20 Best Books About Scotland (2023 Update)

Hit scotland's can't-miss sights, bites, and history in two weeks or less with rick steves best of scotland! expert advice from rick steves on what's worth your time and money – two-day itineraries covering edinburgh, glasgow, st. andrews, the highlands, and the isle of skye – rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps – the best of local culture, flavors, and haunts, including walks through the most interesting neighborhoods and museums – trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around – over 80 full-color maps and vibrant photos – updated to reflect changes that occurred during the covid-19 pandemic up to the date of publication – experience the magic of scotland for yourself with rick steves best of scotland! planning a longer trip? rick steves scotland is the classic, in-depth guide to spending more than two weeks exploring the country.

44 scotland street – book 3 the residents and neighbors of 44 scotland street and the city of edinburgh come to vivid life in these gently satirical, wonderfully perceptive serial novels, featuring six-year-old bertie, a remarkably precocious boy—just ask his mother. this just in from edinburgh: the complicated lives of the denizens of 44 scotland street are becoming no simpler. domenica macdonald has left for the malacca straits to conduct a perilous anthropological study of pirate households. angus lordie’s dog, cyril, has been stolen, and is facing an uncertain future wandering the streets. bertie, the prodigiously talented six-year-old, is still enduring psychotherapy, but his burden is lightened by a junior orchestra's trip to paris, where he makes some interesting new friends. back in edinburgh, there is romance for pat with a handsome young man called wolf, until she begins to see the attractions of the more prosaically named matthew.teeming with mccall smith’s wonderful wit and charming depictions of edinburgh, love over scotland is another beautiful ode to a city and its people that continue to fascinate this astounding author.

Best-selling author graham robb finds that the 2,000-year-old map of ptolemy unlocks a central mystery of british history.two years ago, graham robb moved to a lonely house on the very edge of england, near the banks of a river that once marked the southern boundary of the legendary debatable land. the oldest detectable territorial division in great britain, the debatable land served as a buffer between scotland and england. it was once the bloodiest region in the country, fought over by henry viii, elizabeth i, and james v. after most of its population was slaughtered or deported, it became the last part of great britain to be brought under the control of the state. today, it has vanished from the map and its boundaries are matters of myth and generational memories. under the spell of a powerful curiosity, robb began a journey—on foot, by bicycle, and into the past—that would uncover lost towns and roads, and unlock more than one discovery of major historical significance. these personal and scholarly adventures reveal a tale that spans roman, medieval, and present-day britain. rich in detail and epic in scope, the debatable land takes us from a time when neither england nor scotland existed to the present day, when contemporary nationalism and political turmoil threaten to unsettle the cross-border community once more. with his customary charm, wit, and literary grace, graham robb proves the debatable land to be a crucial, missing piece in the puzzle of british history.

Philip's navigator scotland is the uk's best-selling atlas of scotland. the navigator brand is famous for the uk's clearest mapping and superb extra detail – essential for the motorist, whether for business or pleasure – and all with a fully updated section on the best scotland has to offer. 'a map that beats all others.' – the daily telegraph 'scale, accuracy and clarity are without parallel.' – driving magazine 'no.1 in the uk for clear maps.' – independent research survey – exceptional clarity at a scale of 1.5 miles to 1 inch = 1:100,000 (3 miles to 1 inch = 1:200,000 for northern scotland) – no other road atlas of scotland can provide this level of detail and touring information – invaluable 'best places to visit' section, including heritage spots, spectacular sights and the best walks, including the southern upland, west highland, great glen and speyside ways – key town-centre maps fully indexed for easy navigation – exceptional road detail, from motorways to country lanes, with every junction, roundabout and slip-road shown – packed with hundreds of individually named farms, houses and hamlets, alongside all the key heritage and cultural sites – hard-wearing and practical a4 format with spiral binding navigator scotland offers so much more than a mere road map: hundreds of individually named farms, houses and hamlets, airports, airfields, stations, ferries, canals, harbours, tourist information centres, and a wide range of places of interest ranging from castles to chapels. every element is clearly indexed for easy use and includes indexed town plans of all the major regional centres. added to all that is a guide to scotland's many leisure facilities and listings of a wide variety of activities from abseiling to yachting. the atlas is perfect for touring with its large scale and wealth of travel information. the exceptional detail also makes the atlas ideal for local business use.

Contributors range from tacitus, mary, queen of scots, and oliver cromwell to adam smith, david livingstone, and billy connolly. these include not only historic moments from bannockburn to the opening of the new parliament in 1999 but also testimonies like that of the eight year- old factory worker who was dangled by his ear out of a third-floor window for making a mistake; the survivors of the 1746 battle of culloden, who wished perhaps that they had died on the field; the breakthrough moment for john logie baird, inventor of television; and, the genesis of great works of literature recorded by conan doyle, stevenson, and the editor of encyclopaedia britannica. from the battlefield to the sports field, this is living, accessible history told by crofters, criminals, servants, housewives, poets, journalists, nurses, politicians, prisoners, comedians, sportsmen, and many more.

The definitive history of scotland, told as a tale from its beginnings up to now (the observer). hailed as a "vast, superb history [that] relates scotland's past over a dozen millennia" (kirkus reviews), magnusson draws on a great deal of modern scholarship to redefine a nation's history. he charts the long struggle toward nationhood, explores the roots of the original scots, and examines the extent to which scotland was shaped by the romans, the picts, the vikings, and the english. encompassing everything from the first mesolithic settlers in 7000 b.c. to the present movements for independence, scotland: the story of a nation is history on an epic level, essential reading for anyone interested in the rich past of this captivating land.

What is it about scotland that people love so much? scotland is famous for many things, as any scotsman will happily tell you. the list of scottish inventions is as long as loch ness, stretching from penicillin and the telephone to irn bru and grand theft auto but, while that scotsman is busy explaining how scotland gave the world whisky, television and long john silver, spare a thought for the nation and its people. the scots are a peculiar race with characters as varied and changeable as the unpredictable scottish weather. in scotland people will tell you that they love the summer, it's one of the best days of the year, and that wry sense of humour is what inspires the wicked wit of scotland.this funny and beautifully observed book pulls together stories, quotes, quips and anecdotes from scots talking about scotland and others from all over the world relating what they most admire about the country that harry potter author j. k. rowling described as 'one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world. the history is fascinating, the men are handsome and the whisky is delicious. but don't eat the macaroni pies.'

New from the award-winning wild guide series, the second edition of the smash-hit best-seller. completely updated with expanded coverage of southern scotland and the borders. find 900 secret adventures, hidden places and wild escapes. taking you to places no other guidebook reaches. discover magical mountains and secret glens with shimmering lochs and hidden waterfalls, perfect for a summer swim. explore lost ruins and castles, watch sea-bird colonies on dramatic cliffs or walk barefoot on white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. wild camp in flower-covered dunes and retreat to ancient inns with roaring fires and even warmer welcomes. in this inspiring compendium you will find the best of scotland's unspoiled highlands and islands. featuring stunning photography and engaging travel writing, this is the perfect guide for those seeking a wild adventure.

'think jack reacher fronting line of duty' ian rankin you get away with murder. in a remote sea loch on the west coast of scotland, a fisherman vanishes without trace. his remains are never found. you make people disappear. a young man jumps from a bridge in glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. ds max craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. but if he can't find out what cost them their lives, it won't be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue… you come back for revenge. soon cracks start to appear in the investigation, and max's past hurtles back to haunt him. when his loved ones are threatened, he faces a terrifying choice: let the only man he ever feared walk free, or watch his closest friend die… longlisted for the 2022 mcilvanney prize for scottish crime book of the year! max, janie and ross return in the second gripping novel in this explosive scottish crime series. readers love the blood tide 'line of duty on steroids… it just never lets up!' john barlow 'the blood tide grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. be warned: don't sit down planning to read only a few pages!' kate london 'tightly plotted, tense and thrilling. neil lancaster just gets better and better' marion todd 'you can't beat the voice of experience… a rugged tale from a writer who's done this chilling stuff for real' paul finch 'a rattlingly good read. the pages practically turn themselves…' john sutherland 'an absolutely thrilling read from a brand-new star of tartan noir. superb.' cass green 'authentic to a tee. a story to die for. characters that leap of all the page-turny pages.' imran mahmood 'what a gripping page-turner – it kept me guessing until the very end' michelle davies 'i've been hooked on this for a few days. it has it all: action, humour, tightly plotted with the most satisfying of endings!' chris mcdonald

Whether you want to explore the ramparts of edinburgh castle, adventure through breathtaking highland landscapes or sample the finest local produce washed down by ancient malts, your dk eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that scotland has to offer.famed for its majestic mountains, desolate moorlands and shimmering lochs, scotland’s remote and wild regions are an absolute joy for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape from city life. scotland’s urban centres have a lot to offer too, from cutting-edge art galleries and world-class museums to a flourishing food scene and a scintillating roster of cultural events, comedy and theatre.our updated guide brings scotland to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country’s iconic buildings and neighborhoods. dk eyewitness top 10 scotland is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. want the best of scotland in your pocket? dk eyewitness travel guides have been helping travelers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual dk eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure.

"scottish genealogy: the basics and beyond is the culmination of over fifty years of historical and genealogical research by dr. david dobson in archives and libraries throughout scotland. as one would expect in a scottish genealogy guidebook, the publication identifies the major sources and repositories for those just getting started on their research. but what makes this book stand out from all the rest is its focus on the other, less commonly used, sources that exist, which will allow more advanced researchers to put the basic facts they have gathered into context. with an emphasis on publications, manuscript sources, and archival records, dr. dobson highlights ways to trace scottish ancestors using alternative sources, primarily those covering the years between 1550 and 1850. for each research topic — including statutory registers, church records, tax records, sasines and land registers, court records, military and maritime sources, burgh and estate records, emigration records, and much more — dr. dobson has compiled an extensive list of the publications and archival records that will enable family historians to advance their research. it would take years for any individual to compile such a far-reaching bibliography and compilation of relevant records in scottish archives. another unique feature of this guidebook is the inclusion of numerous excerpts from publications and archival records, which will help lead researchers to the sources most applicable to their research." —

Lonely planet's experience scotland travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic destination with one-of-a-kind adventures at every turn. visit the infamous malt whisky trail, devour fresh lobster platters in oban, escape to white sand beaches in harris – using our local experts and planning tools to create your own unique trip. – inside lonely planet's experience – scotland: local experts share their love for the real scotland offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values and modern trends to make your travel experience even more meaningful – in the knowtips to help you build on your experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarks – fun insights that will pique your curiosity and take you to the heart of the place – sip a wee dram at machir bay's idyllic whisky beach tasting; discover witches and wizards in the world's first city of literature; marvel at glasgow's magnificent street art murals on a vibrant walking tour – insider scoop on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, tantalising local food scene and photo-worthy views – handy seasonal trip planner to guide you on where to go, when to travel and what to pack – practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel – comprehensive selection of maps throughout and beautiful full-colour photography to inspire you as you plan your unforgettable journey – covers edinburgh, glasgow, southern scotland, stirling, fife & perthshire, the northeast, southern highlands & islands, central highlands, northern highlands, skye & the outer hebrides, orkney, shetland lonely planet's experience scotland is an essential travel guide for all explorers looking to immerse themselves in the scottishway of life. each book within the experience series contains handy trip building tools so that you can take your pick of the must-see attractions and activities as suggested by our local experts – and create your own dream travel itinerary to get away from the everyday. unlock even more travel secrets using the qr codes throughout each guide and discover story-worthy travel moments that you'll never forget. about lonely planet: lonely planet, a red ventures company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, lonely planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. – tok (@lonelyplanet)."…these new experience guides from lonely planet are irresistibly attractive."- the washington post book club"lonely planet. it's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. it's on mobile phones. it's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world." – fairfax media (australia)

Herald books of the year and new statesman books of the year 2014 part of a trilogy on scottish history, t.m. devine's the scottish nation: a modern history traces the epic story of a nation from the union with england to today's debates on the possibilities of scottish independence. drawing on extensive research and exploring everything from the high politics of the devolved parliament to the everyday effects of huge and growing levels of social inequality, this bestselling history places scotland firmly within an international context and provides a key focus for the ongoing debate regarding scotland's future. ranging from high politics to everyday life, the scottish nation is the most read modern history of scotland at home and abroad: vital to understanding an ancient nation at a crucial time. devine is the country's most prominent historian, and from the evidence of this book, rightly so' rosemary goring, scotland on sunday t.m. devine, obe is university research professor and director of the research institute of irish and scottish studies at the university of aberdeen. his other books include the scottish nation and to the ends of the earth.

This sampler of dishes from scotland includes recipes for roast young grouse, herrings in oatmeal, potato cakes, kale with mustard dressing, scotch broth, cullen skink, haggis with clapshot cake, drop scones, dunfillan bramble pudding, highland coffee, and many more delicacies.

Drawing upon the resources of the national archives of scotland in edinburgh, dr. dobson here identifies upwards of 3,000 inhabitants of the scottish borders who themselves, or whose descendants, took part in the exodus from the scottish borders to either the industrial towns of the scottish lowlands, england, the americas, or, later, to australasia.. his sources consist, in the main, of court records, registers of deeds or sasines, burgh records, family and estate papers, published monument inscription lists, and so forth. the majority of entries also provide at least one other piece of identifying information, such as occupation, the kind of document in which the name appears, or relationship to another person (husband, son, etc.).

Inside this book… 2 authors17 weeks of on-the-ground research54 maps – countless drams of whisky – inspirational photos – clear, easy-to-use maps – pull-out city map3d plans of iconic sights – comprehensive planning tools – in-depth background

Inside this book… 2 authors17 weeks of on-the-ground research54 maps – countless drams of whisky – inspirational photos – clear, easy-to-use maps – pull-out city map3d plans of iconic sights – comprehensive planning tools – in-depth background

Scotland has long had a romantic appeal which has tended to be focused on a few over-dramatized personalities or events, notably mary queen of scots, bonnie prince charlie, the highland clearances-the failures and the sad – though more positively, william wallace and robert the bruce have also got in on the act, because of their heroism in resisting english aggression. this has had its own satisfaction, and has certainly been very good for the tourist industry. but, fuelled by the explosion of serious academic studies in the last half-century, there has grown up a keen desire for a better-informed and more satisfying understanding of the scottish past-and not only in scotland. the vague use of 'britain' in books and television series which are in fact about england has begun to provoke adverse comment; there is clearly a growing desire for knowledge about the history of the non-english parts of the british isles and eire, already well established in ireland and becoming increasingly obvious as far as scotland and wales are concerned. this book brings together a series of studies by well-established scholars of scottish history, from roman times until the present day, and makes the fruits of their research accessible to students and the general reader alike. it offers the opportunity to go beyond the old myths, legends, and romance to the much more rewarding knowledge of why scotland was a remarkably successful, thriving, and important kingdom, of international renown.

A new compendium of adventures, from the best-selling wild guide series (winner of travel guidebook of the year 2015). this guide to scotland and the scottish highlands and islands, one of europe's fastest growing adventure holiday destinations, explores the hidden parts of its better known tourist areas, as well many more remote regions, rarely visited by tourists. guiding you to over 800 wild swims, ancient forests, lost ruins and hidden beaches. including inns, wild camping, local crafts, artisan whisky distilleries and wild places to stay.

Jennifer mc – quiston’s debut historical romance, what happens in scotland, is a lively, romantic adventure about a wedding that neither the bride or the groom remembers. – lady georgette thorold has always been wary of marriage, so when she wakes up next to an attractive scotsman with a wedding ring on her finger, it’s easy to understand why she panics and flees. convinced that georgette is a thief, her may-be husband, james mc – kenzie, searches for her. as both try to recall what happened that fateful night, they begin to realize that their attraction and desire for each other is undeniable. but is it enough? fans of sarah mac – lean and mary balogh will enjoy this utterly charming historical romance from award-winning author jennifer mcquiston that features unforgettable characters and a satisfying mix of adventure and passion.