travel book for scotland

The Best Scotland Travel Book – Our Top 37 Scottish Travel Guide Books

People have long been drawn to Scotland for its histories and mysteries, as well as the rich culture of literature and learning. It’s not surprising, then, that there is such an abundance of writing to aid your trip when you visit Scotland. But what does the best Scotland travel guide contain?

Some consider a well-structured Scotland guide book with important details, while others prefer beautiful prose inspired by the majesty of Scotland’s landscapes . Are you interested in exploring cosmopolitan Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other larger cities , or do you want to instead explore Scotland in its natural glory? Maybe you’re not looking to explore but just want to feel inspired by one of the most stunning places in Northern Europe.

Whatever brings you, be sure you’re never without a good book in your hand. A book, after all, is a portal to another world entirely.

In This Post

Rick Steves Scotland

Scotland is as mysterious and undefined as a haggis … but not for readers of Rick Steves’ wonderfully detailed book! Steves’ best Scotland guidebook is filled to the brim with useful tips and tricks for navigating your stay.

He offers tools like helpful maps , a packing list and a guide to Scottish slang, as well as his personal favourite hidden gems, points of interest and cultural spots.

For newcomers to Bonnie Scotland, a comprehensive travel guide makes exploring the land a dream! Best of all, this useful information won’t weigh you down – the book has bible thin pages, so it’s light enough to bring along for the journey.

The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands

Looking to reach into the heart of some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Scotland? This up-to-date guidebook makes tackling the Munros and hiking trails for the Highlands a breeze.

The book is packed full of information and covers everything from where to go to see those hidden gems to practical tips and tricks for navigating travel and local events.

Scotland is historically rich , with eerie abandoned castle ruins, wild impromptu ceilidhs, wondrous Cuilin ridges on the Isle of Skye – there’s all this and more to discover.

This book even covers the North Coast 500 route! Rough Guides helps you enjoy your journey to the Highlands and Islands to the fullest.

Lonely Planet Scotland

Lonely Planet Scotland offers a truly comprehensive guide to the Highlands, Islands and Edinburgh while visiting Scotland.

They’ve been excelling at the art of travel media since 1973, and these days Lonely Planet offers guidebooks for nearly every destination your heart desires.

Their advice for exploring these beloved parts of Scotland is up-to-date and wonderfully detailed. There are tips for tailoring the trip to you, maps, cultural insights and honest reviews of nearby sights that consider all budget ranges.

Take the road less travelled all the way to Scotland in style.

The Munros: A Walkhighlands Guide by Paul Webster

Named for the Victorian mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro , the Munros are mountains over 3000ft.

All 282 magnificent peaks feature in this excellent guide – making it the best travel book for Scotland if you are an avid climber! If you’re looking to take on these mountains, this book can help you do so safely.

With helpful routes and handy tricks inside, Paul Webster’s The Munros helps you to enhance your adventure to the peaks of Munros like Ben Nevis, search for yourself and see Bonnie Scotland from new heights.

Whisky A Tasting Course: A New Way to Think – and Drink – Whisky

The much-loved liquid sunshine known as Scottish Whisky comes in many unique styles and flavours. If you have a fondness for it, consider expanding your horizons with a variety of guided at-home tastings.

Eddie Ludlow’s book helps you explore whisky flavours and aromas of all types and is the ultimate travel guide to Scotland and its whiskies.

There are excellent step-by-step whisky tastings to follow and advice for discovering more about the world of whisky. As an added bonus, this book teaches you the art of cocktails, from classics to your own concoctions! Time to sample your way to whiskey wisdom.

The Scottish Islands: The Bestselling Guide to Every Scottish Island

Looking for books on Scotland travel, with maps and information on the Scottish Islands? Hamish Haswell-Smith covers all of them, which is perfect for your dream trip to the beautiful Isles.

The book is bursting with things to see and do, from historical sites to natural wonders, both remote and breathtaking. When it comes to travel books, Scotland has no shortage but this one is a little bit special.

It is the first complete gazetteer to encompass every Scottish island. From the bustling social and cultural hubs to the uninhabited and notoriously hard-to-reach. They’re all included.

You can tell the book is a true labour of love and the author himself even painted the illustrations!

Kathleen Jamie is a Scottish essayist and poet with an astounding affinity for the world and all of its most beautiful elements.

Seeing Scotland through her artist’s eye in this wonderful new essay collection is truly magical. The acclaimed author gazes into the past to explore her own memories, history, the natural world, and more.

Jamie’s talent for nature writing and literary dept is undoubtedly apparent here, in one of her most quietly gentle works.

Feel yourself come un-tethered and fall headlong into some truly splendid, illuminating essays exploring what reconnects us to our home and our past.

Insight Guides Pocket Scotland

Looking for a compact and concise Scotland travel guide book while you’re on the move? This is it!

Covering Edinburgh, Southern Scotland, Glasgow, Central Scotland, The Highlands, and The Inner Hebrides, this guide by Insight Guides is expertly focused on the most popular parts of Scotland.

Excellent itineraries featuring historical and cultural spots, maps, tips and lots of useful information – it’s all here. With practical details in a compact, all-in-one guide for travel in Scotland, you can embark on the perfect trip at a moment’s notice.

Single Malt: A Guide to the Whiskies of Scotland

If you’re travelling to Scotland, you may plan on learning a thing or two about the country’s favourite spirit – whisky.

Clay Risen’s book takes a deep dive into the history, science and diversity of the water of life. It also includes a practical drinker guide designed to help you pick the perfect whisky for you.

Plus maps of Scotland’s whisky regions, profiles of the makers, tasting notes and more!

Readers will be more than satisfied with this informative page-turner. Discover a world of knowledge and enjoy a wee dram.

Tall Tales and Wee Stories

Praise for the marvellous Billy Connolly! A true Scottish treasure through and through.

This stellar book encompasses the highlights of an incredible 50-year-long career. Full of absurdity, silliness, seriousness and spitfire, Tall Tales and Wee Stories bring together the very best of Connolly’s storytelling.

Sometimes the best books about Scotland are not about the land itself, but about one Scotsman’s time in the land. This book is a hilarious, energetic and inspirational celebration of a beloved Scottish icon. There are even illustrations and an introduction from the man himself.

Scotland (National Geographic Adventure Map)

Practical and durable – these are the best words to describe National Geographic’s Scotland Adventure map. It’s an excellent functional travel tool that can save time when you’re out in the Scottish wilderness.

Is your visit all about golf, local culture, or ‘Munro bagging’ (the act of tackling one of Scotland’s many impressive peaks over 3,000 feet)? Whatever it may be, this map can get you there.

For those travelling to Scotland and looking to rough it with a hike or wild camping , this map is perfect. Its durable synthetic paper allows you to navigate Scotland through rain or shine (probably rain). The paper is also super tough and tear-resistant.

Alongside your Scotland tour guide book of choice, this map is the ideal travel companion!

Fodor’s Essential Scotland (Full-color Travel Guide)

Looking for the best Scotland travel guide book that covers places to get inspired, fantastic activities and useful tips? This book has all you need to get you on your way.

The book covers all the best locations in Scotland. Including St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Aberdeen, Inverness, Speyside, Skye, and the Highlands, just to name a few!

Over 40 maps, details on local histories and cultural insights, tools to help you plan your visit, recommendations for sights, restaurants, nightlife and more!

It’s handy, compact, and helps you simplify the planning of your trip so you can just sit back and enjoy it.

Made In Scotland: My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country

A Sunday Time Best Seller from one of Scotland’s favourite comedy icons.

Legendary comedian Billy Connolly delights readers with reflections on his life and the roots that tether him to this little corner of the world. He really ponders what it means to him to be Scottish and invites you to wonder, too.

If you’re a fan of Connolly’s distinct brand of humour, you’re sure to have a good time reading this book. This is an ideal literary companion to carry with you while on road trips through Scotland.

Lonely Planet Scotland’s Highlands & Islands (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Scotland’s Highlands and Islands is a travel guide that gets straight to the point. It’s the perfect trusted travel companion.

The journey to Scotland is made that much simpler with maps, reference images, insider tips and plenty more to help you find your way.

There’s plenty to discover in Scotland, and with the help of this handy guide, you can see it all. Covering the West Highland Way, Central Highlands, Skye and the Western Isles, The Great Glen and Lochaber, Shetland Island, Orkney Islands.

Ready for adventure?

Book Lovers’ Edinburgh: A Guide and Companion

Literary lovers – this is the perfect book to take you through the winding , cobbled Edinburgh streets.

There are lots of great travel books on Scotland, with many focusing on the cultural hub of Edinburgh, Scotland. But Allan Foster’s book does something a little different by inviting readers to look at the city through the lens of literature.

Edinburgh has a long history featuring countless literary legends. This incredible guide walks you through the old haunts of beloved writers like J.K. Rowling, Robert Burns Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

True bookworms will be delighted with the variety of writers to appear in this literary treasure hunt. Are you a fan of Muriel Spark? Ian Rankin? They – and many, many more – await you on your exploration of the city.

Scottish Island Bagging: The Walkhighlands guide to the islands of Scotland

This wonderfully detailed book mainly focuses on the ninety-five Scottish islands which welcome visitors. Although it also discusses the forty-two other, more remote, islands.

Helen and Paul Webster have put together this Scotland tour book to help you get the best out of your island experience. There’s such a massive range of activities to explore – with this guide, you won’t miss a thing.

Whether you want to look for wildlife, sample new foods, go hill walking and climbing, or discover historical sites and stories, Scotland’s enchanting isles have it all.

Find exactly what you’re looking for in the pages of Scottish Island Bagging .

The Last Hillwalker: A sideways look at forty years in Britain’s mountains

The Last Hillwalker is a stunning reflection on the nature of our connection to wild places in the modern world.

Bestselling author John D. Burns manages to capture his own love for the Scottish Highlands while offering up endless knowledge. Anyone with a similar connection to the wild glens and singing hills of Scotland will resonate with this memoir-style narrative.

Every word is steeped in passion, humour and humility. Reading Burns’ tale of exploring and growing to understand nature, Scotland, and himself is a joy from start to finish.

Outer Hebrides: The Western Isles of Scotland: from Lewis to Barra (Bradt Travel Guide)

From the experienced journalist and writer Mark Rowe comes this comprehensive, full-sized guide to the Scottish Western Isles.

The book covers the islands of Lewis, St Kilda, Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. It is packed full of detailed background on everything from geography to art, architecture to wildlife, and everything in between.

Curious minds with a love for far-flung places will adore discovering this wild and beautiful part of the world.

If you’re looking for one of the best Scotland travel books for the Western Isles, Rowe’s guide is a strong contender.

Wild Guide Scotland: Hidden places, great adventures & the good life

Unsurprisingly, Scotland is one of the fastest-growing adventure destinations for holidays in Europe!

Kimberley Grant explores in her guide to Scotland all the hidden gems nestled near the typically busy tourist spots. Not only that, she delves into more remote regions that the unknowing visitor to Scotland might miss.

This guide will embolden you to embark on an adventure as you are travelling around Scotland. With over 800 wild swims, lost ruins, ancient looming forests, and secluded beaches, you’ll find no shortage of things to discover.

101 Amazing Things to Do in Scotland: Scotland Travel Guide

Travel secrets and handy tips!

This useful all-in-one guide takes all of the guesswork out of planning your days on your trip to Scotland. Whether you’re here for a short time or an extended stay, you’ll want to make sure you enjoy each day to the absolute fullest.

Want to try authentic haggis and whisky? festivals? enchanting historical sites?  stunning architecture? Get the inside track on Scotland and all it has to offer with this handy guide.

The Scottish Bothy Bible

Geoff Allan has put together the first-ever complete and comprehensive guidebook to the Scottish bothies!

These quaint structures can be found scattered around Scotland and were historically open to anyone to use for free. Generally by people working on the estate, like gardeners.

A unique and often overlooked hidden network of bothies can be found on some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

With this excellent guidebook, you can discover them all! With detailed directions on the best approach routes and notes on their histories, you too can experience the joy of bothying.

Scottish Bothy Walks: 28 Walks to Scotland’s Best Bothies

Geoff Allen sure does know his bothies!

On the back of Allen’s earlier book, The Scottish Bothy Bible, comes this companion photo travel guide. Inside are 28 of the most enchanting bothy experiences.

The bothies act as reference points for the wonderful walks, both single-day and multi-day, which Allen aims to guide you on. If you want to search for bothies like a pro, this book can help you do it.

The route descriptions are very detailed. Each one contains plenty of information on the bothies, points of interest you may encounter, and detailed maps to keep you right.

Also – discover beautiful photographs of the bothies inside!

The Official Outlander Colouring Book

These days colouring isn’t just for kids. It’s a calm, therapeutic activity that people of all ages love to spend their time doing.

Art and history lovers will delight at the creative and inspiring images, just waiting for you to breathe life into them.

From lush landscapes of the highlands to depictions of 18th-century clothes and armour. Beloved characters to tartan kilts. Each of these whimsical illustrations brings out the artist in us all.

Watch black lines and blank spaces come to life with colour by your own hand!

The Golf Lover’s Guide to Scotland

The beautiful game of golf was born in Scotland. So it’s no surprise that Scotland also houses some of the world’s finest courses, drawing golf lovers worldwide year after year.

No two golf greens are exactly the same, just as no two golf games are exactly the same. That’s what makes the sport so adored and lasting.

Michael Whitehead’s guide sets out to provide golfers with all the information they need to get the best experience out of Scotland’s favourite courses. From practical guidance on cost and yardage to fun tips on how to play the best game.

Insight Guides Pocket Scotland (Travel Guide eBook)

A pocket guide that will actually fit in your pocket!

This excellent guide to Scotland from Insight Guides offers readers information in a compact, concise and convenient package.

There are lots of great places to discover inside. From classic tourist spots like Edinburgh Castle and Glencoe to lesser-known treasures like Smoo Cave and the mysterious little islands of the Inner Hebrides.

There are also plenty of must – see attractions, valuable practical information, helpful tips and inspirational photography.

What makes this guide extra handy is that it is a Kindle edition. So, by downloading the app you can have all this in your pocket, at the ready!

Orkney: A Historical Guide

History is alive and well on the Isle of Orkney. Just 20 miles North of the Scottish mainland lies this little island, the history of which is rich and complex.

With Scandinavian cultural echoes and eerie stone structures, there’s no shortage of well-preserved remains which paint pictures of the island’s past. Home to relics of the Stone Age, Iron Age brochs, Vikings, and the Second World War – to name but a few.

Caroline Wickham-Jones has for years worked tirelessly on Orcadian sites. In this updated edition of the best-selling book, she brings readers along on her explorations.

The Traveller’s Guide to Sacred Scotland: A Guide to the Legends, Lore and Landscape of Scotland’s Sacred Places (Traveller’s Guides)

Few guides to the mysterious land of Scotland take such great care to delve into the country’s less-trodden historic sites.

Marianna Lines’s guide for travellers covers some unusual yet unmissable treasures. Think fairy folklore, locations related to Arthur and Merlin, the haunts of bards and poets, and plenty more.

The cultural, spiritual and historic past of Scotland is woven like a tapestry, with stories intermingling throughout the ages. This book brings you along for the journey while also introducing several spots of special importance, as directed by the Scots themselves.

Spirit of Place: Scotland’s Great Whisky Distilleries

Who better to add to the world of literature on Scotch whisky than author Charles MacLean? A true connoisseur and whisky expert through and through.

This unique piece of writing presents an impressive expanse of knowledge while painting a vivid portrait of Scotland’s beloved distilleries. Spirit of Place explores the 50 greatest distilleries in the country and is the ideal read for those who love a wee dram.

The book also covers the ingredients, traditions and practices that have kept Scotland the world leader in exquisite whisky. Inside are 250 stunning photographs of the nearby landscapes in all seasons, the buildings and even the craftsmen who make it all happen.

Highland Retreats: The Architecture and Interiors of Scotland’s Romantic North

Scotland is an old and elegant land, home to much culture and visual beauty. Some people like landscapes, some love wildlife, and some – like author Mary Miers – adore architecture and decoration.

This unique book is endlessly witty and full of beauty. Miers chronicles the astounding architectural wonders of the highlands.

The building’s exteriors mirror Britain’s most stirring, inspiring and lovely landscapes in their designs. While the insides host modern comforts and lush London and Parisian furnishings.

This fascinating account of the architectural presence of the Scottish shooting lodge in the Highland, from lavish to modest, is a true gem. Full of knowledge and stunning images, this book should be enjoyed from both a social, historical and architectural point of view.

Outlander’s Guide to Scotland

The Outlander TV series, based on Diana Gabaldon’s beloved book series of the same name, is an epic story of love and history. Since its beginnings, this story has swept viewers along to the rolling hills and wild craggy castles of Scotland.

Fans of the books and show can now walk the same paths as characters Claire and Jamie. With this guide, fans are invited to explore the most interesting sights interwoven into the story.

This is a fun read full of passion and energy. So many of the places featured in the guide are beautiful and fascinating in their own right, but it is especially unusual to have them so expertly connected through this tale of historical drama.

Photographing Scotland: A photo-location and visitor guidebook

Here’s one for the photographers among you!

There is no denying that Scotland is beautiful, enchanting even. From towering mountains to eerie islands, crumbling castle ruins to crofts and peel towers, there are endless unique sights just waiting to be captured.

In this wonderful photo location and visitor guidebook, both classic views and hidden gems are featured. It’s a comprehensive guide which also offers techniques and handy tips for how to get the most out of every image.

A glorious pictorial record of the Outer Hebrides, as depicted in The Lewis Trilogy . This book was created through the combined efforts of best-selling author Peter May and photographer David Wilson.

With prose and images expertly interwoven, readers are invited on a journey through history to the lands that so inspire May and his work. The book follows the protagonist, Fin Macleod, describing island life and all the joys and perils it entails.

A fascinating read that will make you fall in love with the truly spectacular beauty of the land.

Best-selling crime author Ann Cleeves is known for her novels featuring Detective Jimmy Perez. Cleeves takes much inspiration from the book’s setting, Shetland, and in this companion to her novels, fans of the stories can learn more.

Vivid, strange and evergreen, the beauty of Shetland is captured in the illustrations of Cleeves’ companion text. This book lets you discover more about one of the most remote places in the United Kingdom.

From sheltered beaches to bleak hilltops, meadows bursting with wildflowers to crumbling rocky hilltops – there’s beauty all around.

Join Cleeves on her exploration of a year in the life of Shetland. Discover the festivities, the past, the flora and fauna, and everything in between!

The Most Beautiful Villages of Scotland

If you’re looking for the best guidebook for Scotland and its charming villages, this might be the book for you!

Flooded with enchanting images of villages and villagers, young to old, there is plenty of beauty to take in. There are 35 villages featured in the book, all of them lovely and nestled near seaside ports or ruins of abbey, even castles.

This is less of a “sit down and read the book” and more of a “sit down and dream” book. Dream of falling headlong straight into the images.

It is the type of book that stirs wanderlust and reminds us that there is always something new to see. Even in the smallest, most quaint Scottish village.

How the Scots Invented the Modern World

Books about Scotland often have a lot to say about what you can discover when you visit, but what about all the things Scotland has done to change the rest of the world for the better?

This is a truly fascinating non-fiction book about the impact that Scotland has had on the world.

Learn about the Scottish Enlightenment period, where the modern philosophical and political teachings we know today were conceived. The incredible individuals who benefited from the social programs of education and did brilliant things. Even famous names like David Hume and Adam Smith are great minds and philosophers!

Of all the books you could suggest to a history buff travelling to Scotland, this text by the historian Arthur Herman comes highly recommended!

A Course Called Scotland: Searching the Home of Golf for the Secret to Its Game

Travel to Scotland with a quest to tee off on Scotland’s best golf courses.

This book follows Tom Coyne’s excursion to Scotland, the birthplace of golf. With a history of golfing behind him, Coyne sets out to play on some of the oldest and most famous courses. Over 100 legendary links feature on his journey.

With humour and insight, storytelling and history, this book gives us a compelling travel adventure.

For lovers of golf and Scotland, this is the book for you.

Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides

Sea Room is a true celebration of the natural world, heritage, and the mystery of Scotland’s islands. This unique narrative flawlessly blends nature writing and memoir.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to inherit uninhabited islands, the answer lies here. At just 21-years-old the author Adam Nicolson was gifted islands in the Scottish Outer Hebrides from his father , which kickstarts an incredible journey.

These small, eerie, uninhabited islands are bursting with life, from birds to flora and fauna. In the book, Nicolson discusses the importance of these islands to him, as well as exploring the nature of owning land and the morals behind it.

Weaving lyrical prose with scholarly reflection, this book is unique and utterly beautiful. Pair it with the best Scotland travel guide, and you’ll be set for your entire trip.

Graham Grieve

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

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16 Best Travel and Guide Books About Scotland

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Scotland is one of those locations that is likely on your bucket list if you don’t live there. With the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the incredible smaller islands with captivating views, the beaches, and let’s not forget the fabulous cities and towns, there is so much to see and do.

However, even if you live in Scotland, chances are you haven’t taken advantage of what the country has to offer. This is where travel books can help you out.

I wanted to share with you 16 travel and  guide books about Scotland to help you make the most out of exploring the country.

Best Scotland Guide Books For Travel Planning

Lonely Planet Scotland

Lonely Planet is one of the more popular brands of travel books so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they have one dedicated to all things Scotland.

In the book, you will find some of the best locations to visit and the things that you should be doing while you are visiting. This is an extensive travel book that covers a bit of everything.

You can buy Lonely Planet Scotland here.

DK Eyewitness Scotland

Another extensive travel book that holds a bit of everything when it comes to making the most out of your stay in Scotland. There are detailed maps for walks and exploration as well as highlighting some of the delicacies that you must try while you are there. An extensive travel book that will cover all bases.

You can buy DK Eyewitness Scotland here.

Scotland The Best 100 Places

If you are short on time, or just want to ensure that you are seeing the very best that Scotland has to offer, then look no further than this book.

Scotland The Best 100 Places does precisely what it says. It shares with you the 100 best places to visit and things to do. It is simple as that. If you want a travel book that is straight to the point then this is the one to invest in.

You can buy Scotland The Best 100 Places here.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Scotland

Another short travel book but certainly ideal if you are having a flying visit to Scotland. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Scotland covers just a few of the things you should do and places you can see. But they are the best of the best.

You can buy DK Eyewitness Top 10 Scotland here.

Fodors Essential Scotland

If you want the basics on Scotland then Fodors Essential Scotland covers just that. You will find a few key points in different locations giving you the best possible overview. It also has some key maps helping you to explore and get the most out of your trip.

You can buy Fodors Essential Scotland here.

Take the slow road: Scotland

If you are one of those people that loves exploring in a motorhome or a campervan then this book is for you. It is full of different routes to take and places you can visit during your trip to Scotland. The perfect sidekick for any motorhome or camping holiday in Scotland.

You can buy Take the slow road: Scotland here.

Wild Guide Scotland

In this guide, you will find so many hidden adventures and places to see as this is more focused on the non-popular tourist hotspots and centered around the hidden gems that are dotted all over Scotland. This is a rugged guide for getting out of the cities and towns and into the true heart of Scotland. The countryside.

You can buy Wild Guide Scotland here.

The Beaches of Scotland

Scotland is well-known for many things, and one of them has to be the beautiful beaches. There are some incredible beaches in Scotland and there are certainly hidden gems waiting for you to discover.

You can buy The Beaches of Scotland here.

Travel Books On Specific Areas Within Scotland

Lonely Planet’s Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

Scotland is well known for the highlands and islands that you can experience, so this travel book is dedicated to exactly that. You can be assured that you will know what the best beaches are, the best picturesque locations, and the top things to do with this guide. It is a great option dedicated to a specific area.

You can buy Lonely Planet’s Scotland’s Highlands and Islands here.

The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500

Road trips are fast becoming popular again and the North Coast 500 is one of the more well-known and popular ones to do. It covers so many beautiful locations and this travel book will help you to get the most out of it and follow the route.

You can buy The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 here.

Pocket Rough Guide British Breaks Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most well-known cities in Scotland, so you may want to include a visit here. There is a castle, lots of beautiful winding streets to enjoy, and plenty of shops and restaurants. This guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy a trip to Edinburgh.

You can buy Pocket Rough Guide British Breaks Edinburgh here.

A-Z Edinburgh Hidden Walks

In Edinburgh, there is a lot to see and do and walks are one of the best ways to make the most out of a trip. This book has some of the hidden walks that you can enjoy helping you to see some of the delights that might not be in the standard travel book.

You can buy A-Z Edinburgh Hidden Walks here.

Lonely Planet Pocket Glasgow

Glasgow is another well-known city and while many people overlook it favoring other parts of Scotland, there is a lot to see and do here, and definitely should be on your list of Scottish destinations to experience. The Lonely Planet book covers everything you need to know.

You can buy Lonely Planet Pocket Glasgow here.

Inner Hebrides: From Skye to Gigha

24 Islands are covered in this guide giving you extensive knowledge of the islands and the places that you can see and the experiences that you can have. It is worth getting the inside knowledge so you can truly enjoy your time here.

You can buy Inner Hebrides here.

The Munros: Scotland’s Highest Mountains

Finally, if you are exploring some of the highest mountains in Scotland, then this book dedicated to The Munros is the travel book that you need. There is a choice of routes and things to do so you can certainly make the most of it.

You can buy The Munros: Scotland’s Highest Mountains here.

Enjoying Exploring Scotland?

Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration and knowledge for some of the best travel books for Scotland. And if you are looking for more reading in and around Scotland, check out these brilliant books to read that are set in Scotland .

More Literary Travel

Start with this list of the very best  travel adventure books . It includes great reads that will fuel your wanderlust and have you staying up late to finish them. Or check out these books set in  France ,  Italy , or  Spain .

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Experience Scotland

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Lonely Planet's Experience Scotland travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic country with insider tips from our local experts and handy planning tools so you can create your own unique trip.

Discover amazing local experiences from digging into shellfish platters in Oban, the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland', to taking a road trip on the crowd-free Cowal Peninsula, and marvelling at Glasgow's larger-than-life murals on a street art tour.

Build a one-of-a-kind trip with Lonely Planet's Experience Scotland travel guide:

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• Covers: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southern Scotland, Stirling, Fife & Perthshire, The Northeast, Southern Highlands & Islands, Central Highlands, Northern Highlands, Skye & the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland

Create your own dream travel itinerary and get away from the everyday with Lonely Planet's Experience Scotland.

Covers Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southern Scotland, Stirling, Fife & Perthshire, The Northeast, Southern Highlands & Islands, Central Highlands, Northern Highlands, Skye & the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781838694708

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: March 2022

Writers: Mike MacEacheran, Susanne Arbuckle, Colin Baird, Kay Gillespie, Laurie Goodlad, Joseph Reaney, Neil Robertson, Neil Wilson

258 pages, 258pp color, 20 maps | Dimensions: 140mm × 180mm

Next edition due: May 2025

Language: English

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Scotland has many treasures crammed into its compact territory: big skies, ancient architecture, spectacular wildlife, superb seafood and hospitable, down-to-earth people.

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Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – King Malcolm Canmore (r 1058–93) and Queen Margaret first made…

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Glasgow Cathedral has a rare timelessness. The dark, imposing interior conjures up medieval might and can send a shiver down the spine. It's a shining…

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Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. You cannot help…

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The Scottish National Trust's flagship property, magnificent Culzean (kull-ane) is one of the most impressive of Scotland's stately homes. On approach the…

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The three masts of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's famous polar expedition vessel the RRS Discovery provide a historic counterpoint to the modern…

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Elegant Chambers St is dominated by the long facade of the National Museum of Scotland. Its extensive collections are spread between two buildings: one…

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Iona's ancient but heavily reconstructed abbey is the spiritual heart of the island. The spectacular nave, dominated by Romanesque and early Gothic vaults…

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Take an armchair journey through Caledonia

Scotland packs a lot into its 30,000 square miles. Stunning vistas, romantic ruins, remote islands, bustling cities, craggy mountaintops and a beach with water bluer than the Caribbean. Would you care to learn more? Step into one of these books and embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.

George MacKay Brown Following a Lark

Iain Banks Raw Spirit

John D. Burns Bothy

John Barrington Red Sky at Night

James Crawford Wild History

Mike Cawthorne Wild Voices

Anne Lorne Gillies Songs of Gaelic Scotland

James Hunter On the Other Side of Sorrow

Jonny Muir Isles at the Edge of the Sea

Peter Wright Ribbon of Wildness

Charles W J Withers Christopher Fleet Margaret Wilkes Scotland: Mapping the Nation

Jane Smith Wild Island: A Year in the Hebrides

Madeleine Bunting Love of Country

John Lister-Kaye At the Water's Edge

Anne Cholawo Island on the Edge

Alan Taylor Glasgow: the Autobiography

Adam Nicolson Sea Room

Alastair Dunnett David Paterson Dorothy Dunnett The Scottish Highlands

Garry MacKenzie Scotland

Andrew Greig At the Loch of the Green Corrie

Dan Boothby Island of Dreams

Alistair Moffat The Hidden Ways

Cameron McNeish There's Always the Hills

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Welcome to Scotland

Scotland is a place of epic natural landscapes, engaging cities and rich cultural heritage. Start your adventure and discover our hidden gems to create memories with friends and family. But don't just take our word for it. National Geographic has just included Scotland in their Best of the World 2024 list, and Far North Scotland has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2024! 

Whatever you need right now, let's make it a reality. We can’t wait to share Scotland with you. 

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Things to See & Do in Scotland

Discover a wealth of things to see & do in Scotland.

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From the rugged coastline to sparkling city lights, the ancient Caledonian forests of the Highlands to the rich history of the Lowlands, there are plenty of places to start your Scottish adventure. 

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The 25 Best Books About Scotland to Read Before Your Trip

By: Author Leah Shoup

Posted on Published: December 6, 2023

Embark on a literary odyssey through the captivating tapestry of Scotland with me as your guide! Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life Scottish escapade or indulging in Highland daydreams, I’ve curated the quintessential list to satiate your literary wanderlust.

After all, I read dozens of books about Scotland before I could check it off my bucket list! So, as an avid explorer of Scottish literature, I can attest to the timelessness of classics by literary luminaries such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott.

Or, for enthusiasts of historical fiction, the Outlander series stands as a testament to Scotland’s magnetic pull.  But fear not, dear reader, for our literary journey extends beyond classics and historical fiction.

In this carefully curated selection, you’ll discover 25 of the best books about Scotland, spanning genres like mystery, travel, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or a casual reader, there’s a Scottish tale waiting just for you.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Classic books about Scotland

Alasdair Gray, a renowned figure in Scottish fiction, is celebrated for numerous award-winning novels, short stories, and poetry. One of his most influential works is Lanark , a 20th-century Scottish novel blending realism and dystopian surrealism.

The narrative begins with a man waking up on a train with no memory, offering a unique exploration of Glasgow with a play on linearity that appeals to those who enjoy unconventional storytelling.  

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

In this classic novel to read before visiting Scotland, 17-year-old David Balfour faces a string of misfortunes. Orphaned, he stays with his paranoid uncle Ebenezer, who sells him into slavery to secure the family estate. 

Luckily, he befriends Alan Breck Stewart, a fugitive Jacobite, and together they make a daring escape to the Scottish Highlands following the 1751 Jacobite rising. Kidnapped offers an enthralling adventure from start to finish, with the added bonus of a sequel.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

In 1930s Edinburgh, the unorthodox Miss Brodie, in her prime, selects six elite students as her mentees, known as “the Brodie set.”

The novel explores how Miss Brodie’s influence shapes these girls’ lives, with a surprising twist as one of them eventually betrays her, ruining her teaching career.

Read More: Harry Potter Guide to Edinburgh

Historical fiction set in Scotland

Outlander stands out as one of the most famous romance books set in Scotland, seamlessly blending historical romance with science fiction. Claire Randall, a 1945 nurse, is unexpectedly transported to 1743 after walking through a standing stone.

In the Scottish Highlands, amid an impending rebellion, she navigates love, historical intricacies, and thrilling action scenes, captivating readers and enticing them to continue the series. Its popularity led to a successful TV adaptation by Starz.

Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George

In this historical fiction, Margaret George recounts the captivating story of Mary, Queen of Scots, who ascended to the throne at six days old. Raised in France, she became the Queen of France at sixteen.

Returning to Scotland, her attempts to reclaim the throne resulted in tragic consequences. Despite its length, the novel vividly brings Mary to life, making it a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of the TV show Reign.

Shuggie Bain   by Douglas Stuart

Shuggie Bain paints a stark picture of 1980s Glasgow under Margaret Thatcher’s rule. Centered on young Hugh “Shuggie” Bain, growing up in a dilapidated public housing complex, the novel explores his complex relationship with his alcoholic mother, Agnes.

As Shuggie takes on the role of his mother’s primary caregiver, he grapples with his identity and sexuality, facing bullying and rejection. Despite its bleakness, the novel reveals moments of resilience and love, earning it the 2020 Booker Prize.

Based on the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, this novel follows Corrag, condemned for her role in the slaughter and accused of witchcraft. While awaiting execution, she recounts the events to Charles Leslie, an Irish Jacobite.

Corrag emerges as a memorable heroine through vivid descriptions and beautiful writing. Also titled The Highland Witch and Witch Light , it’s one of the best Scotland books if you’re looking for a novel that combines a strong female protagonist and the setting of the Scottish Highlands.

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett

The Game of Kings is the first book in the  Lymond Chronicles , introducing the enigmatic Lymond, exiled from Scotland but returning with a mysterious mission.

Interestingly, the story occurs as conflict brews between Scotland and England in 1547, while Mary Queen of Scots is just a young child. 

This series comprises six books, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a Scottish narrative within a longer series.

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

Fans of  Outlander ,  Camelot , and the  Game of Thrones  series will love  The Lost Queen . The protagonist, Languoreth, is the twin sister of Lailoken, the inspiration behind the legend of Merlin.

Despite falling for a warrior, she is promised to marry Rhydderch, the son of a Christian king. Set in 6th-century Scotland, the novel explores a country torn between superstition and tradition as Christianity gains ground.

Additionally, Pike released a sequel in 2020 called The Forgotten Kingdom , which continues Languoreth’s story.

In this novel, readers follow two protagonists in a dual timeline: Carrie McClelland, a modern-day American author, and Sophia Paterson, Carrie’s ancestor from the early 1700s at Slains Castle. Carrie, seeking inspiration for a new novel, becomes captivated by the castle ruins in Cruden Bay.

As she writes, the events in her dreams seem to blur the line between fact and fiction, unraveling a lesser-known aspect of Jacobite history and delving into the concept of genetic memory.

Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine

Women of the Dunes intertwines three timelines: a Norsewoman in the 9th century, a servant girl in the 19th century, and modern-day archaeologist Libby. The story gradually connects these women as Libby works on a Scottish west coast dig.

Maine’s detailed descriptions reflect extensive research, making this historical fiction novel a must-read for enthusiasts of legends, archaeology, and mystery.

At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

In 1945, amid Hitler’s devastation in Europe, Maddie, Ellis, and Hank travel to Scotland to hunt the Loch Ness monster. Initially spoiled, Maddie has a wake-up call as she uncovers her husband’s dark secrets, adding suspense to the novel.

Despite sometimes unlikeable main characters, the book’s descriptions of Scotland and charming locals make it a worthwhile read.

Read More: 15 Must-Do Activities on Isle of Skye

Mystery books set in Scotland

In this suspense thriller, Edinburgh’s Finlay Macleod investigates a murder on the Isle of Lewis, a place he left after university. Intriguingly, he discovers the crime is linked to his childhood, with the victim being a former high school bully.

The smashing success of The Blackhouse led May to write two additional novels in the series: The Lewis Man and The Chessmen .

The Distant Echo   by Val McDermid

The Distant Echo is one of the best mystery books set in Scotland, delving into a long-unsolved 1978 murder case. Rosie Duff’s lifeless body is discovered in a cemetery, implicating four young men, including Alex Gilbey.

Despite a lack of evidence, suspicion shadows them for 25 years until an avenger linked to the past emerges, leading to suspicious ends for two of Alex’s friends. McDermid skillfully weaves past and present, creating a thrilling narrative with unexpected twists and complex characters.

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

Raven Black is the first in the eight-part Shetland Island series, where a mystery in remote Shetland begins with the discovery of a strangled local teenager. Initially, circumstantial evidence points to Magnus Tait, a mentally disabled outcast.

However, as detectives, including DI Jimmy Perez, delve into the case, clues lead them in a different direction. Cleeves weaves the story from multiple POVs, creating numerous twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end.

ITV Studios adapted this Scottish book series into the crime drama television show Shetland .

Knots and Crosses is the first book in the Inspector Rebus series, primarily set in Edinburgh and featuring Detective Inspector John Rebus. The plot revolves around a serial killer targeting women in the city, with Rebus receiving mysterious letters as he delves into the investigation.

The connection between the letters and the murderer remains a compelling mystery, enticing readers to uncover the answers in this popular series. The book’s success led to the creation of a four-season British TV show, Rebus , which aired from 2000-2007.

44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith

Step into 44 Scotland Street , where a vibrant cast of residents unites to unravel a painting mystery. While this novel incorporates mystery elements, it’s mainly about getting to know the enjoyable characters that McCall creates.

From a student and anthropologist to an art dealer, a narcissistic roommate, and an overbearing mother, each character adds a unique flavor to the narrative.  Initially published in The Scotsman  over a series of six months, this book encapsulates the essence of Scotland.

Travel books on Scotland (non-fiction)

Findings , a top travel book on Scotland by Scottish poet Jamie, offers a delightful collection of essays introducing her homeland. Whether you’re planning a trip or yearning for a virtual visit, Jamie takes you from Edinburgh’s bustling streets to the serene Inner and Outer Hebrides.

For more, check out the sequel, Sightlines .

Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey   by Madeleine Bunting

Over six years, journalist Madeleine Bunting explores the diverse Hebrides, delving into their history, folklore, and religion.

She spotlights seven islands, four in the Inner Hebrides and three in the Outer Hebrides, offering a rich narrative that is a compelling choice for those interested in the British Isles.

The Hidden Ways: Scotland’s Forgotten Roads   by Alistair Moffat

In this travelogue, Moffat guides readers through ten historically significant walks in Scotland, including the River Road, Invasion Road, Road to Heaven, Great North Road, Road to Ruin, Green Roads, Herring Road, Rail Road, Summer Roads, and Road Block.

From the Romans to World War II, Moffat connects these “lost routes” to Scottish history, urging readers to explore.

Sea Room   by Adam Nicolson

Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides is a captivating exploration of a remote, uninhabited Hebridean island steeped in history and natural beauty. Nicolson shares his family’s connection to these enchanting islands, acquired in 1937 through a newspaper ad.

The concept of “sea room,” the sense of expansion and freedom in island life, is vividly explored. The Shiants serve as the backdrop for Nicolson’s narrative as he skillfully weaves history, archaeology, and personal reflection into a multifaceted portrait of these islands.

Read More: Ride the Hogwarts Express in Scotland

Scottish history books

The Highland Clans is one of the best books on Scotland history , delving into the origins of famous clans. Moffat explores Highland Clan culture, religious beliefs, Gaelic, and notable battles.

If you’re an Outlander fan seeking a comprehensive guide to Highland culture, this book is an excellent starting point, complete with a clan map and names list.

Mary Queen of Scots by Antonia Fraser

You may want to read this non-fiction book after reading the historical fiction account of Mary, Queen of Scots. Although most people are familiar with Mary’s tragic end, you may not know about her earlier life, the marriages that became her undoing, and the rest of her fascinating story.

Fraser’s engaging writing style brings her subjects to life, making this non-fiction read enjoyable even for those not typically inclined toward the genre.

A History of Scotland by Neil Oliver

Neil Oliver, an archaeologist, historian, and Scottish author offers an entertaining and informative journey through Scotland’s history. The book debunks myths about iconic moments and figures, making it an enjoyable and insightful read before a trip.

How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman

This book explores the significant contributions of Scottish individuals to the modern world, focusing on radical ideas from the Scottish Enlightenment.

History lovers will appreciate details about key figures such as Alexander Graham Bell, David Hume, James Watt, Adam Smith, Robert Louis Stevenson, and others.

Are you looking for more Scotland travel tips?

What to Do on the Isle of Skye

Harry Potter Things to Do in Edinburgh

How to See the Real Hogwarts Express in Scotland

Scotland or Ireland for Your Vacation?

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Wednesday 12th of July 2023

What? No books by Nigel Tranter?

Felipe Adan Lerma

Sunday 14th of June 2020

To many people I know want to go to Scotland & I keep being surprisingly reminded, like your post, Leah, how neat an idea that is! 😊

39 Best Books about Scotland (Travel, Historical, Romance)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: November 7, 2022

Looking for some literary inspiration before you visit Scotland? We have you covered! We have curated a selection of the best fiction and non-fiction titles for your reading pleasure!

In this article, you will find selections of the best books about Scotland in a variety of genres. This includes the best non-fiction books set in Scotland with travel or historical focus, romance novels set in Scotland, photography guides and more.

Whether you are looking for inspiration for your Scotland travel itinerary , want to know more about this beautiful country or simply want some escapism set in Scotland (Outlander style) you will find something that appeals in this selection.

If you enjoy movies don’t miss our selection of the best movies set in Scotland – we have 19 of the best films featuring Scotland for you to enjoy.

Rick Steves – Scotland

Lonely planet – scotland, dk eyewitness – top 10 scotland, scotland: the story of a nation.

• How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It

44 Scotland Street

The prime of miss jean brodie, knots and crosses (inspector rebus novels), a history of scotland – look behind the mist and myth of scottish history, the family tree scottish genealogy guide: how to trace your ancestors in scotland, made in scotland: my grand adventures in a wee country, outlander book set, the refuge – an inspirational novel of scotland, sea of memories, robert louis stevenson classics collection.

• The Photographer's Guide to Scotland – Skye, Glen Coe & the Trossachs

Photographing Scotland: A photo-location and visitor guidebook

The ultimate scottish cookbook: delicious scottish recipes, a wee scottish cookbook, outlander kitchen: the official outlander companion cookbook, colours of scotland: a relax-art-ation mindfulness adult colouring book, the scotland colouring book: past and present, the colouring book of scotland, horrible histories -scotland.

• You wouldn't want to be Mary, Queen of Scots!

Hairy Hettie: The Highland Cow Who Needs a Haircut! (Picture Kelpies)

Happy reading.

BEST TRAVEL BOOKS AND GUIDES ABOUT SCOTLAND

Rick Steves is of course one of the best selling authors in the US when it comes to guide books for European travel or travel around the British Isles.

This guide provides readers with Rick’s recommendations for Scotland which include his picks for sights, eating and sleeping. This may be a useful addition to your research(with this website of course!) if you are planning on visiting Scotland.

It also includes a useful full-colour foldout map.

CLICK TO BUY

Lonely Planet provides readers with up-to-date advice on what to and see in Scotland.

It offers a comprehensive guide to Scottish regions and all they have to offer from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands.

Click to buy

A third option if you are looking for a guidebook for Scotland (supplementary to this website of course) is the DK Eyewitness series.

This focuses on their pick of the top 10 things to do and see in Scotland. I love lists so they always appeal to me!

BEST BOOKS ABOUT SCOTLAND – SCOTTISH HISTORY

Everything you could want to know about the history of Scotland from the beginning. A great read for anyone wanting to learn about the Scots and their turbulent past.

How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It

How the Scots Invented Modern World is a fascinating exploration of Scottish genius for creating basic ideas and institutions that shape our world today.

From James Watt, who invented an entirely new type of the light bulb with his design skills to Adam Smith’s work on economics which helped pave the way into how we measure wealth today- it all started out in Scotland!

BEST NOVELS SET IN SCOTLAND

By Alexander McCall Smith

The first in a series of books about the residents of 44 Scotland Street a busy Bohemian corner of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Follow the lives of the residents in this delightful series of books by Alexander McCall Smith.

By Muriel Spark

Set in the 1930’s Miss Jean Brodie is a teacher in an Edinburgh boarding school. This is a classic novel written by Muriel Spark and was adapted for film with a young Dame Maggie Smith playing Brodie.

By Ian Rankin

An Inspector Rebus novel Knots and Crosses is the first in the series featuring detective Rebus. Set in Edinburgh a number of the novels have been adapted for TV.

BEST BOOKS ABOUT SCOTLAND (NON-FICTION)

By Neil Oliver

Historian (and TV presenter) Neil Oliver tells the story of Scotland in this easy to read guide.

If you have (or believe you may have) Scottish ancestry this guide will help you build your family tree.

Uncover your Scottish heritage with the help of genealogy expert Amanda Epperson and learn about church records, censuses, civil registrations and more.

By Billy Connolly

Find out from the big Yin himself what it means to be Scottish. In this reflection on his life, roots, and homeland Connolly takes readers on the journey with him.

A funny and yet brutally honest account from one of Scotland’s most loved comedians.

BEST ROMANCE NOVELS SET IN SCOTLAND

By Diana Gabaldon

Familiar to most of us through the TV adaptation of the same name the Outlander series tells the story of love across the centuries. If you plan to visit some of the Outlander film locations in Scotland read my guide to the best Outlander tours.

By Regan Walker

A Gold Medal Winner 2017 Illumination awards this romantic novel is set in Scotland in 1072.

If you enjoy historical romantic fiction this book is a delightful read.

By Fiona Valpy

Set in Scotland and France this novel tells the story of Ella.

Sharing her life story with her granddaughter Kendra takes us from the beautiful island of Ile de Re to the rugged hills of Scotland and the Scottish countryside.

BOOKS BY FAMOUS SCOTTISH AUTHORS

No list of books would be complete without the mention of Robert Louis Stevenson. Although not set in Scotland these classic novels by one of the most famous Scottish authors of all time has to be included.

BEST SCOTLAND FOCUSSED PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDES

The Photographer’s Guide to Scotland – Skye, Glen Coe & the Trossachs

An excellent guide to some of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Includes detailed information about how to get to the various locations including the Isle of Skye which is featured in the book.

If you are a keen photographer (or know of one) this is a must-buy for your trip!

In this extensive photo-location and visitor guidebook, Dougie Cunningham explores and describes the most beautiful places in Scotland to visit and photograph.

Including classic views and also some lesser-known and hidden gems!

BEST SCOTTISH COOKBOOKS

Now for a selection of the best Scottish cookbooks for those of you who enjoy recreating some of the food we are often introduced to for the first time when we travel.

Feast on twenty recipes inspired by the Highland romance novel “Love Inherited.”

This companion cookbook spans the meals of a Highlander’s day from breakfast to a drink by the fire.

Featuring more than one hundred recipes,  Outlander Kitchen  retells Claire and Jamie’s incredible story through the flavours of the Scottish Highlands, the French Revolution, and beyond.

A perfect companion to the books and TV series.

BEST SCOTTISH THEMED COLOURING BOOKS

This latest edition of Colours of Scotland is bigger, brighter and sharper than before. In this new edition you will find new images have been added!

E-colouring books for adults unlike traditional hard copies allow you to print and colour images as often as you like!

Featuring a range of picturesque Scottish vistas , from freshwater lochs and wooded glens to majestic mountains, granite cities, and medieval castles, each stunning scene is full of intriguing detail sure to fire the imagination and make you reach for your colouring pencils .

A unique Scottish colouring book suitable for adults as well as children featuring 20 of the country’s most iconic places including:

Edinburgh Castle * Forth Rail Bridge * St Andrews * HMS Discovery, Dundee * Balmoral castle * Loch Ness/Urquart Castle and many more.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT SCOTLAND

Refreshed, renewed, reloaded! Readers can discover all the foul facts about Scotland, including the truth about William Wallace, the disgusting details of sick Scottish torture techniques, and how to terrify a tourist with gory Scottish ghost stories.

This is a great way to learn about Scottish history!

You wouldn’t want to be Mary, Queen of Scots!

See life through the eyes of one of the most unfortunate people in European history – Mary, Queen of Scots!

Crowned as a baby, widowed at 18, schemed against in your own country and menaced by the superpower next door your life is not going to be a bed of roses!

Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

Hettie the Highland cow has lots of hair to keep her warm and cosy. But other animals want to be cosy too… In springtime two blackbirds stop by and build their nest in Hettie’s hair. She’s a cow, not a hedge!

The second story about loveable Hettie the Highland cow takes us through the seasons in Scotland. This charming, funny story is brought to life by Jo Allan’s lively illustrations.

I am sure that this wide selection of books about Scotland or with a Scottish theme will have provided you with some inspiration and ideas whether your interest is in Scotland’s history, exploring the Scottish Isles or simply wanting a romance or historical novel for the plane journey.

• Read more in our Edinburgh Travel Guide

If you are planning a trip to Scotland why not join my FREE UK Travel Planning Group on Facebook? Join over 1000 others for more travel tips, resources and inspiration as well as practical advice from travellers just like yourself.

• Best UK travel books
• Best books about England
• Scotland Travel Guide

More to read if you are visiting Scotland

• Inverness Travel Guide
• Best day trips from Edinburgh
• How to travel from London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper
• Best Gifts for Anglophiles

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

Scotland is a rugged and beautiful country that’s perfect for exploring on a road trip. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to discover. There are countless historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I absolutely love Scotland. It’s stunningly beautiful and I can never get enough of the countless changing landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and warm, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of times in the last decade, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. Home to just 5.5 million people, it’s a sparsely populated land, so much of your driving here will be out in the countryside. The country is just built for it.

But there are still a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least):

Table of Contents

1. Get Travel Insurance

2. rent the right vehicle, 3. be ready to drive on the left, 4. understand roundabouts, 5. know the speed limits, 6. add in time for scenic stops, 7. download the right apps, 8. bring a paper map, 9. understand how to drive on single-track roads, 10. don’t rush, suggested routes, scotland road trip faq, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

I never leave home without travel insurance . And I never rent a car without comprehensive insurance either.

I know, it’s an added expense. And chances are you won’t even need it.

But what happens if you do need it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for damage. And that could cost you thousands.

Scotland has lots of narrow, rugged, or single-track roads (more on those later) that can be tricky to navigate. Tire and windshield damage is common. Throw in the ever-changing weather, and you’ve got recipe for trouble.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out car insurance for your road trip. The peace of mind is worth it.

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars . When you book, it’s easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. The site makes it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You essentially have two choices when it comes to renting a vehicle in Scotland — and choice will drastically impact your trip. Your options are a car or a campervan.

A car will be cheaper and use less gas, but you’ll have to find accommodation each night. A campervan/RV will be more money and require more fuel, but you can sleep inside the vehicle and thus save money on accommodation. (It’s not my jam but to each their own.)

Both options make for an amazing trip, so there is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind that manual transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you want a vehicle with automatic transmission, you’ll need to specify that while booking.  

Traffic in Scotland flows on the left, just like the rest of the UK. This is the opposite of the US, Canada, and the majority of Europe (only Ireland, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you rent a manual vehicle, you’ll be switching gears with your left hand instead of your right, which has a bit of a learning curve. (Personally, I prefer an automatic).

Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, drive cautiously. Driving on the left can be especially challenging when you arrive at a roundabout (more on that below) or in a city. Take it slow at first, until you adjust.  

Roundabouts are a traffic circles that serve as intersections, instead of stop lights or stop signs. They force vehicles to slow down without stopping the flow of traffic. While they aren’t especially common in the US, they are incredibly popular in Europe (they reduce serious traffic accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are very common in Scotland. And they flow in the opposite direction (clockwise) than do those in the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, slow down drastically and yield to traffic in the roundabout until you have an opening to enter the traffic circle. All traffic flows the same direction in a roundabout.

If there are multiple lanes, you’ll need to be on an outer lane when exiting. The inner lane of the roundabout is for cars not exiting immediately.

When you’re ready to exit the roundabout, signal so cars behind you know you will be turning.

If you’re not comfortable when you arrive at a roundabout, just take it slow and signal your intentions. They are much easier to handle than you think!  

Posted speed limits in Scotland are written in miles. While this is helpful for Americans like me, travelers from countries that use kilometers will want to pay extra attention.

Common speed limits are:

• Built-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Dual roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are just guides, however. Always follow local signage to ensure safety. When in doubt, it’s always better to go slower rather than faster until you verify the speed. I’d write down some common conversions so you can have them handy if you get confused.  

I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you only have a few days, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Scotland, from quaint towns to scenic vistas to short hikes.

You’re going to want to pull over every few minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or abandoned castle. The landscape is so beautiful that even the average sights are Insta-worthy. For that reason, build in buffer time in your itinerary so that, if you decide to stop or take a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t recommend this enough. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you stumble into. And you definitely don’t want to be rushing from sight to sight either, so plan to be diverted.  

I know, when you head out on a road trip, the point is to get away from your phone so you can enjoy the local culture and stunning views. However, there are lots of apps out there that can help you save money, stay safe, and save time. Everyone road-tripping around Scotland should have the following apps downloaded to their phone:

• Met Weather – This is the best weather app for the UK. Conditions can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A helpful app for finding spots to park for your RV or campervan (including free ones).
• Flush – A helpful app for finding public restrooms.
• Petrol Prices – An app for finding and comparing nearby gas prices for when you need to refuel.

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map . I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Scotland is generally reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost (likely to happen if you’re driving through remote areas), or if there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it (they make nice souvenirs after a trip too).  

Once you get out of the cities, you may encounter single-track roads. These are essentially two-way roads that only have space for one vehicle. This means that if you encounter oncoming traffic, there is no room for you to pass one another.

Fortunately, these roads usually have passing areas built into them at regular intervals, allowing cars to pull over to make room. Take advantage of these when you see traffic coming, so that you can easily pass one another.

Additionally, take it slow around corners on single-track roads. Accidents can occur here because you can’t see oncoming traffic (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and always be prepared to stop.

Lastly, keep in mind that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can happen easily, especially if you’re pulling off to the side to make room for passing vehicles. For that reason, make sure you have a spare tire and that you also have insurance coverage for your tires, just to be safe.  

While Scotland isn’t huge, there are still a lot of things see and do here. It may be tempting to rush, so you can pack more into your itinerary, but I strongly encourage you to not do so. Quality, not quantity, is the name of the game. I’ve been on countless road trips around the world, and slower is always better. That means driving less and spending more time at each stop. Do that, and you’ll be able to soak in a lot more of Scotland’s unique culture.

Furthermore, chances are you’ll be driving on a lot of smaller, winding roads here, often surrounded by ambling farm animals to watch out for. That means, for safety reasons, you’ll need to slow down and really focus on the drive. Admire the sights, leave room for spontaneous detours, and forget about rushing from sight to sight. You won’t regret it!  

There are a few popular road trip routes in Scotland. They each offer different things to see and do, and each require different amounts of time to complete. To make the most of your time, pick the route that best suits your travel interests.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the best road trip routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – This is probably the most popular road trip route in the country. It loops around the northern tip of Scotland, usually starting and ending in Inverness. Popular stops include Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave , John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll want at least five days, though seven days would be preferable. Just keep in mind that it can get busy in the summer.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the Highlands that’s both a National Scenic Area and National Nature Reserve. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is just 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it an easy day trip (though I suggest stopping overnight, so you can really soak up the views). It’s also a part of several road trip routes, including the Argyll Coastal Route (listed next).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route along the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s a great alternative to the North Coast 500, as it’s less popular (and thus less crowded). Popular stops along this route include the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

While you could easily drive the distance in a single day, plan to spend at least three days. That will give you time to see the highlights without rushing.

Highlands Tourist Route – Cutting across the eastern side of the country, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a popular choice for history buffs, as there are numerous castle and museum stops, as well as the site of the last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is just 116 miles (187 kilometers), but at least three days are needed to take it all in.  

If you pick a shorter route or just want to do a weekend road trip to camp, three days will suffice.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? Some of the most scenic drives in Scotland include the Argyll Coastal Route, the entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Tourist Route.

Is driving in Scotland difficult? While driving in the cities can be a pain, once you get out into the countryside, it is very easy. Just use caution on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and remember that you have to drive on the left!

Can you drive onto the Isle of Skye? Yep! It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge.

What is the best month for a Scotland road trip? Generally, April-October is the best time to visit. Personally, I like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the changing leaves. It won’t be as warm, but prices will be lower and everything will be less busy.

Scotland is a beautiful destination and perfect for road trips. With stunning scenery, historic sights, plentiful hiking opportunities, and possible Loch Ness monster sightings, I think renting a car to explore is the best way to experience the country. Whether you want to discover the rugged coast or weave about the Highlands, having a car or campervan will make it both possible and affordable. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Scotland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Scotland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Scotland for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Scotland

Wild, windswept and wonderfully scenic, these islands have neolithic sites, curious wildlife and a culture all of their own.

The 900-odd islands, islets and skerries amassed off the western and northern coasts of mainland Scotland are an eclectic bunch. In the north, the North Sea archipelagos of Shetland and Orkney have Viking history and names derived from Old Norse. To the west, the Atlantic-bound Outer Hebrides remain the stronghold of the Gaelic language, which is still spoken everywhere on the islands. And then there are the Inner Hebrides, tucked in closer to the mainland and running from whisky-soaked Islay in the south to the toothy peaks of Skye in the north.

It’s a region where connection matters. Some destinations have easy links to mainland communities; more ferries and flights mean more people and, generally, a more cosmopolitan feel. Others are flung further out to sea, islands off islands reached only via multiple ferries, and with a wholly different character.

At times, this topography has led to heartbreak. Take islands such as St Kilda and Mingulay, in the Outer Hebrides: home to small but determined local communities for millennia, both had to be eventually abandoned in the last century due to a gradual loss of self-sufficiency.

But it can also provide part of the charm, for it makes the journey part of the experience. A highlight of any visit to the islands is likely to be the trip out to them. Skye, for example, can be reached via a swooping road bridge that climbs to 115ft above Loch Alsh. If you fly into Barra, gateway to the Outer Hebrides, you’ll touch down right on a beach — the only such landing in the world.

Indeed, the beaches are a highlight across the archipelagos. Many look like they could be found on a screensaver, all buttery sand and aquamarine water. Some stretches of coastline are so sparsely populated and little visited, you might romp down their dunes and make the day’s first footprints.

Wildlife flourishes throughout, too. Expect to spot eagles overhead and puffins on the cliffs, plus all manner of marine life, from seals and dolphins to basking sharks and even whales. This also means you’ll find just-caught seafood on the menu everywhere, from cosy restaurants to village pubs.

We’ve picked some of the best trips to discover this region of wind and waves, but wherever you travel, there’s always another island waiting on the horizon. The temptation to carry on is as strong as the whisky.

Itinerary 1:   Far North & Orkney

Start point: Inverness End point: Inverness Distance travelled: 374 miles Average length: 7 days

Orkney is unlike anywhere else in Scotland. That’s partly down to its history: it was under Norwegian and Danish control for hundreds of years until the 15th century, and many Orcadians still claim Scandinavian ancestry. It’s also down to its location, across the Pentland Firth from Scotland’s northeast tip, with the largest town, Kirkwall, standing more than 200 miles north of Edinburgh.

Despite feeling far removed, it’s just 90 minutes by ferry from the Scottish mainland. By renting a car and using Inverness as your start and end point, you can easily combine exploring Orkney with a spin around Scotland’s far north, where the Flow Country is a highlight. It’s the world’s most intact and extensive blanket bog system, a peaty, pool-dotted expanse whose colour palette of mossy browns and earthy greens seems to shift like a kaleidoscope as clouds scud overhead.

Once you reach Orkney via ferry, the landscape is dominated by the North Sea, glinting on the horizon and pounding the shoreline, never too far from the road. On Mainland, Orkney’s largest island, a straightforward loop takes in the archipelago’s best-known sights, many of them historically significant, including the ancient village of Skara Brae — part of Orkney’s UNESCO-listed group of Neolithic sites — and Scapa Flow, where you can dive among shipwrecks. On Hoy, to the south of Mainland and accessible via ferry, one of the UK’s tallest sea stacks provides an easy marker for the end of your trip.

Highlights in the Far North & Orkney

1.   Forsinard Flows Hire a car in Inverness and head north to Scotland’s Flow Country, an expanse of rare blanket bog that’s currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. At its heart is an RSPB reserve where you can walk the mile-long Dubh Lochan boardwalk, spotting lizards, frogs and dragonflies at ground level, and hen harriers and golden plovers overhead. A viewing tower affords views across the peatland.

2. Skara Brae Take the 90-minute car ferry from Scrabster, on the mainland, to Stromness, in Orkney, then find Skara Brae huddled next to a blustery beach. We know Neolithic people had a form of fitted furniture thanks to a storm that hit Orkney’s Mainland in 1850. It uncovered this immaculately preserved 5,000-year-old village, where nine surviving homes are divided into clear rooms and feature stone dressers and box-beds. The visitor centre displays artefacts such as jewellery and tools.

3. Kirkwall A 25-minute drive east takes you to Kirkwall, home to Orkney’s main harbour and airport and liveliest pub scene. You’ll also find Britain’s most northerly cathedral, the yellow-and-red sandstone St Magnus, founded in the 12th century. The town is the most bankable spot for a proper Orcadian live music session: pop into Skipper’s , The Bothy Bar or the Auld Motor Hoose to find out what’s on.

4. Scapa Flow Once a British naval base, Scapa Flow played a key role in both world wars. Today, these sheltered waters just south of Mainland are littered with shipwrecks, from blockships sunk to keep the Germans at bay to the German High Seas Fleet, deliberately scuttled here in 1919. Take a snorkel safari for a glimpse of these wrecks or get closer to them on a scuba dive with Kraken Diving .

5. Old Man of Hoy For the last leg of the trip, take the car ferry from Houton, on Mainland, to Lyness, on Hoy, then drive the 25 minutes to Rackwick. From here, hike along the cliffs — spotting fulmars and great skuas as you go — to the Old Man of Hoy, on the island’s west coast. This 450ft-tall red sandstone sea stack is best seen in late afternoon, when the sun brings out its rosy colour. Allow three hours return for the hike.

Itinerary 2:   Outer Hebrides

Start point:   Barra End point: Stornoway Distance travelled: 137 miles Average length: 10 days

Some of Scotland’s finest scenery lies far off its western coast, across the crashing waters of the Minch strait on the fringes of Europe. If the climate were warmer, the Outer Hebrides would surely be overrun with sunseekers, home as they are to white sand beaches that could stand in for the Caribbean. Instead, with the average summer high a cool 16C, this 130-mile-long string of islands remains quiet year-round — and fiercely traditional.

The archipelago is the last stronghold of the Scottish Gaelic language, once the dominant tongue throughout most of Scotland. It sets the tone for encounters with islanders still engaged in traditional crofting, fishing and weaving, producing the world-famous Harris tweed — still handwoven using island-spun wool — and some of the tastiest seafood.

This is a journey to take your time over, making diversions to local art galleries and near-hidden Neolithic sites. Start by flying from Glasgow to Barra, then hop between South Uist, North Uist, Harris and Lewis via ferry and causeway, eventually flying back from Stornoway. Along the way, the road glides above the Atlantic, ribbons around rocky bays and hugs the foot of lofty, heather-cloaked mountains.

Highlights in the Outer Hebrides

1. Traigh Mhòr This beach, on the northern tip of Barra, is the only one in the world to double as a runway for scheduled flights. Begin your Hebridean adventure with a memorable touchdown, watching the sands rushing up to meet you as you descend over the Atlantic. Pick up a vehicle from Car Hire Hebrides and drive the 20 minutes to the main village, Castlebay. Its huddle of homes gazes out at Kisimul Castle , a fortress atop an islet and the only medieval castle remaining in the Outer Hebrides.

2. Beinn Langais Take the ferry from Castlebay to Lochboisdale, on South Uist, then drive 50 minutes to North Uist and check in to Langass Lodge , a former shooting lodge. Pull on some boots for a two-mile circular trail, taking in the 5,000-year-old Barpa Langais chambered cairn, Pobull Fhinn stone circle and Beinn Langais hill. North Uist is slung so low that the latter’s 300ft summit rewards you with a panorama of peatland and sinewy sea lochs.

3. St Kilda Continue north via road and ferry to Leverburgh, on the island of Harris, your base for the next couple of days. This is the departure point for day trips to the St Kilda archipelago, which rises sharply from the water 40 miles to the west. Once home to a thriving community, it now stands abandoned, the traditional Hebridean blackhouses gently crumbling. While it’s officially uninhabited, some life remains here, with almost a million seabirds — including the UK’s largest colony of puffins — cloaking the sheer cliffs and enormous sea stacks.

4. Golden Road Starting around 30 minutes’ drive north of Leverburgh, the Golden Road is hailed as one of the isles’ best drives. Clinging to Harris’s eastern coast, its single track loops around sea lochs, the waterline occasionally broken by seals’ glossy crowns. Check out local art at Skoon Gallery & Studio and Finsbay Gallery and make time for the Harris tweed exhibition in Drinishader to learn about the beloved cloth.

5. Calanais Standing stones Swap Harris for Lewis with an hour-long drive north from Drinishader to the Calanais Standing Stones , a cross-shaped stone circle older than Stonehenge. We’ll probably never know why they were erected here some 5,000 years ago — astronomical observatory? Site of Neolithic worship? — but the intrigue has contributed to myths and legends. The mountains and lochs around it make it all a glorious sight.

6.   Uig Sands Drive another 30 minutes to get to this blissfully quiet beach, then hike across miles of pristine sands washed by teal waters to work up an appetite. Lunch is at Uig Sands restaurant: nab a window seat and order the Uig Lodge smoked salmon, then linger a night or two in one of four chic bedrooms, all of which have private patios and views across the bay.

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GREAT BRITISH BOOK CLUB

19 Books Like Outlander: Scottish Time Travel Books for People Who Like Outlander

In some cases, we earn commissions from affiliate links in our posts.

Often when a book series gets adapted for TV and becomes popular, it spawns a host of imitations – and renews interest in similar titles that have been around for ages. That's exactly what has happened with the popular Outlander series . Scottish time travel books are hot, and while Outlander is certainly the most popular, it's neither the first nor the only book to tell a story of romance and adventure across time.

If you've exhausted all that the Outlander series has to offer, you may be looking for more like that. Below, we take a look at some of the best and most highly-rated books like Outlander – tales of time travel, romance, and adventure in Scotland.

19 Books Like Outlander: Time Travel Books Set in Scotland

Though you could certainly make the argument that other, non-Scottish time travel books and typical Highland romance novels are great things to add to your post- Outlander reading list, we know there many times when you don't want something “sort of like” what you just had. You want more of the very same type of thing.

So, with this list, we've tried to get as close as humanly possible and stick with ONLY Scottish time travel stories with some element of adventure and romance. The majority of the entries are series rather than single books, so in those cases we've listed the first book to get you started.

Bethany Claire's Morna's Legacy Series

Schoolteacher Brielle Montgomery reluctantly joins her archaologist mother on a dig in Scotland, only to find herself transported 400 years back in time. Suddenly, she's thrust into a life where she's about to marry Eoin Conall, an almost impossibly sexy Scotsman who doesn't like her at all. He's only following through with the marriage because of a promise to his dying father.

When Bri enters the picture, he notices something has changed about his wife-to-be, and it's a good thing. Unfortunately, Bri knows her history and she knows Eoin's entire clan will be slaughtered. Can she protect her new love and save both of their lives?

To date, there are twelve books in this series. You can start with the first below:

Get it : Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Audiobook | Bookshop.org (supports independent bookshops)

Claire R. McDougall's Veil of Time

With her marriage over and her son off to school, Maggie takes some time out at a cottage near the ruins of Dunadd. When she awakens, she finds herself wandering the busy village of Dunadd – in the eighth century! She soon finds herself drawn to the handsome Fergus, brother of the king and father to a young girl who looks remarkably like her own late daughter. Torn between two worlds, will she stay with her new love or return to her old life that wasn't much to get excited about?

Veronica Wolff's Highland Series

Lily Hamlin is having a rough time personally, so she decides to go ahead and take that long dreamt-about trip to Scotland. While exploring the Highlands, she wanders through an overgrown maze with an odd stone map…and suddenly finds herself in 1654 Lochaber.

The widowed clan chief Ewen has no need for romance in his life, but when a saucy lass with a weird accent shows up, all bets are off. Though the romance is exciting, Lily soon realises her new life comes with its fair share of danger.

Jessi Gage's Highland Wishes Series

When a single, expectant museum worker wishes on a Scottish artifact, she never expects her wish to come true – until she's magically transported back in time to the middle of the Scottish Highlands during the sixteenth century. There, she meets a poor, handsome bachelor who's known for being too “endowed” under his kilt to ever make a good husband.

Hazel Hunter's Immortal Highlander Series

Kinley's life is not going well. Suffering from PTSD and dealing with the end of her career, it all turns around when she suddenly finds herself in medieval Scotland. There, she meets Lachlan McDonnel, laird to a clan of immortal Highlanders – and the sparks fly.

This series definitely falls on the mature side of things, both in terms of sex and violence. There's also an element of fantasy that extends beyond the time travel part of the story.

Catherine Bybee's MacCoinnich Time Travels Series

Duncan McCoinnich had a simple task: time travel to a twenty-first century Renn Faire, deflower druid virgins, and go home. When feelings develop between modern-day Tara and sixteenth century Duncan, it all gets a lot more complicated.

Jo Barrett's Highlander's Challenge

Tuck is a personal bodyguard, and her latest assignment is certainly one to remember. It involves a kidnapper, an enchanted fountain, and a sixteenth century Highlander who wants nothing more than to lock her up and keep her.

Kim Sakwa's Lairds of the Crest Series

Gwendolyn Reynolds takes a soul-searching trip to Scotland, but when a storm forces her car off the road, she plunges into icy water and comes back up in 1426 Scotland. There, she finds Laird Greylen McGreggor, a man waiting for a woman foretold in prophecy.

Janet Chapman's The Highlander Next Door

This one almost didn't make it on the list because it's a little different from the others. Rather than the heroine travelling back in time, it's the hero who travels forward to modern day Maine.

Maxine Mansfield's Time for a Highlander

History teacher Bethany Anne Anderson is killed on a trip to Scotland – but before she can pass on to the next phase, fate steps in and drops her into the body of twenty-one-year-old Lady Elspeth Frasier in 1643 Scotland. There, she must give a Highland laird an heir before she can move on.

Melissa Mayhue's Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband

In 2007 Denver, Caitlyn Coryell's life is falling apart. When she puts on an antique pendant, a Highland warrior suddenly appears in her bedroom, begging for her help. At his urging, she'll go back in time and marry him, assuming no one kills her first.

Ceci Giltenan's Pocket Watch Chronicles

This series focuses on a young woman who receives a mysterious pocket watch that allows time travel. Each entry in the series features a romance between one person from the modern world and one from some period in Scottish history – but the specifics always vary.

It's also worth noting that unlike many books in this genre, there are no explicit love scenes in these books. If you prefer less heat, definitely give this one a read.

Clover Autrey's Highland Sorcery Series

When a naked, bleeding Highlander appears in her modern-day kitchen, Charity Greves does what any decent herbalist would do – she heals him. What she didn't expect was to be pulled back to the 13th century where her Highlander is being held captive.

Each book in this series focuses on a different couple in a different time travel situation, and this is another series where the heat level is “safe to read with granny”.

Karen Marie Moning's Highlander Series

Hawk is a legendary predator in battle and the bedroom, but no woman has managed to tame him. When a vengeful fairy yanks Adrienne de Simone from modern day Seattle, however, he might just find his perfect match. She's having none of it, but he's determined to win her heart.

Allie Mackay's Ravenscraig Legacy Series

Tour guide Mara McDougall doesn't believe in ghosts – until she meets a handsome Scottish one on a trip to the UK. While this isn't strictly a time travel book, all the books in this series contain links between the past and present with supernatural elements. If you're looking for a slight twist on the genre, you may enjoy these.

Susan Price's Sterkarm Series

After a British corporation invents a time tube with a portal back to sixteenth century Scotland, they send representatives 500 years back in time to deal with a lawless clan of barbarians. Interpreter Andrea soon develops a bond with Per, the handsome son of the clan chieftain, Toorkild – but when tensions rise, she'll be forced to choose sides.

Lynn Kurland's MacLeod Series

In the New York City of 1996, Elizabeth Smith's writing career is stalled – until one day, she begins hearing the voice of a Scottish man calling to her. She thinks she's going crazy until she dozes off in Gramercy Park and wakes up in 14th century Scotland. There, she'll find herself face to face with the man whose voice filled her mind.

Callie Berkham's Time Orb Series

Each book of this series features a heroine transported to a different time and place – with the first novel dropping historian Abby Davis onto an ancient Scottish battleground. There, she'll save the life of a warrior, losing her time orb in the process.

J. Ardian Lee's Son of the Sword

This one's kind of an unusual entry because the protagonist is a man. Dylan Matheson is a relatively normal modern man, but when he picks up a magical broadsword at a Medieval Faire, he's transported to 1713 Scotland where Jacobite revels are fighting English oppression. There, he'll fight for the cause and attempt to win the heart of fair Caitrionagh, daughter of a haughty laird.

What's Your Favourite Scottish Time Travel Book?

Have you read any of these Scottish time travel books? What's your favourite? Do you have other recommendations? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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'Amazing' Scotland is the inspiration for my books, says top author

•  Astonishing secret of writer responsible for publisher’s record £343million sales

Her books have helped Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury rake in record profits and fuelled the hugely popular ‘Romantasy’ sub-genre.

But while the stories created by American author Sarah J Maas might be set in fictional worlds of humans and fairies, her work has been inspired by Scotland’s famous landscape.

Bloomsbury – the publishing house best known for JK Rowling ’s Harry Potter books – has just posted a 57 per cent rise in profits, taking in £49 million.

When discussing the lucrative period, Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton had one name in mind – Sarah J Maas.

Mr Newton said the 38-year-old’s romantic fantasy series Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses had flown off the shelves, with readers ‘addicted’ to her books.

So where, you might ask, does Scotland fit in to all this?

Ms Maas’s first book – Throne of Glass – was published in 2012 and proved the start of a body of work that has stretched to several series.

Along the way, she has had the opportunity to travel the world. And one destination was high on her list. In a 2014 tweet, New York-born Ms Maas shared her excitement ahead of a holiday to Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, and said she would be using the time to carry out research for her second fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.

She wrote: ‘I’m so ridiculously excited to spend a few days on the Isle of Skye. Dream come true.’

While staying there, she enthused: ‘When I die, I want my ashes scattered on the Isle of Skye. I think I’ve been looking for this place my entire life.

‘I literally started crying at a lookout point today because I was so overwhelmed by its sheer beauty and size. I never want to leave. Like, the land is singing to me.’

In a later post, Ms Maas shared a dramatic image of the peaks of Aonach Dubh, Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach, in Glencoe, and made no bones about its influence on her work.

Alongside the photo, she said that a weekend spent editing had given her an ‘excuse to look through all my pics from my trip to Scotland last year (since some areas in the book were inspired by the terrain)’.

Some of her writing also makes reference to the ‘Picts’ – surely a nod to the ancient people of the same name who lived in what is now eastern and north-eastern Scotland.

In later years, the author and her husband Josh Wasserman visited Edinburgh with their then baby son Taran.

After she shared a photo of the elaborate doors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, some fans were quick to draw a link between it and the setting in her novels known as the Night Court. She has also spoken about her love of the Outlander time travel books and TV series – set in Scotland – and has visited Doune Castle in Perthshire, which stands in for the show’s fictitious Leoch Castle.

An image from the time shows her leaping in the air in front of the castle.

The only question that must surely be on the minds of fans and estate agents handling sales of properties to the world’s rich and famous is: will she ever make Scotland her home?

If, as she says, the land is ‘singing’ to her, just maybe she’ll answer the call.

FREE learning visits

Explore 5,000 years of history with our free learning visits.

• Where can we visit?
• Is our group eligible?
• How can we book?
• School visits travel subsidy
• Site information sheets

1 Where can we visit?

2 is our group eligible.

• nurseries and schools
• colleges and universities
• out of school clubs 
• uniformed organisations like Scouts or Girl Guides (UK only)
• home educator groups (UK only)

Groups from third sector and charitable organisations delivering educational or wellbeing programmes are also eligible, including those supporting:

• adult learners
• employability programmes
• groups with additional support needs.
• A member of the visiting learning organisation must make the booking. Formal educational groups must make the booking using their organisational email address.
• The free learning visits scheme does not cover commercial or leisure activity including residential language schools.

Staffing ratios

• Early Years - Nursery and P1/2 (or aged 7 and under) 1:6
• Primary P3-7 and Secondary S1-S4  (or aged 8-15) 1:10
• Senior Phase  (or aged 16-18 but still in school) 1:15

Groups with  participants aged 16+  (excluding school groups) must be accompanied by a named representative from the visiting organisation.  

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] if you'd like to check whether your group is eligible.

3 How can we book?

We are currently taking requests for visits up to the end of August 2024.

As we are currently receiving a high volume of booking enquiries please be aware that response times may be slower than normal. Thank you for your patience.

To book your free learning group visit:

• For booking requests for  Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle , please fill in our booking enquiry form.  
• For all other sites a provisional booking should be made by calling the site directly . 
• We’ll then email you a booking confirmation with a voucher to bring along on the day (please note a booking is not guaranteed until you receive a confirmation email and voucher)
• After your booking is confirmed, group leaders can arrange a free planning visit to help with preparation of a risk assessment. Please arrange this for Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle by emailing [email protected] and for all other sites please contact the site directly .

Please note:

• All our sites operate with daily visitor capacities. Early booking and some flexibility on date and time of the visit is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
• At least 10 days’ notice of the proposed visit date is required.
• Currently, we are only offering self-guided visits. We have a range of online resources available to support your visit.

Learning & Inclusion Team Historic Environment Scotland Email:  [email protected]

4 School visits travel subsidy

We are pleased to announce that the scheme for the 2024/25 financial year is now open. We can accept applications for visits taking place from 1 April 2024. The application form is available to download below.

Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance. The Scottish Government Heritage Travel Subsidy for Schools covers 75% of transport costs (up to a maximum of £300) to visit the chosen site. Scotland's special schools and units can apply for 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £300).

You can apply for a School Visits Travel Subsidy if visiting:

• Any Historic Environment Scotland site
• Certain  National Trust for Scotland sites – The Battle of Bannockburn , Culloden and  Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• David Livingstone Birthplace
• New Lanark World Heritage Site
• Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre

Any Scottish school can apply. Funding is limited and priority will be given to schools in areas with high indicators of multiple deprivation (see Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation ).

The travel subsidy process:

• The visit must be booked in advance and for a genuine educational purpose.
• Subsidy applications must be made before the visit.
• Receipts must be sent by the school after the visit (and within one month of the visit date).
• Payment will be made to the school usually within 30 days of receipt of a valid claim.

How to apply

• Make a provisional booking by contacting the site you wish to visit.
• Obtain a quote for travel costs (e.g. from a coach company).
• Complete the travel subsidy application form and return it to us at [email protected]

How will I hear back about my application?

Historic Environment Scotland's Learning and Inclusion team will respond to you by email to let you know whether or not your application was successful.

How will I receive the subsidy?

After your visit, please send a copy of the paid bus company invoice or group travel receipt to [email protected] .

75% of the total cost of travel (up to a maximum of £300) will be reimbursed to the school usually within 30 days of receipt of the invoice/group travel receipt. For Scotland's special schools and units, 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £300) will be reimbursed.

Email:  [email protected]

5 Site information sheets

Our site information sheets are here to help learning group leaders plan their visit to our historic places. They include key things to know, as well as a list of potential hazards, to help a group leader write their risk assessment.

Blackness Castle [PDF, 697KB]

Craigmillar Castle [PDF, 629KB]

Dirleton Castle [PDF, 589KB]

Dumbarton Castle [PDF, 623KB]

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace [PDF, 799KB]

Edinburgh Castle [PDF, 1MB]

Fort George [PDF, 525KB]

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn [PDF, 1.2MB]

Melrose Abbey [PDF, 780KB]

Ring of Brodgar [PDF, 515KB]

Skara Brae [PDF, 562KB]

Stirling Castle [PDF, 532KB]

Stones of Stenness [PDF, 466KB]

Tantallon Castle [PDF, 610KB]

Urquhart Castle [PDF, 574KB]

Here are answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Is it safe to visit?

Can i book a tour or activity, can i book a lunch space, do you provide risk assessments, how should we dress.