Top 10 regions where most books are set across Scotland
VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 15 July 2024 12:34
Scotland has captivated storytellers for centuries: From the windswept moors of the Highlands to the lush landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and ancient abbeys of the Scottish Borders, every corner of Scotland has found its way into literature, resulting in thousands of books set across the whole country.
To highlight just how inspiring Scotland is, VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
While the top regions include the Highlands, Edinburgh & The Lothians, and Glasgow & Clyde Valley, there are many hidden gems that inspire writers all across the country, including islands like St. Kilda and South Uist.
The top 10 regions where most books are set:
The analysis uncovers that The Highlands is the region where most books are set, with 2,815 books unfolding against its picturesque backdrop. Edinburgh & the Lothians emerges with 1,646 literary works situated amidst the historical allure of Scotland's capital. Glasgow & Clyde Valley stands strong with 1,154 books showcasing the rich diversity of Scotland's urban and rural landscapes.
Regions and Number of books set there
The Highlands - 2,815
Edinburgh & The Lothians - 1,646
Glasgow & The Clyde Valley - 1,154
Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire - 801
The Outer Hebrides - 770
Argyll & The Isles - 553
The Kingdom of Fife - 486
Scottish Borders - 483
Shetland - 434
Angus & Dundee - 414
Some literary highlights from the Goodreads analysis to explore:
The Highlands
With its endless selection of dramatic views, the Highlands provides a scenery that has long fascinated writers and readers alike. The findings indicate that the most frequently featured locations within the Highlands in literature are Skye, Inverness, and the Cairngorm Mountains. Other spots, such as Caithness and Dornoch have also served as significant sources of inspiration.
Be sure to pay a visit to Cawdor Castle near Nairn, which features in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, or the emotive battle site at Culloden, featured in countless historical novels.
According to the findings the highest-rated books by readers on Goodreads are the first two books in the Outlander series, in which Diana Gabaldon brought the Highlands to life transporting readers to 18th century Scotland. Outlander, the first book of the series, has over 1,050,054 ratings on Goodreads, making it evident that Gabaldon's novel has struck a chord with countless readers worldwide. Following in its predecessor's success, Dragonfly in Amber continues the epic saga with 355,378 ratings on Goodreads.
Edinburgh & The Lothians
Edinburgh has inspired authors with its ancient architecture, duality between the Old and New Towns and the mystical narrow streets. The top locations within the region are Edinburgh itself, Midlothian and East Lothian.
Make sure to visit Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian, where Dan Brown based the finale of The Da Vinci Code. The book uses the chapel as a feature point in the quest for the location of the Holy Grail.
Among the top-rated books set in Edinburgh & The Lothians on Goodreads, two standout titles are One Day by David Nicholls with 336,555 ratings and Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh with 166,937.
One Day, now a popular Netflix series, follows Emma and Dexter over two decades, meeting annually on July 15th, starting from their graduation from the University of Edinburgh.
Set in the heart of Leith, Trainspotting offers a raw and gritty portrayal of Edinburgh, focusing on the lives of various residents of Leith.
Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Glasgow's bustling streets and vibrant culture are the ideal backdrop for storytelling, with its distinct neighbourhoods, unique blend of warmth and grit, and lively dialect. The locations within the region where most books are set are Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Firth of Clyde.
A must-see location for any literary enthusiast is the Glasgow Women’s Library, the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories, and achievements.
Two of the Goodreads top-rated books set in Glasgow & Clyde Valley are Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, with an impressive 1,221,212 ratings, explores the life of Eleanor, who leads a solitary existence while navigating her daily routines in the city of Glasgow.
Shuggie Bain, with 150,742 ratings, follows the story of young Shuggie Bain and his relationship with his mother, Agnes, as they confront the harsh realities of life in working-class Glasgow in the 80s and 90s.
Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
It's no surprise that authors find themselves irresistibly drawn to the beauty of this region. Its rocky coastline and sweeping sandy beaches stretch out to the North Sea, while its wild beauty holds a special place within many books. Among the locations where most books are set in the region are the University of Aberdeen, Kincardineshire and Deeside.
Explore the mystical landscapes of Cruden Bay, a coastal gem in Aberdeenshire, said to have inspired Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Make sure to visit St Cyrus, a vast National Nature Reserve situated in The Mearns, an area popularised by Lewis Grassic Gibbon in his Sunset Song trilogy.
Some of the top-rated books on Goodreads set in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire are The Winter Sea and The Firebird, both by Susanna Kearsley.
The Winter Sea, with 66,077 ratings, follows author Carrie McClelland as she seeks inspiration for her latest novel in the atmospheric ruins of Slains Castle, on the coast of Cruden Bay. If you're inspired to visit, make sure you're extra careful and stick to paths, as the castle is located close to cliff edges.
While in The Firebird, with 28,727 ratings, protagonist Nicola Marter embarks on a journey of self-discovery and intrigue when she’s presented with a small wooden carving - the Firebird. The search for the firebird takes her from Slains Castle on the coast near Aberdeen to Belgium & on to Russia.
The Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides has long been featured in Scottish literature; its untamed beauty is a perfect setting for stories of adventure and introspection. In the region, the locations with most books set against include Lewis, St. Kilda and South Uist.
Visit the Ness Harbour Breakwater and the rocky headland where The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse marks the edge of Europe.
According to the analysis, the top-rated books set in the region include the first two books in Peter May’s Lewis Trilogy.
The Blackhouse, with 39,764 ratings, follows detective Fin Macleod as he returns to the Isle of Lewis to investigate a brutal murder. Near the very north of the Isle of Lewis, at the Port of Ness Harbour, an old shed becomes the unsettling site where a bloodied corpse is discovered hanging within.
And The Lewis Man, with 26,865 ratings, sees Macleod drawn into another murder investigation on the Isle of Lewis, this time focusing on a body discovered buried in the peat bogs. Referenced in the book, a pivotal scene unfolds on Charlie's Beach, a beautiful strip of white sand located on the Isle of Eriskay.
All of Scotland's regions have their own literary gems, each offering unique scenic beauty and rich storytelling. Discover more of Scotland’s literary locations, based on Goodreads reader reviews below.
In Argyll & The Isles, Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped takes readers on an adventurous journey through rugged landscapes. The Kingdom of Fife, with charming villages and coastal views, is the backdrop for Evie Dunmore's Portrait of a Scotsman. The Scottish Borders, steeped in history and folklore, come alive through the medieval ballad Thomas the Rhymer. In Shetland, Ann Cleeves' Red Bones immerses readers in a gripping mystery against the stark beauty of the islands. Angus & Dundee's rich cultural heritage is vividly portrayed in James Robertson's Joseph Knight. Each region offers a wealth of literary treasures and fascinating places to explore, making them must-visit destinations for any book lover.
Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust says:
“Scotland’s wild landscapes and dramatic history have been a rich source of inspiration for writers for centuries, and readers around the world continue to be drawn to the literature of our country. There’s a long tradition within the Scots and Gaelic languages for storytelling inspired by place, and our writing talent continue to find a creative energy here.
“Every year we see for ourselves, through our New Writers Awards and Scotland’s Stories writing opportunity, that writers find the awe-inspiring scenery and bustling, vibrant cities a fantastic inspiration to create fictional worlds or to share real-life experiences, all of which contribute to the stories of a nation.”
To explore more about all the regions in Scotland and the key books set there, please visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/arts-culture/scottish-literature/scotland-by-books
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations
Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.
READ MORE
Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup
Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail
Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!
READ MORE
KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End
The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026
The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!
READ MORE
Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow
The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future
Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026
Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible
For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026
Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow
Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!
READ MORE
Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor
Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026
The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links