Scotland is known for its three languages, and though most of our books are published in Standard English, we have a rich list of books written in Scots and in Gaelic. As we like to highlight the best in new releases, here are some Scots and Gaelic books published in the first half of this year.

The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much
by Emma Grae

The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much by Emma Grae, illustrated by Bob Dewar, is a beautifully written Scottish children’s book that sensitively tackles the theme of loss. Set in the vibrant world of the Scots language, this story follows young Skye as she cares for her granny’s beloved cat, Puffin, after her granny passes away.

This book is perfect for children aged 4-8 who are coping with loss, as well as for families wanting to introduce Scots language in an accessible, heartfelt way.

The Lass & The Quine
By Ashley Douglas

The Lass & The Quine is the first original LGBT+ inclusive children’s book published in the Scots language. An illustrated storybook for children of primary school age based on the poem ‘The Lass and The Quine’ by Ashley Douglas. It is a new Scots fairy tale that challenges those you know in a clever and enjoyable way. The story concerns ‘a lass and a quine whae are awfie different in ivery wey, but whae faw heid ower heels in luve – meetin a wheen animals o the forest alang the wey!’ It has a timeless feel, but what makes it so special is that the love story is one between a girl and a princess, not a girl and a prince.

‘An absolutely smashin story frae an absolutely stoatin scriever’ – Thomas Clark award-winning children’s author, Peppa’s Bonnie Unicorn and Diary o a Wimpy Wean

Tongue Stramash: Poems in Scots
By David Bleiman

David Bleiman, a regular of the Edinburgh Stanza Group, is bringing out his first collection, Tongue Stramash, a book of poems in Scots.  He lives in Edinburgh, writing poetry in English, Scots and a little Spanish and Yiddish. He particularly enjoys writing multilingual poetry, including a part-excavated, largely reimagined dialect of Scots-Yiddish.

‘Sich a braw wheen o poyums, David Bleiman’s Tongue Stramash left me a little bit breathless and giddy, heart-wrung and laughing out loud. His sheer delight in the Scots language is evident in every brilliant verse. He explores loss, language, history, place and is not afraid to take on the greats such as Burns and Fergusson. The mixter maxter of Scots and Yiddish in some of his poems further adds to the richness of the collection. This is a book to be relished  – a welcome addition to contemporary Scots poetry.’ – Lynn Valentine, poet

An Tìgear a Thàinig Gu Dinneir
By Judith Kerr; translated by Gillebrìde Mac ’IlleMhaoil

The doorbell rang just as Sophie and her mummy were sitting down to tea…

A beloved magical story of tigers, tea and ice cream.

A multi-million selling picture book no childhood should be without.

New Gaelic translation of Judith Kerr’s children’s classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea

‘Beloved by millions. And rightly so.’ – Daily Express

Paddington agus Iongantas na Nollaige
By Michael Bond; translated by Gillebrìde Mac ’IlleMhaoil

When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas Grotto in a grand London department store, his journey
through the Winter Wonderland is full of surprises.

But the best surprise is from Santa. After all, who else could find the perfect present for a bear like Paddington.

‘I’ve always had great respect for Paddington… He’s a British Institution.’ – Stephen Fry
‘It’s always great when a book is translated into Gaelic that the children would be familiar with.’ – Head Teacher, Gaelic Medium Primary, Highland Council

A’ Hobat (The Hobbit)
By J. R. R. Tokien; translated by Moray Watson

The beloved fantasy classic for readers of all ages, about a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins who is whisked off on an unexpected journey by Gandalf the wizard and a company of thirteen dwarves. The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction.

Written by Professor Tolkien for his own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when published. Now the book is available for the first time in Gaelic, in a superb translation by Professor Moray Watson. The book includes all the drawings and maps by the author.

Draoidh Drùidhteach Oz (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
By L. Frank Baum; translated by Sgàire Uallas

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is L. Frank Baum’s story of a little girl named Dorothy, who with her dog Toto is carried by a tornado from Kansas to the strange and beautiful land of Oz. Here she decides to visit the Emerald City to ask its ruler, a wizard called Oz, to send her back home again. On the way she meets a Scarecrow, who is in search of brains; a Tin Woodman, who wishes to have a heart; and a Cowardly Lion, whose one desire is to possess courage. The little party encounter many dangers and marvelous adventures on the way, but reach the Emerald City in safety, their success being due to the thoughtfulness of the Scarecrow, the tender care of the Tin Woodman, and the fearlessness of the Cowardly Lion. This is the book that inspired the famous 1939 film — which differs from the original book in quite a few ways!

Bha Siud ann Reimhid
Edited by Lisa Storey

Newly updated, 21st Century edition of classic 1975 Scottish Gaelic folklore collection. Aimed at both adults and children. Nine Scottish Gaelic tales compiled and presented by Lisa Storey. Acclaimed broadcaster Angela MacEachen (author of new introduction to the 2025 publication) says:

‘Bringing up a Gaelic-speaking family in Edinburgh, if there is one book which ensured intergenerational transmission – passing Gaelic on to my children, and now my grandchildren – I can confidently say that it is, most certainly, this one. Never tiring of these marvellous traditional tales – for all ages – and their natural idiom and turn of phrase, publishing an updated version of this collection means that we can continue to enjoy these stories for years to come.’

Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig
By Shelagh Chaimbeul

Ailig is an 8-year-old boy who loves Dr Who. When his teacher arranges a Halloween party in school, Ailig knows that he wants to dress up as a Dalek. There’s only one problem though – his teacher says that the children must dress up as characters who speak Gaelic. Ailig’s mum offers to make him a Spàgan costume (Spàgan is the Gaelic translation of the ‘Monster’ books) but he is determined to go as a Dalek. They reach a compromise – if Ailig can find a Gaelic word for ‘Exterminate’ his mum will let him go to the party as a Dalek.

Moilidh agus Doilidh
By Maoilios Caimbeul

Join Moilidh, an orphan lamb, and Doilidh, a wise sheep and keeper of ancient tales, as they journey through a landscape interwoven with the heavy history of the Highland Clearances. As the sheep travel through Sutherland, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides, Doilidh tells the stories passed on to her by her ancestors.

Iomall
By Alistair Paul

Iomall is a collection of science-fiction short stories. With tales of other wordly creatures and people trapped in time, these stories dwell on the peculiar, taking readers on a journey out of time and space.

An Staran: Rosg Gàidhlig le Ruaraidh MacThòmais
Edited by Dr Petra Poncarová

This book comprises a selection of the Gaelic prose writings of Prof Derick Thomson (1921 – 2012). As well as being one of the most important Gaelic poets of the 20th century, Thomson, as the publisher and editor of the quarterly ‘Gairm’, shaped the development of Gaelic writing in the post-war period.

As an anthology of short stories, essays, reviews, travelogues and other genres of writing, the book aims to showcase lesser known aspects of Thomson as a writer – for example his skilful use of language, sharp intellect, his commitment to Gaelic and to Scotland and his incisive wit. There is also a short biographical introduction to Thomson.

The compiler and editor of the collection, Dr Petra Johana Poncarová, is an academic writer and researcher whose focus is on Scottish Literature and Culture, including modern writing in Gaelic.

Arnol Blackhouse: Official Souvenir Guide
By Historic Scotland

This dual-language guide explores the rich history of the atmospheric Arnol Blackhouse and township on the Isle of Lewis – a history which reaches back over 2,000 years. The houses that we see today tell the story of life in the Western Isles over the last few centuries.

With side-by-side text in Gaelic and English, this new book allows people to explore this remarkable place, the importance of Gaelic culture and language, and to find out what we can learn from the traditions of the past in shaping a sustainable future.