time travel show set in scotland

The 32 Best TV Shows About Time Travel

Time traveling is a popular topic when it comes to all types of entertainment from books to films. But in recent years time travel has also become a popular theme in TV.

So let’s take a look at this list of the best time traveling TV shows and find out how each of them handles time travel and all the history that comes with it.

Doctor Who, BBC One (1963 – 1989, 2005 – present)

When it comes to time traveling and TV, probably the most notable name in this niche is Doctor Who  because this time travel series has been around for 39 seasons and is still going strong.

Hailing from British television channel BBC One, Doctor Who tells the tale of the Time Lord aka The Doctor, and his companions as they travel to different times and try to prevent evil forces from changing history and hurting innocent lives.

Once the Time Lord gets hurt beyond healing, he can transform into a new body and continue saving the world. Hence why at this point 13 (soon to be 14) different actors have played The Doctor.

Doctor Who is not only a huge part of the fabric of British popular culture but by now this time travel show has found its way into the hearts of many people all over the world.

It has inspired many spin-offs in the form of TV shows, comic books, movies, novels, you name it. But more than that, by now it has become an industry standard both when it comes to science-fiction television series and shows about time travel.

No wonder that Doctor Who continues to be successful after countless actor changes and plot twists.

Where to watch Doctor Who:

Timeless, nbc (2016 – 2018).

Another time travel TV series that has already become a cult classic and is adored by fans all over the world is NBC’s Timeless . And despite the turmoil that this show has gone through, it still is time traveling at its best.

Starring Malcolm Barrett, Matt Lanter, and Abigail Spencer as Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy, Timeless  details the trio traveling to different times in an effort to stop their adversaries from rewriting history.

But as it later turns out, the conspiracy goes deeper than them just changing history. Since the people who our trio is chasing are traveling through time to take down a dangerous and all-powerful organization. The same one that helped build the time machine that Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy are using.

And although Timeless went on for just two seasons (and a two-hour wrap-up movie), you should still check out the show because it’s not only entertaining but will make you think and want to know more about the events that each episode is exploring.

Where to watch Timeless:

Dc’s legends of tomorrow, the cw (2016 – present).

If you are a fan of superhero TV shows, then you will probably have heard about DC’s Legends of Tomorrow . It is a show that is a huge part of The CW’s Arrowverse. And has crossed over with shows like Arrow , The Flash , and Supergirl multiple times now.

And even if you don’t like the rest of the superhero series but do enjoy a good old time travel TV show, then I suggest you still give Legends of Tomorrow a watch.

The plot of this show is based around a team of superheroes that are traveling through time in their time machine christened the Waverider to prevent different catastrophes from happening. Both ones made by others and those created by the team’s previous adventures.

At the forefront, there are well-known DC heroes like Rip Hunter, Firestorm, The Atom, Kid Flash, Steel, and Vixen. Joined by some original characters like Caity Lotz’s White Canary among others.

One of the defining characteristics of Legends of Tomorrow is how fun it is. Because adjectives like unapologetic, witty, and entertaining are frequently used to describe this time travel series.

However, more than that, it adds an interesting layer to the whole Arrowverse universe. And above all, it is just a hoot to watch.

Where to watch Legends of Tomorrow:

12 monkeys, syfy (2015 – 2018).

Then there also is SyFy’s 12 Monkeys , which is a little darker take on time traveling. One that comes with mystery, drama, and apocalyptic stakes. But that doesn’t lessen how good this time travel TV series is.

Split between two timelines, 12 Monkeys centers on Aaron Stanford’s James Cole, who is tasked to travel back in time and stop the distribution of a virus that has the ability to end the human race as we know it.

In Cole’s real timeline, the year is 2043 and people are struggling to survive because of the terrible mutations caused by the virus. So Cole travels back to 2015 to find virologist Cassie Railly, played by Amanda Schull, that can help him stop the release of the virus and the organization that is behind it called The Army of the 12 Monkeys.

If you think about it, the post-apocalyptic setting and time travel really do go hand in hand. Because if you can go back in time to stop history from being changed, why not go back to change it if it prevents something terrible from happening?

And that is what this show explores. Beautifully combining elements of mystery, drama, and science fiction, to form a great TV show.

Where to watch 12 Monkeys:

Outlander, starz (2014 – present).

Want another show that mixes time travel with historical events and does it flawlessly? Then you should put Outlander on your must-watch TV show list!

The show starts in the 1940s when a combat nurse Claire Randall visits Inverness, Scotland as part of her second honeymoon with her husband Frank. Claire accidentally happens upon the standing stones at Craigh na Dun which transport her back in time to 1743.

To return to her own time she first has to survive 18th-century Scotland. And she does so by joining a group of rebel Highlanders from Clan MacKenzie and marrying one of the Highlanders, Jamie Fraser. But eventually, she falls in love with her new husband and aids the clan in evading British redcoats that are pursuing them.

Over the five seasons of Outlander that are currently out (with the sixth coming soon), we see Claire jump back and forth between the 20th and 18th centuries and her two families as she faces two pregnancies, wars, and much more. But eventually, Claire finds her way back to Jamie.

Where to watch Outlander:

Travelers, showcase (2016 – 2018).

Then we have Travelers , a joint venture between Netflix and Canada’s Showcase that will tick all of your time travel TV show boxes.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world , this show depicts the adventures of travelers – operatives who go back in time to prevent the collapse of society.

These travelers are transferred into the bodies of our current-day humans, who otherwise would die, to blend in with twenty-first-century people. And with the help of their artificial intelligence boss from the future, travelers carry out missions in order to stop many catastrophic events from happening.

Travelers is a great mix of sci-fi and drama, featuring a great cast and spine-tingling storylines. So if you love all that and love a good time-travel series, then look no further than Travelers .

Where to watch Travelers:

Dark, netflix (2017 – 2020).

Netflix’s first German original series was the science fiction series Dark , which mixes in some mystery drama with sci-fi: time travel, the apocalypse, wormholes, and parallel worlds.

Dark takes place in Winden, a fictional German town, and begins in 2019 after children begin to disappear from the town. As the show progresses, however, timelines jump drastically between as early as 1921 to as late as 2053.

As four families in Winden investigate the disappearances to reunite with their lost loved ones, they discover a wormhole beneath the local powerplant that allows them to travel between timelines, thus uncovering a generations-long conspiracy involving the town and their families.

Where to watch Dark:

The umbrella academy, netflix (2019 – present).

Netflix brings another to the list with The Umbrella Academy .

On October 1, 1989, 43 infants were suddenly born from unsuspecting women despite them not even being pregnant the day before.

7 of them were raised together as the Hargreeve siblings and trained in their respective abilities until their relationship became strained as teenagers and they drifted apart.

Now, as adults, they’re brought back together by the death of their adoptive father – and the threat of the end of the world, of course.

They’re forced to travel back in time but end up in different times and places, and must find each other again to stop the nuclear apocalypse.

Where to watch The Umbrella Academy:

Seven days, upn (1998 – 2001).

We know that the National Security Agency has its share of secrets, but what if one of those secrets was a time-traveling machine?

In UPN’s Seven Days , the plot centers on one such device made from alien technology found at Roswell.

The Chronosphere, as it’s called, can only be used in times when national security is at risk – the limited capacity of the device allows for just one human to go back in time by seven days in order to avert disasters.

Thus, when the White House is attacked, the NSA employs former Navy SEAL and CIA operative Frank Parker to go back and prevent it from happening.

Where to watch Seven Days:

Loki, disney+ (2021 – present).

Yes, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the greatest gifts to the cinema of our time. Now, the MCU has expanded even further into the television medium and we’ve got a few series to accompany it!

One of those is Loki , which of course, centers on the God of Thunder’s mischievous adopted brother.

After the events in Avengers: Endgame , particularly his stealing of the Tesseract, Loki inadvertently creates another timeline that began in 2012, making him a “time variant” version of himself.

When confronted by the authorities, Loki is given two choices: face punishment and cease to exist, or travel through time to fix his own mess and the threat that has emerged.

Where to watch Loki:

Making history, fox (2017).

The thing about traveling back in time is, you have to be very careful that your actions in the past won’t affect the future (which is essentially your actual present).

Most of the time, that’s something you wouldn’t know until you go back to your time. In Making History , however, Dan Chambers travels back in time to right before the American Revolution and sets off a series of events that seriously mess up the future.

Being able to constantly travel between time periods, Dan recruits the help of history professor Chis Parrish to travel with him and ensure that the American Revolution still takes place.

Where to watch Making History:

Quantum leap, nbc (1989 – 1993).

The title of NBC’s sci-fi comedy-drama Quantum Leap is also the name of the time travel machine that accidentally sends its creator, physicist Dr. Sam Beckett, back into the past.

Now, he’s stuck – and not as himself, either!

Sam discovers that he jumped into the body of a stranger and because he’s still himself, doesn’t know all the details of his current identity.

With the help of his friend Al, who appears as a hologram only he can see, he must fix something that went wrong so he can jump in time again and eventually get back to his own body.

Where to watch Quantum Leap:

Quantum leap, nbc (2022 – present).

Speaking of Quantum Leap , in 2022 NBC revived the 1989 series into a more modern take on the cult classic.

In this new Quantum Leap , thirty years have passed since Dr. Sam Beckett vanished into the Quantum Leap accelerator, and the Quantum Leap project was put to rest.

Now the project is restarted with a new team, who tries to puzzle together the mysteries behind Beckett and his time-traveling machine.

So, we follow Ben Song, the lead physicist of the Quantum Leap time travel project, who gets lost in the past after leaping back in time.

As he tries to return to the present he is helped by his fiancée Addison Augustine, who appears to him as a hologram during each leap, and the team back in the present time.

Where to watch Quantum Leap reboot:

The way home, hallmark channel (2023 – present).

Among the newest time travel shows on this list is Hallmark’s The Way Home which has already been renewed for a second season.

The Way Home follows three generations of Landry women who learn that they can time travel after discovering a magic pond on their family’s farm in Port Haven.

When Kat and her daughter Alice return to Port Haven and are forced to move in with Alice’s estranged mother Del, the three women use time travel to uncover their family history, including what really happened to Kat’s little brother Jacob and whether they can prevent his disappearance.

Where to watch The Way Home:

Russian doll, netflix (2019 – 2022).

Netflix’s Russian Doll deviates from the traditional time travel theme of a willing traveler in one specific timeline because Russian Doll’s protagonist Nadia Vulvokov not only has absolutely no choice or control over her so-called time traveling, but hers is also a time loop.

She wakes up every day having to relive the day of her 36th birthday party in New York City; every time, she dies and comes back to the exact same moment.

Every time, Nadia scrambles to figure out what happens to her and tries to prevent her death, leading her to find Alan, a man who is experiencing the same time loop.

Where to watch Russian Doll:

Undone, prime video (2019 – present).

Undone may be an animated series, but it certainly isn’t geared toward younger audiences; though there is a touch of comedy, the series leans more towards the psychological drama genre and “explores the elastic nature of reality”.

The series follows Alma Winograd-Diaz right after she gets into a near-fatal car accident.

Right before the crash, she has a strange vision of her dead father, and right after it, she finds that she now has the ability to manipulate and move through time.

Using this newfound power, she travels between time periods to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her father’s death.

Where to watch Undone:

Voyagers, nbc (1982 – 1983).

Premiering back in the early 1980s, NBC’s Voyagers! Is set in a world where time travel already exists.

In fact, there’s already a secret society in place that trains its members, called Voyagers, to go back in time and make sure that historical events happen exactly the way they’re supposed to – otherwise it could affect the present in unexpected ways.

One such Voyager is Phineas Bogg, although he isn’t exactly the best at the job.

During an accidental trip to 1982, he meets the young Jeffrey Jones and ends up bringing him along on one of his missions.

Having lost his Guidebook, Phineas now needs to rely on the extremely smart Jeffrey to get history right.

Where to watch Voyagers!:

Fringe, fox (2008 – 2013).

Fox’s Fringe is a series that was well into the science fiction genre, with parallel universes, supernatural abilities, biotechnology, doomsday predictions, and of course, time travel.

The title is taken from fringe science, which is a branch that deals with scientific theories riddled with skepticism or even having been disproven already.

In Fringe , Special Agent Olivia Dunham is assigned to oversee the FBI ’s Fringe Division, which is run by Peter Bishop and his father Walter.

Together, the team uses both fringe science and Olivia’s knowledge in investigative techniques to explore the unexplained.

In the process, they discover a larger mystery involving parallel universes and alternate timelines .

Where to watch Fringe:

Time after time, abc (2017).

ABC’s Time After Time is based on the novel of the same name written by Kevin Williamson in 1979.

In addition to that, each episode takes its title from a line in Cyndi Lauper’s song, which was inspired by the film (and subsequently, the same book!).

In Time After Time , we are taken to H.G. Wells’ home in 1893.

During a dinner party, he reveals his time machine – right before his guest John Stevenson is arrested for actually being Jack the Ripper .

John escapes through the time machine and Wells follows him straight into the present: 2017. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game as John attempts to gain control of the machine.

Where to watch Time After Time:

11.22.63, hulu (2016).

When you have anything with Stephen King involved, you know it’s going to be great.

Hulu’s eight-episode miniseries 11.22.63 is based on King’s novel 11/22/63 and is a science fiction thriller like no other.

Starring James Franco in the lead role, 11.22.63 follows Jake Epping, an English teacher from Maine .

His best friend Al reveals a time travel machine and asks him to take over the mission he’s been working on: to travel to the 60s and prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Will Jake be successful in changing a past that simply refuses to be changed?

Where to watch 11.22.63:

The 4400, usa network/sky one (2004 – 2007).

The 4400 is yet another slightly different take on the idea of time travel, in that there has been just one (fairly significant) shift forward in time, to the present.

Beginning in 1946, individuals who were easily overlooked or marginalized by society slowly began disappearing through beams of green light.

Now, all 4400 of them (hence the title) have been returned to the present day – without having aged a day and in some cases, even manifesting supernatural abilities like telekinesis, healing, and telepathy.

Tom Baldwin and Diana Skouris are assigned to investigate the phenomenon and find out why the 4400 have returned.

NOTE: For a fresher take on the show, you can also check out the reboot of the original series which is currently airing on The CW.

Where to watch The 4400:

Somewhere between, abc (2017).

When tragedy strikes our lives, we always wish there was something we could’ve done to prevent it.

In ABC’s Somewhere Between we meet Laura Price, a successful news producer with a great career, a loving husband who’s a district attorney, and a beautiful daughter named Serena.

However, her life changes when the serial killer she is helping the cops to catch kills Serena.

Distraught with grief , Laura attempts to complete suicide but is unsuccessful, instead waking up having time-traveled to a week before Serena’s death.

She teams up with Nico, a former SFPD detective who experienced the same reset and wants to find the real killer to change his brother’s fate as well.

Where to watch Somewhere Between:

Terra nova, fox (2011).

Terra Nova takes its viewers to both extremes of the time-traveling timeline.

The present-day is 2149, where overpopulation has threatened to deplete the Earth’s resources.

In an attempt to save Earth and mankind, scientists have found a way to travel back in time, sending groups of humans back to the Cretaceous Period to set up colonies.

Terra Nova focuses primarily on Elisabeth and Jim Shannon, and their three children, who have joined the 10th pilgrimage to Terra Nova.

They offer their expertise as a trauma surgeon and former narcotics detective and help those in charge with stopping those whose intentions go against the greater good.

Where to watch Terra Nova:

Frequency, the cw (2016 – 2017).

One concept in time travel is known as “the butterfly effect”, wherein one small change in time may have great effects elsewhere.

Frequency demonstrates this concept perfectly.

Raimy Sullivan is an NYPD detective who, after a strange weather phenomenon, discovers that she can communicate with her dead father through his old ham radio.

Believing he was a corrupt cop, she learns the truth and warns him of his murder, thus saving his life.

However, this has profound effects on the future – Raimy’s present.

Now, they must work together across time to save her father and preserve the present.

Where to watch Frequency:

Life on mars, bbc one (2006).

In many of the shows on the list so far, the protagonists experience a time loop that’s triggered at the point of their death.

It’s no different for Sam Tyler, the main character in the British series Life on Mars .

Sam is a Detective Chief Inspector with the Greater Manchester Police, but one day he accidentally gets hit by a car.

When he awakens, he’s in 1973 and working at one rank lower than he was: Detective Inspector.

The selling point of Life on Mars , however, is that we’re left unsure if Sam’s predicament is due to his actual death, a comatose, or time travel.

Where to watch Life on Mars:

Always a witch, netflix (2019 – 2020).

Always A Witch (or Siempre Bruja in its original Spanish title) is a Colombian series that is set in both present-day Colombia and the 17th century .

The series follows Carmen Eguiliuz, a young 19-year-old witch who, after committing the crime of falling in love with a white man in 1646 colonial Colombia, is scheduled to be burned at the stake.

She gets a chance to escape to a new life when the mysterious wizard Aldemar makes a deal with her: he will save the man she loves if she travels into the future to find the woman who can break his curse.

Where to watch Always a Witch:

Beforeigners, hbo (2019 – present).

HBO’s Beforeigners is a Norwegian sci-fi crime drama series and the first Norwegian original from HBO Europe.

The title is a clever play on words centered on the general plot: a group of “foreigners” has suddenly shown up at a neighborhood in Oslo, and they are all from “before” times, or several different time periods in history.

Whether from the Viking period , the Stone Age, or the more recent 19th century , each of these ‘Beforeigners’ tries to integrate in modern-day Norwegian society.

One of them even partners with a detective to investigate first a murdered Stone Age woman, then a series of murderers tied to Jack the Ripper.

Where to watch Beforeigners:

Alice, sbs tv (2020).

Alice was a South Korean sci-fi series that aired in late 2020.

In the lead-up to the main plot, the show’s background is explained to its viewers.

Set in 2050, time travel is monitored by an agency called Alice, which sends its clients to the past to help find closure with deceased loved ones.

Alice one day sends two agents to 1992 in order to find the Book of Prophecy, but one of them disappears with the book and her unborn child.

In 2020, the child becomes a detective and in his investigation into his mother’s death in 2010, discovers the existence of Alice and time travel.

Where to watch Alice:

Live up to your name, tvn (2017).

Yet another South Korean time travel series , Live Up to Your Name initially takes its viewers some 400 years into the past, right in the middle of the Joseon dynasty.

There we meet Heo Im, a doctor of traditional Korean medicine who also specializes in acupuncture.

On one of his treatments of the king’s migraines, he made a mistake and was charged with treason.

Chased by the king’s soldiers, he’s shot with an arrow and presumed dead when he falls into the river – except he ends up waking up in present-day Seoul instead, where he meets cardiothoracic surgeon Choi Yeon-kyung.

Where to watch Live Up to Your Name:

My only love song, netflix (2017).

Our third South Korean series is Netflix’s My Only Love Song , which aired in 2017.

We start off in modern-day Korea where we meet Soo-jung, a talented and top-level actress.

However, it seems that the fame may have gotten to her head as she’s arrogant, and believes fame and money make the world go round.

When things don’t go her way on her new show, she winds up in a time-traveling van that takes her to the 6th century.

There, she meets a man much like herself in terms of arrogance, but his hidden soft spot and generosity towards the poor changes her perspective on her own life and self.

Where to watch My Only Love Song:

Signal, tvn (2016).

Signal is based on the 2000 American film Frequency , but another thing that sets this South Korean series apart from others is that the cases investigated in the series are also based on real-life crimes in the country.

Signal follows a cold case profiler from 2015 and a detective from 1989 simultaneously; they discover they’re able to communicate with each other through an old walkie-talkie.

Using this unique ability to provide much-needed foresight in investigations, they team up to both solve and in some cases, even prevent these horrific crimes.

Where to watch Signal:

Rooftop prince, sbs (2012).

Last but not least, South Korea brings its last time-traveling series to the table with Rooftop Prince , a comedy-drama filled with intrigue, mixed identities, and possible reincarnations.

Crown Prince Lee Gak from the Joseon dynasty accidentally time travels to 2012 with three others from his entourage, and their lives are thrown into a whirlwind.

He crosses paths with Se-na, who looks exactly like his recently deceased wife.

In the hopes of getting answers about his wife’s mysterious drowning, he assumes the identity of another man who he also looks exactly like and attempts to marry Se-na in this timeline as well.

Where to watch Rooftop Prince:

11 comments.

Tomorrow people cw

You forgot The Time Tunnel, an Irwin Allen sci-fi show (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, Land of The Giants), all classic 60s sci-fi

Journeyman should also be on this list. It was only half a season on NBC but it wraps up to a satisfying conclusion.

Fantastic acting and interesting characters.

Glad someone else watched Journeyman. I thought I’d was a great spiritual successor to Quantum Leap.

Journeyman is one of the good shows u can watch but qunatum leap i watched and didnt like

Where is The Time Tunnel?????

Another show for your list is “Being Erica” (CBC, 2009-2011). Excellent writing, and very unique.

i was looking for this comment. such an underrated show

I concur. This was definitely a great one. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought.

Some of the information in the Doctor Who one is wrong. It started in 1963, it was only revived in 2005 (you put 2006), and it’s been going for 39 seasons, as of June 2022

Thanks for letting me know! I updated the article accordingly.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

GREAT BRITISH BOOK CLUB

19 Books Like Outlander: Scottish Time Travel Books for People Who Like Outlander

In some cases, we earn commissions from affiliate links in our posts.

Often when a book series gets adapted for TV and becomes popular, it spawns a host of imitations – and renews interest in similar titles that have been around for ages. That's exactly what has happened with the popular Outlander series . Scottish time travel books are hot, and while Outlander is certainly the most popular, it's neither the first nor the only book to tell a story of romance and adventure across time.

If you've exhausted all that the Outlander series has to offer, you may be looking for more like that. Below, we take a look at some of the best and most highly-rated books like Outlander – tales of time travel, romance, and adventure in Scotland.

19 Books Like Outlander: Time Travel Books Set in Scotland

Though you could certainly make the argument that other, non-Scottish time travel books and typical Highland romance novels are great things to add to your post- Outlander reading list, we know there many times when you don't want something “sort of like” what you just had. You want more of the very same type of thing.

So, with this list, we've tried to get as close as humanly possible and stick with ONLY Scottish time travel stories with some element of adventure and romance. The majority of the entries are series rather than single books, so in those cases we've listed the first book to get you started.

Bethany Claire's Morna's Legacy Series

Schoolteacher Brielle Montgomery reluctantly joins her archaologist mother on a dig in Scotland, only to find herself transported 400 years back in time. Suddenly, she's thrust into a life where she's about to marry Eoin Conall, an almost impossibly sexy Scotsman who doesn't like her at all. He's only following through with the marriage because of a promise to his dying father.

When Bri enters the picture, he notices something has changed about his wife-to-be, and it's a good thing. Unfortunately, Bri knows her history and she knows Eoin's entire clan will be slaughtered. Can she protect her new love and save both of their lives?

To date, there are twelve books in this series. You can start with the first below:

Get it : Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Audiobook | Bookshop.org (supports independent bookshops)

Claire R. McDougall's Veil of Time

With her marriage over and her son off to school, Maggie takes some time out at a cottage near the ruins of Dunadd. When she awakens, she finds herself wandering the busy village of Dunadd – in the eighth century! She soon finds herself drawn to the handsome Fergus, brother of the king and father to a young girl who looks remarkably like her own late daughter. Torn between two worlds, will she stay with her new love or return to her old life that wasn't much to get excited about?

Veronica Wolff's Highland Series

Lily Hamlin is having a rough time personally, so she decides to go ahead and take that long dreamt-about trip to Scotland. While exploring the Highlands, she wanders through an overgrown maze with an odd stone map…and suddenly finds herself in 1654 Lochaber.

The widowed clan chief Ewen has no need for romance in his life, but when a saucy lass with a weird accent shows up, all bets are off. Though the romance is exciting, Lily soon realises her new life comes with its fair share of danger.

Jessi Gage's Highland Wishes Series

When a single, expectant museum worker wishes on a Scottish artifact, she never expects her wish to come true – until she's magically transported back in time to the middle of the Scottish Highlands during the sixteenth century. There, she meets a poor, handsome bachelor who's known for being too “endowed” under his kilt to ever make a good husband.

Hazel Hunter's Immortal Highlander Series

Kinley's life is not going well. Suffering from PTSD and dealing with the end of her career, it all turns around when she suddenly finds herself in medieval Scotland. There, she meets Lachlan McDonnel, laird to a clan of immortal Highlanders – and the sparks fly.

This series definitely falls on the mature side of things, both in terms of sex and violence. There's also an element of fantasy that extends beyond the time travel part of the story.

Catherine Bybee's MacCoinnich Time Travels Series

Duncan McCoinnich had a simple task: time travel to a twenty-first century Renn Faire, deflower druid virgins, and go home. When feelings develop between modern-day Tara and sixteenth century Duncan, it all gets a lot more complicated.

Jo Barrett's Highlander's Challenge

Tuck is a personal bodyguard, and her latest assignment is certainly one to remember. It involves a kidnapper, an enchanted fountain, and a sixteenth century Highlander who wants nothing more than to lock her up and keep her.

Kim Sakwa's Lairds of the Crest Series

Gwendolyn Reynolds takes a soul-searching trip to Scotland, but when a storm forces her car off the road, she plunges into icy water and comes back up in 1426 Scotland. There, she finds Laird Greylen McGreggor, a man waiting for a woman foretold in prophecy.

Janet Chapman's The Highlander Next Door

This one almost didn't make it on the list because it's a little different from the others. Rather than the heroine travelling back in time, it's the hero who travels forward to modern day Maine.

Maxine Mansfield's Time for a Highlander

History teacher Bethany Anne Anderson is killed on a trip to Scotland – but before she can pass on to the next phase, fate steps in and drops her into the body of twenty-one-year-old Lady Elspeth Frasier in 1643 Scotland. There, she must give a Highland laird an heir before she can move on.

Melissa Mayhue's Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband

In 2007 Denver, Caitlyn Coryell's life is falling apart. When she puts on an antique pendant, a Highland warrior suddenly appears in her bedroom, begging for her help. At his urging, she'll go back in time and marry him, assuming no one kills her first.

Ceci Giltenan's Pocket Watch Chronicles

This series focuses on a young woman who receives a mysterious pocket watch that allows time travel. Each entry in the series features a romance between one person from the modern world and one from some period in Scottish history – but the specifics always vary.

It's also worth noting that unlike many books in this genre, there are no explicit love scenes in these books. If you prefer less heat, definitely give this one a read.

Clover Autrey's Highland Sorcery Series

When a naked, bleeding Highlander appears in her modern-day kitchen, Charity Greves does what any decent herbalist would do – she heals him. What she didn't expect was to be pulled back to the 13th century where her Highlander is being held captive.

Each book in this series focuses on a different couple in a different time travel situation, and this is another series where the heat level is “safe to read with granny”.

Karen Marie Moning's Highlander Series

Hawk is a legendary predator in battle and the bedroom, but no woman has managed to tame him. When a vengeful fairy yanks Adrienne de Simone from modern day Seattle, however, he might just find his perfect match. She's having none of it, but he's determined to win her heart.

Allie Mackay's Ravenscraig Legacy Series

Tour guide Mara McDougall doesn't believe in ghosts – until she meets a handsome Scottish one on a trip to the UK. While this isn't strictly a time travel book, all the books in this series contain links between the past and present with supernatural elements. If you're looking for a slight twist on the genre, you may enjoy these.

Susan Price's Sterkarm Series

After a British corporation invents a time tube with a portal back to sixteenth century Scotland, they send representatives 500 years back in time to deal with a lawless clan of barbarians. Interpreter Andrea soon develops a bond with Per, the handsome son of the clan chieftain, Toorkild – but when tensions rise, she'll be forced to choose sides.

Lynn Kurland's MacLeod Series

In the New York City of 1996, Elizabeth Smith's writing career is stalled – until one day, she begins hearing the voice of a Scottish man calling to her. She thinks she's going crazy until she dozes off in Gramercy Park and wakes up in 14th century Scotland. There, she'll find herself face to face with the man whose voice filled her mind.

Callie Berkham's Time Orb Series

Each book of this series features a heroine transported to a different time and place – with the first novel dropping historian Abby Davis onto an ancient Scottish battleground. There, she'll save the life of a warrior, losing her time orb in the process.

J. Ardian Lee's Son of the Sword

This one's kind of an unusual entry because the protagonist is a man. Dylan Matheson is a relatively normal modern man, but when he picks up a magical broadsword at a Medieval Faire, he's transported to 1713 Scotland where Jacobite revels are fighting English oppression. There, he'll fight for the cause and attempt to win the heart of fair Caitrionagh, daughter of a haughty laird.

What's Your Favourite Scottish Time Travel Book?

Have you read any of these Scottish time travel books? What's your favourite? Do you have other recommendations? Feel free to share them in the comments!

Save it to Pinterest!

Similar Posts

11 Gritty British Crime Novels Set in the Newcastle/Tyneside Area

All of Val McDermid’s Inspector Karen Pirie Book Series in Order

All of JD Kirk’s DCI Jack Logan Books in Order

14 of the Best New British Mysteries for Autumn 2022

11 Cozy British Mystery Novels to Curl Up to This Autumn…

All of Mick Herron’s Slough House (Slow Horses) Books in Order

Outlander 's Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish to Star in Men in Kilts , a New Travel Show

The Scotland-focused series will air on Starz in February.

Here's everything we know so far:

The two actors originally teamed up to create a podcast .

It was going to be a series about the history, culture, and landscape of Scotland called Clan Lands. Heughan announced the idea on his Instagram account during the summer of 2019.

But that idea evolved into a travel television show, and somewhere along the line, the name was changed to Men in Kilts.

"I wanted to do a podcast in my spare time, and I thought I'd shoot some visuals for it," Heughan told OprahMag.com . "The more I was getting into producing it, it's the first thing I’d produced, and I really enjoyed it. So I decided to make it into a TV show! We've finished shooting and dare I say, I think it looks really fun."

It's set to come out on February 14.

The show will air on Starz, and will premiere on Valentine's Day. The network, which also airs Outlander , announced that they had picked up the series in June of 2020, and confirmed that the season will feature eight half-hour episodes.

"The genuine curiosity and passion that Sam and Graham have for the landscapes they visit and the stories they uncover while traveling through the heart of Scotland makes Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham a truly enjoyable journey of discovery for the audience," Christina Davis, President of original programming for Starz said in a statement.

"The series gives context and texture to Highland life and history, woven together, much like the tartan for which Scotland is so famous, and we look forward to taking this road trip with these two great friends."

The first trailer previews the pair's adventures.

Watch it in full up top.

Want a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the show?

Heughan and McTavish have been sharing a look at the filming process on Instagram. See a few of those posts below:

As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects 

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Everything You Need to Know About Outlander @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

Tony Curran on King James I's Vulnerability

Everything to Know Outlander's Extended Season 7

When Does 'Outlander' Season 7, Part 2 Premiere?

How Lauren Lyle Got Ready for the 2024 BAFTAs

All the News on Outlander Season 8

Jamie Fraser's Parents in 'Outlander' Prequel

Where to Buy Sam Heughan's Gin

Izzy Meikle-Small on Love and War in Outlander

Outlander Season 7 Episode Guide

Outlander Season 7 Sneak Peek

Is Outlander's Lallybroch Real?

The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland.

Fictional Outlander Series Has Real Links to Scotland’s Newly Unearthed Neolithic Ruins

Imagining time travel through ancient standing stones

In the first book in Diana Gabaldon's fictional Outlander series, Claire Randall, on her second honeymoon with her husband in Scotland after World War II, visits Craigh na Dun, a make-believe prehistoric stone circle near Inverness, and falls through the stones—and into the 18th century.

Written in My Own Heart's Blood is the eighth—and latest—book in the series. In all, the   Outlander books have cracked the   New York Times Best Seller list six times and have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, in 26 countries and 23 languages.

Well-drawn characters and vivid descriptions are part of   Outlande r's appeal, but Gabaldon's use of historically accurate details—aside from the time travel—also undergirds the plots. Through her writings, she's become an expert in 18th-century Scotland.

The long-awaited   Outlander television show premieres tomorrow night at 9 p.m. on STARZ.

Coincidentally,   National Geographic 's   August cover story, "The First Stonehenge," is about recently discovered Neolithic ruins in Scotland's Orkney Islands that, author Roff Smith writes, are "turning British prehistory on its head."

Gabaldon's story lines center on Scotland's ancient standing stones, so we asked her to give us a Scottish history lesson— Outlander style.

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Our August story focuses on the Orkney Islands. Have you visited Orkney?

I actually just visited Orkney about 18 months ago. A guide we know in Scotland took us to a number of the places mentioned in the article. We went to Skara Brae and Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar, and all of that. Fascinating place!

When reading the NG Orkney story, did you connect it with   Outlander at all?

Oh, yes, indeed. Not with the present book or the one I'm about to start working on, but to a different project. It will be a long time coming, but for a while now I've intended to write a book—or possibly more than one, as these things have a tendency to grow—about Master Raymond. He's the little apothecary Claire meets in Paris in   Dragonfly in Amber [the second book in the series].

The moment I looked at Skara Brae, I said, OK, this is it. This book will focus on Master Raymond, and Orkney is part of his story. I don't know what the whole story is yet—I just feel this deep resonating connection with him in Orkney.

What resonated with you the most when you visited the Neolithic sites in Orkney?

The connection the culture had to the landscape. Orkney has the kind of landscape that sort of lends itself to a relationship with the people. I think that relationship is intensified because of its remoteness and the long periods of time when there was no interaction with other cultures.

One structure remaining in Orkney is the standing stones. You use a similar circle of stones as a time portal for your main character, Claire Randall. Why did you choose the stones for a time portal?

Originally, I was just going to write historical fiction, but at about the third day of writing, I introduced this English woman, just to see what she'd do. I loosed her into a cottage full of Scotsmen, and one of the men stood up and said, "My name is Dougal McKenzie, and who might you be?" Without stopping to think, I just typed, "My name is Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp, and who the hell are you?" And then I thought, "You don't sound at all like an 18th-century person." [Chuckles]

I fought with her for several pages, but she wasn't having any of this—she just kept making smart-ass modern remarks. She also took over and started telling the story herself, so I said, "Well, I'm not going to fight with you all the way through this book. Go ahead and be modern. I'll figure out how you got there later." So it's all her fault that there is time travel in these books!

I was doing a lot of research on Scotland at that point because I'd never been there and kept coming across the standing stone circles. Every time I'd read about the stone circles, it would describe how they worked as an astronomical observance. For example, some of the circles are oriented so that at the winter solstice the sun will strike a standing stone. But all the texts speculate that nobody knows what the actual function of these stone circles was. And so I began thinking, Well, I bet I can think of one. [Laughs]

In the   Outlander universe, how did you make time travel seem plausible?

If you're going to write time travel stories, you have to sort of figure out how does time travel work in this particular universe that I'm dealing with.

There are lines of geomagnetic force running through the Earth's crust, and most of the time these run in opposing directions—forward and backward. In some places they deviate and will cross each other, and when that happens, you kind of get a geomagnetic mess going in all different directions. I call these vertices.

Essentially, it could be possible to have something like this nexus of crossing lines to create a little time vortex. And if you could have a person whose sensibility to geomagnetism is sufficiently advanced so that they can not only detect this but enter into it in some way, then you have a plausible way of time travel.

You May Also Like

Everything we thought we knew about the ancient Maya is being upended

Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama

An archaeologist suspected something special was buried here. She was right.

So if prehistoric people noticed that every so often when people crossed that particular patch of grass, they disappeared, it would cause considerable consternation, and they might think it worthwhile marking that spot. So that might be the reason why the stones are there, and why they're set up the way they are, as in, "People tended to disappear on the winter solstice when they step over here, so don't do that!"

I will have to do a write-up called the Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel. [Laughs]

How much research have you conducted for the   Outlander series?

I'm not sure how you would quantify that. I've been doing research practically nonstop since I started writing. I do the research at the same time as I write, and it kind of feeds off itself. I would say I've been in a constant state of research for the past 24 years.

Can you give us a quick rundown on what history you have covered in your plot lines so far?

The story traces the political and physical revolution from the Jacobite rising all the way through the American Revolution. And on the other side of the time travel, we're dealing with World War II, and Claire's occasional flashbacks and knowledge of that war.

We began in 1743, just before the Jacobite rebellion and traced the climactic confrontation at Culloden, which crushed the clan system and all but destroyed the Highlands for a hundred years. We move on from there, as the Scots did, to America. That's because in the 1730s a large number of the Highland Scots had already immigrated and settled along the banks of the Cape Fear River [in present-day North Carolina]. By the late 1740s most of these earlier immigrants were settled and fairly prosperous, and kinship being what it was in the 18th century, you went where you had relatives.

A lot of Scots ended up settling in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. And of course, these people were ideally placed to be in the middle of the American Revolution, and that's where Jamie and Claire are at the moment. At the time of the revolution, one in three colonists came from Scotland and, in fact, there were Scots fighting on both sides with great ferocity.

Was there ever a time when you purposefully wrote something you knew to be historically inaccurate?

Yes—only once that I can think of, and that was in   Outlander [the first book]. I wanted to have a witch trial, but looking into it, I could see that the last witch trial in Scotland took place in 1722. So I was telling my husband that I'd really like a witch trial, but it doesn't fit. He looked at me and said, "You start right off with a book in which you expect people to believe that Stonehenge is a time machine, and you're worried that your witches are 20 years too late?" [Laughs] So I did stretch that point. I figured that possibly this witch trial was an ad hoc affair that didn't make it into the record. That's the only place where I can remember I deliberately moved something that I knew was not quite there.

Claire Randall goes back in time through the standing stones and immediately meets a band of Scottish Highland warriors. What was the clan system like in Scotland?

The clan system was very tribal. It was composed of extensive family units, and as it grew larger, the clans became political entities. And you didn't have to be born to a clan, you could come in and swear allegiance to your clan chief, and you'd become a MacKenzie or a Grant or whatever, and then you'd change your surname. People usually did this as a trade of armed service or farm service in return for food or land.

If the clan chief decided to declare war on someone, you had to bring whatever you owned in the way of a weapon. These tactics worked on a small level, but get in with the British army and you were in trouble.

The level of the clan chieftain was different than the system in England—it wasn't   hereditary. The son of a chief might have the inside track, but the next chieftain was elected by consent of the senior clansmen present. So they sometimes got better leaders than the British did on a hereditary system.

That said, the system was good for the clan, but it wasn't necessarily good for Scotland. The way the clan system evolved was cellular: You had very strong people who couldn't lead more than their own clan without a lot of trouble.

Out of all the Highland clans, why did you choose Clan Fraser for the beloved character Jamie Fraser?

Through the course of my research, Jamie was just called Jamie Blank for a long time. I took Jamie from the name of a "Dr. Who" character who originally caused me to choose Scotland as my setting. I was reading a book for research called the   Prince in the Heather, by Eric Linklater, which described what happened after Culloden. It said that, following the battle, 19 wounded Jacobite officers took refuge in the farmhouse by the side of the field. There they lay for two days with their wounds, unattended in pain. At the end of that time they were taken out and shot, except one man, a Fraser of the Master of Lovet's regiment, who survived the slaughter. And I was thinking that if I expect Jamie to survive Culloden then his last name better be Fraser.

A referendum on Scottish independence is coming up. Do you have thoughts on that because of your connection with your characters?

There's a line of philosophy in the events in my books to the events happening in Scotland now. That said, I'm very careful not to take a public view on it. It's not my country, so its not my business to be telling them what I think.

I have a number of Scottish friends from the   Outlander TV show, all of whom are on the "yes" side. I was talking to them once, and I said, "You know, this is all well and good, democracy, etc., and it's a romantic idea too. But I've read a lot of Scottish history as of late, and you guys have never been able to cooperate about anything for longer than ten years at a stretch. You think you're going to do it now?"

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Read other interesting stories in National Geographic's   Book Talk series.

Related Topics

This ancient diary reveals how Egyptians built the Great Pyramid

‘Send beer!’ Life on the Roman frontier revealed by soldiers’ private letters

The mystery of London's elusive Roman amphitheater

This 2,400-year-old royal tomb was found by accident during WWII

These 5 cities vanished without a trace. We're finally learning their stories.

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

[email protected]

1-888-810-0045

+44 (0)141 432 1770

• Tour Scotland’s Film & TV Show Locations

Scotland’s history, our people, and our beautiful landscapes, all inspire countless films and TV shows made from production companies around the world.

In recent years, Scotland has become one of the top filming locations in the world, and we’re sure part of this is due to our country’s epic natural beauty — it has even been consistently voted the most beautiful country in the world by Rough Guides .

However, it is also Scotland’s vibrant, often colourful history that has inspired many movies and shows over the years, making it the perfect country for movie buffs to visit!

We will discuss many of the real-life locations for some of the most popular shows and films in the world. If civilians are allowed to visit these locations, we guarantee to take you there as part of one of our Tailor-made Scotland Tours .

Scotland on Film 

From Outlander and Braveheart, to Trainspotting and Harry Potter, Scotland’s history, its ancient cities, and its stunning scenery all make it a fantastic filming location. The film industry continues to grow in Scotland, so there are also plenty of films and TV shows that are filmed here even though they don’t actually take place in Scotland. 

If you’re a movie buff or just like to see places that you’ll recognize from popular movies and shows, we’d be happy to show you some of our favourites. If you have any follow-up questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch !

Movies Set in Scotland

Braveheart first hit the screens in 1995 and had an immediate impact on Scotland’s tourism industry. Folks from overseas suddenly wanted to know more about Scottish history and culture, beyond those who were interested for genealogy reasons. The Mel Gibson epic was decidedly less than historically accurate, but it certainly inspired a great many movie fans to dive deeper into Scotland’s past and present.

If you’re a Braveheart fan, you’ll definitely want to visit Stirling to bask in the views at the National Wallace Monument and visit Stirling Castle. If you want to create a tailormade Scotland tour , we could also journey through time to stop at the many sites of battles and importance from the lifetime of Sir William Wallace.

Be inspired to visit the iconic castles of Scotland with this top 10 list!

Outlaw King

Outlaw King tells the story of Robert the Bruce, picking up after the torture and killing of William Wallace by the English Crown. If you’ve seen and enjoyed Outlaw King, you’ll want to visit a few key places mentioned or featured in this story. We even created an entire Outlaw King tour all around this important national hero!

Be inspired to visit the scenes and important sites from Outlaw King .

Trainspotting and T2

This cult classic recently enjoyed a revival with the sequel T2 coming out to great acclaim. The original shows the gritty side of Leith, based on the book by Edinburgh local Irvine Welsh. While Trainspotting might not highlight the glory and magic of Scotland, it certainly shows a different side to Scotland’s people and places. 

If you’re a fan of the films (or books), you’ll definitely want to visit Edinburgh and head to Leith, which has changed dramatically since the days of the story’s setting. Today, Leith is quite the bustling, hipster locale in Edinburgh, with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy along the shore.

Be inspired with this local’s guide to Edinburgh and learn more about the different neighbourhoods and interesting spots in the capital city.

Mary, Queen of Scots

The ladies are not to be outdone in Scottish history! Mary, Queen of Scots, holds incredible significance to our national story and it would be impossible to talk about Scotland’s past and present without mentioning her. The recent film starring Saoirse Ronan highlights the stunning scenery of the nation she led as a fittingly dramatic backdrop to her tale. 

If you’re a fan of the film (and the woman!), you’ll surely want to visit Linlithgow Palace. It’s a popular filming location, as it’s also used in the Outlander series, which we’ll talk more about next!

Disney Pixar’s “Brave”

If you’re a fan of Disney Pixar films and you’re keen on Scotland, then you must have watched the animated film Brave. The story highlights Scottish folklore and culture, while also showing off the rugged natural beauty of our wee country. If you’re keen to know where the animators got their inspiration, VisitScotland has the details .

Made of Honor

This rom-com starring Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, and Sydney Pollack features a Scottish wedding like no other. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll recognise the jaw-dropping Dunvegan Castle as well as colourful Portree.

TV Shows Filmed in Scotland

Fans of the hit show Outlander (based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon) will be in good company coming to Scotland to see locations where the show has been set. The Outlander Effect is very real and has offered a big boost to the locations where the show has been filmed!

Some locations look exactly as they appeared on screen while others require a little imagination. But all Outlander fans will enjoy visiting Scotland to capture the essence of the story: romance, history, and the spellbinding Highland culture and landscapes.

Be inspired with these 5 places to visit in Scotland if you love Outlander , and then take a look at our Scotland’s Two Cities & Outlander Tour to see where we take our guests. 

We also love to create tailormade tours of Scotland to show you exactly what you want to see and so much more!

Monarch of the Glen

The BBC series Monarch of the Glen features a Highland family estate that, though fictional, was filmed at the very real Ardverikie House on Loch Laggan. The estate was also used for filming episodes of our next featured show!

The Crown has taken Netflix by storm over the past few years. The drama tells the story of the current royal family, which includes showing their many visits to the estate they own in Scotland at Balmoral. While filming doesn’t take place at the real Balmoral Castle, Ardverikie House stepped in once again as the actual filming location.

Going back a bit further in royal lineage, the series Victoria dramatises the tale of Queen Victoria and her impressively long reign. She and Prince Albert were very fond of Scotland and inspired quite an interest in the Highlands among the upper class in England. The town of Pitlochry grew in popularity during her reign, and the show features nearby Blair Castle quite prominently.

Downton Abbey

While this period drama took place in fictional locations in England, a Christmas special was filmed at Inverary Castle in Scotland, though it was also given a fictional name. The castle is one of many stunning architectural feats you may want to visit, and we’d be happy to take you there during a tailor-made tour of Scotland !

Other Scotland Film Locations

While Scotland may not be the focus of the film or show, this country’s stunning scenery and diversity of locations in a small space have made it a popular film destination. There are plenty of movies and TV shows that have filmed in Scotland, pretending that the scene was somewhere else altogether!

Harry Potter in Scotland

Home to the author of this iconic series, the Harry Potter movies were often filmed partly in Scotland. Even though Scotland doesn’t feature as a destination in the books or movies, our scenery offered gorgeous backgrounds for key moments throughout the series. From Edinburgh to the Highlands, you’ll find signs and scenes from Harry Potter throughout Scotland. 

Be inspired with this list of Scottish locations Harry Potter fans must visit !

That’s right, the popular James Bond film starring Daniel Craig had a pivotal scene set in the dramatic scenery of Scotland. If you’ve seen the film, you might remember when Bond says he and M must hide where nobody could find them. Yes, that would be the Highlands of Scotland! The filming was actually done on Rannoch Moor, a stunningly dramatic landscape near Glen Coe. 

Be inspired to visit this dramatic landscape with our suggestions of the wildest places to hike in Scotland .

World War Z

Yes, this zombie apocalyptic movie starring Brad Pitt was actually filmed, in part, in Glasgow! 

Be inspired by our ideas of things to do in Glasgow .

Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War

While not featuring prominently throughout the film, you’ll certainly recognise the streets of Edinburgh at the beginning of the film. 

Be inspired with our suggestions of things to do in Edinburgh .

Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story came to life in The BFG, as did the giant’s land. The filming was actually done on the Isle of Skye. 

Be inspired with our insights on how to tour the Scottish islands and stay in these hotels in the Scottish islands .

Here at Inspiring Travel Scotland, we have an excellent selection of Scotland tours that are fully formed and ready to book. They represent our diverse range of knowledge and tourism connections and they are each created with a specific kind of Scotland vacation in mind.

However, our Tailormade Tours are, by far, the most popular product we offer – we combine your interests and spirit of adventure with our creativity and knowledge of Scotland to create a unique tour, just for you!

Inspiring Travel Scotland offer our expertise in local knowledge, travel logistics, hospitality connections, not to mention our wonderful Driver/Guides, unique ideas, exclusive trips and added extras. All that and more, to ensure that everyone who chooses one of our customised Scotland tours has the adventure of a lifetime!

All you need to do is get in touch to tell us just little about your dream Scotland tour and we will build on it for you, to make your dream a reality. We know how important tours like this are to our clients, getting our clients tours exactly right for them are just as important to us. We always aim to exceed your expectations.

• Be Inspired

Get In Touch

Popular tours.

• Essential Scotland Tour: Highlands History, Scenery and Culture
• Inspiring Group Tours
• Scottish Outlander Tour
• Scottish North Coast 500 and Culloden Tour
• Whisky & Culture – An Exclusive Tour

Meet one of our drivers

• Essential Scotland – Highlands History, Scenery & Culture
• Scottish Whisky and Culture – The Exclusive Tour
• Two Cities & Outlander Tour
• Whisky Trail by Luxury Train
• The Outlaw King Tour
• Luxury Staycation – Scottish Highlands Tour
• Tailormade – Customized Tours
• Why book with us?
• How to Book
• Testimonials

Tell us a little about what you would like to do on your ideal tour:

Number of Adults 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Number of Seniors (over 60) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Number of Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Date you would like tour to begin

Tour Duration

Phone number (Including area codes)

Anglophenia

10 great tv shows set and filmed in scotland.

(Photo: Acorn TV) This week brought news that Douglas Henshall is departing Shetland , the hit detective drama set on Scotland's remote and beautiful Shetland Islands. This got us thinking about other addicting TV series set in Scotland, the northernmost region of Great Britain, so we've rounded up 10 of the best. It's a varied list including comedies, police procedurals, and twisty miniseries 1. Hamish Macbeth Robert Carlyle stars in this gentle detective drama that originally aired on BBC One in the 1990s. He plays a rural policeman maintaining law and order in Lochdubh, a fictitious town on Scotland's west coast. His trusty companion is a super-cute West Highland Terrier called Wee Jock who's a bit of a scene-stealer. You can catch up with all three seasons on Acorn TV .

2.  Bob Servant A few years before Succession , Brian Cox starred in this BBC sitcom about a burger bar owner who launches an unlikely campaign to become a Member of Parliament (MP). It's an amusing show set in Broughty Ferry, a suburb of Dundee, the city where Cox was born and raised. 

3. Vigil This gripping BBC/Peacock miniseries follows DCI Amy Silva ( Suranne Jones ) as she investigates a mysterious death on board a British military submarine. Co-starring Rose Leslie , David Harewood , and Martin Compston , it takes place in and around Scotland's HMNB Clyde naval base, where the U.K.'s nuclear weapons are kept. 

4. The Nest Compston also stars (opposite Sophie Rundle ) in this twisty miniseries about a young couple desperate to have a baby. Things seem to be going to plan, until they discover their surrogate ( Mirren Mack ) is harboring some pretty dark secrets. It's set in Glasgow and the surrounding rural areas, and you can watch it on Acorn TV .

5. The High Life Early in his career, Alan Cumming co-created and starred in this campy BBC sitcom about a fictional airline called Air Scotia. He plays Sebastian Flight, a flight attendant who most definitely enjoys being the center of attention. Only seven episodes were ever made, but it's gone on to become a bit of a cult classic. 

6. Deadwater Fell David Tennant and Cush Jumbo lead this mystery miniseries set in a picturesque Scottish village (filming took place in Dunlop, a village 20 miles from Glasgow). Tennant plays a local doctor whose seemingly perfect life is ruined by a tragic house fire that turns out to be no accident. You can check it out on Acorn TV .

7. Monarch of the Glen This cozy drama was originally broadcast on BBC One on Sunday evenings in the early 2000s. Set in the Scottish Highlands, it follows restaurateur Archie MacDonald ( Alastair Mackenzie ) as he tries to restore Glenbogle, his historic family home. Future Downton Abbey  creator Julian Fellowes appears in the third and fourth seasons as a posh local chap, Lord Kilwillie.

8. Loch Ness As its title suggests, this Acorn TV original series  is set around Loch Ness, arguably Scotland's most iconic landmark. It follows DS Annie Redford ( Better Call Saul 's  Laura Fraser ) as she investigates the murder of a local teacher found dead at the bottom of a cliff. The scenery is stunning, and the supporting cast includes Happy Valley 's Siobhan Finneran .

9. Taggart Set in Glasgow, this police procedural ran on U.K. network ITV from 1985 to 2010, becoming one of the U.K.'s longest-running TV series. Mark McManus , the actor who played title character DCI Jim Taggart, passed away in 1995, but the series continued with various members of his team leading the weekly investigations. 

10. Outlander Since premiering in 2016, this historical drama series has been a huge hit. Caitríona Balfe stars as Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse who is transported back in time to the mid-18th century. There, she meets Highland Warrior Jamie Fraser ( Sam Heughan ), and sparks definitely fly. Season six began earlier this year and a seventh is already in the pipeline.

Which of these, if not all, are going on your watch list!? 

Latest Videos

Mammals Official Prequel Trailer

Twenty years after life of mammals, it's time to revisit the most successful animal group in the world. mammals, narrated by sir david attenborough, premieres this summer on bbc america..

Orphan Black: Echoes Teaser Trailer

This is anything but a carbon copy. orphan black: echoes, starring krysten ritter and keeley hawes, premieres in 2024 on amc, bbc america, and amc+..

Planet Earth III Official Trailer

Planet earth iii, narrated by sir david attenborough, premieres november 4 on bbc america and amc+..

Official Trailer: Chasing the Rains Premieres April 22

Water is scarce, but it is also life. chasing the rains, an epic tale of survival narrated by adjoa andoh, premieres april 22 at 8/7c on bbc america..

'Frozen Planet II' First Look: The Prequel

Get a first look inside 'frozen planet ii', premiering saturday, january 28 at 8/7c..

'Frozen Planet II' Official Trailer

Explore all of earth's frozen habitats with sir david attenborough. 'frozen planet ii' premieres saturday, january 28 at 8/7c..

'Top Gear': New Season Premieres November 17

The boys go bonkers (again) an all-new season of 'top gear' premieres on thursday, november 17 at 11/10c on bbc america..

'Downton Abbey: A New Era' Stars Chat About the New Movie

Anglophenia caught up with newcomer hugh dancy as well as michelle dockery, hugh bonneville, elizabeth mcgovern, joanne froggat and more of your downton abbey favorites to get the scoop on the latest film..

Ten Percent Trailer

Based on the hit french series call my agent, ten percent premieres may 1 on bbc america..

Watch Krysten Ritter in a Chilling First-Look Teaser Trailer for Orphan Black: Echoes

October 12, 2023.

Celebrate Comic-Con With These Great Series And Movies On AMC+

July 18, 2023.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Q&A — Jonathan Higginbotham (Tomasso) and Karina Ortiz (Amaia) Love NYC, Even Undead

July 17, 2023.

Better Call Saul Earns Eight Emmy Nominations for Its Final Episodes

July 12, 2023.

Pride This Month, Proud All Year: Celebrate LGBTQ+ Culture And History On AMC+

June 1, 2023.

Hugh Grant Reveals the Movie He'd Wipe from His Résumé

March 31, 2023.

Orphan Black 10th Anniversary: Check Out New Images from Orphan Black: Echoes

March 30, 2023.

Brenda Blethyn to Return for a 13th 'Vera' Season with a Familiar Co-Star

British Icon of the Week: 'The Good Life' Star Dame Penelope Keith

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Culture + Design
• TV + Movies

Two 'Outlander' Actors Are Pairing Up For a Travel Show About Scotland

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham  will air is coming to Starz.

Two stars from the hit Starz show Outlander are trading time travel for actual travel in their new series.

According to Town & Country Magazine , stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are launching a brand new travel series called Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham. This new show will focus on travel in Scotland and will also air on Starz.

Heughan and McTavish (who play Jamie Fraser and Dougal MacKenzie, respectively, in Outlander, which also films in Scotland where the show takes place ) are both native Scots and travel enthusiasts. The pair originally set out to do a podcast called Clan Lands, Town & Country reported, but the idea ended up being picked up as a television show. The name also changed in the midst of production.

“I wanted to do a podcast in my spare time, and I thought I'd shoot some visuals for it,” Heughan told Oprah Magazine . “The more I was getting into producing it, it's the first thing I’d produced, and I really enjoyed it. So I decided to make it into a TV show! We've finished shooting and dare I say, I think it looks really fun.”

The show will delve into the history, culture, and landscape of Scotland from the point of view of the two men. “The series gives context and texture to Highland life and history, woven together, much like the tartan for which Scotland is so famous, and we look forward to taking this road trip with these two great friends,” said Christina Davis, President of original programming for Starz, in a statement, according to Town & Country .

The release date is not yet known, but there is a new trailer for the series out now. Even if you aren’t an Outlander fan, it is sure to inspire some wanderlust. The show has also been posting some behind the scenes content on Instagram and Twitter , for those who are too eager to wait for the full show to arrive.

70 Scottish TV Shows & Where to Watch Them

In some cases, we earn commissions from affiliate links in our posts.

Last Updated on April 21, 2022 by Stefanie Hutson

When people talk about British TV shows, it often seems like shows from a number of other countries are all tossed into the same bucket (or it is bouquet?). Scotland has given us a lot of great shows, though, so we wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the best TV shows from Scotland alone.

Note that there are a number of shows that were filmed mostly or entirely in Scotland, but because they weren't intended to be set in Scotland, we've not included them on this list. For example, the fast food comedy Fried is said to be set in Croydon, but the storefront for Seriously Fried Chicken was actually a street in Glasgow.

Also,  many of these shows could be classified as rare, and not all are available on North America-encoded DVDs. Please double check the listings if you decide to buy DVDs and you don't own a region-free DVD player . Some titles are only available on Amazon UK , which isn't a problem for most countries (and sometimes it's cheaper for things you can get on your local Amazon). They can either convert the currency at checkout, or you can let your card do it automatically.

Scottish TV Shows, and TV Shows Primarily Set in Scotland

Outlander – 2014 to present – An English nurse mysteriously finds herself transported back to Scotland in the year 1743. This show was a joint British–American project, using creative talent from both sides of the pond. Streaming

Shetland -2013 to present – Murder and mystery in the Shetland Islands, based on the popular Ann Cleeves novels. Bear in mind, some streaming services combine Series 1 and 2 as a single season because they were shorter. S1-5 Streaming  

Two Doors Down – 2013 to present –  This engaging sitcom features a group of often crazy neighbors in Glasgow. S1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3 DVD

Brotherly Love – 1999 – This short-lived sitcom follows a Scottish man who returns home to Invercorrie for an uncle's funeral. Gregor Fisher ( Rab C. Nesbitt ) stars. Sadly, we're not aware of any legal ways to watch this one right now. 

Hamish MacBeth – 1995 to 1997 – In a small Scottish village, a police constable bends the rules and occasionally hides his true ability so he can stay in a place and job he loves. Streaming  | DVD

Burnistoun – 2009 to 2012 – This sketch comedy is set in the fictional town of Burnistoun near Glasgow. DVD  | Netflix (recently removed)

Taggart – 1983 to 2010 – On the crime-ridden streets of Glasgow, the Maryhill CID investigates murders. Streaming | DVD Set 1 | DVD Original 5 Set | 32 DVD Set

Half Moon Investigations – 2009 – This comedy-mystery series for kids was filmed in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, and follows young investigator Fletcher Moon as he goes on stakeouts and undercover operations with his partner, Red Sharkey. Streaming

In Plain Sight – 2016 – This series covers serial killer Peter Manuel's crimes in 1950s Lanarkshire, Scotland. Though it’s a dramatisation, it’s based on a true story. Streaming

The Nest – 2020 – Sophie Rundle ( Bodyguard ) and Martin Compston ( Line of Duty ) star in this Glasgow-based drama about a couple who would do almost anything to have a child. When they meet a troubled young woman, they make her an irresistible offer. Streaming

Rebus – 2000 to 2007 – This Edinburgh-based detective drama is based on the Rebus novels by Ian Rankin, and takes the viewer into some of the darkest corners of the city. Streaming

Still Game – 1999, 2002 to present – In a fictional neighborhood of Glasgow, a couple of pensioners get into all sorts of interesting predicaments. Netflix

Rab C. Nesbitt – 1988 to 2014 – A lowlife in Scotland drinks, rants, and generally avoids being a productive member of society. DVD

Traces – 2019 to present – New chemistry graduate Emma Hodges begins work at The Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy, but when she joins an online course to build professional skills, she notices the case is eerily familiar. It's the case of how her mother's body was found eighteen years earlier. Along with her new bosses and a committed detective, Emma begins following up the clues – leading her right into the middle of a live investigation. Streaming

Chewin' the Fat – 1999 to 2005 – This oddball Scottish sketch comedy is primarily set in Glasgow. Netflix

River City – 2002 to present – This Scottish soap opera focuses on the lives of a group of people living in Glasgow.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

2000 Acres of Sky – 2001 to 2003 – A single mother with two children moves from the inner city to a small Scottish island to improve their lives. The only complication? The islanders want a married couple, so she has to recruit her best friend and pretend. Streaming | DVD

The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star – 1998 – This comedy follows a fictional Glaswegian band, Jocks Wa Hey, as they struggle to find success in a tough business. Streaming

The Advocates – 1991 to 1992 – This Edinburgh-based legal drama has 2 seasons, with each one focusing on a single legal case. Series 2 includes appearances by Michael Kitchen and Rachel Weisz. Streaming | DVD

The Loch / Loch Ness – 2017 – When a murderer strikes in a small Highland town, local police and outside investigators scramble to get to the bottom of the case. Streaming

Limmy's Show – 2009 to 2013 – This Scottish sketch comedy is written, directed, and strared in by Brian Limond. DVD

Take the High Road – This long-running Scottish drama was set on the banks of Loch Lomond, and focuses on the lives of the people who live in Glendorrach, a small fictional village. Volume 1 DVD | Volume 2 DVD

The Tales of Para Handy – 1994 to 1995 – Based on the Para Handy books by Neil Munro, this comedy series gives us the adventures of the crew of The Vital Spark as they cruise around the western part of Scotland. Includes a special guest appearance by David Tennant. Complete Series DVD

Scotch & Wry – 1978 to 1992 – This Scottish sketch comedy show initially ran for a couple years, with occasional specials afterwards. Complete Collection DVD | Best of DVD

Gary: Tank Commander – 2009 to 2012 – This comedy focuses on the daily life of a Scottish tank commander and his crew. S1-2 DVD | S3 DVD

The High Life – 1994 to 1995 – Alan Cumming stars in this Scottish sitcom about the fictional lives of workers as Prestwick Airport. DVD

Naked Video – 1986 to 1991 – This is the Scottish sketch comedy that introduced the world to Rab C. Nesbitt. S1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3 DVD

Punchdrunk – 1993 – This Glasgow-based boxing comedy didn't last long, but it did feature Diana Hardcastle (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) in an early role.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Atletico Partick – 1995 to 1996 – When Karen's husband Jack is more interested in football than her, she finds solace with Ally, a man more interested in sex than football.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Clique – 2017 – Two childhood friends are pulled apart when they go to university in Edinburgh and one falls in with an enticing upscale social scene. Unfortunately, something sinister lies behind the glamorous veneer.  Streaming |  DVD

Takin' Over the Asylum – 1994 – An employee in a mental hospital begins to run a radio station within the hospital. Stars Ken Stott and David Tennant. DVD | UK DVD (Both require a region-free DVD player , but one may be cheaper than the other).

The Field of Blood – 2011 to 2013  – In the early 80s, a young female journalist in Glasgow helps solves a crime in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry. S1-2 Streaming

Empty – This short-lived Scottish comedy explores what happens when the Greater Glasgow Building Services comes to your home.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US. It was on Netflix at one point.

Your Cheatin' Heart – 1990 – This six-part dramedy serial sees Tilda Swinton playing Cissie Crouch, a woman working at an American-themed restaurant in Glasgow while her husband does time for a robbery she doesn't think he committed. A journalist offers to help clear his name by investigating some of his associates, and it all gets rather dark and complicated from there. DVD 

Dear Green Place – 2007 to 2008 – This Scottish comedy is set in a park in Glasgow, with episodes focusing on various issues in park maintenance. S1 DVD | S2 DVD

Lip Service – 2010 to 2012 – This Scottish drama peeks into the lives of lipstick lesbians in Glasgow. Streaming

Case Histories – 2011 to 2013 – Jason Isaacs plays a former soldier who becomes a PI in Edinburgh. S1 Streaming | S2 Streaming | Complete S1-2 DVD

Life of Riley – 2009 to 2011 – When a newly blended family comes together, dysfunction reigns. Includes Caroline Quentin and Neil Dudgeon. DVD

One of Us / Retribution – 2016 – In this miniseries, two rural Scottish families are thrown into upheaval after a local murder.  Netflix |  DVD

Doctor Finlay – 1993 to 1996 – After WWII, a doctor returns to practice at Arden House, just before the creation of the NHS. Streaming

Lovesick /  Scrotal Recall – 2016 to 2018 – After learning he has an STD, a young Glaswegian man must contact all his former lovers. Netflix | Streaming

Dr. Finlay's Casebook – 1962 to 1971 – In the late 1920s, Dr. Finlay practices medicine in a small Scottish town. s1 DVD | S2 DVD | S3-4 DVD | S5-7 DVD  | S1-8 Complete Collection DVD

The Vital Spark – 1965 to 1974 – This classic Scottish comedy takes place on a tugboat that travels up and down the Argyll coast, and offers a great opportunity to see some of the canals before they became what they are today. Most episodes have been lost in the archives, but a handful have been released on DVD. DVD

Guilt – 2019 to present – After two brothers accidentally kill an old man, they're drawn together in the interest of keeping the secret between them. Stream it HERE

Only An Excuse? – 1995 to present – This Scottish comedy is shown once yearly on New Year's Eve. 2007 Ultimate Collection DVD | 2017 Best of DVD

The Omega Factor – 1979 – A secret branch of British intelligence investigates the supernatural. DVD

Stonemouth – 2015 – This two-part miniseries is based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name. When a man returns to his home village for the funeral of a friend, he's drawn into a number of old conflicts, along with new information that there might be more to his friend's suicide. Streaming |  DVD

Tutti Frutti – 1987 – Robbie Coltrane stars as an aging rock and roll star, Scotland's “Kings of Rock”.   DVD

Scot Squad – 2014 to present – This mockumentary follows Glasgow police officers as they encounter a variety of interesting scenarios. **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

Looking After Jojo – 1998 – Robert Carlyle starred as an Edinburgh drug dealer on a council estate in the 1980s. DVD

Trust Me – 2017 – Jodie Whittaker stars as a nurse and single mother who loses her job after whistle blowing. When she uses fake credentials to start over in Scotland, life gets complicated quickly. DVD

Rosamunde Pilcher's Shades of Love – Long-kept family secrets start to come out, disturbing the otherwise peaceful existence of a Scottish laird.

The Crow Road – 1996 – This BAFTA-nominated Scottish miniseries is based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name, and focuses on events in the life of a young history student. Includes Peter Capaldi. DVD

High Times – 2004 to 2008 – This Scottish dramedy followed the lives of two flatmates and their neighbours in a Glasgow tower block that's soon to be closed for renovation. The episodes interlink the lives of various people within the building. DVD

The Steamie – 1988 – This dramedy is about 1950s Glasgow women who wash their clothing at the same wash house. DVD

Rockface – 2002 to 2003 – This Scottish drama revolves around the lives and work of a Highlands mountain rescue team. DVD

The Book Group – 2002 to 2003 – When an American woman moves to Glasgow, she starts a book group to help get to know people. Streaming

Roughnecks – 1994 to 1995 – This drama focuses on the lives of the crew on an oil rig in the North Sea.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US.

City Lights – 1986 to 1991 – In this Scottish comedy, a Glasgow bank teller with dreams of writing finds himself constantly held back by the people in his life. Billy Connolly makes a guest appearance in one episode.  **Though episodes can be found, we're not currently aware of any legal way to watch this in the US other than some old DVDs you can find floating around on eBay and Amazon.

Badults – 2013 to 2014 – In a shared flat in Glasgow, young adults fail to transition into proper adults. DVD

Monarch of the Glen – 2000 to 2005 – This classic Scottish drama takes us inside the MacDonald family after son Archie comes back to help the failing family estate. Comedy standout Richard Briers is incredible in this, one of his final roles. Complete Collection DVD | Streaming

The Replacement – 2017 – This three-part miniseries was filmed in Glasgow. A woman selects another female architect to cover her while she's on maternity leave, only to find her replacement taking over more and more of her life. DVD

Mountain Goats – 2014 to 2015 – Filmed around Glencoe, this one's worth a watch for the scenery alone. This delightful comedy follows a group of mountain rescue volunteers who spend much of their time in a pub called The Old Goat. DVD

Brond – 1987 – This three-part crime drama is based on Scottish author Frederic Lindsay's thriller novel of the same name. The story is set in Glasgow, where Stratford Johns plays Brond, the leader of the Scottish Liberation Army. John Hannah stars as Robert, a student who witnesses Brond murdering a young boy on a bridge before he's drawn into a series of dangerous events. DVD

Sea of Souls – 2004 to 2007 – At a Glasgow university, Dr. Douglas Monaghan leads studies on the paranormal. Includes Dawn Steele (Lexi from Monarch of the Glen). S1 DVD | S2 DVD

Terri McIntyre – 2003 to 2004 – This Scottish comedy stars Simon Carlyle as the cross-dressing Terri McIntyre, owner of a Glasgow tanning salon. Series 2 includes David Tennant. A YouTube user mentions having permission from the BBC to post Series 1, but not Series 2. You can find them here .

Hope Springs – 2009 – Four English thieves hope to get out of the country, but instead end up in a small Scottish town. DVD

Tinsel Town – 2000 to 2001 – Dawn Steele (Monarch of the Glen) appears in this BBC drama that takes place in the Glasgow club scene. Complete Series Set

Strathblair – 1992 to 1993 – This 1950s-based period drama follows a couple of newlyweds who start their lives together on a rundown farm in the Scottish countryside. If you pay very close attention during the episode “Sheep Don't Safely Graze”, you'll see David Tennant in one of his earliest roles as “Archie the hiker”. Stream it HERE

Bob Servant Independent – 2013 – When a highly unqualified and self-absorbed man wins a local political election, the area doesn't know what hit it. His inability to think before speaking causes all sorts of interesting trouble. DVD

Legit – 2006 to 2007 – Two Scottish men sell illegally pirated DVDs and computer games in a Glasgow market. DVD

The Victim – 2019 – Years after a woman's son is killed, the man she believes to be his killer is released from a juvenile detention centre. Before too long, someone has posted the man's new identity online, leading to a brutal attack that nearly takes his life. The still-grieving mother is arrested for attempted murder and everything gets quite complicated from there. Streaming 

Scottish TV Shows: Coming Soon

The Rig – 2021/2022 – This character-driven thriller will be the first Amazon Original Series filmed entirely in Scotland, and it follows the crew of the Kishorn Bravo oil rig in the dangerous North Sea. When the crew is due to return to the mainland, a strange fog comes through and cuts them off from all communication with the rest of the world.

The Scotts – 2021/2022 – This series will follow a pilot episode that aired in 2020 with the tagline, “Blood is thicker than water, and no one is thicker than the Scotts.” Burnistoun creators Robert Florence and Iain Connell star as two foul-mouthed brothers with a love-hate relationship.

Karen Pirie – 2021/22 – The Karen Pirie series is based on the cold case murder mysteries of “tartan noir” author Val McDermid, and they're primarily set in the lovely Scottish university town of St. Andrews. Karen is a refreshingly normal young woman with a quick mouth and clever mind. 

After a promotion to Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit, she's tasked with reopening the investigation of a young woman's murder 25 years prior. It's recently become the subject of a true crime podcast, and while suspicion originally fell on the three male students who found the body, they were never charged. 

As she carries out her investigation, she'll soon realise the original investigation was full of problems. Those discoveries will put her in conflict with the same officers who originally worked the case.

Which Scottish TV Show is Your Favorite?

Did we miss any great Scottish shows? Which are your favorite TV shows set in Scotland? Let us know in the comments!

Save it to Pinterest!

After founding I Heart British TV in 2016 as a resource for her granny, Stefanie has grown I Heart British TV into a resource that serves millions of British TV fans every year. When not writing posts or editing contributions to the site, you can probably find her working on the latest print edition of the British TV Streaming Guide .

Similar Posts

Racially-Diverse British TV Shows

The Best British Sci-Fi TV Shows

British TV Shows Featuring Disability & Alternatively-Abled Characters or Actors

The Game of Thrones Dragons

48 Lovely British TV Shows Set by the Sea

11 Must-Watch Hidden Gems on Acorn TV (2022 Edition)

Screen Rant

15 best tv series & movies set in scotland.

Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich history, and there have been plenty of great movies and TV shows set there!

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a varied, vibrant place offering a backdrop like no other. With rolling hills, mountain peaks, and towns ranging from the quaint and rustic to the huge and bustling, it’s no wonder that the U.K. has been considered a prime location for various forms of media. It was established very early that Pokémon Sword & Shield ’s Galar region was heavily inspired by the British Isles, for instance. Not to mention the much-beloved Harry Potter series, in which the iconic Hogwarts Castle is nestled in the Scottish Highlands.

RELATED: Hogwarts Legacy: 10 Wizarding Lessons Students Will Be Able To Attend In The Game

Speaking of which, Scotland has had the honor of hosting some fantastic tv shows and movies. From a jewel of Mel Gibson’s long career to horror and comedy classics, here are some of the best examples of small–and big–screen entertainment that were filmed in Scotland.

Updated on March 6th, 2021 by Kristen Palamara:  Although television and movies from England might be more popular and widespread in the U.S. there are countless fantastic series and movies set in Scotland and starring Scottish actors like James McAvoy, Karen Gillan, David Tennant, and Ewan McGregor. Even though every movie or show set in Scotland doesn't star Scottish actors, like Braveheart or Outlaw King, it doesn't make them any less iconic or enjoyable when the beautiful locations are shown and the engaging plotlines and characters are revealed. 

T2 Trainspotting

T2 Trainspotting  is the long-awaited sequel to the original  Trainspotting  movie about a group of friends in Scotland trying to survive and find meaning in life amongst drugs and alcohol.

Set twenty years after the original movie, both in real-time and in the movie, the main character Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns home to find his old friends including Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), and Begbie (Robert Carlyle) as they all fall back into their old ways from the original 90s movie.

Outlaw King

Outlaw King  is a Netflix historical war drama about Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine), the 14th-century Scottish King who decided to stand up against the larger English armies and becoming an outlaw king by going against Edward I of Scotland.

The movie delves into the history of the rebellious King, their form of guerilla warfare against the English, and the drama surrounding the decisions he makes throughout his time as a ruler.

The Party's Just Beginning

Karen Gillan stars in the dramatic comedy  The Party's Just Beginning as a young woman unhealthily coping with the death of her best friend. Gillan also directed the movie in her directorial debut set in Scotland as she tries to cope with her friend's death by suicide by having casual sex and binge drinking.

She continues to struggle when she loses her job and spirals even further as the movie gets even darker as she becomes even more depressed and it's unclear whether she'll be able to cope or not.

Macbeth  is a classic Shakespearean tale set in Scotland that follows Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) and his wife, Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard), as they both maliciously try to seize the throne of the Scottish ruler.

Macbeth is a Scottish nobleman who decides he wants to aim higher by killing the King and taking his place with the help of Lady Macbeth. It's a dramatic war epic that is one of the most recognizable Scottish stories that has been turned into several movie adaptations and stage productions since the original Shakespeare play.

What We Did On Our Holiday

David Tennant and Rosamund Pike star in this dramatic comedy set in the Scottish Highlands as a couple who is having troubles in their marriage. They take their three kids to visit their family and try to hide their marital issues from the extended family, but they have a difficult time as their children continually tell everyone their secrets.

The movie takes a bit of a dark turn when a death in the family happens, but the death might end up bringing the family closer together in the end and have them realize what's really important in life.

This series began in August 2014, based on Diana Gabaldon’s hit novel series. It may boast a bit of a wacky premise (heroine Claire Randall is a nurse in the year 1945 who is taken back to 1743 by Craigh na Dun’s mysterious standing stones), but Outlander ’s blend of action, drama, real heart, and romance has enthralled legions of fans.

Beginning in Inverness, Scotland, the show’s seasons take Claire and Highlander husband Jamie Fraser to Paris, then to Boston, as they try to find their place in a world in turmoil. This tremendously popular show has been filmed in stunning locations around Scotland (and elsewhere).

If there’s any movie that absolutely screams Scottishness, it’s Braveheart . This 1995 classic has its share of questionable moments with regards to historical accuracy ( as do many of the best Medieval movies of its type ), but there’s no denying that it tells a fascinating and gripping tale from start to finish.

The Australian Mel Gibson has the starring role as William Wallace, the legendary Scottish warrior who fought to unite his people and secure their freedom from their English neighbors. Filming took place in Scotland’s Glen Nevis, Glen Coe and the Mamore Mountains, though some scenes were also filmed in Ireland.

Taggart is a much-acclaimed crime drama that follows the work of detectives of the Strathclyde Police. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart was the focal point of the show, which was centered around Glasgow but also featured segments that took place elsewhere in Scotland.

RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Scenes In Crime Dramas, Ranked

One of the longest-running crime dramas in TV history, Taggart is also one of Scotland’s best-known TV shows. It ran (in different forms) from 1983 until 2010, maintaining such popularity that it continued long after the sad death of Mark McManus, who played Jim Taggart, in 1994.

Local Hero also originally released in 1983, but it didn’t really become the sensation that Taggart would. Nevertheless, some movie connoisseurs savor it as an excellent example of smaller Scottish cinema.

This rather underappreciated ‘80s movie is a comedy drama set in the town of Ferness in the west of Scotland. Ferness is not a real place, but the emotion in the movie certainly feels real, as a Texan executive visits the quaint town in an attempt to convince the residents to sell in order to make way for an oil refinery. While there, "Mac" MacIntyre becomes smitten with the place (and beautiful local oceanographer Marina). This leads to a change of heart, a new marine research institute and warm, fuzzy feelings for everybody watching.

It’s tough for small-scale productions to really make an impact these days. In a time when so many viewing options are available to consumers, when there’s just so much content to enjoy, it’s the shows that garner the most attention online that tend to be the most popular.

2019’s Guilt doesn’t have the biggest advertising budget or acting superstars to its name, but it became a big success (especially locally) when it launched on BBC Scotland and BBC Two in the U.K. It has only four episodes to its name so far, but there’s a lot of anticipation for its second series in 2021. It’s set in Edinburgh and explores the relationship between two brothers, Jake and Max, after they run down and kill a man while driving in Edinburgh. Deciding to try and conceal the crime, the show explores their guilt (hence the name) and the way it impacts not only their relationship but those between other characters. It’s a grim subject but a fascinating watch.

Trainspotting

The 90s really was an excellent decade for British movies, and Trainspotting is definitely a highlight. This acclaimed movie is also based on a novel (written by Irvine Welsh), presenting an unsettling and dark but endlessly fascinating look at drug addiction and poverty in an area of Edinburgh.

The film takes viewers to some very dark places, but it shines a spotlight on some crucial social issues and even manages to elicit a lot of laughs along the way. The journey of “Spud,” Begbie and the gang is a must-watch, as is its 2017 sequel T2 Trainspotting .

If there’s one genre in which Scottish television really seems to excel, it’s the crime drama. Shetland premiered early in 2013 and quickly established itself as another gripping show worth investing some time in.

RELATED: 15 Overlooked (But Binge-Worthy) Crime Dramas Streaming On Netflix

Originally, the storylines of the show were inspired by the novels of Ann Cleeves, with her character Jimmy Pérez (played here by Douglas Henshall), a detective inspector, tasked with solving the grisliest of crimes in the titular area of Scotland. The stunning locales seen in the show reveal that it was filmed in other areas of Scotland too.

The Wicker Man

A horror classic starring the utterly inimitable Christopher Lee, the original The Wicker Man was released in December 1973. A humble movie set on a distant Scottish island (part of the Hebrides), it’s gone on to be considered another true highlight of British cinema.

In The Wicker Man , a police sergeant (Neil Howie) journeys to Summerisle on the case of a missing girl. There, he discovers that the islanders’ crops have failed and their less-than-scientific plan for such an eventuality is a human sacrifice in a gigantic wicker man.

Chewin’ The Fat

Chewin’ the Fat is a popular Scottish sketch show, which ran in the country from January 1999 to December 2005. As can be the case with such shows, some of the characters and sketches wouldn’t quite fly today, but Chewin’ the Fat is a fascinating time capsule of Scottish humor (and language).

Recurring characters include Bish and Bosh (two decorators with an unfortunate penchant for thievery) and Jack and Victor, two troublesome pensioners from Glasgow who would go on to appear in the sitcom Still Game .

A bit of a curveball entry to round off the list, Filth had a very interesting ride to the big screen. Originally deemed to be “unfilmable” as a result of more eccentric elements of the source material (such as a tapeworm which acted as protagonist Bruce Robertson's 'conscience’), Irvine Welsh’s novel was adapted to the big screen in 2013.

As expected from the author of Trainspotting, Filth is a grim Edinburgh-set tale, following the life of Robertson, a Detective Sergeant whose misadventures are as unseemly as they are impossible to look away from. It certainly won’t be for everyone, but Filth is a truly unique piece of cinema with some heavyweight talent (including James McAvoy and Jim Broadbent) behind it.

NEXT: 10 Best British Comedies You’ve Probably Never Seen, Ranked

25 Best Scottish TV Shows That You Need to Watch

Posted on January 26, 2024

Categories Blog , Europe , Scotland , United Kingdom

Are you addicted to watching Scottish TV shows and movies set in Scotland like I am? Some of the best television programs are about Scotland or set in Scottish cities and towns. The best Scottish TV series come from a variety of genres: comedies, dramas, crime dramas, and even reality television.

Viewers simply can’t get enough of TV shows set in Scotland. Both the Shetland and Outlander series have fans from all around the world. The second season of the reality TV show, The Traitors , becomes Peacock’s most watched reality premiere ever.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

And with Google searches for “Ardross Castle” (where the show takes place) and “flights to Scotland” more popular than ever before, those watching these Scottish TV shows are flocking to destinations like the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow and others.

Feeling inspired? Here are my top 25 TV shows about Scotland and TV series set in Scotland that you need to watch ASAP. Before you know it, I’m sure you’ll be booking your flights directly to Scotland, too.

Table of Contents

Quick Summary: 25 Best Scottish TV Shows

Don’t have time to read the whole article and simply want a quick list of the best TV shows in Scotland? Here are 25 Scottish TV shows that you need to watch if you love Scotland.

• Case Histories
• Hamish McBeth
• In Plain Sight
• Karen Pirie
• Monarch of the Glen
• Rab C Nesbitt
• Take the High Road
• The High Life
• The Loch / Loch Ness
• The Traitors
• The Vital Spark
• Tutti Frutti
• Two Doors Down

Best Scottish TV Shows: Annika (2021 – )

Starring Nicola Walker as Detective Inspector Annika Strandhed, Annika is the lead of the newly formed Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) in Glasgow. Annika and her team are tasked with solving murder cases that take place in Scottish waters.

Annika’s relationship with her daughter, Morgan, also takes center stage throughout the episodes. Interestingly, the character of Annika often breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience. You can watch Annika on the PBS Masterpiece Amazon Prime Video Channel (USA and Canada), BBC iPlayer (UK), Now (UK) and Sky Go (UK).

Places Featured in the TV Series : Glasgow

Best Scottish TV Shows: Burnistoun (2009 – 2019)

Burnistoun is a comedy sketch show written and performed by Robert Florence and Iain Connell, and originally broadcast by BBC Scotland. Set in the fictional town of Burnistoun near Glasgow, the show portrays a variety of odd characters including the local serial killer, “Jolly Boy John”, and an aspiring female pop band.

The comedy sketches are relatable, observational humour filled with Scottish cultural quirks. The program had three seasons for a total of 18 episodes, though there have been more TV specials throughout the years. You can stream Burnistoun on Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer in the UK. I haven’t been able to find streaming anywhere in Canada or the US.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Greater Glasgow

Best Scottish TV Shows: Case Histories (2011 – 2013)

Case Histories is a British crime drama television series based on the Jackson Brodie books by Kate Atkinson. It stars private investigator, Jackson Brodie, formerly a solider and policeman. Despite his own personal struggles, he continually comes to the rescue to bring peace to victims and their families, solving their unexplained mysteries.

However, Jackson himself is the ultimate survivor as he tries to come to terms with his own traumatic past. Despite his tough exterior, Jackson has a big heart. Admire the stunning views of Edinburgh as you watch this engaging Scottish TV series. You can watch Case Histories on Amazon Prime TV in Canada, the US and the UK.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Edinburgh

Best Scottish TV Shows: Crime (2021 – )

Also known as Irvine Welsh’s Crime , Crime is a Scottish crime drama adapted from Irvine Welsh’s book of the same name. In the series, DI Ray Lennox and DS Drummond investigate an Edinburgh schoolgirl’s abduction. Lennox navigates the disappearance of the girl as he addresses his own inner conflicts.

Dougray Scott’s performance as DI Lennox pushes the boundaries on the typical narrative of the troubled detective, and he won an International Emmy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal. The series itself is set in Edinburgh, though it’s filmed in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. You can watch Crime on Britbox in Canada and the US, and ITVX in the UK (STV Player in Scotland).

Places Featured in the TV Series : Edinburgh, Glasgow

Best Scottish TV Shows: Hamish McBeth (1995 – 1997)

Hamish Macbeth is a Scottish mystery comedy-drama starring a police constable in the small fictitious town of Lochdubh. Accompanied by his dog, a West Highland terrier named Wee Jock, Hamish aims to maintain the peace in his small town and doesn’t hesitate to bend the rules to his liking. The series is loosely based on the mystery novels by M. C. Beaton.

In addition to Hamish, you’ll get to know some of the eccentric townsfolk. Even though Hamish is intertwined in small town living with them, he also asserts himself as the voice of the law, which can be an awkward situation at times. You can watch Hamish MacBeth on Acorn TV in Canada and the USA and Amazon Prime in the UK.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton, Staffin (Isle of Skye), Balmacara

Best Scottish TV Shows: In Plain Sight (2016)

In Plain Sight is a Scottish three part mini-series drama that tells the story of the crimes committed by serial killer Peter Manuel in the 1950s. Peter, also known as “The Beast of Birkenshaw”, killed at least eight people between 1956 and 1958 in Lanarkshire.

Detective William Muncie, played by Douglas Henshall, strives to find the serial killer and bring him to justice. It was the first time that the local police dealt with this serious of a criminal and the victims were seemingly chose at random. Stream In Plain Sight on Britbox in the USA and Canada.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Many locations in Glasgow and the Central Belt of Scotland, Greenock, Dunlop in East Ayrshire.

Best Scottish TV Shows: Karen Pirie (2022 – )

Karen Pirie is a British crime drama based on the Inspector Karen Pirie  series of books by Val McDermid. In season one, detective-sergeant Pirie reopens the 1995 cold case of a murdered barmaid after it was the topic of a true crime podcast. Her inquiry uncovers flaws in the original investigation as she hunts down the killer.

The first series aired across three episodes, and its producers are the same as for the popular series  Line of Duty  and  Bodyguard . It’s one of the newer shows on this list, and one of the best Scottish TV shows to watch out for. You can stream Karen Pirie on ITVX and BritBox in the UK, and BritBox in Canada and the USA.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Glasgow, St. Andrews, Loch Lomond and other places in Scotland.

Lovesick (2014 – 2018)

Lovesick is a British sitcom, once known as “Scrotal Recall” during season one, that originally aired on Channel 4. Shortly afterwards, Netflix aired the first season and commissioned another two seasons, billing the program as a Netflix Original. Although it sounds like a show for teenagers, it’s truly one of the best Scottish TV shows for all ages.

This TV series follows a group of university pals living in the West End of Glasgow. When the protagonist of the show, Dylan, discovers that he has an STD, he reaches out to his past partners to inform them of his diagnosis. Along with his best friends, the characters navigate their friendships, relationships and heartbreaks. Stream Lovesick on Netflix in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Glasgow (West End, Kelvingrove Park, University of Glasgow, Partick).

Monarch of the Glen (2000 – 2005)

Monarch of the Glen is a Scottish drama program with seven series in total. Young restaurateur Archie MacDonald is called back to his childhood home with the attempt to restore it. He has inherited the estate, Glenbogle, as well as his father’s title, the Laird of Glenbogle. Archie struggles with whether or not to return to London or forge a new life at Glenbogle.

The TV series is loosely based on the  Highland Novels by Sir Compton Mackenzie. In total, there are 64 episodes, including a Hogmanay special. You can watch Monarch of the Glen on Tubi or Roku Channel in the USA, and Britbox in the UK. Sadly, I couldn’t find this anywhere to stream in Canada.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Ardverikie House (as Glenbogle estate), Broomhill Station (as Glenbogle station), Balavil House (as Kilwilly Castle), Cairngorms, Badenoch and Strathspey.

Outlander (2014 – )

The hit TV series, Outlander , is likely one of the most well-known Scottish TV shows on this list. After all, there are even Outlander tours when you travel to Scotland. Based on the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, this is a historical drama series where Claire Randall finds herself transported back in time from 1945 to the year 1743.

She meets the charming Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser, falls in love, and becomes part of the Jacobite uprising. Though the series moved to the USA for some of the later seasons, many portions representing North Carolina were still filmed in Scotland. Watch Outlander on Starz in the USA and the UK, and Netflix in Canada.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Doune Castle , Blackness Castle, Culross, Falkland, Pollok House in Glasgow, Rothiemurchus Forest, Linlithgow Palace, Loch Rannoch, Newtonmore, University of Stirling, and other places in Scotland.

Rab C Nesbitt (1990 – 2014)

Rab C Nesbitt is a Scottish comedy series about an alcoholic, unemployed Glaswegian who seems pretty proud of it. He embraces his life as a lowlife, spends most of his time drinking at the local pub, and talks to the camera about his views about society.

The external shots were filmed at an actual pub in Glasgow, The Two Ways pub. It’s in Finnieston at the top end of Argyle Street. Nowadays, it’s called “The Brass Monkey”. There are 10 series of Rab C Nesbitt and along with specials, 67 episodes in total. It’s one of the best Scottish TV shows to watch out for.

Rebus (2000 – 2004)

Rebus is a British detective drama series based on the Inspector Rebus books by the Scottish author, Ian Rankin. Detective Inspector John Rebus’s investigations lead us through the beautiful areas of Edinburgh and delve into the more sinister sides of the city.

There are four series of Rebus before it was cancelled in 2008. However, in 2022, there was an announcement that Rebus would return to television with a new adaptation produced by Viaplay, a Nordic streaming service. It will star Richard Rankin of Burnistoun and Outlander fame. Stream Rebus on Sky in the UK, and Britbox in Canada and the US.

Scot Squad (2014 – )

Scot Squad is a mockumentary comedy series about a fictional Scottish police force, shot in the “fly on the wall” style. It follows officers through various departments of the police force. So far, there are eight series in total; the eighth one began in January 2023.

Scot Squad has two spinoff series as well: Scotland Unresolved and Scot Squad: The Chief Does Edinburgh. You can stream Scot Squad on Sky in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it isn’t available anywhere else in the world. This one might be difficult to track down, but it’s one of the top Scottish TV shows if you can find it.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Primarily the Ruchill and Maryhill area of Glasgow.

Shetland (2013 – )

Shetland is a popular Scottish crime drama series based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The first seven seasons star Douglas Henshall as Detective Inspector Jimmy Pérez, and from the eighth series, stars Ashley Jensen DI Ruth Calder. This is one of the best Scottish TV shows and one of the first ones that comes to mind when thinking of favourite TV shows set in Scotland.

The police team on Shetland unravel the various crimes that take place on the archipelago, and delves into the lives of this close knit community on the islands. You can watch Shetland on Britbox in the USA and Canada, and in the United Kingdom, stream Shetland on Britbox, Sky, and BBC iPlayer.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Primarily the Shetland Islands, but also west central Scotland, Glasgow, and other places in Scotland.

Still Game (2002 – 2019)

Still Game is a Scottish sitcom about two Glaswegian retirees, Jack and Victor. They reminisce about the good old days and how things have taken a turn for the worse in their fictional home, the Craiglang area of Glasgow.

The series was created by Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, who played the lead characters, previously starring together in the TV sketch show, Chewin’ the Fat. Stream Still Game in the UK on Netflix, Sky, and BBC iplayer; you can watch it on Netflix in Canada and the USA.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Maryhill district of Glasgow.

Taggart (1983 – 2010)

Taggart is a Scottish detective series that originally ran as the miniseries, Killer, in 1983 before becoming a full series in 1985. The premise of the show surrounds a group of detectives in the Maryhill CID of Stratclyde Police. The team investigates gruesome murders throughout the city of Glasgow.

Taggart is one of the UK’s longest running television dramas. In total, there are 27 series with 109 episodes. Watch Taggart on Britbox in Canada and the USA. In the UK, stream Taggart on Britbox, STV Player, ITVX, and Sky.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Primarily around Glasgow, but also Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands.

Take the High Road (1980 – 2003)

Take the High Road , also known as High Road (from 1994 to 2003), is a Scottish soap opera set in the fictional village of Glendarroch. This soap opera follows the lives of the residents of this sleepy, rural village as they deal with all sorts of problems.

These issues range everywhere from local politics and crop failures to drug abuse, alcoholism and infidelity. In total, there are 1517 episodes! In the UK, you can watch Take the High Road on the STV Player. It’s unavailable to watch anywhere else in the world.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Helensburgh, Luss, Loch Lomond.

The High Life (1994 – 1995)

The High Life is a Scottish situation comedy starring Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson (as Sebastian Flight and Steve McCracken). It chronicles the cabin crew and eccentric passengers at the fictional airline, Air Scotia, flying out of Prestwick Airport.

The High Life played on surrealism, childish humour, and song and dance. There’s only one series of The High Life with six episodes. A second series was completely written, though not produced due to Cumming’s successful Hollywood career. You can only watch The High Life in the UK on Britbox.

Places Featured in the TV Series : N/A, but the fictitious airline flew out of Prestwick Airport.

The Loch (2017)

The Loch , also known as Loch Fyne and Loch Ness in America, is a six-part Scottish television drama. It’s small town detective Annie Redford’s first murder case, which quickly turns into the search for a serial killer.

The small community is shattered after the body of a local man Niall Swift is found at the bottom of a cliff, and DS Redford struggles to cope with the case herself. You can stream The Loch on Britbox and ITVX in the UK, and AMC+ and Acorn TV in the USA (known as Loch Ness on Acorn TV).

Places Featured in the TV Series : Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands.

The Nest (2020)

The Nest is a five-part British drama series. When a married couple are unable to conceive, an 18-year old teenager offers to be their surrogate mother. The teenager is on parole and the complicated history of the teen’s live begins to unfold as she is pregnant with the couple’s baby.

You can stream The Nest on Acorn TV, AMC+, Hoopla and Sundance Now in Canada and the USA. In the United Kingdom, it’s possible to watch The Nest on Disney+, Britbox and Acorn TV.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Glasgow, Paisley, East Kilbride, Helensburgh, Loch Long.

The Traitors UK & US (2022 – )

The Traitors is a reality TV series based on the Dutch series,  De Verraders . The show is an international production with a worldwide following: The Traitors has series in Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, and New Zealand, and the list goes on – over 20 countries have their own version of The Traitors.

We’re going to focus on The Traitors USA and The Traitors UK here because they’re both filmed at the same Scottish castle, Ardross Castle. The Traitors UK host is Claudia Winkleman and the Traitors USA host is Alan Cumming.

The premise is similar to the party game “Mafia” or “Werewolf”: a small group of contestants are “the traitors” and the rest are “the faithful”. The goal is for the faithful to successfully identify all of the traitors; otherwise, the traitors will keep the prize pot and split it amongst themselves. Those in Canada can watch The Traitors on Crave, US viewers can watch on Peacock, and UK viewers can watch on Sky or BBC iPlayer.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Ardross Castle and its grounds, Loch Glass, Loch Glass Pink House.

The Vital Spark (1965)

The Vital Spark is a Scottish comedy TV series that follows a Scottish Clyde puffer as it ventures up and down the Argyll coast. Set in the western isles in the 1930s, we watch the adventures of captain Peter “Para Handy” MacFarlane and his crew aboard Vital Spark. They’d often get themselves involved in various hijinks and schemes.

In total, there are three series of The Vital Spark, but unfortunately some of the earlier episodes no longer survive. Some of the later episodes in the third series are remakes of the first two series, though this time in color and in more contemporary settings. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to stream The Vital Spark, but you may have some luck finding some episodes to watch for free on YouTube.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Crinan Canal, Forth and Clyde Canal, River Clyde

Traces (2019 – 2022)

Traces is a British crime drama about three female forensic professionals, Emma Hedges, Sarah Gordon and Kathy Torrance. They’re coworkers at the fictional Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy in Dundee, Scotland.

While taking a case study for an online forensic course, a young lab technician uncovers similarities between the case study and her personal past. In search of answers, she works with her two female professors to hunt down a killer. In the UK, you can watch Traces on Sky and UK TV Play. As for the US and Canada, it’s possible to stream Traces on Britbox.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Dundee, Scotland; Bolton, England.

Tutti Frutti (1987)

Tutti Frutti is a six-part Scottish drama series set in Glasgow. The lead singer of legendary rock band, The Majestics, perishes in a car crash. The band’s manager convinces the younger brother of the former lead singer to join the band as the new lead singer.

Trouble and drama ensues for the band members, as well as their loved ones, as we follow the band on their tour. Tutti Frutti achieved cult status and it took many years for the six episode series to be released on DVD. Nowadays, the series is re-airing on BBC Scotland and you can watch it on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Glasgow (Glasgow School of Art, Pollok Country Park, Pavilion Theatre).

Two Doors Down (2016 – )

Two Doors Down is a Scottish TV sitcom all about crazy neighbours in a middle-class Glasgow suburb. The neighbours are continually dropping by uninvited, overstaying their welcome, taking advantage of each other, and so on. The main couple of the show try to avoid their neighbours so they can enjoy some peace and quiet in their own home.

The series is still in production with seven seasons already broadcast. This is one of the best Scottish TV shows if you’re looking for a funny sitcom to follow along. You can only watch this show in the UK on Sky, Now, and BBC iPlayer.

Places Featured in the TV Series : Dumbarton, Bishopbriggs (East Dunbartonshire), Hamilton (South Lanarkshire), Prestwick Airport.

More Movies and TV Shows From Around the World

Interested to view more movies featuring countries and cultures from around the world? Please take a look at the following movie guides:

• 25 Best Movies About Scotland
• The Best 25 Movies About Ireland
• The Best 25 Movies About Italy

More Blog Posts About Scotland

Looking to plan your trip to Scotland? Check out these articles that I’ve written about my travels there!

• 33 Best Scottish Gifts for People Who Love Scotland
• Things to Do in Oban, Scotland
• One Day in Loch Lomond: Amazing Day Trip in the Trossachs
• One Day in Glasgow Itinerary
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Glasgow
• Best Things to Do in Stirling, Scotland
• Two Attractions in Felkirk: The Kelpies and the Pineapple House

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

20 Best Time-Travel Shows Ranked

If you could travel back and forth through time, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you talk to? Even better, if you were writing a book, making a movie, or working on a television show about time travel, what would you include? The best TV shows about time travel all feature characters who visit other eras for various compelling (or even life-threatening) reasons. Maybe it's to prevent a coming apocalypse, maybe it's just to save one person's life — but as many of these shows teach, small changes can have big effects, and many of these characters learn that their time-traveling can change the world.  

Now, there are some great time travel-adjacent shows that don't quite fit this list. A fun romp like "Early Edition," for example, utilizes a time-traveling newspaper and potentially a time-traveling cat, but doesn't in and of itself feature a lot of time travel. Likewise, something like "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is rooted in a time travel premise, but stays mostly in one time. With all that said, here's a look at our choices for the 20 best time travel shows on TV.

Save the cheerleader, save the world. That's what future Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) tells present-day Hiro when he appears to him from the future, and that's what establishes "Heroes" as way more than just a superhero show.

The NBC series follows a group of regular people who develop special powers, not unlike mutants in the "X-Men" series, after a mysterious worldwide eclipse. Each character gains their own individual abilities. Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) develops the ability to heal from any injury. Senator Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) gains the ability to fly, while his brother Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) can temporarily absorb others' powers. Still, few of these characters have cooler abilities than Hiro, who can influence the space-time continuum. This means he can teleport, slow down time — and, of course, time travel.   

Understandably, Hiro's power set becomes a serious asset throughout the series, and his path to perfect his abilities is one of "Heroes'" strongest story arcs. The first few times he travels through time don't go as planned, and throughout the series, things can get in the way of him ending up where he wants to go or when he wants to be. While Hiro's time-traveling is just one part of the larger story, it's definitely one of the show's highlights – especially since Oka is so darn charming as the character.

19. 11.22.63

One of the best Stephen King TV series out there, the eight-episode "11.22.63" follows a man named Jake Epping (James Franco). He's a relatively normal guy who receives a chance to change history when his friend Al (Chris Cooper) tells him he's found a way to travel back in time. Al tells Jake that the portal he's discovered goes back to the year 1960 and that he's been working on a plan to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Al's age and advancing cancer diagnosis prevent him from following through on the plan, however, and he asks Jake to take over for him. Jake agrees, but soon his quest is met with pushback from a mysterious source. As it turns out, the past doesn't want to be changed, and every step Jake takes toward preventing JFK's assassination leads to more cracks in the timeline. 

A charming and exciting time travel drama, "11.22.63" is a well-executed, twisty tale that only ranks so low on this list because it's in such great company. If you're looking for a quick, self-contained time travel miniseries that revolves around one of modern America's most notable events, this show is well worth a watch. 

When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crash lands on a deserted island, wacky and scary things start happening to the survivors. ABC's "Lost" deals with flashbacks, flash-forwards, mysterious groups that already have a presence on the island, a black smoke monster — and, as it turns out, an ancient battle between good and evil. One of the great appointment television shows before streaming broke through, "Lost" had fans talking about it and theorizing about its mysteries on a weekly basis.

The sci-fi drama captivated viewers for six seasons, and though time travel is referenced throughout the entire series run, it plays the biggest role in Season 4. As the island itself leaps from place to place and from time to time, the main group of characters jumps with it, encountering previous versions of themselves and island events that occurred in the past, and suffering from the effects of temporal displacement. The most beloved episode dealing with time travel is undoubtedly "The Constant," in which fan-favorite Desmond Hume (Henry Ian Cusick) figures out a way to stop his consciousness from jumping through time by finding his constant — his true love, Penny (Sonya Walger).

Of course, "Lost" is not just a time travel show, and famously covers such a wide variety of mysteries and sci-fi concepts that viewers might find it hard to keep up. As such, it ends up with this relatively low ranking. 

Like "Lost", "Fringe" is considered one of the most binge-worthy sci-fi shows of all time  but the fact that it isn't exclusively about time travel means it lands near the tail end of this particular list. The ABC show revolves around a science-fiction conglomerate that dabbles with interdimensional travel, wormholes, and alternate realities. Anna Torv stars as FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, who heads up the bureau's Fringe Division. With the help of "mad scientist" Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson), and their lab assistant Astrid Farnsworth (Jakisa Nicole), Dunham explores cases involving fringe science — be they about time travel, mind control, experiments gone wrong or any other strange and obscure criminal activity.

Time travel is more of a looming presence early in "Fringe," particularly present in the character of the Observer (Michael Cerveris), a bald, pale, genetically advanced human from the future. While Season 1 and Season 2 deal with the battle between two dimensions and realities, time travel really becomes an element in Season 3. Seasons 4 and 5 then deal with alternate timelines and the Observers that infiltrate the world from the future, intent on wiping out humanity. As you might expect, things can get a bit confusing, but the show sure is fun.

16. The Umbrella Academy

You have to respect a show that's so high-concept that time travel doesn't even get top billing. "The Umbrella Academy" boasts mysterious events, family drama, dance numbers, a talking chimpanzee, some of the cleverest superpowers in superhero shows, and a robot mom — and that's just scratching the surface. Based on "The Umbrella Academy" comics created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame, the Netflix show is a saga that exploits everything from the butterfly effect to the grandfather paradox for emotional and comedic impact.

The central Hargreeves family consists of a group of kids all born on the same day, adopted by the same eccentric billionaire (Colm Feore). He has trained them to protect the world with their various superpowers, but they aren't particularly great at it, and their strict upbringing has left them with a wide array of issues and deep rifts between them. The dysfunctional bunch starts out fairly estranged, but slowly bonds to save humanity from an apocalyptic event ... only to cause another potential apocalyptic event by sprinkling themselves across time.

In between the tears in the space-time continuum, "The Umbrella Academy" is ultimately an ensemble story about found (and re-found) family, as well as a truly unique superhero show where personal failure and the side-effects of costumed crimefighter life play a huge role. However, since Season 1 largely approaches time travel through Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) and the Temps Aeternalis agency, and much of Season 3 focuses on a present-day alternate reality, only the 1960s-themed Season 2 goes truly all in on the concept of sending all main characters to a different era. 

15. Sliders

"Sliders" is a 1990s sci-fi adventure series that features Jerry O'Connell and friends getting lost across the multiverse. O'Connell ("Stand By Me") plays boy genius Quinn Mallory, inventor of the Timer — a device that lets him and his friends "slide" through a wormhole vortex into different versions of Earth. The thing about wormhole vortexes, though, is that they like to misbehave, meaning Quinn and his buds never know where they're headed next on their adventures. This makes their quest to get back home to their own Earth a tricky one.

"Sliders" starts off fun and strong, and is at its best when having bonkers fun — like when Rembrandt (Cleavant Derricks) discovers a world where he could have been Elvis-level famous — and when it's exploring real-world issues in a high-concept dimension, like when the crew visits an Earth that treats men worse than women. Even if you've seen it before, it's definitely worth a re-watch, because "Sliders" is one  TV show that's better than you remember.

14. Continuum

On "Continuum," Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) is a Protector – think futuristic government agent from even more futuristic equipment — from the year 2077. She gets transported to the year 2012 along with a group of murderous terrorists, forcing Kiera to remain in the past as she chases them down. Fortunately, her gadgets and knowledge of the past soon come in handy and she finds loyal allies. Unfortunately, her enemies also know their history and plan on altering it for their own gain. 

"Continuum" milks the premise for all it's worth, while avoiding the pitfall of becoming a run-in-the-mill procedural with an unchanging status quo. While Kiera does handle her share of case-of-the-week story arcs, they're often connected to the group she pursues, and she never lets go of her primary target of stopping the terrorists. In order to avoid disrupting the timeline, she also has to go to great lengths to avoid revealing that either she or her targets are time travelers — and when their actions inevitably end up changing the future, she has to deal with the consequences. 

13. Timeless

If ever there was a time travel show that was canceled too soon, it's Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan's "Timeless." The NBC sci-fi series stars Abigail Spencer as the historian Lucy, Matt Lanter as the soldier Wyatt, and Malcolm Barrett as Rufus, a scientist who makes up a team trying to prevent a mysterious organization from altering the courses of history through time travel. They're up againsts Garcia Flynn (Goran Višnjić), who travels throughout history intending to influence major events like the Hindenburg disaster. However, the team soon realizes that the villain they thought they were fighting is much larger and infiltrates the historical timeline in ways they never imagined. 

Instead of focusing on the usual historical suspects, "Timeless" often highlights forgotten people of color, women, and lesser-known historical figures, giving them their due and celebrating their contributions to society. This element of the show can be seen in the way Rufus, for instance, is reluctant to join the team because he knows how Black people are treated in the eras they visit. 

Despite its intriguing concept, the show was canceled after Season 1, but fans caused such an uproar that NBC reversed the decision of canceling "Timeless"  and renewed it for another season. After Season 2, NBC pulled the plug once more, and again, the fans cried foul. In a kind of compromise, NBC greenlit a special two-hour series finale that ties up loose ends and gives much-needed closure to the story. 

12. 12 Monkeys

The "12 Monkeys" SyFy series is based on the 1995 film of the same name that stars Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt — though the series makes a fair few changes to stretch the plot into a four-season sci-fi drama. The series stars Aaron Sanford as James Cole, a scavenger from the year 2024 who's tasked with traveling to 2015 in order to stop the release of a biological weapon. In the movie, James is helped by a psychologist named Kathryn Railly played by Madeleine Stowe, but here, he befriends a virologist named Dr. Cassandra "Cassie" Railly (Amanda Schull). Pitt's character, Jeffrey Goines, is also gender-swapped here, with Emily Hampshire playing Jennifer Goines.

Like the movie, the series deals with the Cassandra Complex, the idea that we have a hard time believing concerns about the future, no matter how likely and provable they are. It also deals with circular time and the idea that past events can be affected by future ones. If those aspects of the film lift your time travel antennae, the four-season show dives even deeper.

11. Paper Girls

"Paper Girls" is a brilliant time travel show that was canceled way ahead of its time. Based on the comics by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, this Amazon series tells the story of a group of 1990s tween girls who get attacked by futuristic invaders. They manage to escape into the future, where one of the girls, Erin (Riley Lai Nelet ), meets her adult self (Ali Wong).

The show dispenses with grandfather paradox hand-wringing and instead uses the concept of the girls confronting their past and future selves, to brutally honest and hilarious effect. Young Erin is horrified to find out how much of herself she's abandoned by the time she turns into Old Erin, and refuses to let life work out that way. It motivates Erin to want to return to her home time even more — this kid has a clock to beat. However, there are two sides to the coin, and Old Erin is also able to care for her young self in ways she never felt able to when she was younger. It's a beautiful and potent visual metaphor that other characters also make good on. 

All in all, "Paper Girls" is a feast for the eyes as much as its ensemble cast is a feast for the soul. Plus, Jason Mantzoukas playfully chewing scenery as the ominous Grand Father? This show could have lasted until the end of time — or at least until Season 2.

10. Timewasters

"Timewasters" is a time travel comedy about a Black British jazz band that accidentally time-slips back to 1920s London, among other timelines. The quartet stumbles into an earlier time perod via a disgusting elevator that, yes, doubles as a time machine. Once the crew shows up in the past, they're treated like freaks, but they gain some measure of success as musicians. While the crew eventually tries to return to the present, they also have a "Back to the Future" moment when they seemingly get stuck in the 1950s.

"Timewasters" is full of funny jokes and great music, and it's a groundbreaking show in a number of ways. "People like us never get to time travel — it's what white people do, like skiing or brunch," creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor told the Royal Television Society . "For me, race is so important." Taylor also stars in "Timewasters," along with Kadiff Kirwan ("Slow Horses"), Adelayo Adedayo ("Some Girls"), and Samson Kayo ("Our Flag Means Death"). The show is also an excellent destination if you're into spotting a variety of British actors and comedians ... including Joseph Quinn, who went on to rise to fame as Eddie Munson on "Stranger Things."

9. Outlander

Based on the series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, Starz's "Outlander" follows the story of a World War II nurse named Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who finds herself thrown back in time after visiting a circle of mysterious Druid stones. She arrives in 18th Century Scotland and, after being taken in by a band of gruff Scots, she marries the dashing young Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in order to avoid being taken prisoner by her real husband's (Tobias Menzies) apparent evil ancestor, Black Jack Randall (Menzies). Claire lives through a time of great upheaval in Scotland when tensions with British control are rising and history-making battles loom in the near future. Despite being initially reluctant to stay, she and Jamie fall deeply in love, and their romance remains the backbone of the series.

The entire "Outlander" timeline  takes some time to explain, what with several 20th-century characters taking the trip to the 18th century and the show covering versions of notable real-world historical events. Without further spoilers, all there is to say is that if you enjoy time travel shows that lean heavily toward historical drama, "Outlander" is where it's at. Also, if you view Tobias Menzies as an incorrigible dweeb due to his performance as Edmure Tully on "Game of Thrones," his monstrous "Outlander" villain is guaranteed to erase that image.

8. Quantum Leap

"Quantum Leap" stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist who invents a way to travel through time. When the corporation funding his project threatens to shut it down, Sam uses himself as a guinea pig to test out the method. He finds himself thrown back in time, but in another person's body. The only other entity aware of his 'leap" is a hologram of his colleague and best friend, Admiral Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell). Al tells Sam that he must correct things that went wrong in the past before being allowed to leap back to his own time and body, and can only use the resources of the project's supercomputer, Ziggy.

With Sam leaping back and forth into different bodies at different times, the show uses a variant of the traditional procedural set up. New characters turn up to guest star and Sam gets to save the day, have a fling, and learn something new before leaping to the next destination, which just might be home one of these days.  

The series ran on NBC from 1989 to 1993, but its combination of time travel and case-of-the-week antics has proved enduring enough that "Quantum Leap" even gets a shout-out in "Avengers: Endgame." Despite being over three decades old, it remains a cool time travel series worth checking out.

7. The 4400

In the opening scenes of "The 4400," an enormous ball of light drops 4,400 people at the foot of Mount Rainier in Washington. They soon realize that they were all taken from some other point in time and deposited into the year 2004, unaged and without any memories of where they'd been. At first, everyone assumes that these people have been abducted by aliens. However, it soon turns out that the truth is far more time travel-related.

The returned people soon start developing "Heroes"-style powers that range from telekinesis to telepathy and super-strength, which people from the future have entrusted with to prevent various catastrophic events that they want to avoid in their timeline. Unfortunately, the 2004 government considers the powered folks a threat, and inhibits their powers with a neurological drug. 

The stories that unfold from this setup are exactly as complex and entertaining as you'd imagine, with various members of the titular group treating their powers in different ways and society having a hard time dealing with them. Unfortunately, "The 4400" ended abruptly after four seasons on a somewhat ambiguous note, but even so, it's a fun show to revisit.

6. Travelers

In Netflix's "Travelers," time-traveling operatives from a post-apocalyptic future are tasked with preventing certain events that have led to the downfall of society in their own present day of 2018. The travelers' consciousness takes over a person in the desired time who's just about to die, and the operative then lives out the rest of that person's days though with the mission in mind ... and a strict set of rules they must follow. Apart from a list of ways they're not allowed to interact with the past, they're also strictly forbidden from communicating with other known travelers outside their team, save for special circumstances dictated by the Director, who communicates by temporarily taking over children. 

It's a unique and complex premise, and the way the travelers scope out potential targets for takeover and learn to live as them is as timely as it comes — they use social media, GPS locations, and other readily available online information for their time-travel tricks. This adds a layer of present-day dread to the show's fascinating take on time travel. 

Loki Laufeyson (Tom Hiddleston) meets his match when he comes up against the Time Variance Authority in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most ambitious Disney+ shows, "Loki." The TVA is so dedicated to maintaining a particular sacred timeline that they purge all alternate realities where someone made a choice they deem wrong, which might not always make sense, but precision isn't the point here. It's the idea of playfulness versus control. 

The Loki we see here is an alternate-timeline variant of the one the audiences are familiar with, and thus starts the show in full "The Avengers" villain mode before life — and time — starts grinding him down. Working with TVA agent Mobius M. Mobius (Owen Wilson), he starts redeeming himself by tracking down an apparently evil version of himself, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) ... and ultimately tackling the biggest challenges time can offer.  

The God of Mischief's surprisingly human path of reckoning is the heart of a show that's deliciously stylish, silly, and sometimes scary. "Loki" takes a cops-and-robbers crime caper into time travel territory and explores hefty themes with a light touch, from mindless compliance to self-serving overseers to criminalizing anyone deemed different. "Loki" isn't just a time travel show — it's a show about everything time can offer and more, with characters dancing between eras as you might step from room to room. Also, it has Alligator Loki, who's objectively the best Loki of all. 

If "Loki" is too light-hearted for you, Netflix's "Dark" might be your jam ... provided you can make sense of its incredibly convoluted time travel storyline. Four families weave a tangled web of time travel in this German-language psychological thriller about missing kids, a rotten town, and how almost all of our secrets come out in time. In other words, it's a good time travel show, but it's definitely not a feel-good time travel show. 

"Dark" follows its many characters over the course of their lifetimes and, at one point, has three timelines going at once. Part of the intrigue and challenge of watching the show is trying to understand how (and when) each timeline threads into the other. If you decide to watch it, it's best to have an evidence board and plenty of red yarn ready to chart the relationships and betrayals the town of Winden sees over the years.

While "Dark" is as much a show about human connection and how frayed it can become as it is about time travel, it's also the MVP of using as many time travel paradoxes as possible during its three-season run. "Dark" is also an innovator in the field of wormhole placement. Wormholes are already not to be trusted, but a wormhole underneath a nuclear power plant? No, thank you.

3. Beforeigners

What happens when a bunch of Viking-era warriors, 19th-century figures, and Stone Age people pop up in modern-day Oslo? "Beforeigners" attempts to answer that question while navigating twisty murder mysteries with such efficiency that the Norwegian series may be best described as "crime travel." Adding to the intrigue is the way it focuses more on the present-day relationship between the time refugees and their modern counterparts than on how they showed up in the first place.

"Beforeigners" centers around the odd-couple partnership between hardened police detective Lars Haaland (Nicolai Cleve Broch) and eager new Viking police recruit Alfhildr Enginnsdóttir (Krista Kosonen), who investigate things like the murder of a Stone Age victim and even look into crimes with possible ties to Jack the Ripper.

The metaphor of time migration is an apt one for immigration, and this sci-fi show explores tricky real-life issues with plenty of scope. Creators Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin got their start in comedy writing, and their commitment to the bit is evident in the show, including the language used. "Early on, I contacted researchers, professors who helped us. We also constructed the language that Stone Age people spoke, and even with the language from the 19th century: We worked on it to make it sound right," Bjørnstad told Variety . "Why not invest in language, which is such a big part of a person's identity?"

2. Russian Doll

"Russian Doll" could be pitched as "Natasha Lyonne's 'Groundhog Day,'" but that still wouldn't hint at half of the show's charm and emotion. This Netflix offering is a mind-bending time loop dramedy that's a stylish and surreal exploration of life, death, and all the trauma in between. Season 1 of "Russian Doll" features Nadia (Lyonne) stuck reliving her 36th birthday until she inevitably dies and resets back to her friend's bathroom. Later in the season, she discovers a fellow time traveler (Charlie Barnett). They quickly realize that the way out of their dead ends and into a new life is through helping each other.

Season 2 takes some departures from the recursive reality set up in the first season, bending viewers' minds even more thoroughly. "Russian Doll" goes deep, but keeps a sense of humor even as it twists the knife in its characters' hearts — and their timelines. The show keeps audiences just oriented enough by linking its time loops to recognizable spaces and sound cues. You will never look at the subway the same way again, and you will probably never get Harry Nilsson's "Gotta Get Up" out of your head.

1. Doctor Who

Really, could any other show top a list like this?  The untold history of "Doctor Who"  goes all the way back to 1963, when the show premiered on the BBC. The series follows the adventures of a Time Lord who calls themselves the Doctor — an alien being from the planet Gallifrey who travels through space and time on a craft called the TARDIS, which is charmingly disguised as an old-fashioned British police call box and is famously bigger on the inside.  Every Doctor has their own companions  – humans who follow the Doctor throughout space and time, helping people, battling new and recurring villains, and dealing with the assorted wibbly-wobbly stuff on the Doctor's timeline .

The original series ran from 1963 through 1989 and established the neat trick of recasting the Doctor every few years or so, thanks to the premise that the character has multiple lives and can reincarnate himself into different physical bodies. The modern series was revived in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, and talented actors like David Tennant (twice), Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whitaker, and Ncuti Gatwa have followed in his footsteps. Even without the fact that no other show has time travel quite as integrated into its very premise as "Doctor Who," the show's sheer longevity and cultural impact are more than enough to make it the king of the time travel hill. 

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland

Miriam Margolyes and Alan Cumming roll back the decades and return to their Scottish roots. Part rediscovery, part revelation, they follow them as they take to the road and motorhome their w... Read all Miriam Margolyes and Alan Cumming roll back the decades and return to their Scottish roots. Part rediscovery, part revelation, they follow them as they take to the road and motorhome their way through Scotland's Highlands. Miriam Margolyes and Alan Cumming roll back the decades and return to their Scottish roots. Part rediscovery, part revelation, they follow them as they take to the road and motorhome their way through Scotland's Highlands.

• Miriam Margolyes
• Alan Cumming
• Bill Paterson
• 6 User reviews

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Connections Featured in Jeremy Vine: Episode #4.230 (2021)

User reviews 6

• pienpouwels
• May 24, 2022
• How many seasons does Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland have? Powered by Alexa
• November 16, 2021 (United States)
• United Kingdom
• Production Website
• Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland and Beyond
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 47 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

13 Books Set in Scotland That Everyone Should Read

Get ready to be whisked away to the beautiful Scottish landscape and historical cities with these 13 books set in Scotland. From stories dating back to the Jacobite Rebellion. From stories of accused witches to stories of travelling throughout time in Scotland. These books about Scotland will transport you to the hauntingly beautiful hills and valleys of Scotland.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please see my  Privacy Policy  for more information.

13 Books Set in Scotland

This Is Where I Am by Karen Campbell

This Is Where I Am follows the remarkable friendship of a Somali asylum seeker and a Glaswegian widow as they meet monthly in different locations around Glasgow, Scotland.

Abdi moves to Glasgow with his daughter Rebecca after fleeing a life of violence and torture. Abdi’s wife was killed along the way in Kenya. He meets his mentor Deborah at the Scottish Refugee Council in Glasgow. Their growing relationship shows the nitty-gritty of the losses faced in life and the flourishing friendship that connects them.

The story is told from the two main characters’ perspective and shows the harsh experiences they both endure heartbreaking realities. It takes you around various parts of Glasgow and a trip to Loch Lomond. You get to experience Scotland through the characters’ eyes.

If you are looking for books about Scotland, particularly Glasgow, this is a must-read. It captures the quality of Glasgow and the people of Glasgow.

Just be aware that Karen Campbell does not sugar coat the trauma and grief that both Abdi and Deborah face in the book. It talks about the grim truth that refugees face when trying to restart their lives in a new country.

Buy This Is Where I Am

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

The Turn of the Key follows Rowan Caine as she moves to Heatherbrae House for a live-in nanny job in the stunning Scottish Highlands.

When Rowan arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is met with a seemingly haunted and creepy setting complete with eerie sounds, shadows and freaky-looking dolls. The children she is meant to take care of are so badly behaved that it’s no wonder the family has gone through four nannies in one year.

Unfortunately for Rowan, an amazing job opportunity turns into a nightmare. One of the children she is taking care of ends up dead. Follow along as Rowan’s life unfolds after she is sent to jail and tries to prove that not all is as it seems.

If you are looking for Novels set in Scotland, be sure to pick up The Turn of the Key . You will whisk your way into the Scottish Highlands, except hopefully with less terrifying twists.

Buy The Turn of the Key

The Blackhouse: The Lewis Trilogy by Peter May

The Blackhouse follows detective Fin Macleod as he heads back to the Isle of Lewis, where he was born and raised, to solve a gruesome murder.

The Outer Hebrides plays a huge part in The Blackhouse . You will really believe you are on the Isle of Lewis when Peter May sets the setting so descriptively. You will feel the rain and wind hitting you in the face as you turn each page

This is one of my favourite books set in Scotland. I found it hard to put down, and once I finished it, I was craving more and couldn’t start reading the next book in the trilogy faster.

Buy The Blackhouse

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Is it really the best books about Scotland list if I do not include Outlander ? It’s not because Outlander takes you back in time, and although it falls under the category of fiction books about Scotland, it still has a ton of real history.

Although Outlander is a series of books, I want to speak specifically about the first one. It is set in Scotland and follows Claire, who travels back 200 years to Scotland in 1743. Claire meets up with Jamie of the Clan Fraser. They start a torrid love affair while her husband was back in 1945.

Now, that isn’t the reason I loved Outlander . I loved it because it made me truly fall in love with Scotland and its people. In Outlander , the Jacobite Rebellion was in full swing, and it takes you along as the Clans fight in the Battle of Culloden . 

Even if you have never set foot in Scotland, Outlander makes you feel like a proud Scot. Also, there is quite a bit of reference to the witch trials’ history in Scotland. Any Scottish witch history is a bonus if you love dark history in Scotland .

Buy Outlander

The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite by Douglas Watt

If you are looking at reading some historical fiction set in Scotland, The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite by Douglas Watt is your book. The story takes place in 1689 when a body is discovered in the Craigleith Quarry in Edinburgh.

If you have read Watts’s other books, such as Death of a Chief or Testament of a Witch , you will be familiar with Advocates John MacKenzie and his assistant Davie Scougall. The mystery behind the body is tied to the Jacobite rebellion happening in the Scottish Highlands.

The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite is one of the best crime novels set in Edinburgh. It truly transports you back to 17 th century Scotland when witch hunts and religious superstition and prejudice were ordinary.

Buy The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite

Corrag by Susan Fletcher

 If you love dark history, I highly recommend reading Corrag by Susan Fletcher. The story, which is also known as The Highland Witch or Witch Light, takes place in 1692 during the Massacre of Glencoe.

The book follows Corrag, who was accused of witchcraft shortly after the Clan Campbell massacred Glen Macdonald. The Clan Macdonald was betrayed at 5 am after spending ten days hosting the Campbells. Corrag is imprisoned and awaiting her execution when Jacobite Charles Leslie is eager to spread the truth about what really happened in Glencoe.

Corrag is one of the best Scottish novels that take you back to one of the most brutal and real-life massacres in Scotland. If you love witch history in Scotland, Corrag is another great book. It dives deep into the reality of accused witches in Scotland .

Whirligig by Andrew James Creig

When reading about books set in Scotland, you won’t want to miss out on the Scottish Highlands. Set in the small Highland town, Whirligig is a Scottish crime novel that follows James Corstorphine. James is still grieving the loss of his wife as he and his group of officers try to solve a twisted murder mystery.

One of the best things about Andrew James Creig is how fluid his writing is. Each chapter will leave you wanting more. It is a hard book to put down, making it one of the Best Scottish novels you can read.

If you want a compelling thriller filled to the brim with an intense dark storyline, you will love Whirligig .

Buy Whirligig

Greyfriars Graveyard by Charlotte Golledge

Edinburgh is full of incredibly beautiful historic graveyards and cemeteries. Greyfriars Kirkyard is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most popular graveyards. From stories of a loyal dog to inspiration for Harry Potter characters to the haunted Covenanters Prison – the graveyard has so much history.

As you walk through the monuments, many original inscriptions and symbols are illegible or so weathered away after sitting through the Scottish weather for 300 or more years. It can be hard to find information about certain ornate graves and the history behind the people to who they belong to.

In an attempt to find out the history of one of the massive historic graves, I stumbled upon Charlottes’ book Greyfriars Graveyard .

When I finally found out that the grave I had been gushing about for months belonged to George Foulis. I was on a high when I finally found out! I told all of my friends and then immediately bought her second book called The Graveyards and Cemeteries of Edinburgh .

It is one of the best Scottish history books for those of us who love exploring the historic graveyards in Edinburgh .

Buy Greyfriars Graveyard

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Shuggie Bain is a heartbreaking and depressing story of a young boy, Shuggie, and his life growing up poor in 19080s Glasgow, Scotland. The story follows Shuggie as he struggles to care for his alcoholic mother while trying his best to live a normal life.

Shuggie Bain is a tale of substance and emotional abuse, yet no one is truly the enemy. You feel compassion for Shuggie’s mother even though she is failing her son – she is a victim of her times.

I recommend reading Shuggie Bain if you want a taste of the sad reality of some families in Glasgow who fell between the cracks in a poverty-stricken era.

Buy Shuggie Bain

Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Trainspotting is one of the most popular cult classic books set in Edinburgh. It follows a group of drug addicts who are trying to get through life in Scotland. The book is told from Mark Renton’s perspective, but you hear from different people and their perspectives throughout the book. It feels like it is like a collection of short stories in a sense.

It talks a lot about drug addiction and trying to make your way through life, getting clean, relapsing and everything in between. The characters are really selfish in their pursuit of drugs and their lifestyle. It’s gritty and shocking, but it is a good read to get a sense of life is when drugs become your whole world.

Trainspotting is filled with dark humour and is so well written. Irvine Welsh really knows how to transport you into a world of drug addiction and how it affects everything in your life.

The book is written with Scottish colloquialisms and Scottish dialect. But the longer you read, the easier it is to understand. If you are still having trouble, try reading it out loud – you will understand it better!  

Buy Trainspotting

Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine

Women of the Dunes is one of the best novels set in Scotland. The book transforms you into three different time periods by characters connected by family, love and betrayal.

The follows three women, Ulla, a Norsewoman who escapes her husband and sails to Scotland in the 9 th century. The story continues through Ellen from the 1800s, and her obsession with Ulla’s story to the present-day Libby heads to the west coast of Scotland to dig up her family’s secrets.

Woman of the Dunes is phenomenally well written and well researched. Sarah Maine does an amazing job of intertwining the lives of characters you will love and the mysteries of the past.

Buy Women of the Dunes

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

Poor Things follows the life of a lonely doctor who tries to create the perfect companion by reanimating the body of a beautiful woman who passed away by suicide. The book, which takes place in Glasgow, echoes Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Poor Things is one of the best Scottish books full of humour as it explores the life of the reanimated “monster” Bella and her new life. Bella reminded me of Sally from Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her story really reverberates the idea that a life without freedom is not worth living.

This book is currently in the works of being turned into a film starring Emma Stone as Bella, so that is cool!

Buy Poor Things

The Wages of Sin by Kaite Welsh

If you love strong female characters who go against society’s beliefs of what women should be, you will love The Wages of Sin by Kaite Welsh.

The story follows Sarah, a woman from London who heads to Edinburgh. She is planning to attend medical school at the University of Edinburgh. Sarah struggles to get a proper education in a male-dominated field. She is also trying to solve the murder of one of the cadavers that land on the table in her anatomy school.

This is one of my favourite books set in Scotland that dives deep into the world of feminism and murder in the late 1800s Scotland. 

Buy The Wages of Sin

Want to save this post for later? Use the pins below!

More Information about Dark Travels and Dark History in Scotland

• Spooky Things to do in Edinburgh
• The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh
• Burke and Hare Tour of Edinburgh
• Unusual Things to do in Edinburgh
• Things to do in Edinburgh: Surgeons’ Hall Museum
• Halloween in Edinburgh – 26 Spooky Things to do in Edinburgh

You May Also Like

• Dark & Spooky Travel in Scotland
• Haunted Hotels in Scotland
• Spending the night inside the Edinburgh Vaults

Sharing is caring!

20 Incredible Books Set In Scotland

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel across the world with the best books set in Scotland to teach you more and take you there.

Scotland is one of our favorite European countries. We fell hard while road-tripping gorgeous Loch Ness in search of Nessie and the famed “hairy coos.”

Edinburgh’s dark skies set the perfect ambiance for cozy pub evenings, and the beauty of Inverness made us never want to leave. Plus, the Edinburgh bookshops are incredible with their eclectic selections.

Whether you are planning a trip to Scotland, just got back, or want to spark some wanderlust for those grounded times, uncover the best novels set in Scotland from UK and Scottish writers – and more.

This includes top books set in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and more famous cities across genres, including LGBT+, mystery, romance, horror, and historical fiction.

Of course, Scotland is a coveted destination, and we couldn’t possibly name all of the books that take place here. Be sure to let us know your favorites in the comments. Let’s get started.

Grab your favorite movies and books based in Scotland here :

• Audible Plus : From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
• Book of the Month : Get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. You might snag an early release or debut author. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles.
• Amazon Prime Video – Stream thousands of ad-free movies and TV series on demand with Prime Video.
• Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without using a VPN.

Table of Contents

20 Best Books Set In Scotland

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander is one of the best-selling romance books set in Scotland ever published.

This extraordinary story, the first book in a series of ten (so far), is deeply intimate and rich in detail. It brings together the best of historical fiction, epic fantasy, and steamy romance.

Claire Randall is a British nurse at the end of WWII, enjoying reconnecting with her husband after the conflict – until she is transported through time back to the 18th-century Scottish Highlands.

There, she is forced to marry the dashing Jamie Fraser. She finds herself torn between both time periods and great loves.

Outlander is well worth reading, even if you’ve already watched the TV series, and is the perfect selection if you enjoy time travel book series .

Read Outlander : Amazon | Goodreads

2. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Irvine Welsh probably didn’t expect that his debut novel, Trainspotting , would go on to be one of the definitive books set in Edinburgh – but here we are. (And, it’s also a great Scotland movie .)

It’s styled as a collection of stories about residents of the Scottish capital, each of whom is addicted to heroin or peripherally involved in the city’s drug scene.

It has been both critically acclaimed and derided; it was longlisted for the 1993 Booker Prize but reportedly blocked from the shortlist for “offending the sensibilities” of two of the judges.

Its cult classic status was cemented after the release of the 1996 film adaptation, in which Welsh himself had a cameo as a drug dealer.

Discover even more must-read 90s literature .

Read Trainspotting : Amazon | Goodreads

3. The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

For classic novels set in Scotland, you can’t go past The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie . This is the book that catapulted Scottish author Muriel Spark to international fame.

It’s set in 1930s Edinburgh, where six girls at a private school fall into the thrall of a charismatic teacher, the titular Miss Jean Brodie.

The “Brodie set,” as they become known, develop close bonds with their teacher and each other. However, as a flash-forward tells the reader, one of them will betray her.

It’s a remarkably complex story in a short book, closer to novella length; pick this one if you want something you can burn through on a rainy afternoon.

The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie is also an incisive tale if you are craving dark academia book recommendations .

Read The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie : Amazon | Goodreads

4. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

We’ve all asked Siri or Alexa to help us out a time or two – but could these technological advancements ever haunt us? Are there ghosts in the machine?

That’s the question that nanny Rowan Caine faces in The Turn Of The Key , one of the spookiest books set in Scotland.

Rowan took the nannying job, with its generous salary, knowing she would be caring for two young girls in a luxurious smart house in the remote Scottish Highlands.

She didn’t know that the technology would keep her under constant surveillance, malfunctioning at the strangest times, and eventually see her awaiting trial for a murder she didn’t commit.

Fans of psychological thriller haunted house books will find quite the suspense and mystery here.

Read The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware : Amazon | Goodreads

5. His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet

It’s 1869, and a brutal triple murder has rocked the small Highlands community of Culduie.

A young man, Roderick Macrae, is arrested. His handwritten memoir confirms that he is guilty of the crime… or does it? Is it really possible that a semi-literate peasant wrote those pages?

His Bloody Project is a fascinating literary fiction novel styled as true crime through “found” documents.

Even though it’s set far in the past, it’s a piercing commentary on the nature of truth and perception as well as the abuse of power and privilege.

His Bloody Project also has the distinction of being one of the best-selling mysteries set in Scotland over the past decade, as well as being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016.

Read His Bloody Project : Amazon | Goodreads

6. Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

The Scottish Highlands are famous for beautiful landscapes and wilderness, but the area is not immune to the effects of climate change.

That’s part of the basis for Charlotte McConaghy’s Once There Were Wolves .

A biologist brings fourteen grey wolves to the region, in the hopes of rewilding the area (despite serious opposition from the locals).

She also hopes the experiment will heal her traumatized sister, still reeling from the terrible events that drove them from their home.

This is one of the most intense and spellbinding books based in Scotland, a must-read for nature lovers.

Find even more books to read before going to Scotland that promise to teach you more.

Read Once There Were Wolves : Amazon | Goodreads

7. To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

The Isle of Skye is a stunning island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

While it doesn’t have the major tourist attractions of Edinburgh and Glasgow, to this day, Virginia Woolf’s most die-hard fans travel here to see the setting of her novel To The Lighthouse .

This deeply introspective and philosophical book is a story about nothing and everything, written in Woolf’s renowned modernist style.

It contains little dialogue or action with most of the story told through thoughts and observations of the characters.

If you’re looking to read all of the classic books that take place in Scotland, you must include this one on your list – and plan a trip to Skye.

Read To The Lighthouse : Amazon | Goodreads

8. Hex by Jenni Fagan

Many of the best fiction books set in Scotland draw on the country’s history of witchcraft and lore – and we just devour great books with strong witches .

Take Hex by Jenni Fagan, a historical fiction-fantasy novel based on the true story of Geillis Duncan. She was hanged as a witch in the 16th century, a story that captured Fagan’s imagination.

In her fictionalized version of events, a mysterious visitor, Iris, visits Duncan on her last night in jail before her execution.

Iris says that in the future, women are still persecuted – but Duncan may have a chance to escape her fate.

This is a rich and evocative novel about misogyny, fear, and superstition in Scottish history.

If books about witch trials interest you, travel to Salem, Massachusetts with this reading list . From 1692 to 1693 more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft in colonial MA – with an estimated 19 to 25 people being put to death.

Read Hex : Amazon | Goodreads

9. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

One of the most moving and widely-read books on loneliness in contemporary society is also one of the best books set in Glasgow. Fancy that!

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is an international bestseller, far surpassing the dreams of author Gail Honeyman for her debut novel.

The story follows a young woman who lives a regimented life of solitude. Her routine is upended with new friends and experiences that show her she can aim for more in life than being “fine.”

Even though the setting is definitively Glaswegian, the story is universal and relatable for anyone who’s ever found themselves adrift.

Uncover even more terrific tearjerker books that stay with you long after closing their pages.

Read Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine : Amazon | Goodreads

10. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

It was tough for books to make a splash in 2020, but Shuggie Bain managed it – one of the bestselling and most widely acclaimed novels set in Scotland since before the pandemic began.

It’s named for the main character, the youngest child who grew up in post-industrial, working-class Glasgow. The mercurial life of his alcoholic mother threatened his safety and security.

It took Douglas Stuart over a decade to write this formidable story; he faced an uphill battle getting a publisher to accept it.

Clearly, the struggle was worth it, as he went on to win the Booker Prize for his efforts.

Read Shuggie Bain : Amazon | Goodreads

11. The Bookshop On The Corner by Jenny Colgan

Bibliophiles looking for books based in Scotland can’t go past The Bookshop On The Corner , the first in Jenny Colgan’s Kirrinfief series.

This delightful Scottish novel follows a literary matchmaker, Nina Redmond, who travels from neighborhood to neighborhood in her bookmobile.

This episodic tale sees her not only putting perfect reads into the hands of book lovers but also magical adventures that pull Nina out of her fictional world and into the wonder of the real one.

If The Bookshop On The Corner tickles your fancy, be sure to check out the next book in the series, The Bookshop On The Shore . This is another delightful romp that belongs in your collection of books set in Scotland.

And, with a team full of avid readers and MLIS-degreed writers, you can bet that we have an additional book list showcasing terrific books about books, bookstores, and libraries .

Read The Bookshop On The Corner : Amazon | Goodreads

12. Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell

Maggie O’Farrell really can write anything she sets her mind to: memoir, alternative history, family drama, romance… and The Vanishing Act Of Esme Lennox , one of the best books set in Edinburgh (mostly).

The story is told across two timelines: the titular Esme’s 1930s childhood and the present-day life of her grand-niece Iris.

Iris is shocked to learn of Esme’s existence, as she was locked away by her family in a psychiatric hospital, where she still lives.

This is one of the most heart-wrenching novels set in Scotland, and it definitely warrants some big-time trigger warnings, including the death of a child, mental illness, and sexual assault.

Read Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox : Amazon | Goodreads

13. One Day by David Nicholls

The conceit of One Day is unique, one that has made it iconic in the canon of books set in Scotland.

The story unfolds in chapters that cover one day in the main characters’ lives, July 15th (St. Swithin’s Day), each year for twenty years.

You see Dexter and Emma as they meet after graduating from the University of Edinburgh, befriend one another, grow apart, grow up, and reunite – all through little glimpses, day-sized windows into their lives.

Be careful reading any more about it online than that, because it has a shocking tragic twist that has to be read to be believed.

Read One Day : Amazon | Goodreads

14. City Of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Did you know that Edinburgh is haunted? Well, it is in the City Of Ghosts anyway!

Victoria Schwab’s young adult novel is one of the spookiest books set in Edinburgh.

The plucky teen heroine, Cassidy, can see ghosts (unlike her parents, who nonetheless make their living as ghost hunters).

When she moves to the Scottish capital with her family, she finally meets another girl who can see ghosts as well – but Lara comes into her life bearing bad news.

Cassidy is going to have to be responsible for ferrying souls to the other side, but not all of them are eager to depart.

Chase ghosts across the globe with this haunting reading list .

Read City Of Ghosts : Amazon | Goodreads

15. Under The Skin by Michel Faber

If you want your books set in Scotland to come with one heck of a twist, look no further!

Under The Skin starts off like a standard realist novel – an eerie one, sure, but one based in Scotland we recognize.

A young woman picks up hitchhikers on lonely highways (always men, always well-built), and asks them about their lives. But what she does with them after… well, you’ll never see it coming.

This will be one of the most unsettling and gruesome science-fiction novels you’ll ever pick up, and don’t be surprised if it leads to a pretty radical shift in your perspective on humanity.

Let’s just say, this is one of your not-so-average but best alien sci-fi books to read .

Read Under The Skin : Amazon | Goodreads

Take The Uncorked Reading Challenge!

Travel around the world with our Uncorked Reading Challenge. Never be late to the party with unique new book releases. Get the latest movie and book lists straight to your inbox.

16. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin has written dozens of crime novels set in Scotland (also called “Tartan Noir”). His Inspector Rebus character is one of the country’s most beloved fictional detectives.

He first appears in Knots And Crosses , a mystery that sees the Detective Sergeant set on the case of the abduction and murder of two young girls.

As more girls go missing, Rebus realizes that the case is tangled up in his own past as a special forces officer.

He’s going to have to face down his ghosts and enemies, once and for all, to keep the girls of Edinburgh safe.

Read Knots and Crosses : Amazon | Goodreads

17. The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is one of the most prolific contemporary popular fiction writers in the game. He’s written hundreds of books set all over the world.

However, there’s something special about his books set in Scotland, where he once worked at the University of Edinburgh.

The Sunday Philosophy Club is one of them, the first in a series, about a philosopher who decides to prove the police wrong in their recent ruling of a young man’s suicide.

With a cast of eccentric characters, including an attractive bassoonist and a spiritualist housekeeper, this is the perfect cozy mystery to read with a cup of tea.

Read The Sunday Philosophy Club : Amazon | Goodreads

18. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson

Have you ever stood in a queue and wondered about the people standing with you? What brought you all here, to the same place at the same time, to wait for something special?

If you’re prone to this kind of musing, you’ll enjoy One Good Turn . The story takes place during the renowned Edinburgh Festival.

It’s here where a group of people queuing for a lunchtime show witness a brutal road rage incident – and each of their lives change as a result.

Atkinson has written several books that take place in Scotland, but this is undoubtedly her finest.

Read One Good Turn : Amazon | Goodreads

19. The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn

Have you been looking for steamy romance books set in Scotland?

Meghan Quinn is one of the current queens of spice, and The Highland Fling places one of her steamiest stories, yet, in the Scottish Highlands.

Two American girls – Bonnie and her best friend Dakota – apply for a cafe management job across the pond, figuring that a change of scenery might be just what they need.

When they arrive, they fall in love with the idyllic Highland town of Corsekelly, but there’s one thorn in Bonnie’s side: rugged local handyman Rowan MacGregor.

This enemies-to-lovers tale goes exactly where you’d hope.

Read The Highland Fling : Amazon | Goodreads

20. Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith

When you think of Ovid’s Metamorphoses , you probably don’t picture the lush landscapes of the Highlands – but that’s exactly where Scottish author Ali Smith places this adaptation of the classic story.

Girl Meets Boy is a transformative take on contemporary gender politics, set in the Scottish city of Inverness.

The story follows Anthea and Midge, sisters working in the marketing department of a bottled water company.

Everything is up-ended when Anthea falls in love with Robin, a genderqueer environmental activist.

The “girl meets boy” trope is a bit tired, but Smith injects it with new life in one of the best books based in Scotland.

Read Girl Meets Boy : Amazon | Goodreads

If you love traveling across Europe, be sure to peruse three of our favorite book lists set there…

We (Christine and Tom) are avid travelers, and living in America, Europe is a terrific destination for its shorter flights and beautiful scenery . We absolutely loved our time in Scotland , visiting Edinburgh, Inverness, Lock Ness, Stirling, Perth, and Glasgow.

For more reading lists if you love Scotland travel, try these destinations :

• Best Novels Based In Iceland – We equally loved our Icelandic adventures, and although we rarely pick a favorite country, Iceland is at the top. From gorgeous horses to black sand beaches , legendary waterfalls , and seals playing amongst glowing glaciers , Iceland might just steal your breath and heart. It’s also full of writers and book lovers, especially with their annual Book Flood tradition . Discover some of the best books out of Iceland.
• Books Set In Eastern Europe: The Baltics – While many people cruise, we chose to road trip around the Baltic States, including Lithuania , Latvia , and Estonia . We even met up with our contributing writers and friends, Dagney and Jeremy. We most enjoyed Riga , Latvia, Parnu in Estonia, and Vilnius and Kaunas in Lithuania. All promise bibliotourism too – including Riga’s massive library, the Castle of Light. Find our top books set in all three countries.
• Best Books On Ireland: Life, Culture, & History – If Scotland captures your heart, Ireland will be another contender. We road-tripped from Dublin to Galway , falling hard for the Connemara Loop . Of course, Dublin is a bibliophile’s dream, and Trinity College’s Long Room is a must. Discover more books about Ireland to read before you go. Show us all of the sheep, whiskey, and beer.

Save Your Favorite Books Set In Scotland For Later :

Grab all of your favorite movies and books set in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and more :

Sheree Strange

Christine Frascarelli

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to reveal price for her support

Scotland's first minister says he will fight a vote in his leadership and is "very confident" of winning. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Yousaf tells Sky News he'll 'fight' vote of no-confidence and is optimistic of winning
• MSP who could decide his fate seems to have named price for her support
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Coming up on Sunday: PM sits down with Trevor Phillips
• Latest  Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what next week's local elections will bring
• Sam Coates explains why they matter
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Rishi Sunak  sits down this Sunday with Trevor Phillips for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the local elections.

With the Rwanda bill becoming law this week and the PM announcing a commitment to increase defence spending, there's been plenty to talk about.

You can watch it in full from 8.30am on Sunday .

Trevor will also be joined by Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting .

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on  the SNP leader  after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government. 

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

Read more here:

The 2 May local elections will see more than 2,600 seats at stake across 107 English councils.

Labour's Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 mayors up for re-election.  

Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.  

With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister's future and where the key political backgrounds are.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

With the local elections less than a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

Ash Regan - the MSP who could decide the future of Humza Yousaf - has appeared to name her price for her support in next week's no-confidence vote.

She has said, in a letter to Alba Party members, that investment in the Grangemouth refinery will be a key condition of her backing the first minister.

The refinery is currently due to shut as early as next year and move to being an import and export terminal.

Alba has launched a a campaign to sustain jobs at the refinery.

"A sign of good faith would be a significant government investment, reinforcing the campaign to save the Grangemouth refinery from closure," she says in her letter.

"I am requesting the undertaking to produce such an initiative in the early course.

"I am hopeful that the first minister will commit to such an initiative in the near future as a sign of our shared dedication to Scotland's welfare."

Ms Regan was once part of the SNP and ran in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader last year, the contest Mr Yousaf won.

She defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party in October. 

The battle for a town that no one there wants.

Sky News is reporting from Grimsby in the run-up to the general election as one of its Target Towns - a key constituency prized by both Conservatives and Labour - Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

But it turns out that Grimsby doesn't really want them.

It hasn't always been a town doused in apathy. 

In 2016, 70% of people here voted to leave the EU - one of the highest results in the country - and in the 2019 election, the constituency turned Tory for the first time since the Second World War.

But five years on, polling by Sky News found that since then, the number of people saying they "almost never" trust the British government to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own party has nearly doubled - from 26% to 49%.

It's a stark but bleak view. Voters described both leaders as uninspiring and uninteresting.

When asked what they make of the current prime minister, words like "weak" and "performative" were used. 

Voters couldn't make their minds up about the Labour leader, saying they were unsure about him or his policies.

The lack of a clear dividing line between the two parties could be a problem in the general election, especially as both parties have been trying to show a bit more leg this week ahead of a fully-fledged election campaign.

Labour has shown a hint of more radical policies, with their announcement on aiming to nationalise railways within five years. 

But have they waited a bit too long to impress the people of Grimsby?

The Conservatives ratified their Rwanda policy into law, but voters here weren't hugely enthused by that either, with one member of the audience tonight proclaiming they care much more about housing and the environment. 

They asked - why is the centre of political debate about Rwanda and a policy we don't really care about?

Apathy might override this election.

By  Jennifer Scott , political reporter

Voters in Grimsby - one of Sky News's election Target Towns - have been offering their views on politics, politicians and "broken promises".

The electoral battle in Grimsby and Cleethorpes,  the Target Towns , will be fierce. Labour will need an 11.7 point swing to win this newly-merged constituency back from the Conservatives.

In 2019, residents in Grimsby voted Tory for the first time since the end of the Second World War. The old Cleethorpes constituency was always more of a bellwether, having voted Conservative since 2010.

However, it has shed some of its rural, Conservative-voting residents in the merger.

Speaking on the  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , small business owner Shannon said she might not vote in the next general election later this year as she "just can't trust anything anybody says".

She said she has felt this way since Brexit - something Grimsby was overwhelmingly in support of - because "we were promised 'x' and 'y' and it hasn't happened, so I'm just totally disengaged from it".

Asked whether local MPs on the panel - Conservative Lia Nici and Labour's Melanie Onn - could change her mind, Shannon said "possibly", but reiterated how let down local people feel.

"We're promised a lot, but it's never delivered," she said. "Talk of things happening... and then it doesn't happen and people are just fed up... have been told this is what we're going to get, but it doesn't actually happen. And that's why people have just lost faith."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free