A novel idea... lose yourself in Scotland
There is nothing better than getting lost in the pages of a good book, escaping to different destinations and embarking on new adventures.
It’s World Book Day on Thursday, but Covid restrictions mean it’s not possible to explore Scotland just yet, but readers can enjoy discovering Scotland on page, either through the eyes of a Scottish author or by reading a story inspired by Scotland.
Whether it’s hard-hitting crime novels, action-packed adventures or old favourites, discover Scotland’s literary links and stay inspired for travel when it is safe to do so.
Here are a few favourites:
The Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott
From epic poem, The Lady Of The Lake, set in the wild romantic landscape around Loch Katrine and the Trossachs to Rob Roy, inspired by Highland folk hero Robert ‘Roy’ Macgregor and set against the backdrop of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, Scott’s works are landmarks in Scottish literature. Visit Rob Roy’s cave at the head of Loch Lomond and Glen Falloch, Abbotsford House, near Melrose, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The swashbuckling adventure was written during a stay in Braemar. It’s thought Stevenson based some of the characters on people he met in the village. Treasure Island is also rumoured to have been inspired by Fidra Island in East Lothian.
The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Edinburgh is woven throughout the pages of the famous novel, particularly locations such as Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, Barnbougle Castle and Dalmeny House.
Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon
Sunset Song, encapsulates the struggles of farming life in an Aberdeenshire village. Grassic Gibbon’s novel mentions real-life places including Laurencekirk, Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle and The Aberlemno Standing Stones in Angus. Arbuthnott, is home to The Grassic Gibbon Centre, the perfect place to learn more about the author.
The Thirty-nine Steps by John Buchan
Buchan’s love of the Borders is often depicted in his books and the region is home to the John Buchan Story in Peebles and The John Buchan Way
– a 13-mile route between Broughton and Peebles.
The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
Follow Harry and his friends, at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Visit Tom Riddle’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard, meet Hedwig’s feathered friends at the Scottish Owl Centre. Or hop aboard the Hogwarts Express across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
P. S. The Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies is the famous steam train, The Jacobite. Fans of the famously magical train can even book a seat in the Harry Potter compartment.
Peter Pan by JM Barrie
The story of a young boy who never grows up has entranced for decades. . A statue of Peter can be found at JM Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir, Angus but it was Moat Brae in Dumfries, where Barrie lived as a boy, that inspired Neverland, the enchanted faraway place where Peter Pan and the Lost Boys outwit Captain Hook.
Beano, Dandy and Oor Wullie by DC Thomson
The antics of Dennis and his pals in Beano, and A’body’s favourite wee laddie, Oor Wullie are published by DC Thomson in Dundee. Once restrictions allow, look out for statues of fellow legends, Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx and Oor Wullie, in the city centre.
Peter Rabbit and Friends by Beatrix Potter
Potter created her fluffy friend, Peter Rabbit, following childhood summer holidays in Dunkeld. Add Birnam Arts to future travel plans as it is a great place to learn about the region that inspired her, and meet some of her other characters in the Beatrix Potter Exhibition Garden.
Report For Murder & My Scotland by Val Mcdermid
On a more grisly note, a doyenne of Scottish crime fiction is Val Mcdermid whose first book, Report For Murder was published in 1987. My Scotland, a personal journey through Scotland and how she has used the country’s distinctive settings in her works, was published in 2019.
Factfile
For more suggestions of books to read about Scotland, see visitscotland. com/blog/scotland/ must-read-books/
Sunday Post Travel has announced a new and exclusive river cruise, which celebrates the best of the Dutch bulb fields. The new 2022 cruise – The Blooms of Holland & Belgium River Cruise with Brian Cunningham – will feature a bespoke itinerary created with our readers in mind.
The exclusive sailing, created in collaboration with Emerald Waterways, will depart on May 7, 2022. Starting and finishing in Amsterdam, the river cruise will embark on a seven-night voyage, featuring exclusive excursions while visiting historic cities of The Low Countries.
Hopping on board the river cruise will be convenient for readers across the UK, with direct flights available from 15 UK airports, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow. Return flights are included in the available packages.
Craig Houston, head of ecommerce & partnerships for DC Thomson Media, said:“we have been looking into this idea for quite some time and I am delighted that we can now confirm the departure in 2022. It is fantastic to be able to develop a partnership with a company that has the calibre of Emerald Waterways.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to collaborate on a specific departure with a river cruise partner. The stylish and contemporary on-board experience will, I am sure, be a big hit with our newspaper readers. I just hope they are as excited as we are.”
The incredible itinerary will take in places such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Arnhem and will also feature some horticultural highlights with the help of our special guest on board, gardening expert Brian Cunningham.
Brian will be familiar to viewers of The Beechgrove Garden and readers of The Courier and The Press & Journal for his Ginger Gairdner weekly columns. You can join Brian for an evening drinks reception followed by a Q&A session before visiting Keukenhof Gardens in his company, where he will give a talk inside the bulb field.
Brian said:“i am genuinely excited to be joining and spending time with the passengers on this Emerald Waterways cruise. Such an amazing opportunity to visit the gardens of Keukenhof and to see the work of the Dutch horticultural masters at their best.”
There is also an opportunity for passengers to have an afternoon visit to the renowned gardening festival Floriade 2022, an extremely popular event that only takes place once every 10 years.
Your home-from-home for your river cruise is an awardwinning Emerald Star-ship, where innovation meets relaxation. It will carry just 180 passengers offering an intimate on-board service, similar to what you would expect from a world-class hotel.
Colin Downing, managing director for Emerald Cruises, said:“we are very pleased to be launching an exclusive river cruise in partnership with DC Thomson Media.
“Together we have created a unique eight-day itinerary through Holland and Belgium packed with exclusive inclusions, activities and excursions especially created with readers in mind, and so we hope the readers enjoy it.
“The bulb fields of Holland are beautiful in May and the chance to visit the Floriade exhibition will be real treat given it only occurs once a decade.”