Books that Take You to Scotland
Near the end of 2023 I decided to return to picking a monthly reading theme, and for January 2024 that theme was books set in Scotland or written by Scottish authors. Here are a few books I’ve read over the years that transport you to the land of kilts, bagpipes, and Highland mist.
Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness
While on holiday near Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness, my family drove a half hour up the A82 to Inverness where I spent much longer than a half hour browsing the many, many shelves of Leakey’s Bookshop. It is a second-hand-booklover’s dream located in a converted Gaelic church built in 1679. Stained glass windows, a spiral staircase, and a large wood-burning stove add to the charm of thousands of books.
A Holiday on Loch Ness
In August of 2017 my family and I took our summer holiday in Scotland just outside the village of Drumnadrochit overlooking Loch Ness. Our Yorkshire friends warned us of rain and midges, but contrary to expectations, the weather continued sunny the entire week. We were able to eat dinners at the picnic table overlooking the famous loch, kayak on the water, and walk in the Highlands surrounded by heather.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Long before an 11-year-old boy living in the cupboard under the stairs ever got a letter of invitation to attend a magical school in this storied region, Glenfinnan was best remembered as the spot Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his royal standard to claim the British throne for the Stuarts.