Lady’s 7 Works of Scottish Fiction That Will Inspire You to Love Scotland

It’s time for books! Following my popular blog post about the best films set in Scotland, I want to share my top picks for Scottish fiction. These books set in Scotland will allow you to virtually explore the highlands, islands, lowlands, and cities that make this part of the UK unique. All without leaving home.

Scottish Fiction

If you read the A Lady in London blog regularly, you’ll know I’ve written about books to read while traveling, books to read about London, and books you’ll love about England.

I’m excited to add Scottish fiction to the list with this blog post featuring great books about Scotland. There are so many incredible Scottish novels that it’s hard to narrow it down, but I hope you’ll enjoy the ones I’ve chosen.

1. The Bride of Lammermoor – Lammermuir Hills

Sir Walter Scott’s The Bride of Lammermoor is a Scottish classic. It brings the landscape and history of the underrated Lammermuir Hills in southeast Scotland to life.

This was the first work of Scottish fiction I ever read, and I still remember the sense of awe I felt at Scott’s descriptions of the coast and castles.

A tragic love story, The Bride of Lammermoor is packed with everything from passion to betrayal. Scott claimed it was based on true events, so it’s a good example of historical fiction set in Scotland. You can get the book here.

2. Doubting Thomas – Edinburgh

Heather Richardson’s Doubting Thomas is one of the best works of Scottish fiction for those wanting a glimpse of life in 17th-century Edinburgh.

This is the story of Thomas Aikenhead, the last man hanged for blasphemy in Britain. The novel is told from the viewpoints of four different people over the course of 15 years.

It features Edinburgh’s tenements, bookshops, coffee houses, and apothecaries, and brings the city’s past to life. It’s a great one if you love Scottish historical fiction. You can get it here.

3. The Valley at the Centre of the World – Shetland

Malachy Tallack’s The Valley at the Centre of the World puts Shetland in the spotlight. The book paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of crofting life on the Scottish islands.

This work of Scottish fiction focuses on themes of community and isolation. In doing so, it captures the essence of Shetland.

From the language to the climate, culture, landscape, and history, it’s a great read if you want to take a deep dive into Shetland. You can get it here.

4. Frankenstein – Orkney

I recently read Mary Shelley’s classic novel, Frankenstein, and was surprised to find scenes set in Scotland’s Orkney. Victor Frankenstein travels to the remote islands in the north of Scotland to create a mate for his monster and escape his guilt.

Shelley’s descriptions of the remoteness of the islands add to the feelings of Victor’s despair. But in spite of the mood, her writing still makes me want to travel to Orkney someday. If you’re curious, you can get the book here.

5. Outlander – Scottish Highlands

Another famous work of Scottish fiction is Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. The first in a series of eight historical novels, it tells the story of a time-traveling woman and her highland beau.

Transported through standing stones, Claire Randall goes from post-World War II Inverness to 18th-century highland life, finding love with heart-throb Jamie Fraser along the way.

In addition to being one of the great modern Scottish romance novels, Outlander has been adapted into a popular television series. If you want to read the book, you can get it here.

6. Peacock’s Alibi – Glasgow

Stuart David’s Peacock’s Alibi is one of many works of Scottish fiction that fits squarely into the popular Tartan Noir crime genre.

Set in Glasgow, it’s the story of Peacock Johnson, a wide boy, man-with-a-plan type, who has grand criminal plans that never seem to materialize.

With plenty of humor, it’s not your usual dark thriller. And with lots of recognizable places in Glasgow featuring throughout, it’s a great read if you want to see Glasgow from the comfort of your armchair. You can get it here.

7. 44 Scotland Street – Edinburgh

Back in Edinburgh, Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street is set in the present day. This episodic novel is about a student named Pat, a boy named Bertie, and their neighbors in Edinburgh’s New Town.

A lighthearted and delightfully satirical portrait of Edinburgh society, it’s a great work of Scottish fiction if you want to get a glimpse into contemporary life in the Scottish capital. You can get it here.

Scottish Fiction and Beyond

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of books set in Scotland. Reading Scottish fiction is a great way to visit the UK without leaving home, and a fun way to get inspiration for future travels.

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