5 Books to Pair With Tea and Shortbread

When we polled fans of Walkers Shortbread about their favorite times to enjoy shortbread, we learned many of our followers are book-lovers who enjoy the ritual of treating themselves to a cozy reading experience. Curl up with a good book, a hot cup of tea, and your favorite Walkers Shortbread to make reading a truly indulgent experience.

With Walkers Shortbread’s history in Scotland spanning more than a century, we decided to share a list of books featuring Scotland as a setting or written by Scottish authors. You’ll find history, romance, classics, and even a travel book below to enjoy the next time you plan a literary escape!

Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie

Set during World War II on the Scottish islands, this 300-page historical fiction novel shows the dearth and hardships caused by the war for Scots. During this time of hunger and rations, not only has food become scarce—but whisky dries up too. Then a shipwreck suddenly brings the people a possible blessing. While reading about the wreck and struggles over the whisky, you will also learn about life in the islands during this time of history. In keeping with the theme, consider upgrading your beverage choice while reading this book to a wee dram of whisky enjoyed with your shortbread!

Queen Hereafter: A Novel of Margaret of Scotland by Susan Fraser King

A great read covering the political tensions of 11th Century Scotland, this historical romance story set in Medieval Times is a fictional account of the real Margaret of Wessex who became Queen of the Scots in 1070. She becomes queen after marrying King Malcolm Canmore, the man who killed Macbeth and his heir to the throne. Shortbread has been attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots, who in the mid-16th Century, five centuries after this novel, was said to be very fond of Petticoat Tails.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf is known for her ruminations in A Room of One’s Own, and the classic Mrs. Dalloway. Almost a century ago, the New York Times described one section of the book as pages that “[carry] an emotional and ironical undertone that is superior to anything else that the first-class technician, the expert stylist, the deft student of human life in Mrs. Woolf ever has done.” The story is set at a summer home on an island off the coast of Scotland and is told in three parts. We learn about the Ramsay family, their guests, and situations that test trust and truth from several different characters’ points of view. Discover their observations and get a new perspective on Woolf too. Goodreads’ users continue to give this masterpiece high-star reviews.

Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns

Known around the world for his romantic, nature-inspired, and agrarian poetic verse, Robert Burns was born and died in Scotland. Get a feel for the riverside land of Scotland in “The Banks o’ Doon.” Burns’ poem is a tribute to the Doon River that bends through the Scottish countryside. Explore Burns’ tender side in his famous verse “A Red, Red Rose.” This would be a fun one to share at your Burns Night with your favorite whisky and Walkers Shortbread.

The Whisky River: Distilleries of Speyside by Robin Laing

Speyside is the coastal home of Walkers Shortbread’s factory. The area around the River Spey is also home to many distilleries, which this book chronicles. Explore the unique stories of the distilleries while you snack on Walkers Shortbread, knowing that the cookies are also baked in this special area in Northeastern Scotland!

Books, Tea, and Shortbread

Let us know what you’re reading! Share a picture of the book with your tea and shortbread and tag us on Twitter @Shortbread, Instagram @walkersshortbread, and Facebook.