Continue your literary adventure as we reserve you a place on the Edinburgh Book Lovers’ Tour. Visit the sites and haunts of Edinburgh’s literary legends – including Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, Ian Rankin, and J.K. Rowling. Overnight – Edinburgh 

Day 3: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Complete your time in Edinburgh with a final glance at the buildings that inspired Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spend time exploring the Writers’ Museum, before paying a visit to the monument to Rabbie Burns. Finally, discover famous literary quotes engraved in stone on the exterior of the Scottish Parliament. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 4: Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

Depart Edinburgh and search for the Holy Grail at Rosslyn Chapel as featured in the Da Vinci Code, before continuing your journey south into the beautiful Scottish Borders. Stop by Scott’s View and enjoy the vista over the Eildon Hills and the River Tweed, as Sir Walter Scott did before you. Overnight – Melrose

Day 5: The Borders Sightseeing

Immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired the ‘Father of Scottish Tourism,’ Walter Scott, and visit his former home at Abbotsford. Wander through Scott’s study where he wrote some of his most famous novels, before exploring his favourite Borders haunts that provided inspiration for many of his storylines and characters. Discover the delights of the Border Abbeys and the rural tranquillity of this beautiful area of Scotland. Overnight – Melrose

Day 6: The Borders to Ayrshire

Head west to Ayrshire and immerse yourself in the homeland of Robert Burns. Stop by the Tibbie Shiels Inn at St Mary’s Loch to discover where many of the finest Borders ballads were penned by Sir Walter and James Hogg, such as ‘the Ettrick Shepherd.’ Take a detour to Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town before arriving in Ayrshire. Overnight – Alloway

Day 7: Ayrshire Sightseeing

A full day to explore Burns Country and discover more about the man behind the genius. Visit the award-winning Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and discover the locations that inspired our National Bard’s famous poem, Tam O’Shanter. Overnight – Alloway

Day 8: Ayrshire to the Trossachs

Drive north from Ayrshire into the spectacular Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Discover the scenery that Queen Victoria loved so dearly and wrote about in her journal. Enjoy a taste of the Highlands and marvel at how quickly the scenery changes as you get closer to lochs and mountains. Overnight – Callander

Day 9: The Trossachs Sightseeing

Take the ‘High Road’ to Loch Lomond and discover the incredible scenery that inspired so many writers, and transformed Scotland from a land of savages to a desirable tourist destination. Take a pleasure cruise on the steamship Sir Walter Scott at Loch Katrine, where he wrote the acclaimed poem The Lady of the Lake. Breathe in the medicinal fresh air as Queen Victoria came to do, and see how easy it was for the writers of the day to be inspired by this wild, romantic landscape. Overnight – Callander

Day 10: The Trossachs to Edinburgh and Depart

If time allows, travel to the Kingdom of Fife to visit the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, who provided the inspiration for the classic novel Robinson Crusoe. Then travel over the Forth Road Bridge and into Edinburgh where your literary journey will end. Overnight – Callander

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 9 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
• 7 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
• Tickets for the Edinburgh Book Lovers' Tour
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

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10 Best Things to Do on a Book Lovers’ Tour of Edinburgh

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 20th March 2021  - Last updated: 7th April 2024

Categories Literary Guides , Edinburgh , Literary Travel , Travel , UK

This Edinburgh literary tour goes through all the essential sites in Edinburgh for book lovers. From Edinburgh bookshops to literary museums and Scottish landmarks, there’s plenty to explore on this Edinburgh book lovers’ tour!

Edinburgh was the world’s very first UNESCO City of Literature which is no surprise given the plethora of literary references to be found around the Scottish capital.

From the moment you step off the train, you find yourself in Edinburgh City of Literature. The train station itself is named after a book by a famous Scottish author – Waverly by Sir Walter Scott.

The city has connections to historic Edinburgh writers such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott as well as modern authors such as Ian Rankin and J.K.Rowling so there’s something for every kind of book lover.

This guide to Edinburgh for book lovers highlights some of the very best cultural things to do in the Scottish capital.

Now let’s begin the book lovers’ tour, Edinburgh’s literary gems are waiting to be discovered!

Writer’s Museum

No literary tour of Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh’s Writer’s Museum. Hidden away in Makars’ Court, this free museum in Edinburgh is a must-visit for book lovers.

The Writer’s Museum is dedicated to three of Scotland’s greatest literary figures: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The collection ranges from manuscripts and first editions to portraits and personal items. They have the printing press on which the Waverley Novels by Sir Walter Scott were first produced as well as the rocking chair he used as a child.

Some items you’d expect and others are quite unexpected like a ring given to Robert Louis Stevenson by a Samoan chief, engraved with ‘Tusitala’, which means ‘teller of tales’.

You don’t need to have read these authors’ works to appreciate the museum, indeed a visit to the museum is what inspired me to pick up their works.

Between them, some of their most famous works include Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Waverly and the song Auld Lang Syne.

Of course, in the museum’s small gift shop you can purchase titles by some of the most famous writers from Scotland including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Ian Rankin.

Outside the museum in the courtyard, you’ll see that the flagstones have been engraved with quotes from famous Scottish writers.

New flagstones are added on an ongoing basis and quotes range from 14th-century writer John Barbour to the more recent Muriel Spark.

There are no stars so lovely as Edinburgh street-lamps. Robert Louis Stevenson

Address : Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA Opening Hours : 10am – 5pm every day Website : www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum

Scott’s Monument

If you’re arriving at Edinburgh’s Waverly station (also related to Scott’s work) then you’ll see these towering monument as you exit and go towards Edinburgh centre.

What lots of people won’t know as they walk past this beautiful structure is that Scott’s Monument actually has a literary backstory.

This Victorian Gothic monument is dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. After his death in 1832, a competition was held to design a monument to this famous Scotsman.

The competition was won by a self-taught architect George Meikle Kemp and was completed in 1844, just over a decade after the author’s death.

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The architect actually went under the pseudonym “John Morvo”, the architect of  Melrose Abbey , and he feared his lack of qualifications would disqualify him from the competition.

However, the talented architect actually ended up creating the second-largest monument to a writer in the world!

Address : E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ

Golden Hare Books

Golden Hare Books is an award-winning bookshop based in Stockbridge. It’s one of Edinburgh’s most famous bookshops and for good reason.

Golden Hare Books is an incredibly well-curated bookshop, in fact, I’d even go so far as to say this is one of the  most well-curated  bookshops I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

It’s a fairly small shop and their selection of new books is not extensive, to be honest. However, each and every title they offer is worth the real estate it takes up in this shop.

You’ll find yourself moving slowly around this shop, struggling not to pick up and take home every single book you come across.

It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into which books they choose to stock on their shelves and they only have the very best recent releases.

This bookshop in Edinburgh won  Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2019 , beating all other bookshops in the UK and Ireland, and it’s a very well deserved title.

Address : 68  St Stephen Street, EH3 5AQ Opening Hours : 10am – 6pm every day Website :  goldenharebooks.com

The Elephant House

Elephant House has become one of Edinburgh’s most popular cafes over the years thanks to one very famous former visitor – J.K. Rowling.

Elephant House calls itself the “birthplace of Harry Potter”, which isn’t strictly true, but that hasn’t stopped droves of tourists from visiting each day.

As a result of this famous connection, the cafe gets very busy early on in the day and by 9:30am you can expect every table to be taken.

The food and drink here are nothing special, to be honest, and the main attraction is very much the Harry Potter connection and Harry Potter themed bathroom.

Every inch of the toilet’s yellow walls are covered in graffiti relating to Harry Potter.

There are quotes, deathly hallows symbols, thank you messages for JK Rowling and more.

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If you’re wondering about the cafe’s name, you only need to put one foot in the door to understand why it’s called “Elephant House”. There are over 600 model elephants of varying sizes inside this cafe!

What’s more, the cafe is known for its charitable donations to third-world countries and every visitor is encouraged to donate.

They fundraise for a number of different humanitarian organisations over the year, with the current one being  Children International .

J.K. Rowling is not the only writer to have graced these premises, however. Popular Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin also frequented this small cafe and mentions it a number of times in his works.

Address: 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (9am weekends) Website:  elephanthouse.biz

Greyfriars Kirkyard

A few minutes away from Elephant House is another historic Edinburgh site with a connection to Harry Potter.

Greyfriars Kirkyard (or churchyard) is a graveyard in which you’ll find some very familiar names on the tombstones.

Do the names William McGonagall, Anne and Robert Potter, Thomas Riddel, Elizabeth Moodie and Louise Scrimgeour sound familiar to you?

You could while away a decent chunk of time in there trying to find all the Potter-related graves yourself, or, you could check out my guide to the Harry Potter Graveyard in Edinburgh to easily locate them.

The graveyard is open 24/7 so you can slot this in whenever is most convenient on your Edinburgh book lovers tour. Visiting at night might be a little spooky though!

RELATED: Greyfriars Kirkyard: The Harry Potter Graveyard in Edinburgh

Address: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE Opening Hours: 24/7 Website:  greyfriarskirk.com/visit/kirkyard

Armchair Books

Armchair Books is the best place to shop for second hand books in Edinburgh. Not only is it my favourite bookshop in Edinburgh, it may just be one of my favourite second hand bookshop of all time!

Although my first trip to Edinburgh was only for a weekend, I managed to sneak in two visits to this wonderful bookshop during my time there.

Once, first thing in the morning on a solo wander around the town centre. The second when I dragged a friend along to the bookshop so she could see it too.

This Edinburgh bookshop is positively stuffed with books, which line the walls from floor to ceiling.

The shop winds round in a single path that leads you through each section and if you visit when it’s busy, you’ll have to squeeze past other bookworms as you make your way around.

Stepping into the bookshop feels like stepping into the past. Oriental rugs line the floors, old books line the walls and the smell of old books and browned pages surrounds you.

It’s as if someone had slapped the sepia filter on this shop with all the beautiful brown hues.

RELATED: 10 Edinburgh Bookshops to Visit

On the shelves, you’ll find a mix of popular modern releases from the past few decades as well as all the classics you can think of.

There are multiple editions of the most popular books so it’s a great place to browse for something you’ve had your eye on for a while but not had the chance to buy yet.

As of the time of writing, the shop is closed but delivering to Edinburgh locals by bike and you can find out more about this on their website  here . If you’re not based in Edinburgh, you can support them via  AbeBooks here .

For even more second-hand books, you can pop into Peter Bell Books next door, or wander further up the round to Edinburgh Books.

Address : 72-74 West Port, EH1 2LE Opening Hours : 10am – 6:30pm every day Website :  www.armchairbooks.co.uk

A few more places to tack on to your book lovers’ tour of Edinburgh if you have time include the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre and the National Library of Scotland.

I didn’t have time to visit these whilst on my weekend trip to Edinburgh so that’s an excuse to go back for another visit!

Scottish Storytelling Centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is the world’s first purpose-built modern centre for live storytelling.

It’s a wonderful arts venue that hosts a variety of cultural events to celebrate Scotland’s cultural heritage. From live storytelling to theatre, dance or music, there’s something for everyone here. Make sure to check out their event programme before you visit Edinburgh and see if anything takes your fancy.

As well as a vibrant programme of different cultural activities, you can also visit John Knox House. This dates back to 1470 making it the oldest, surviving original medieval building on the Royal Mile!

Inside you’ll find an exhibition exploring the Scottish Reformation as well as the centre’s bookshop. If interested, you can also arrange a guided tour of the house. History buffs won’t want to miss out on this historical gem in the centre of Edinburgh.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids then this is a wonderful stop to add to your itinerary as kids can play with the interactive Storywall. They can meet Nessie, the Gruffalo or listen to excerpts from Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island.

The Centre is also the hub for the  Scottish International Storytelling Festival , held each autumn.

Address : 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR Opening Hours : 10am to 6pm Tuesday – Sunday Website : www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com

National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland is Scotland’s largest library and, in addition to being a working library, it frequently hosts exhibitions. These exhibitions centre around all things cultural and historical and are not exclusive to books.

Some previous exhibitions include ‘Crime Scene Edinburgh: 20 Years of Rankin and Rebus’, ‘The International Style of Muriel Spark’ and ‘Game of Crowns: The 1715 Jacobite rising’.

Check out their website before your trip to Edinburgh to see if there’s anything that piques your interest.

What’s more, if you want to visit the library’s reading rooms for a spot of studying or quiet research then you can apply for a free reader’s card.

Anyone can join the National Library of Scotland so the library is not exclusive to students.

Address : George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW Opening Hours : 9:30am-7p:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 10am-5:pm Wednesday; 9:30am-5pm Friday, Saturday Website : www.nls.uk

Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

Edinburgh’s award-winning literary pub tour was first launched back in 1996 and since then over 150,000 people have taken part in their literary adventure!

The tour is hosted by professional actors, rather than your usual tour guides, so you can expect it to be highly entertaining and full of dramatics.

This literary pub tour takes you through the wynds (alleys), courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town.

You can expect live performances with a beer in hand, discussions about famous Scottish authors and their lives, interesting details about pubs with literary histories and lots more.

Both informative and fun, this tour is wonderful for book lovers in Edinburgh!

Tickets cost £14 online (£12 for concessions).

Check availability and buy tickets to Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour here.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh is best known for Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but there are plenty of other cultural festivals hosted in this city worth visiting.

One of them is the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which is an annual festival at Charlotte Square Gardens that takes places over the last three weeks of August.

It’s an enormous event with usually over 900 author events, discussions and activities for adults and children.

Authors who have previously attended the festival include the likes of Ian Rankin, Arundhati Roy, Hilary Mantel, Mieko Kawakami, Elif Shafak, Sarah Crossan, Matt Haig and more.

The next Edinburgh International Book Festival will take place from 14-30 August 2021 and the programme will be announced in late June.

They pivoted over the past year to offer the festival online and the sessions are still available to playback on their website if you’re looking for a taste of the festival.

They even hosted book signings via Zoom which is testament to the team’s hard work and creativity!

When : August Where : Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh Website : www.edbookfest.co.uk

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Literary Hotels

The place, edinburgh.

The Place in Edinburgh has a number of beautiful literary suites inspired by some of Scotland’s greatest writers. These are four themed suites available: Robert Louis Stevenson, love and romance (inspired by Edinburgh poets and romance writers), thrill and intrigue (inspired by crime writers such as Rankin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) and enchantment (inspired by the likes of JM Barrie, JK Rowling, Daniel Defoe and Iain M. Banks).

Each literary suite has its own library with books chosen according to the theme of the room. If one takes your fancy you can even purchase the books from the library to take home with you!

Prices start from £115 per night.

Check availability and book a room at The Place here.

Want more Edinburgh posts? Check out these: 11 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh 10 Best Bookshops in Edinburgh 17 Day Trips from Edinburgh A Guide to Harry Potter in Edinburgh The Harry Potter Graveyard in Edinburgh

If you liked this post, check out my other literary travel guides: Literary Tour of Oxford Literary Tour of Bath Literary Tour of York Literary Tour of Rye Literary Tour of Dublin Literary Tour of Copenhagen

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Scotland Literary Tour: Edinburgh, Swanston, Glasgow & More

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If you loved Treasure Island and tore through the seven books of the Harry Potter series, if you’ve ever recited a Burns poem or dazzled at the adventures of Sir Walter Scott, or if you’ve ever wanted to know the true story behind Shakespeare’s Macbeth, then this unique tour of Scotland is sure to be one you’ll never forget.

Customizable Itinerary

Edinburgh - starting your tour in scotland’s charming capital.

This morning you land in Edinburgh, ready to explore this incredible country and learn more about her most famous scribblers and stories. A private car will pick you up from the airport and take you to your centrally located and incredibly luxurious hotel, where you can drop-off your bags and freshen up before hitting the streets of this inspiring and unique capital city. Your first stop while in Scotland is atop the gentle rise of Calton Hill, where you’ll gain purchase for phenomenal vistas over the ancient city below and out to the Scottish countryside and the mighty Firth of Forth. There are also a number of notable monuments atop the hill, from the eerie incompleteness of the National Monument, to the terraced tower that marks the victory of Horatio Nelson at Trafalgar, to the graceful columned rotunda serving as the monument to Scotland’s national poet, the immortal Robert Burns.

Descend the hill back to the city just in time for dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants. The Witchery near Edinburgh Castle is particularly fine, offering excellent fare, impeccable service, a charming ambience and one of the best wine lists in the city.

What's Included:

Edinburgh - The Best of Scottish Writers and the Best of Scottish Culture

Start your tour of Edinburgh in fine fashion as you stroll the Royal Mile, a stretch of street making its way past some of the most historic and fascinating points in Edinburgh. Start high atop Castle Rock at the imposing and impregnable Edinburgh Castle, the center of the city for more than five centuries and currently home to the excellent National War Museum of Scotland and the Honours of Scotland, the oldest set of Crown Jewels in Great Britain.

Make your way down into the heart of the city, passing the Heart of Midlothian street mosaic which marks the former location of the Old Tolbooth and St. Giles Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh topped with a beautiful and unique crown spire. End your walk at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom while in Scotland and one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. You’ll certainly want to walk the immaculate grounds and tour the sumptuous interior, which includes a sample of the Royal Collection on display in the Queen’s Gallery.

Then it’s on to 10 North Bank Street and Lady Stair’s House, where you’ll discover the magnificent exhibits at the Writer’s Museum, detailing the lives of three of Scotland’s favorite literary sons: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. You’ll find a number of fascinating artifacts here, from portraits to personal objects, before turning to the inscribed stone slabs of Makars’ Court, where some of the country’s most famous writers are lauded in their own words, from James Boswell to Douglas Young.

This evening, engage in Edinburgh’s more morbid history as you take a guided ghost walk through the heart of the Old Town, regaling you with the history and legends of some of Scotland’s most notorious convicts and the city’s most ignoble locations.

Edinburgh - South of Edinburgh and Scott’s Stomping Grounds

Travel to the outskirts of Edinburgh and the quaint village of Swanston, nestled cozily at the feet of Caerketton Hill. This picturesque collection of thatched cottages and winding lanes was the summer home of Robert Louis Stevenson for much of the 1870s, and it was here that the famous novelist wrote one of his lesser-known works, St. Ives . (Stephenson is also alleged to have written his classic tale of adventure Treasure Island in the shade of a nearby tree, but these claims are dubious.)

Continue south until you reach the 15th century edifice of the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, better known as Rosslyn Chapel, whose Gothic beauty inspired poetry from Sir Walter Scott and whose medieval origins have inspired numerous myths and legends. The most prominent of these—that the building family of Rosslyn Chapel was directly related to Jesus Christ—assumed particular popularity after the publishing of the pseudohistorical Holy Blood, Holy Grail and the bestselling-novel The Da Vinci Code .

After exploring the gorgeous and mysterious carvings that fill the castle, you’ll turn to the stately beauty of Abbotsford House, the former mansion of Sir Walter Scott, cast upon a beautiful river scene and built of recaptured stone from nearby castles and manor houses under Scott’s own watchful eye. A visitors center, which was built in 2012, offers a small but fascinating exhibition of Scott’s life and the house’s history, and the grounds of the castle are truly magnificent, from the walled gardens within the castle to the untamed wilderness beyond.

Your final stop for today is the coastal village of Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town and one of the most charming areas in the Scottish borderlands. You can make your way through the dozen booksellers and publishers or simply stroll the darling streets of this one-of-a-kind destination.

Glasgow - A Red Red Rose and the Bonnie Bonnie Banks

Today is dedicated to exploring the life, times and works of Scotland’s national poet, the immortal Robert Burns, one of the most beloved writers of the English language. You begin today in the town of Ayr, formerly known as Alloway, at the Burns National Heritage Park, where you’ll get a glimpse of the whitewashed, thatched-roof cottage in which he was born, an informative and engaging museum, and a beautiful and tasteful monument to Scotland’s best-loved bard. Visit the nearby Burns House, where the poet penned some of his favorite works. It has become a literary pilgrimage destination, visited by some of the best-known names in English literature, from William Wordsworth to John Keats to Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

After grabbing a quick drink at The Globe Inn, Burns’s favorite watering hole and a charming Scottish pub, you’ll turn north to the land of lochs and the shore of the largest lake by area in the country, the much-celebrated Loch Lomond. You can mosey past the loch’s wooded shores or set out for one of the many islands that dot the water’s surface before turning into the rugged stretch of country called The Trossachs. The area dazzles with its startling beauty and is known for being the home of the famous cattle rustler Rob Roy, a Scottish folk hero whose exploits have served as the inspiration for Defoe’s The Highland Rogue and Scott’s marvelous novel Rob Roy . The evening sees you in Glasgow, where you can enjoy the many fine restaurants and cozy pubs of this, the largest city in Scotland

Kirriemuir - The Gorgeous Countryside of Scotland

Travel north of Glasgow to encounter the scenic shores of Loch Katrine, a long and gorgeous freshwater loch whose northern shores host the birthplace of Rob Roy and whose otherworldly beauty and undeniable mystery inspired Scott’s famous poem “The Lady of the Lake,” a work that greatly inspired the Highland Revival of the late 19th century. You can cruise Loch Katrine’s brilliant blue waters on board the historic steamship The Sir Walter Scott before alighting on the eastern shore and traveling to Dunkeld, a quaint town situated in the heart of Big Tree Country and the inspiration for the woods at Duskendale that moved from the sea and spelled the end for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In this gorgeous forest, you’ll find the many delightful buildings and unforgettable scenery of The Hermitage, featuring the decorative buildings constructed by the Dukes of Atholl – the lords of nearby Dunkeld House – like Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors and Ossian’s cave, named in honor of an ancient poet that served as the purported author of some of James Macpherson’s best known poetic cycles.

After taking one of the splendid nature walks through the area, you’ll visit the medieval village of Kirriemuir, a place with a rich history and famed literary culture. Kirriemuir was the birthplace of J.M. Barrie , the author and creator of Peter Pan , and his former home has been turned into a delightful museum that is run by the National Trust of Scotland.  You’ll be sure to enjoy the quiet charm of this singular town, from the alleged narrowest footpath in Western Europe at Cat’s Close to the intricately carved Eassie Stone to the darling statue of Peter Pan in the heart of the town’s center.

Edinburgh - Turning to Glamis, Returning to Edinburgh

Today, you finish your tour of the gorgeous Scottish Lowlands at one of the most famous buildings in the area: Glamis Castle. You’ll get a chance to tour this remarkable 14th-century structure that served as the ancestral seat of the Bowes-Lyon family, and as the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the former Queen Mother of the United Kingdom. Here, you’ll experience a wonderful guided tour that will detail all of the many myths, legends, and stories that accompany the history of this imposing edifice, from the stories of the frightening Monster of Glamis to the somewhat comical legend of Earl Beardie, a morality tale about the dangers of playing cards on the Sabbath. And, of course, you’ll learn about the historical roots and Shakespeare’s extensive liberties as your tour guide gives you the scoop on what really happened to King Malcolm in the deep bowels of the castle, as well as the Elizabethan retelling of the story that turned into one of the Bard’s best-known tragedies, the dark and frightening Macbeth .

This afternoon sees you heading south to return to the headwaters of the Firth of Forth and the bustling streets of Edinburgh, where you’ll have the rest of the day and evening at your leisure. You can visit one of the city’s fine museums or peruse the fine clothing and home goods in the New Town. Princes Street is particularly noteworthy, and Multrees Walk is the home to the best-known houses of haute couture, from Louis Vuitton to Links of London. You can also return to the Royal Mile to find quintessential Scottish gifts, from woolen goods in scores of clan tartans to fine Scottish fudge to the tastiest drams of single malt whisky.

Edinburgh - Departing Scotland

After a delicious and hearty breakfast at your luxurious hotel, a private car will take you to the Edinburgh airport, where you’ll board the flight that will take you back home. Your heart will be filled with the memories and experiences of the past week, the stories of great Scotsmen and the poems of the country’s best-loved bards, and the thoughts of the friendly people that you met and whom you’ll never forget.

Trip Highlights

• Discover enchanting Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and the inspiration for a wide swath of the country’s greatest writers, from Robert Louis Stevenson to J.K. Rowling
• Visit Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Sir Walter Scott and mentioned in The Da Vinci Code , before setting out to Scott’s home at Abbotsford and Scotland’s best town for bibliophiles
• Turn south of Glasgow to discover the home of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns before heading north into the country of Scotland’s best-known outlaw
• Tour the scenic Lowlands north of Edinburgh, from the majestic halls of Glamis Castle to the charming village of Kirriemuir

Detailed Description

Flanked by the estimable literary nations of England and Ireland, the traditions of prose and poetry in Scotland are often overlooked, but make no mistake: this rugged and romantic nation has produced its share of wordsmiths and bards. From the beloved novels of Sir William Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, to the immortal verse of Robert Burns, this weeklong tour will show you all the highlights of Scotland’s rich writing traditions, as well as the country’s scintillating scenery. And with locals that are as memorable as they are engaging, this is sure to be a trip that creates more than a few stories all its own. 

Explore the homes and birthplaces of some of Scotland’s most famous literati, from Scott’s expansive estate at Abbotsford to the thatch-roofed cottage where Burns was born. Come face to face with some of the places that have inspired Scots for generations, from the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine to the august walls of Glamis Castle and Rosslyn Chapel. Visit the country’s biggest cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, and perambulate through some of her quaintest villages like Kirriemuir and Ayr. Of course, be sure to make a quick stop at Scotland’s National Book Town of Wigtown , where you can check out the wares of more than a dozen reputable booksellers.

Romantic novels of daring and chivalry from the 18th century and lyrical odes to the Scottish countryside, stories of patriots and heroes and celebrated songs of the best of Scotland’s scenery, even the place where Harry Potter was born can all be found in this incredible country. There is inspiration here waiting to be found, magic waiting to be discovered, and stories waiting to be told; so bring your travel journal and love of language because this is definitely a trip for the bookworm in all of us.

Starting Price

$2,725  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Literary Tours

Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's literary heritage with guided tours, tracing the footsteps of famous authors and exploring literary landmarks.

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Rebus tours, literary tours, Ian Rankin, Edinburgh

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Latest in Tours

The One Day Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh

This is our most popular day trip the Highlands covering Loch Ness and Glencoe and taking in some of the most dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Glencoe and perhaps a cruise on Loch Ness cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle. Runs 360 days a year.

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Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Every Day

This one day tour from Edinburgh takes you to Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, and introduces you to the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy. Runs everyday, all year.

Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose & Glenkinchie Distillery Day Tour

Monday, Thursday, Saturday

Travel South from Edinburgh to visit Rosslyn Chapel (of the 'Da Vinci Code'),  explore Melrose Abbey, and then be travel from the spiritual to the spiritful with a tour and dram at Glenkinchie Distillery! Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays all year.

1 Day Holy Island, Alnwick Castle Tour

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

1 day tour into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England; once the most important centre of religious learning and arts in the British Isles.  Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick and its stunning castle. Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays, April-October from Edinburgh.

Mountains, Lochs & Castles Day Tour from Edinburgh

Something of an Outlander in a day with its visit to Doune Castle.  Experience scenic lochs, impressive mountains, historic castles, visit a pretty Highland village and explore the picturesque lochside town of Inveraray. Runs Daily all year.

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Our History

 The Trust has been producing literary-based productions throughout Scotland since 1996 on a regular basis, gathering a strong portfolio of theatre – promenade productions aimed at the cultural tourism and educational sector. 

T he most significant production to date is the highly popular and award-winning ‘Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour.’ This entertaining dramatic romp through 300 years of Scottish literary history appeals to people of all ages, local and international visitors alike. It welcomes students and young people over the age of 18 who can appreciate the entertainment value, whilst learning about Scottish writers and their lives. The tour won The Scottish Thistle Award for Arts and Tourisim in 1997. Click here for an in depth contextualisation of the tour

THE MAKARS’ LITERARY TOUR

The Scottish Literary Tour Trust Ltd (our parent company) also produced The Makars’ Literary Tour: An interactive journey spanning 500 years of Scottish literature! This tour was performed at the site of Scotland’s first evolving national literary monument; The Makars’ Court at The Writers’ Museum – a literary commemoration in stone. It celebrates the lives and works of Scottish Makars and stresses the role of the poet or author as a skilled and versatile worker in the craft of writing. The tour was aimed at students of Scottish literary history and younger pupils studying Scottish literature as part of the school curriculum – consisting of a lively immersive theatre performance across The Makars’ Court. The SLTT devised and produced a comprehensive teachers’ pack and an interactive CD ROM, which was then distributed to secondary schools throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians with funding from The Scottish Arts Council, to enhance the learning experience in preparation of student visits to the site. Click here to learn more about The Makars’ Literary Tour

  THE EDINBURGH LITERARY BUS TOUR

First launched as a pilot in 2009 and winner of a TIDA Award, the Tourism Innovation Development Award, this project was the first literary tour of its kind on wheels in Edinburgh! Encompassing the spectrum of literary heritage and the work of current contemporary writers, professional actors provided a dramatised narrative commentary in an entertaining bus tour around Edinburgh. Set against Edinburgh’s unique literary landscape, education and cultural tourism prove themselves to be excellent bedfellows!

  LANDLINES

The SLTT launched Land Lines in 2001 at The Edinburgh International Book Festival. An illustrated guide to the literature and landscape of Scotland, an inspiring and imaginative journey over a panoramic sweep of Scottish Literary history – inviting you to travel through time and place, memory and emotion, as expressed through the personal vision of our writers and poets. This richly illustrated story of the changing shape of Scotland is underpinned and illuminated by a mastery of narrative, seamlessly and subtly blending stories and verse, fact with fiction.

The SLTT currently has plans to publish a second edition of Land Lines, in conjunction with a national photography competition in 2024.

    THE GLASGOW LITERARY TOUR

The SLTT produced The Glasgow Literary Tour- a hilarious and fascinating walk – arm in arm – with the great writers and characters, who throughout the generations, Glasgow has made her own. Experience a city according to the imagination of “Scott, Burns, McGonagal, Alasdair Gray, Edwin Morgan, Willaim Mclivanney and many more! Whit’s the odds, its aw Glasgow!

Let our professional actors crack the veneer of Glasgow’s classic myths, through a dramatic script packed with fun, fact, stories and poetry. A brilliant and witty journey exploring Glasgow’s influence on writers and poets-inspired by the unique vibrant atmosphere for which the city is renowned.

Our Mission

The Scottish Literary Tour Trust Ltd aims to produce unique literary projects which entertain and inform a wide audience through the collaboration of Scottish talent past and present. Our objective is to raise awareness of Scotland’s rich literary heritage throughout the world.

Founder’s Note

Morris Paton

I founded the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour in 1996 and we won The Scottish Thistle Award in 1997 for “Arts & Tourism”, presented by Visit Scotland, now referred to as “Cultural Tourism”, but in those days it was in its infancy. The idea of collaborating with writers and actors to bring a place to life – exploring a literary rural or urban landscape, just seemed like common sense at the time. Now I think the qualities that professionally trained actors can bring to the table, as great communicators in a variety of situations, is much more appreciated than it was. Hurray!  It was always such a waste of energy waiting on all these tables and not getting the opportunity to flex our creative muscles in a professional working environment post drama-school.

With the enthusiasm that a new award for a project can bring, we set about rolling out other literary tours across the country; in The Highlands, The Scottish Borders and in Glasgow. We also piloted The Edinburgh Literary Bus Tour, departing daily from the site of “The Edinburgh International Book Festival”, ironically somewhat de-railed by the development of Edinburgh’s new tram system at the time.

It was a natural progression to begin working within the Educational sector and we spent many years animating The Makars’ Court , in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket – Scotlands’ only National Literary Monument to Literature, where we invited school groups and teachers, culminating in a teachers-pack and accompanying CD ROM, which tells you just how long ago it was! Distributed to secondary schools throughout Edinburgh and The Lothian’s, the pack served as a pre site-specific aid and as a useful tool to assist with the learning of Scottish Literature, as part of the curriculum in the classroom. This seminal work has many strategic partners working in collaboration with it’s development and we are proud to be a catalyst for further development if we can. New development work in this unique and important space has been reactivated to continue throughout 2023 and beyond.

The culmination of our animated work in “literary topography” came with the launch of our first title, “Land Lines”, an exploration of 300 years of Scottish literary history, published by Polygon and launched at The Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2003. It sold well throughout The UK and The States, (both paper-back and hard copies) and is now something of a collector’s item. The Trust will soon be announcing plans for the launch of a second edition in conjunction with a Scotland wide photography exhibition.

I think on reflection, we were a bit premature with some of our pioneering projects and some of them definitely deserve a second outing: The Glasgow Literary Tour, The Makars’ Literary Tour and of course who doesn’t love a good bus tour….  With your help and support and by simply joining us on our tours you can help us to keep our ideas alive.

Meet the team

Paul Murray

Paul Murray lives in Edinburgh. He trained at Edinburgh College in 1988/89. Since leaving college, he has worked with various Scottish theatre companies, including The Lyceum, Traverse, Fifth Estate, Baldy Bane, Catch Theatre, Frantic Redhead. Productions include: Trelawny of the Wells, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beauty and the Beast, The Archives of Countess D, Kepler, Counsel of Butterflies, Macbeth, The Burning, St Joan, A Man for All Seasons, and The Shepherd beguiled.

Dewi Wynne Jones

Welsh actor Dewi Wynne Jones has performed extensively in short films, Fringe and touring productions including Vincent Van Gogh, Misbegotten Son; Lord Windermere, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Nissim and Christmas on Mars. After spending two years in San Francisco, mainly performing light hearted revues in the city’s Lavender Lounge, he returned to Edinburgh to travel with educational projects and join the tour.

Mike Daviot

Michael has been an actor-playwright for forty years, twenty of them in England. Roles include Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Elyot Chase in Private Lives and Prospero in The Tempest. He has written and performed seven solo plays, including Hyde & Seek, Nosferatu’s Shadow and the recently completed A Noble Clown, about the great Scottish actor, Duncan Macrae.

Hazel Murray

Originally from Dundee, Hazel has lived in Edinburgh since 1997. She was a founder member of Secret Theatre; an inclusive theatre company who performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. She has appeared in various productions including; The Hobbit, Garden of Delight, The passion play, conflict in court and Macbeth.

Marilyn Blyth Wilson

Marilyn is an award winning actress, theatre maker and teacher. She works in theatre, film and voice. Most recently she has been assistant director for Surge Scotland Festival and Community Project – Fife pride.

Dougal Lee has appeared in hundreds of plays, including as many as seventy at Pitlochry, where his Jack Tanner in Shaw’s ‘Man and Superman’ was nominated for a Best Actor CATS award. He was the original George in the long-running West End French farce ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’, apt casting for an English graduate whose specialism was pre-1600 Scottish poetry.

Riley Stewart

Riley started off his life as a motor vehicle mechanic and then worked in a factory until he retrained as a mature student to become a professional actor. In his professional career, he has worked for Hull Truck Theatre Company in Bouncers and Happy families were he extensively toured the UK. Not only has Riley performed in theatre, he has worked across all mediums as an an actor. He has appeared on TV in Born and Bred for the BBC, and worked for Channel 5 and Nickelodeon. His film work includes; Burning Men, Shadow Gene, Film and Crossing Bridges. He has also appeared in several short films, and also performed in a radio play titled Medium Risk .  You can also hear him play all the male roles in a radio series titled Tantallon Tales on the platform Dramafy. He has also written, directed and performed in an original short film titled I am Here . Riley also has experience performing improv and Stand up comedy. He enjoys relaxing by shouting at the TV.

Blair Flucker

Blair Flucker is an actor and dancer from Scotland. He first discovered his passion for the performing arts when he joined a youth theatre company as a child. He then went on to study drama and physical theatre at high school and college, before going on to Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting for Stage and Screen. Blair discovered his love of dancing in 2014 when he was cast in Matthew Bourne’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ in Glasgow. Since then he has performed in various theatre productions including ‘Angels in America’ with New Celts Productions, ‘The Greenhouse’ with his own company Southpaw Productions and ‘Four Go Wild in Wellies’ with IndepenDance since 2018. Working on ‘Four Go Wild in Wellies’ has given Blair the experience of travelling and touring with the show throughout Scotland, England and Colombia.

Paul announces Europe dates for the 2024 'Got Back' tour

⁠PAUL ANNOUNCES  GOT BACK TOUR 2024 Paul and the band will visit Paris, Madrid, Manchester and London this December TICKET INFORMATION HERE!

Wednesday 4th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Thursday 5th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Monday 9th December - Wizink Centre, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Tuesday 10th December - Wizink Centre, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Saturday 14th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Sunday 15th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Wednesday 18th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠Thursday 19th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK

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Paul will bring his acclaimed Got Back tour to Europe this December!

Fulfilling his promise to 'get back', Paul will return to France, Spain and the UK with his Got Back  tour. Earlier this month, Paul announced his first live shows of 2024 with the next leg of the tour launching in South America this October.  

With songs like ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Band on the Run’,  ‘Let It Be’ and so many more, the Paul McCartney live experience is everything any music lover could ever want from a rock show: hours of the greatest moments from the last 60 years of music – dozens of songs from Paul’s solo, Wings and of course Beatles catalogues that have formed the soundtracks of our lives.

This will mark Paul’s first European show since his iconic Glastonbury headlining performance in 2022. Hailed as “one of the greatest gigs of all time” by The Times and “a masterclass from the greatest living cultural figure in this country’s history” by The i, it was also Paul and his band’s 500th show together! These dates will see McCartney return for his first live performance in Paris in six years - in 2018 he played at La Defense Arena, where he is making his return. The wait has been longer for Spaniards, where he last played eight years ago, in 2016 at Estadio Vincente Calderon.

Paul launched his Got Back tour in 2022, completing 16 huge shows across the US before performing his history-making set at Glastonbury in June 2022. In 2023 Paul performed 18 incredible shows as the Got Back tour rocked through Australia, Mexico and Brazil.

PRE-SALE AND GENERAL SALE TIMINGS ARE STAGGERED BY COUNTRY

Wednesday 4th December - La Défense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Thursday 5th December - La Défense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Monday 9th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Tuesday 10th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Saturday 14th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Sunday 15th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST ⁠ ⁠Wednesday 18th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠Thursday 19th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST ⁠ ⁠ ⁠Visit the Got Back 2024 tour page for more information and ticket links , and keep an eye out for more news coming soon...

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15 Scottish Tour Ideas for Book Lovers

Who could deny the literary appeal of Scotland? Rugged mountains, misty islands, dazzling cities, a country both ancient and modern; in short, a writer’s dream.

No wonder there are so many Scottish tours inspired by books, poems, poets and authors. Which of the following places are you drawn to?

Literary Edinburgh Edinburgh

The Writer's Museum, Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh is buzzing with literary landmarks. From Charles Dickens to Sir Ian Rankin, Muriel Spark, Irvine Welsh, J.K Rowling, and Alexander McCall Smith – the list of writers associated with the city is long and distinguished. Tours are widely available, from must see  Harry Potter  locations to fascinating days out at attractions like the National Museum of Scotland and Writers’ Museum.

George Mackay Brown's Orkney Orkney

Orkney is a treasure trove of historic attractions and things to do. It was also the birthplace of one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers: George Mackay Brown. His poems and prose were intertwined with these windswept islands north of the mainland, characterised by vivid imagery and local detail. A dedicated trail has been created to help visitors connect with the places that influenced his writing, which takes around two to three hours.

Anne Cleeves' Love of Shetland Shetland

Sands of Meal

© Promote Shetland / Euan Myles

‘I enjoy writing about the islands because they are dynamic, changing and energetic,’ writes Ann Cleeves, ‘don’t come to Shetland imagining a Viking theme park, a place fixed in the past.’ Having set numerous novels in Shetland, Ann Cleeves has inspired many people to visit the islands. Now adapted for TV, many of the places featured in Cleeves’ novels are world famous. Book a visit to this northern archipelago and, ideally, a local tour guide to share in her fascination.

A Literary Self-Drive Tour of Scotland Across Scotland

Mennock Pass

Iconic literary spots can be found all over Scotland – it’s the perfect excuse for a road trip. A self-drive tour offers freedom of choice and accommodation that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Discover the places associated with Scotland’s finest writers, including the location where Sir Walter Scott overcame his writer’s block and the house where Robert Burns was born. This could be the trip of a lifetime for book lovers.

Rabbie Burns Tour Alloway

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

The poet Robert Burns (affectionately known as  Rabbie ) is synonymous with Scotland. For admirers of his work, and those who want to learn a little bit more, have you considered taking a special Rabbie Burns tour? This tour will take you to Alloway in Ayrshire where he was born and raised, to places that inspired him and came to life in his poetry. Spend a full day exploring the Burns Museum, Burns Monument, Auld Alloway Kirk and other fascinating sites.

Travel in search of Walter Scott Scottish Borders

Melrose Abbey

Immerse yourself in the literary landscape of south Scotland and connect with one of Scotland’s most famous writers: Sir Walter Scott. Visit stunning buildings like Scott’s Abbotsford and Melrose Abbey, brimming with literary inspiration. Local tours are widely available and you can reach this part of Scotland easily by public transport. South Scotland is also renowned for its beautiful landscapes and dark skies free from light pollution.

Visit the Outer Hebrides through the eyes of Peter May Outer Hebrides

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Peter May’s  Lewis Trilogy  is a series of gripping crime thrillers set in the Outer Hebrides. Fans of the books have been drawn to visit the islands and explore key literary locations. These include the Ness harbour breakwater and the rocky headland where the Butt Lighthouse marks the edge of Europe. The island of Eriskay also features, as well as South Uist. Planning a visit? Be sure to download the Peter May leaflet with a map and locations.

The Beatrix Potter Exhibition Dunkeld

The Beatrix Potter Garden situated to the rear of The Birnam Arts Centre

Dunkeld & Birnam and the surrounding area is a great place to spend a holiday in Scotland. Children’s author Beatrix Potter spent many happy summers here in Perthshire as a child, and the area is thought to have fed into her work. The Beatrix Potter Exhibition at Birnam Arts Centre celebrates her links to the area and is a fantastic family day out. Take a walk through the idyllic Beatrix Potter Garden and see if you can find Peter Rabbit himself!

Find out about J.M. Barrie at Moat Brae Dumfries & Galloway

Moat Brae - National Centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling

J.M. Barrie lived in Dumfries from 1873 to 1878 before writing  Peter Pan . During his time in Dumfries, he often visited Moat Brae and went on to say that the gardens were ‘enchanted lands’ to him that inspired the world of Neverland. Today you’ll find amazing exhibitions and displays that families can enjoy including the Neverland Discovery Garden. Those eager to find out more about Barrie could also tour his birthplace, a traditional weaver’s house in Kirriemuir.

• Pets Welcome
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Scotland's Storybook Trail Across Scotland

Statue of Peter Pan in Kirriemuir town centre, Angus

Trace the footsteps of some of your favourite childhood stories and authors along Scotland’s Storybook Trail. From  The Gruffalo  to  The Wind in The Willows , and of course  Harry Potter , Scotland has been instrumental to the work of many children’s authors. Be sure to stop by the city of Dundee and tour hotspots associated with  Beano  and  Oor Wullie , two of Scotland’s most beloved comics and cartoons.

Glasgow for Book Lovers Glasgow

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow

Glasgow is the birthplace of some of Scotland’s most famous writers including Liz Lochhead and Alasdair Gray. It has also been a setting for brilliant novels such as Iain Banks’  The Crow Road , Douglas Stuart’s  Shuggie Bain  and tense crime thrillers by Denise Mina. Literary must-visits include Glasgow Necropolis, The Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts and Glasgow Women’s Library. Tours can be arranged, or you could even attend the Aye Write Festival which takes place annually.

Argyll & Bute - A well of literary inspiration Argyll & The Isles

Scalpsie Bay

‘It was the day my grandmother exploded.’ Now that’s a first line. Many will remember this outrageous opening from Iain Banks’  The Crow Road  which has the fictional Argyll town of Gallanach at centre stage. Argyll was also influential to  1984 , George Orwell’s dystopian classic, which he wrote on the remote Isle of Jura. Many visitors come to this part of Scotland for the landscapes, but it is also the perfect setting for a literary tour.

Tour Outlander Locations Across Scotland

Jamie and Claire get married in the Glencorse Old Kirk

© 2014 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved

There’s something special about  Outlander  that makes people want to visit Scotland – the story of Claire and Jamie is truly compelling. There are plenty of tours and knowledgeable tour guides across Scotland that will take you round filming locations from the TV series and the places that inspired the books. From the pretty village of Falkland to the eerie battleground of Culloden, you will experience many familiar sites as well as hidden gems.

Literary connections in Aberdeenshire and the Northeast Aberdeenshire

Slains Castle at sunset

The northeast of Scotland is sometimes overlooked as a literary destination, but there are some definite must-visits. For example, the Grassic Gibbon Centre in the Mearns countryside tells the story of James Leslie Mitchell, author of  Sunset Song  – named the best Scottish novel of all time. You could also visit the area around Cruden Bay, which is thought to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s  Dracula .

Tour the Highlands in true literary style Scottish Highlands

Lochan Urr in Glen Etive, Highlands

Travelling to the Highlands is always exciting, as there is so much to explore. Many writers have found solace in the hills and landscapes of this iconic part of Scotland. Why not base your trip around a great book? You could visit the Cairngorms through the eyes of Nan Shepherd. Her book  The Living Mountain  describes her journeys into the hills in unique and lyrical style. Or you could visit Dingwall, the setting for Neil Gunn’s tale of life at sea  The Silver Darlings . The Highlands also feature in Walter Scott’s  Waverley  novels, as well as the poems of Norman MacCaig.

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Watch CBS News

Taylor Swift fans danced so hard during her concerts they created seismic activity in Edinburgh, Scotland

By Caitlin O'Kane

June 13, 2024 / 4:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Taylor Swift's Era's Tour has broken huge records in ticket sales , but her concerts in Edinburgh, Scotland, just tipped another scale — the seismic scale. Fans at her concerts last weekend danced so hard they generated seismic activity that was felt nearly four miles away from the Murrayfield Stadium, according to the British Geological Survey.

BGS says three songs consistently generated the most seismic activity during each of the three Edinburgh shows: "…Ready For It?" "Cruel Summer" and "champagne problems." 

"…Ready For It?" starts with a loud, blown out bass beat and is 160 beats per minute, making it the perfect song for triggering seismic shakes, BGS said. The crowd transmitted about 80 kilowatts of power, or about the amount of power created by 10 to 16 car batteries, according to BGS. 

The Friday, June 7 concert showed the most seismic activity, with the ground showing 23.4 nanometers of movement, BGS found.

While the crowd shook the Earth enough for it to register at BGS' monitoring stations miles from the venue, people in the immediate vicinity of the stadium were likely the only ones to feel the Earth shaking.

This is not the first time a crowd has created a quake — and Swifties are usually the culprits. 

During a 2011 NFL playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints at what was then called Qwest Field in Seattle, Marshawn Lynch made a play that drove the crowd so wild they caused shaking that registered on a seismometer.

Scientists were interested in the stadium shake, which earned Lynch a new nickname: "Beast Quake." But last July, Swift proved it's not just football fans who can create tremors in Seattle. During her Eras Tour concert at the venue, a quake registered on the same seismometer.

"The actual amount that the ground shook at its strongest was about twice as big during what I refer to as the Beast Quake (Taylor's Version)," Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a geology professor at Western Washington University, told CBS News at the time. "It also, of course, lasted for hours. The original Beast Quake was a celebration on the part of some very excited fans that lasted maybe 30 seconds."

When Swift took her tour to Los Angeles' SoFi stadium in August, a California Institute of Technology research team recorded the vibrations created by the 70,000 fans in the stands. 

Motion sensors near and in the stadium as well as seismic stations in the region recorded vibrations during 43 out of her 45 songs. "You Belong with Me" had the biggest local magnitude, registering at 0.849.

• Taylor Swift

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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Taylor Swift mashes up 'Crazier' from 'Hannah Montana' with this 'Lover' song in Scotland

For the first time on the Eras Tour , Taylor Swift played her surprise acoustic set for three nights in the Scotland sun's afterglow.

The late sunsets and stadium's open roof allowed the singer to perform at twilight.

"This is a song I've never sang live on the acoustic set," she said on the final night in Edinburgh before strumming "It's Nice to Have a Friend" from "Lover" on her guitar and incorporating "Dorothea" from "Evermore."

"Because it's the Eras Tour, I'm trying to take us back throughout the albums so I'm trying to hit as many of them as I possibly can," Swift said as she sat down at the piano to perform "Haunted" from "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)."

Swift then interweaved "Exile" from "Folklore" before diving into the stage.

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Taylor Swift plays 'Hannah Montana' throwback 'Crazier'

On night two during "The Tortured Poets Department" set, the singer wore black gloves. While fans debated on livestream chats if it was an Easter egg or intentional, the arena held at a chilly 51 degrees. The gloves came off during Swift's costume change after "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" and before the acoustic set.

In her bright orange dress, Swift mashed up "The Bolter" from "The Tortured Poets Department" with "Getaway Car" from "Reputation" on the guitar.

On the piano, she mashed up "All of the Girls You Loved Before" from "Lover" with "Crazier" from "Hannah Montana: The Movie - Soundtrack."

"You might not know this song," Swift said before diving into her 2009 song, to which the crowd sang along.

Taylor Swift pauses acoustic set in Scotland to check on fan

"I can do this all night" is not the name of one of Swift's vault songs or new "Tortured Poets" tracks , but the Eras Tour star did say this when she paused her acoustic set on night one in Scotland to make sure a fan was OK.

When workers got to the Swiftie, the singer finished her mashup of "Would've, Could've, Should've" from "Midnights" with "I Know Places" from "1989 (Taylor's Version)."

On the piano, Swift mixed "'Tis The Damn Season" from "Evermore," cut from the setlist in May, with "Daylight" from "Lover."

More: Taylor Swift pauses Scotland Eras Tour show until 'the people in front of me get help'

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Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .