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  1. Home
  2. Things to do
  3. Attractions
  4. Arts & Culture
  5. Scottish writers & literature

Scottish writers & literature

Everyone has different reasons for wanting to explore Scotland. Perhaps it’s the words on the page of a book that have inspired you, or maybe you want to follow in the footsteps of a Scottish literary great?

Armchair Books, Edinburgh

6 Great literary attractions

It's easy to get lost in a book, and it's just as easy to get lost in Scotland (not literally!).

The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Literary landmarks

There are some incredible places where you can learn about writers with Scottish connections.

  • Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
  • Scott Monument
  • The Writers' Museum
  • JM Barrie's Birthplace
  • Abbotsford House
  • Wigtown
Explore arts & culture attractions

Bookish blogs

Read more about Scottish writers and literature.

9 of Scotland's most inspiring spots  

Spark your own imagination with our list of inspiring spots across Scotland that have influenced some of the world’s greatest stories.

Scotland's top 10 Scots poems for Burns Night

To celebrate all things Scots language, we surveyed 1,000 Scottish adults to see exactly what their favourite Scots poems are.

9 Must-read books about Scotland

Immerse yourself in Scottish landscapes, culture, and history with these fantastic books.

7 Thrilling detective novels set in Scotland

The BookTrail blends literature and travel in a one-of-a-kind experience - now a handy website that maps locations from novels set around the world.

The Burns Birthplace Museum

More about Scottish literature

It’s no secret that across the centuries the country has produced dozens of acclaimed writers, and remarkable historic attractions and landscapes have been used as the settings for a number of works of prose and poetry.

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Why not uncover Scotland’s many literary connections while you are here? There's plenty for the kids to get involved with, including Scottish stories for kids. You can even learn all about the Scots language and pick up a phrase or two from the locals.

Did you know Scotland is home to dozens of quirky independent bookshops? Alongside indie shops and atmospheric cafés to write in, there are plenty of nooks and crannies across Scotland where you can peacefully browse and tuck into your new book. If you fancy getting out and about to explore Scotland's literature, you're in luck! Uncover dark and gruesome tales on the trail of Bloody Scotland, and discover old myths and legends tied to Scottish coasts.

Many popular book series often turn into blockbuster hits on the big screen too, and in Scotland we have a few we like to shout about. Home to many iconic locations, Scotland has been the scenic backdrop of choice for many films throughout the years, including Chariots of Fire, Skyfall and The Da Vinci Code, to name a few. Hop onboard Hogwarts Express and explore the many locations that were either used as, or inspired, the backdrop in this world-renowned film series. You may also be familiar with the Outlander series. Many Scottish castles, ruins, fortresses and historic towns were used to shoot the scenes of this famous TV show.

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