From world-class crime thrillers and cutting-edge, contemporary classics, to lyrical literary gems, there’s no question that Scotland’s fictional crops are as dazzling, diverse and decidedly awe-inspiring as the land itself. 

Looking to Scotland’s long, rich literary tradition, mention must be made of Robert Louis Stevenson, who gave the world stand-the-test-of-time classics like Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped. And who can forget JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, and Sir Walter Scott’s historic page-turners?

Scotland also has a remarkable history when it comes to inventive crime and detective fiction. It was, after all, a Scotland-born writer who created Sherlock Holmes. And today Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, William McIlvanney, Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre and Louise Welsh (among many others) continue to create devastatingly gripping – and often wildly innovative — crime fiction.

Talking of innovation, Irvine Welsh pretty much defined a generation, while the late, great Iain Banks/Iain M Banks never failed to blaze new trails with his novels and fantasy fiction. 

We’re also huge fans of Jackie Kay, Alasdair Gray, and Booker prize-winner James Kelman. Jenni Fagan is another notable, too, not least if you adore atmospheric page-turners

For more Scottish inspiration read up on some brilliant bookish days out in Scotland. And, to discover more great novelists from around the nation, dive into our collections of wonderful Welsh writers and outstanding Irish writers.