10 Enchanting Books About Scottish Fairy Tales & Legends

Scottish fairy tales, legends, and folklore have kept millions of people fascinated over the centuries. Scottish history is filled with thousands of magical legends, mythical creatures, and enchanted places. Travelers can even visit unique places around Scotland and explore the places mentioned in myths. 

However, even when we can’t visit in person we can still explore through beautiful Scottish mythology books. Thankfully, there are plenty of beautifully illustrated books that make it easy for us to enjoy these mystical stories from the past. Scottish folklore has some of the most beautiful and educational tales for readers of all types. From bonny love stories, and dark tales about monsters to epic adventures of heroes you’ll surely find a fairy tale or legend that will captivate you.

Get lost in wondrous Scottish folklore and learn about Scottish monsters, legends, gods, myth, fairies, and the fascinating mythological creatures.

These exciting novels about folktales will let you explore some of the most remote spots of Scotland and invites you to read about lesser-known tales about mythical Scottish animals like Nessie aka the Loch Ness Monster. However, you’ll also find here charming stories and fairie books for adults who love magic and history filled reads.

For those who love not only reading but watching and listening to fairy tales and legends, we recommend audiobooks and Gairloch Museum’s animated short film which was inspired by local Gaelic folklore. It’s a beguiling tale about Gille Dubh – the Last of the Fairies. The story is part of the mythology of the Gairloch area passed down through the Gaelic oral tradition. It is also narrated by Outlander’s talented and handsome star Sam Heughan. It’s only a three-minute-long animation but it is beautifully narrated and the art is also enchanting.

It was created by the EMMY Award-winner Ralph Creative in collaboration with Abe Locke, a young local fantasy writer and illustrator.

The passionate creators even did location visits before creating the short film to ensure their movie is faithful to the culture and mythology of the Gaelic language. Gairloch is a magical place in Scotland perfect for those who want to learn more about Scottish folklore and legends.

Magical Scottish Books about Fairies & Legends

10| The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths and Legends by Peter Berresford Ellis

British historian Peter Berresford Ellis is a very productive author, who has published over 90 books. He is mostly known for his passion for Celtic history. Showcasing his talents and thorough researching abilities, this magnificent collection brings some of the most amazing Celtic myths and legends to curious readers.

In this book, you are going to find dark and mystical Scottish legends and myths. Some are well known, others are less famous.

As it is a vast collection of Celtic legends you’ll not only read about Scottish monsters and mythical Scottish animals but about some of the most important tales of Scottish culture. However, you’ll find here other fantastic stories from all over the British islands. Readers will get a better insight into English and Welsh folklore too.

The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths and Legends by Peter Berresford Ellis is among the biggest collections of Celtic legends in the world.

9| An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin (Author), Kate Leiper (Illustrator)

You can read some of the finest Scottish fairy tales that are both entertaining and teaching. You are in for a good time as, besides the captivating tales, beautiful illustrations take you to magical places.

The artworks are going to help your imagination soar as you read these fascinating Scottish myths and legends. While turning the pages, readers will have a good laugh, feel a magical presence, and learn about the colorful Scottish history.

An Illustrated Treasury is definitely one of the best collections of Scottish folklore for both adults and children.

8| Penguin Classics Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Gordon Jarvie

Besides a number of old-time favorites, there are somewhat lesser-known pieces. There is no better way of getting to know Scottish culture more deeply than this book.

Whatever you are looking for, you are going to find it in the pages of the Penguin Classics. Only a few faerie books for adults are so perfectly edited as this one.

Penguin Classics Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Gordon Jarvie is an enchanting collection of the most amazing Scottish fairy tales and legends.

7| Scottish Fairy and Folk Tales by Sir George Douglas

From Scottish mythology gods through fairies and other supernatural creatures to Scottish monsters, you will meet everything. There are plenty of beings to learn about while the stories are going to take you to a magical world. Children as well as adults are going to fall in love with this book.

The magnificent stories are accompanied by remarkable illustrations to create a truly special experience. For those in search of fae books and the oldest stories in Sottish history, this book is a must-have.

Scottish Fairy and Folk Tales by Sir George Douglas is surely among the most extensive and captivating collections.

6| An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures by Theresa Breslin (Author), Kate Leiper (Illustrator)

Probably the most famous of all mythical Scottish animals is the Loch Ness Monster. Naturally, this amazing creature is also included in this lovely collection.

The illustrations are going to make you feel like these Scottish monsters could be real or once truly existed. You are about to meet some scary, adorable, and mysterious creatures that made people wonder for centuries.

While reading interesting tales about them, you can learn a lot about Scottish history and get a feel of the country’s culture. This award-winning collection is great for both adults and little readers as it’s fun and informative.

It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy myths and bestiary books.

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures by Theresa Breslin and Kate Leiper is a fantastic collection of creatures from Scottish legends and fairy tales.

5| Folklore of the Scottish Highlands Paperback by Anne Ross

The Scottish Highlands are fascinating for so many reasons. Most people are enchanted by its natural beauty, but there is much more to it. This land has an incredible history which is still present in the modern days.

Anne Ross actually speaks Gaelic and she studied Scottish history and traditions for decades. This extensive book will help you understand Scottish legends and customs while exploring this breathtaking corner of the world. There are many interesting and revealing tales that will make you want to visit the Highlands. If you want to learn about Scottish superstitions, festivals, and rituals, this is surely a great book for you.

Folklore of the Scottish Highlands by Anne Ross is a superb collection of Scottish folklore and tales.

4| Scottish Tales: A Collection of Classic Scottish Folk Tales by W. J. Glover

The easiest and most entertaining way to learn about a country and its traditions is by reading folk tales. In this magnificent collection, you are going to find fun and exciting tales that have been passed from generation to generation over the centuries.

It is a great read if you are planning to visit Scotland or have a fascination for this lovely country. The best Scottish folk tales and stories are going to take you to magical places and real ones too. You can learn a lot from these anecdotes that have been around for many years now.

Scottish Tales: A Collection of Classic Scottish Folk Tales by W. J. Glover is a superb gift for all history and folk tale lovers.

3| Scottish Myths & Legends (Celtic Myths & Legends Retold) by Daniel Allison

When in search of fiction books about fairies for adults, you are very likely to come across this fascinating piece. There is much more to this book than fairies; you are going to meet all sorts of supernatural creatures that ever appeared in Scottish folklore. The tales are beautifully written, guaranteed to make you fall in love with each of the stories.

The author is a known oral storyteller. He often visits schools and events to help listeners imagine all those stories from all around the world. This book is full of teaching stories and legends that will make you fall in love with Scottish folklore.

Scottish Myths & Legends by Daniel Allison is a truly entertaining collection of tales from Scotland.

2| The Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales by Donald Smith

Here is another magnificent collection of Scottish legends and fairy tales that will help you explore this beautiful country. Thanks to the stories you can learn a lot about Scotland’s traditions and customs that have been part of locals’ lives for centuries.

Even if you know plenty about the country and its lovely people, this collection is incredibly fun. There are many stories that will make you think while others make you feel warmth and love. If you are in need of a feel-good story, this book has it all. Explore Scotland and its vast heritage through the pages of this remarkable book.

The Anthology of Scottish Folk Tales is a fantastic collection of Scottish legends, myths, and fairy tales.

1| The Lore of Scotland: A Guide to Scottish Legends by Jennifer Westwood & Sophia Kingshill

This book truly has it all. You can think of it as one of the best fae romance books as well as the greatest collection of Scottish legends and monsters. There is no doubt, this spectacular book is a great way to learn about Scottish traditions. While reading you are going to feel like walking on the cobbled streets of medieval Scottish towns. Meet some of the most iconic Scottish mythological creatures as well as lesser-known beings.

Furthermore, you can also find out what inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth and explore the haunted streets of Edinburgh. You are in for an unforgettable adventure that will make you fall in love with Scotland and its culture.

The Lore of Scotland: A Guide to Scottish Legends – by Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill is a remarkable collection with beautiful illustrations.

Thank you for reading!