What are the best Scottish historical fiction books?

One of the best is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It weaves a time - traveling love story against the backdrop of Scottish history, with vivid descriptions of the Highlands and its clans. The characters are complex and the plot is full of adventure.

One of the best is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It weaves a time - traveling love story into the rich tapestry of Scottish history. The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands are vivid and the historical details are well - researched.

Then there's 'The Dark Mile' by Sam Christer. It combines historical facts about the Scottish Reformation with a thrilling mystery plot. It has great historical details about the religious and political upheavals of the time.

The 'Lewis Trilogy' by Peter May is also highly recommended. These books are set in the Outer Hebrides in the present day but also delve deeply into the islands' past. May's writing beautifully captures the unique landscape, culture, and history of the Scottish islands. His characters are complex and the stories are full of mystery and family drama, all intertwined with the history of the place.

The characters in these books usually include strong - willed women who are wrongly accused of witchcraft. They are often at odds with the patriarchal society of the time. These books also tend to explore the power dynamics between the accusers, who were often men in positions of authority, and the accused women. They may include details about the so - called 'proofs' of witchcraft like the presence of a mole or a cat, which were absurd but taken seriously in that historical context.

Then there's 'Sunset Song' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon. It focuses on the life of a young woman in rural Scotland during the First World War and the changes that were taking place in Scottish society at that time. The descriptions of the land and the people are so poignant and it really shows how the war affected the Scottish rural communities.

In these books, the historical aspect is a big part. They usually depict Scottish history, like the clan system, feuds, and how the Scots interacted with other powers. The romance is intense. Take 'The Dark Highlander' for instance. The relationship between the main characters is full of passion and longing. And the cultural elements are prominent. Things like Scottish traditions, music, and clothing are often described, adding to the authenticity of the story.

The 'Lewis Trilogy' by Peter May is also excellent. It delves deep into the culture and history of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The books are known for their atmospheric descriptions, complex characters, and engaging plots that are firmly rooted in the local history.

One great Scottish historical fiction book is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines elements of time travel with rich Scottish history, bringing to life the Highlands and the Jacobite risings. Another is 'Kidnapped' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which is set in the 18th - century Scotland and follows the adventures of David Balfour. Also, 'The Cone - Gatherers' by Robin Jenkins is a notable work that delves into the social hierarchies and relationships in post - World War II Scotland.

One of the best is 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh. It gives a raw and unflinching look at the lives of a group of drug addicts in Edinburgh. Another great one is 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' by Muriel Spark. It tells the story of an unconventional teacher in a girls' school in Edinburgh. And 'Sunset Song' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon is also excellent, depicting the life of a woman in rural Scotland.