The Scottish author Nigel Tranter wrote many novels based on historical events and figures.
This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland in the period 1286–1603. This begins with the death of Alexander III, which precipitated the Contest for the Crown and the Wars of Scottish Independence. The period closes with the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland acceded the English throne.
For Tranter's historical novels set outside this timeframe see:
For other books by Nigel Tranter, see here.
1306-29? The central character is Angus Og of Islay.
First published in 1975, ISBN 1296–1305 The central character is William Wallace.
Originally published as three books; later re-published in one volume as The Bruce Trilogy.
Set during the period 1296–1306, this book follows the life of Robert, Earl of Carrick as he begins to understand his destiny. It begins with John Balliol humiliated and stripped of his crown by Edward I of England. A shocked witness, Robert Bruce has to consider his own loyalties. As Scotland suffers an English invasion and occupation, Bruce begins his struggle to establish a new order in Scotland. He both collaborates, and clashes with his contemporary William Wallace; he forms alliances and friendships with, amongst others, James Douglas and William de Lamberton, and becomes a deadly rival of John Comyn. Bruce and Comyn's argument in Greyfriars Church, which resulted in Comyn's death, occasions Bruce's hasty crowning as King of Scotland. The story ends with his loss at the Battle of Methven, and escape.