Scottish has always punched above its weight when it comes to the arts – from film stars to poets.
And that’s certainly the case when it comes to novelists, with many of the world’s best-known authors harking from Scotland.
The earliest books written in Scotland date back as far at the sixth century and since then generations of writers have continued to put their country on the literary map.
In no particular order, here are 10 of the Scottish authors who have sold the most books worldwide. For the purposes of this list we have not included those people who have simply chosen to call Scotland home – with apologies to the likes of Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling and Under The Skin author Michel Faber.
9. Val McDermid
Born in Kirkcaldy in 1955, Val McDermid is another of Scotland's leading crime writers, best known for her series of book featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill. Before achieving huge success in literature she was the first student to gain admission to Oxord University's St Hilda's College. Photo: Jack Taylor
10. John Buchan
Famous for his all-action thrillers such as The Thirty Nine Steps, Prester John and Greenmantle, John Buchan was born in Perth in 1875 before being brought up in Kirkcaldy. He held the title of 1st Baron Tweedsmuir and was also a leading historian and politician who served as Governor General of Canada. Photo: Sasha
11. Ian Rankin
Best known for his Inspector Rebus books, best-selling Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin was born in the Fife town of Cardenden in 1960 and now lives in Edinburgh, where the majority of his books are set. To date he has published 25 novels, two short story collections, one original graphic novel, one novella, and a non-fiction book. Photo: ANTHONY WALLACE
12. Irvine Welsh
Born in Edinburgh's Leith area in 1958, Irvine Welsh shot to fame as the author of Trainspotting, later made into the iconic film of the same name by director Danny Boyle. Remarkably Trainspotting was his debut novel and he has since written a further 10 novels and four collections of short stories, many of which have been adapted for the stage and screen. Photo: Euan Cherry