Write your own fiction this Book Week

You’ve read the book now visit the place that inspired the author. Scotland’s characterful cities, towns and villages, moody landscapes, intriguing history and colourful heritage have enthused writers and plot lines over the centuries.  

This Book Week Scotland (18-24 November) why not go behind the scenes of your favourite Scottish prose and walk in the footsteps of the likes of JM Barrie, Sir Walter Scott and Lewis Grassic Gibbon.  You never know what inspiration you might find for your own story….

Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian – The Da Vinci Code

Some parts of Dan Brown’s smash hit novel might seem unlikely, but this bit is definitely real! Described by the author himself as ‘the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth’, Rosslyn Chapel, along with its hundreds of mysterious and beautiful carvings, has been the source of thousands of myths and legends.  The chapel has generated an uncountable number of theories for almost 600 years, with the film shooting it to worldwide prominence. Walk in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and explore for yourself what makes this place so special.

Oban, Argyll and Bute – Morvern Callar

Despite the dark nature of Alan Warner’s novel, Oban is a bright port known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’. Warner’s descriptions of the town are less alarming than his depiction of his heroine, and there’s plenty to see while you’re there. Or, if you like, you can venture to sea and explore the neighbouring Hebridean islands with their dramatic beaches and aqua waters are some of the most unspoilt in the world – who needs Spain!

Slains Castle,  Aberdeenshire – Dracula 

The castle located on the dramatic cliffs of the north east is a must-see for any fans of the Dracula franchise. The atmospheric ruins of the 16th-century tower house inspired Bram Stoker on his many trips to Cruden Bay. Discover the unsettling stories that surround the castle and its occupants which was also visited by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell on their famous tour of the Highlands and Islands.  The spooky castle and theatrical settings are sure to inspire the imagination… 

The Mearns, Aberdeenshire – Sunset Song

One of the most important Scottish novels of the 20th century, author Lewis Grassic Gibbon, born James Leslie Mitchell, was strongly influenced by his life in The Mearns and the area’s wonderful mix of countryside and coastline. Listen out for the distinctive local Doric Scots dialect, spoken in north east Aberdeenshire, in towns and villages across Mearns. While in Fettercairn, one of the bustling villages in area and featured in the book, see the distinctive Royal Arch erected in 1864 and don’t miss the white-washed buildings of Fettercairn Distillery.

Birnam Wood, Perthshire – Macbeth

Like all the best stories, the camouflaged attack on Macbeth’s castle is based on real life – Shakespeare heard the story on a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 and pinched it for his play. The two surviving trees, the Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to the sole surviving trees of the great forest that once straddled the banks and hillsides of the River Tay, and are believed to have been there in Shakespeare’s time. Bet they could tell some stories, too. The trees can be enjoyed as part of the relaxing Birnam Walk.

Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway - Peter Pan

Childhood games, ‘enchanted lands’ and the theatre in and around Dumfries, as well as the home of his friend, Moat Brae, would inspire the astonishingly successful writing career of JM Barrie’s throughout his lifetime.  In the gardens of the Victorian house and its gardens, Barrie would find his love of pirates, codes and make believe, while it was also in the wings of the Theatre Royal in Dumfries that Barrie developed his love of theatre. A visit to the town and the wider region will not leave you disappointed…

Scott’s View, Scottish Borders – Walter Scott

No literary tour of Scotland is complete without a trip to the Borders, where the beautiful landscape and local legends inspired one of Scotland’s all time literary greats, Walter Scott. Stop off to see ‘Scott’s View’, reputed to be one of the author’s favourite views and featuring the Eildon Hills and River Tweed. Scott penned world-famous novels including <em>Rob Roy</em>, <em>Ivanhoe</em> and <em>Waverley</em>, and you can visit his home in Abbotsford House (the library is every book lover’s dream!) just outside Selkirk: https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/

 <strong>Comedy</strong>

 Barra and Eriskay, Outer Hebrides – Whisky Galore

Compton Mackenzie’s comic novel is based on a real-life incident from 1941, when the Jamaica-bound SS Politician and its cargo – including 28,000 cases of malt whisky – sank off the coast of Eriskay. Mackenzie’s islands of Great Todday and Little Todday are loosely based on Barra and Eriskay, where today you’ll still find white sands, blue waters and a more than decent dram. 

 <strong>Popular fiction</strong>

 Tulloch Ghru, Aviemore – Outlander

The locations in the Outlander novels are fictionalised, but the locations used in the phenomenal TV success are very real. This extraordinary beautiful woodland and lochside setting in the Cairngorms features in the opening credits, and is where our heroine Claire’s historical Highland adventures begin. Explore even more locations that inspired <em>Outlander</em> in an epic, 12 day Outlander itinerary of Scotland.

Glasgow – Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine 

Experience the Glasgow that provides the backdrop to the award-winning bestseller. Honeyman writes about the kindness and warmth of Glasgow, in her homage to the city in which she lives. With plenty of bustling cafes, trendy restaurants and a thriving music scene you’re sure to receive a friendly welcome. Visit iconic Glasgow locations including Ashton Lane and the Barrowlands and get your literary fix with a trip to the renowned Women’s Library. 

For more inspiration on Scottish Literature head to - https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/culture/scotland-in-literature/

Read VisitScotland’s free Scottish literature ebook and discover more about Scotland’s top authors and their famous novels, poetry and short stories - https://ebooks.visitscotland.com/scottish-literature/

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