10 Scottish Folklore Books You Need On Your Shelf!
If you’re a lover of Scottish Folklore, there’s a lot you can learn from a few books. Whether it’s just a passing interest or you’re a enthusiast of all things myth and legend, these are the best Scottish Folklore books that you need on your shelf.
As somebody who writes about Scotland and it’s folk stories, these have all helped me on my journey. I’ve read every single one of these books on Scottish folklore, although I have many on Kindle (so I can easily search for certain places or creatures), that’s why I don’t have a picture of them all on my shelf.
Whether you pick up all ten or just spot one that interests you, I hope you find this list helpful!
If you’re looking for books about Scottish History as well – have a look here!
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1. The Lore Of Scotland
I’m not ashamed to say that this book really helped me out when I started Scotland’s Stories! I made sure to flick through The Lore Of Scotland by Westwood & Kingshill any time I went somewhere that seemed interesting. With helpful maps for each chapter, it’s easy to spot stories from certain areas!
It’s a thick book with lots of stories both from folklore and history from every region in Scotland. I’d use it as a reference book rather than something to read from start to finish! My only criticism is that the entries aren’t always written as folk stories, but a little more cold and matter-of-fact. The tales here have been collected with minimal editing, but the sheer number of them is incredible!
Order a copy of The Lore of Scotland by Westwood & Kingshill here!
2. Popular Tales of the West Highlands
One of the most important books of Scottish Folklore, Popular Tales of the West Highlands was first published way back in the 1860s. It was a time when oral storytelling was starting to fade as people moved from their homelands thanks to the Highland Clearances. There’s no doubt that if it weren’t for John Francis Campbell, many traditional tales would have been lost.
It reads just as you’d expect from a book from the mid-19th century – a little old-fashioned and long-winded. However, these are the oldest versions of many of Scotland’s most famous myths and legends! If you’re looking for the original Scottish folklore book then this is it!
Order a copy of Popular Tales of the West Highlands by John F Campbell here!
3. The Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales
Scotland is blessed with a large number of fantastic storytellers, from every corner of the nation. While many have their own book packed with their favourite stories, the Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales is a collection of the best. You’ll find tales from the incredible Lawrence Tulloch of Shetland alongside Fife Folklore and Argyll legends.
Every storyteller has their own style, so if you like one in particular then you can invest in their full Scottish folklore book after. It’s a great collection to get an overview on how stories differ from region to region. There’s even a volume 2 and 3 if you enjoy this one!
Order a copy of the Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales here!
4. Scotland’s Stories – Historic Tales For Incredible Places
Of course, I’m going to include my own work in this list of the best Scottish folklore books! Scotland’s Stories – Historic Tales for Incredible Places brings you short tales behind real places around the country. Split into regions, it’s ideal for helping plan out your trip around Scotland!
There are more than just the big stories behind popular places in here, you’ll discover loads of spots off the beaten path. Some of them might not look like much, but a good folk story can bring the locations to life. No tale is too long, so it’s perfect to pick up and flick through if you have a spare few minutes!
Order a copy of Scotland’s Stories by Graeme Johncock here!
5. The Gaelic Otherworld
I actually own these as two separate books, but you can pick up The Gaelic Otherworld by John G Campbell in one handy piece! It covers Campbell’s “Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands” alongside his “Witchcraft & Second Sight”. Both are fascinating insights into the world of Scottish folklore in the later 19th century.
John G Campbell was a friend of his namesake who made number 2 on this list, releasing his first volume around 20 years later. Again, expect it to be a harder read with older language, but it’s as pure a Scottish folklore book as you’re going to find!
Order a copy of The Gaelic Otherworld by John G Campbell here!
6. Scottish Myths & Legends
After a couple of hard to read books on Scottish folklore, picking up Scottish Myths & Legends by Judy Hamilton is a welcome relief! There are some fantastic stories inside, written in a much more modern way. I’ve owned this book since I was at university and when I began Scotland’s Stories, some of the tales in here were the first I ever told!
You’ll find tales from the sea, fairy folklore, loch monsters and legendary figures all neatly packaged together. Anybody just looking for a good read or a basic introduction to Scottish folklore, myths and legends is going to love this. It would be an especially good book to gift to kids!
Order a copy of Scottish Myths & Legends by Judy Hamilton here!
7. Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales
Back to the older style of Scottish folklore book, Sir George Douglas’ collection of Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales is a fascinating read. It runs through everything from nursery stories and animal-centred tales into deciphering the different types of fairy we find all through Scotland.
It’s very much a story book, although there aren’t a huge amount of child-friendly tales inside! Being over 100 years old makes it a bit of a tough read for anybody with a short attention span, but it’s still a great option for lovers of Scottish folklore!
Order a copy of Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales by George Douglas here!
8. Skye: The Island & Its Legends
All of those before are quite general books on Scottish folklore, but there are some fascinating destination-specific options out there. Standing head and shoulders above the rest, I absolutely love Skye: The Island & Its Legends by Otta Swire. Published in 1949, it almost counts as a history book as much as a Scottish folklore book!
Swire takes us on a virtual roadtrip, describing the things you see as you travel each section of Skye. Stories pop up out of nowhere, some rambling on for several paragraphs while others are short anecdotes. If every island had a book like this by somebody who truly cared about the myths and legends of the place, I’d be a very happy man.
Order a copy of Skye: The Island & Its Legends by Otta Swire here!
9. Orkney Folk Tales
If I had to choose any of the specific regional folklore books published by the History Press, there’s no doubt in my mind which. Orkney Folk Tales by Tom Muir is an incredible collection of tales from across this northern archipelago.
Tom is a true master storyteller and his stories will transport you to Orkney where you’ll discover Trows, Giants, Mermaids and Selkies. I read it from cover to cover before my first trip to the islands and it gave me a fascinating insight to the similarities and differences from mainland folklore! If you want to get beyond the tourist sites and to real Orkney culture, this is for you!
Order a copy of Orkney Folk Tales by Tom Muir here!
10. A Thorn In The King’s Foot
There are some traditional Scottish stories that don’t belong to a specific place but to a people. Some of the best tales come from Scotland’s Traveller community and we’re lucky to have many of them recorded by expert storytellers. A Thorn In The King’s Foot is an amazing collection from world-renowned storyteller and traveller Duncan Williamson along with his wife Linda.
Duncan was an amazing tradition-bearer and it’s thanks to people like him that these traveller stories are still being told today. It’s a very special book of Scottish folklore, with some truly unique tales inside and this list wouldn’t be complete without it!
Order a copy A Thorn In The King’s Foot by Duncan & Linda Williamson here!
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