It’s Burns Night in Scotland tonight and no doubt celebrations will last well into the rest of the week and the weekend. You can find out more about the night, and Robbie Burns here, but it’s not just Rabbie, Scotland offers the most beautiful landscape for any literary works and so we asked you to recommend your favourite books set in Scotland.
I don’t think we’ve ever had a list that crosses so many genres, there really is all sorts here and something for everyone, if you fancy taking in a bit of Scottish ambiance with your next read. Thanks for all your votes, here are your 18 most recommended books set in Scotland.
Outlander Series – Diana Gabaldon
Our readers just love Outlander and often if it fits, it gets the votes. Outlander certainly fits in this category and if you want to enjoy some sweeping historical Scottish landscapes then this is a big series to get going with.
Kidnapped – Robert Louis Stevenson
And from there straight to a classic by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Originally marketed as a ‘boys novel’ it appeared in magazine form in 1886, but as our poll shows this historical fiction adventure story is still popular today.
Inspector Rebus Series – Ian Rankin
Another Scottish author and another novel series with Inspector Rebus, who you said offers wonderful depictions of Edinburgh that made you feel as though you were right there.
The Thirty-Nine Steps – John Buchan
Another classic, another Scottish author and another adventure novel in fourth place with the Thirty-Nine Steps, a 1915 book that has also featured in several film adaptations and a favourite with many of you.
Trainspotting – Irvine Welsh
Welsh’s Edinburgh is a bleak place but his poetic ramblings and off-tangent comedy makes him a favourite author for many, Trainspotting was my own choice for this question, and it’s fifth in the list of your favourite books set in Scotland.
At The Water’s Edge – Sara Gruen
Lots of classics mentioned so far but now we have a fairly new release. At the Water’s Edge is historical fiction from Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants and many of you absolutely loved it!
Macbeth – William Shakespeare
A mention for the Scottish play, quite a few mentions in fact with many of you putting it as the best story set in Scotland.
Waverley – Sir Walter Scott
Another classic for the list and they just keep coming, this time with Waverley by Sir Walter Scott. Scott’s first venture into prose fiction and published in 1814, this is historical adventure that you will love.
Highlander Series – Karen Marie Moning
Another historical series this time with the Highlander Series. If you love Outlander, chances are you’ll love this too.
Five Red Herrings – Dorothy L. Sayers
Another classic to complete the top ten with Five Red Herrings, set in Galloway this mystery novel has been popular since its first publication in 1931 with its descriptions of literary landscapes particularly noted.
So that’s the top ten, but from your votes there were eighteen books that stood out on the list of favourite books set in Scotland, the final eight are as follows:
11. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – Muriel Spark
12. The Crow Road – Ian Banks
13. The Wasp Factory – Ian Banks
14. Scotland Street Series – Alexander McCall Smith
15. September – Rosamunde Pilcher
16. Sunset Song – Lewis Grassic Gibbon
17. The Spanish Letters – Mollie Hunter
18. Greyfriars Bobby – Eleanor Atkinson
Burns Night is celebrated all around the world, so why not raise a wee nip to the Scottish poet and author, grab a lovely book set in Scotland and have a celebration of your own?
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