Read More: Harry Potter Guide to Edinburgh Historical fiction set in Scotland Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Embark on a literary odyssey through the captivating tapestry of Scotland with me as your guide! Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life Scottish escapade or indulging in Highland daydreams, I’ve curated the quintessential list to satiate your literary wanderlust. Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides is a captivating exploration of a remote, uninhabited Hebridean island steeped in history and natural beauty. Nicolson’s connection to these enchanting islands, acquired by his father in 1937 through a newspaper ad, is vividly recounted as he delves into the concept of “sea room,” the sense of expansion and freedom that island life offers. SCOTLAND, JULY 1746: an army of occupation ravages the Highlands, committing atrocities with consequences that will reverberate across generations. From this bloody cataclysm, the battle-hardened English soldier Mordaunt saves an infant who will become his heiress and his obsession, and on his shattered estate a traumatised Franco-Scottish laird, Ewen Stirling, offers refuge to a boy damaged by unspeakable horror. Lose yourself in unforgettable historical fiction.In the 20th century, the centre of the education system became more focused on Scotland, with the ministry of education partly moving north in 1918 and then finally having its headquarters relocated to Edinburgh in 1939. [208] The school leaving age was raised to 14 in 1901, but despite attempts to raise it to 15 this was only made law in 1939 and then postponed because of the outbreak of war. In 1918, Roman Catholic schools were brought into the state system, but retained their distinct religious character, access to schools by priests and the requirement that school staff be acceptable to the Church. [208] Further information: Social history of the United Kingdom (1945–present) and Political history of the United Kingdom (1945–present) Overview [ edit ] Did Scots actually fade in the shadow of their powerful neighbor? This book adopts a different approach to such historical events. The truth is Scots invaded their more powerful neighbors – England – consistently, defying numerous generations of powerful kings. In this carefully curated selection, you’ll discover 30 of the best books about Scotland, spanning genres like mystery, travel, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or a casual reader, there’s a Scottish tale waiting just for you.

Main article: Scottish Reformation In 1559, John Knox returned from ministering in Geneva to lead the Calvinist reformation in Scotland. Scottish politics in the late 18th century was dominated by the Whigs, with the benign management of Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll (1682–1761), who was in effect the "viceroy of Scotland" from the 1720s until his death in 1761. Scotland generally supported the king with enthusiasm during the American Revolution. Henry Dundas (1742–1811) dominated political affairs in the latter part of the century. Dundas defeated advocates of intellectual and social change through his ruthless manipulation of patronage in alliance with Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, until he lost power in 1806. [160] From about 1790 textiles became the most important industry in the west of Scotland, especially the spinning and weaving of cotton, which flourished until in 1861 the American Civil War cut off the supplies of raw cotton. [219] The industry never recovered, but by that time Scotland had developed heavy industries based on its coal and iron resources. The invention of the hot blast for smelting iron (1828) revolutionised the Scottish iron industry. As a result, Scotland became a centre for engineering, shipbuilding and the production of locomotives. Toward the end of the 19th century, steel production largely replaced iron production. [220] Coal mining continued to grow into the 20th century, producing the fuel to heat homes, factories and drive steam engines locomotives and steamships. By 1914, there were 1,000,000 coal miners in Scotland. [221] The stereotype emerged early on of Scottish colliers as brutish, non-religious and socially isolated serfs; [222] that was an exaggeration, for their life style resembled the miners everywhere, with a strong emphasis on masculinity, equalitarianism, group solidarity, and support for radical labour movements. [223]This book does not analyze the referendum only, but its aftermath as well. Find out more about what led to this political event, as well as what happened later on. Main article: House of Stuart Highlands in 1482 Heraldic depiction of the King of Scots from a 15th-century French armorial The years before the First World War were the golden age of the inshore fisheries. Landings reached new heights, and Scottish catches dominated Europe's herring trade, [270] accounting for a third of the British catch. High productivity came about thanks to the transition to more productive steam-powered boats, while the rest of Europe's fishing fleets were slower because they were still powered by sails. [271] Political realignment [ edit ] Winston Churchill with the Royal Scots Fusiliers near the Western Front in 1916

Diodorus Siculus' Bibliotheca Historica Book V. Chapter XXI. Section 4 Greek text at the Perseus Project. Scotland has an ancient history. The land has been steeped in varied events throughout its history. No matter what part of Scotland you are interested in, you will always find castles, remains, monuments and battlefields. Some events in particular have helped shaping its current history. Here are some of the best Scottish history books to understand more about this land. The Makers of Scotland, by Tim ClarksonShuggie, taking on the role of his mother’s primary caregiver, grapples with his own identity and sexuality, enduring bullying and rejection from his peers. Despite its bleakness, the novel reveals moments of resilience and love. Additionally, it won the 2020 Booker Prize. Corrag by Susan Fletcher A wide-ranging exploration of the origins of the Clearances from the 18th century to their culmination in the crofting legislation of the 1880s. In the late 19th century the major debates were between fundamentalist Calvinists and theological liberals, who rejected a literal interpretation of the Bible. This resulted in a further split in the Free Church as the rigid Calvinists broke away to form the Free Presbyterian Church in 1893. [196] There were, however, also moves towards reunion, beginning with the unification of some secessionist churches into the United Secession Church in 1820, which united with the Relief Church in 1847 to form the United Presbyterian Church, which in turn joined with the Free Church in 1900 to form the United Free Church of Scotland. The removal of legislation on lay patronage would allow the majority of the Free Church to rejoin Church of Scotland in 1929. The schisms left small denominations including the Free Presbyterians and a remnant that had not merged in 1900 as the Free Church. [196]

This classic text, due to be reprinted later this year, charts the history of Scotland’s monarchy through the personal achievements of the individual rulers.

The battle was the last one in British Isles with regular troops on each side. It was the battle that ruined the idea of the Jacobite cause. It was also the last time the Act of Union from 1707 was contested. The battle seems insignificant, but the aftermath was quite harsh. The chiefs kept gaining wealth through wool and meat. Meanwhile, the people were affected by starvation and various diseases. Some of them were also evicted from their homes, only to make some space for fields – needed for the sheep. Set in 6th-century Scotland, we find the country full of superstition and clinging to tradition while Christianity is on the rise. Moreover, Pike released a sequel in 2020 called The Forgotten Kingdom, which continues Languoreth’s story. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley The Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata was founded on the west coast of Scotland in the 6th century. In the following century, Irish missionaries introduced the previously pagan Picts to Celtic Christianity. Following England's Gregorian mission, the Pictish king Nechtan chose to abolish most Celtic practices in favour of the Roman rite, restricting Gaelic influence on his kingdom and avoiding war with Anglian Northumbria. [1] Towards the end of the 8th century, the Viking invasions began, forcing the Picts and Gaels to cease their historic hostility to each other and to unite in the 9th century, forming the Kingdom of Scotland. A few industries did grow, such as chemicals and whisky, which developed a global market for premium "Scotch". [287] However, in general the Scottish economy stagnated leading to growing unemployment and political agitation among industrial workers. [272] Interwar politics [ edit ]