10 Scottish History Books You Need On Your Shelf

If you’re passionate about Scotland’s turbulent past, there’s a lot you can learn from a few books. Whether you’re a budding historian, first-time visitor, or proud Scot exploring your roots, these are the best Scottish History books that you need on your shelf.

As somebody who writes about Scotland and it’s historical stories, these have all helped me on my journey. I’ve read every single one of these books on Scottish history, that’s why some are a bit battered in the pictures. Whether you pick up all ten or just spot one that interests you, I hope you find this list helpful!

I may make a small commission through these links with no extra cost to yourself.

1. Scotland: The Story of a Nation

This was the first Scottish history book that I ever bought and it was immensely useful. Scotland: The Story of a Nation by Magnus Magnusson covers the country’s history from prehistoric times right up to the modern age. If you’re looking for a really broad coverage, then this is without a doubt the best Scottish history book out there!

Bear in mind that it was written over 20 years ago and it covers many thousands of years of Scotland’s past. That means it doesn’t go into too much detail about any single topic and there are some new discoveries that aren’t included. However, it’s written in a way that everybody can enjoy and is perfect if you’re looking for a general overview of Scottish history!

Order a copy of Scotland: The Story Of A Nation by Magnus Magnusson here!

2. 1314: The Year of Bannockburn

I’ve just finished reading this and I absolutely loved it, so it deserves to be high up this list of the best Scottish history books. In 1314: The Year Of Bannockburn, Dr. Callum Watson brings a fresh and scholarly perspective to one of Scotland’s most iconic battles. Don’t worry, this isn’t your typical stuffy reference book, it’s a genuine pageturner!

The book doesn’t just replay the action from the iconic battle, but explains the build up and the aftermath from both sides. Robert the Bruce’s mysterious illness plays it’s part, explanations behind noblemen flipping sides and the diplomacy that went on behind the scenes. This is truly one of the defining moments from Scottish history and this is a must buy to learn the real story behind it.

Order a copy of 1314: The Year Of Bannockburn by Dr Callum Watson here!

3. Culloden

From one iconic battle to another, Murray Pittock’s Culloden offers one of the best myth-busting accounts of this dreadful event in history. While many retellings reduce the 1746 battle to a doomed Highland charge, Pittock peels back the layers to reveal a complex military, political, and cultural event.

This is more than a recount of the Battle of Culloden though, it puts it firmly within its European context. It takes us step by step through the events that led to the decision to fight, including the author’s personal efforts to find the alternative suggested battlesites. If you’re going to visit the Culloden battlesite during your trip to Scotland, this is a useful Scottish history book to read first!

Order a copy of Culloden by Murray Pittock 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 history books! Scotland’s Stories – Historic Tales for Incredible Places brings you short tales from history 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 the story from history 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. Jacobites: A New History of the 45 Rebellion

There aren’t many periods of Scottish history that capture the imagination more than the Jacobite Risings! That’s why Jacobites: A New History of the 45 Rebellion by Jacqueline Riding is an essential book to have on the shelf. There’s a lot of well researched history here, but the story loses none of it’s romantic appeal!

From Bonnie Prince Charlie landing in the Highlands to the march down to Derby and back again, there are military movements and human stories in this book. There are dozens of Scottish history books on the Jacobite risings, but this is my pick of the lot. It’s a big one so be prepared for a lot of reading, but I guarantee there will be things inside you didn’t know!

Order a copy of Jacobites: A New History of the 45 Rebellion by Jacqueline Riding here!

6. Women in the Scottish Wars of Independence 1296–1357

Throughout time, the stories of women have often been downplayed and underappreciated. Thankfully, Women in the Scottish Wars of Independence 1296–1357 by Beth Reid is here to right some of those wrongs. This is one of the most iconic periods from Scottish history and this book is packed with stories you’ll want to know more about.

Agnes Randolph bravely defending Dunbar Castle from an English invasion. Isabella MacDuff defying her husband and suffering the wrath of the English for crowning Robert the Bruce. The wife of the Bruce, Elizabeth de Burgh, whose story is just as fascinating. Beth has picked through the scarce primary sources to bring us the amazing stories of these incredible women.

Order a copy of Women in the Scottish Wars of Independence 1296–1357 by Beth Reid here!

7. The Kingdom of the Isles c.1100–c.1336

If you have any interest in the clans of Scotland’s west coast, then you’ll need The Kingdom of the Isles by R. Andrew MacDonald! This book delves into the murky but fascinating realm of the often-ignored maritime world of the Hebrides. From one incredible historical figure called Somerled, the clans of MacDonald, MacDougall, MacRuari and more ruled this part of Scotland for centuries.

Drawing on plenty of primary sources, the world of this semi-independent kingdom comes to life. Dynasties rose and fell in this pivotal period of Scottish history and the marks can still be seen today in the castles and coastlines of the islands. It can be a heavy read at times, but it’s worth spending the time if you’re visiting Scotland’s west coast!

Order a copy of The Kingdom of the Isles by R. Andrew MacDonald here!

8. Picts: Scourge of Rome, Rulers of the North

The Picts remain one of the most mysterious people from Scotland’s history. In this comprehensive book, Gordon Noble and Nicholas Evans from the University of Aberdeen bring the Picts out of the shadows, piecing together their story from archaeology and the scant historical texts that remain.

In the centuries between the collapse of Rome and the formation of Scotland, the Picts ruled over a huge territory. They left behind beautiful stones carved with symbols, but no written texts to tell us their story. Anybody who likes ancient history and wants to know how Scotland came to be will love this Scottish history book!

Order a copy Picts: Scourge of Rome, Rulers of the North here!

9. From Clanship to Crofters’ War

From Clanship to Crofters’ War by T. M. Devine was a fascinating read, showing the dramatic transformation of Highland society over the last thousand years. Tom Devine is one of Scotland’s most respected historians, so there’s nobody better to dispel a few myths and explain plenty of truths. It doesn’t just cover the dreaded Highland Clearances, but explains how the clan system and role of the clan chief changed throughout time.

There was a very real human cost to this time of change and you can feel that keenly through the pages. Emigration, poverty, loss of culture are all important topics, as is the fightback that led to the Crofters’ War of the 1880s. This is for anybody who wants to know why the Highlands look like they do today or why their ancestors left their home.

Order a copy of From Clanship to Crofters’ War by T. M. Devine here!

10. Edinburgh: A History of the City — Michael Fry

I first read Michael Fry’s Edinburgh: A History of the City years ago as a curious local to the Scotland’s Capital. Spanning from its medieval beginnings to the Scottish Enlightenment and onto its modern cultural prominence, it’s a complete runthrough of Edinburgh’ story. There are parts that I wish had more details, but remember that there’s a lot of history to get through in just one book.

Along the way, Fry introduces the thinkers, writers, and political figures who left their mark on the city. It’s not just packed with facts, there are dramatic tales and humorous anecdotes spread throughout the pages. It can’t help you navigate the warren of closes and alleys, but it can help you understand their history!

Order a copy of Edinburgh: A History Of The City by Michael Fry here!

Honourable Mentions Of Scottish History Books!

There are plenty of Scottish history books that I couldn’t include on this list, the competition was high! I didn’t want to include too much overlap and had to make sure they were books I’d actually read. These are some other honourable mentions that you might find useful if it focuses on a specific period you’re interested in:

• The Highland Clans by Alistair Moffat tells the story of a number of clans from their origins to modern day.
• How The Scots Invented The Modern World by Arthur Herman since it’s absolutely true, we did!
• Scottish Geneaology by Bruce Durie isn’t exactly a Scottish history book, but has useful information on tracing your family tree.