Fàilte! Or “Welcome” in Scottish Gaelic. It’s Tartan Day! Well actually it was yesterday but that doesn’t mean the celebrations have to end! Tartan Day, the celebration of Scottish heritage, is celebrated throughout Scottish communities. I am on a “Scottish” high since returning from a trip to Edinburgh a few backs, so I am extremely interested in learning more about the language, the culture and of course the books! I am discovering amazing Scottish writers, some I have read, others I am dying to read. So if you are looking for a way to celebrate this weekend (besides Highland dancing and eating haggis, of course), reading these authors are will definitely get you in the mood.
Tlachd! (Enjoy)
Sir Walter Scott
One of the great writers that is nationally recognized in Scotland. If you ever want to read Scottish writers, Walter Scott is a good place to start.
Robert Burns
Robert Burns is widely considered the national poet of Scotland (there is a Robbie Burns Day celebrated in January). Besides writing beautiful poetry, he is also credited for writing his poetry in the Scots language and a trailblazer of the Romantic movement. A definite must read for any lover of Scotland. You can find my review of Burns’ poetry here.
Susan Ferrier
Considered to be the “Jane Austen of Scotland”, her novels brought humor and realistic accounts of the Scottish social life. She wanted her novels to reflect real life which is why she included the Scots language in her books.
Margaret Oliphant
Her works are considered to include the “domestic realism, the historical novel and tales of the supernatural”. “Mrs. Oliphant”, which was her pen name, wrote over 120 works, which include novels, travel essays, histories and literary criticism.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Not only did Robert Louis Stevenson wrote amazing stories, such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Treasure Island, he also wrote short stories, children’s poetry, and travel writings. Such a talented writer that covered all genres!
Muriel Spark
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the iconic author, Muriel Sparks. Best known for her highly acclaimed novel, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Sparks became the top of her field for her well written poetry, fiction, and criticism. If you are ever in Edinburgh, the National Library of Scotland has a free exhibition that runs until May 13.
Arthur Conan Doyle
No Scottish list is complete with great Arthur Conan Doyle. Besides being the creator of the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, Doyle wrote other stories that delved in science and the supernatural, such as Lot No. 249 and The Lost World.
Who is your favorite Scottish writer?
Discover more from cup of tea with that book, please
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.