Location: Scotland

Submitted: 1st September 2018

Bloody Scotland

Author/Guide: Historic Environment Scotland

Why a Booktrail?

Stories based around real historical sites…read then visit them if you dare!

ISBN: 978-1849172431
Genre: Crime, Short Stories

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What you need to know before your trail

Twelve of Scotland’s best crime writers use the sinister side of the country’s built heritage in stories that are by turns gripping, chilling and redemptive. Stellar contributors Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Denise Mina, Gordon Brown, Ann Cleeves, Louise Welsh, Lin Anderson, Doug Johnstone, Craig Robertson, E S Thomson, Sara Sheridan and Stuart MacBride explore the thrilling potential of Scotland’s iconic sites and structures. From murder in an Iron Age broch and a macabre tale of revenge among the furious clamour of an eighteenth century mill, to a dark psychological thriller set within the tourist throng of Edinburgh Castle and a rivalry turning fatal in the concrete galleries of an abandoned modernist ruin, this collection uncovers the intimate – and deadly – connections between people and places. Prepare for a dangerous journey into the dark shadows of our nation’s buildings – where passion, fury, desire and death collide.

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Travel Guide

The Bloody Scotland tour

Mousa Broch, Shetland – Ann Cleeves

Brochs are Iron Age roundhouses that exist only in Scotland and Mousa is the best preserved of them all.

Maeshowe – Orkahaugr – Lin Anderson

Built some 5000 years ago, Maeshowe is one of Europe’s finest chambered tombs.

The Hermit’s castle – Val McDermid

The architect is said to have spend six months working on the project but only spent one night inside

Kinnaird lighthouse, Fraserburgh – Stuart MacBride

A lighthouse which used to be a castle due to its position on the rocky outcrop. It’s a mix of old and new building so that the spiral staircase runns through the original castle. The old tower house and the new lighthouse are great to visit.

Stanley Mills, Perth – ES Thomson

The mill here harnessed the power of the River Tay for some 200 years. Built in the 1780s and only closed in 1989, these mills provided employed for mainly women and children. There’s a visitor’s centre there now to showcase one of the best-preserved relics of the Industrial Revolution.

Forth Bridge, Edinburgh – Doug Johnstone

It’s recognised as an icon of engineering an Scotland’s newest World Heritage site and is only 20 minutes from the centre of Endinburgh.

Kinnel House, Bo’ness – Sara Sheridan

It was supposed to be demolished in 1936 but rare sixteenth century paintings were discovered which waved it. What also might have saved it say some, is the fact that the ghost of Lady Alice Lilbourne who lived here, jumped from the to floor in order to escape her unhappy marriage.

Edinburgh castle – Denise Mina

Breathtaking views from this castle which plays host to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every year. In time gone by, even he view of the castle on the hill would terrify and inspire countless generations. Now, it’s just the one o’clock cannon which booms out across the city every day and which, if you’re not expecting it, can give you a fright.

St Peter’s Seminary, Cardross – Craig Robertson

The site is not open to visitors at the moment, but it’s hoped that this will change in the future.

Crookston castle, Glasgow – Gordon Brown

This castle dates back to the 1400s but is actually set on older earthworks dating back to the 1100s. It has a very unusual lay out for a castle given that it has a central tower with four square corner towers. It was useful in WW2 however as it was used by the military to spy on the enemy.

Bothwell castle, Uddingston – Chris Brookmyre

The castle sits on a beautiful and dramatic location above a winding curve in the River clyde and is one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval strongholds. The castle is fascinating to explore.

Cross Raguel Abbey – Louise Welsh

Sadly it was severely damaged in the wars of Independence (1296 – 1356) Visitors can see the echoes of the monastic way of life that used to thrive here as you can still appreciate the extent and complexity of a large medieval religious house.