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Lochs & Legends: A Scotsman's Guide to the Heart of Scotland
A Scotsman’s guide to the extraordinary tapestry of the land, history, folklore and stories of his homeland.
From the majestic beauty of the wild Scottish landscape to the hidden traces of its history waiting to be uncovered in every town and village, Andy McAllindon is enthralled by the country he is lucky enough to call home. Scotland’s busiest tour guide in real life and online, Andy travels around the country to ancient sites such as castles, cemeteries, burial chambers and prisons, celebrating the history, folklore, superstitions and the fascinating people that make Scotland the most beautiful country in the world.
Lochs and Legends is Andy’s love letter to Scotland, a love that began when he landed a part on the worldwide phenomenon Outlander, and led to him dedicating his life to learning more about the true star of the show – Scotland. A social media sensation as Andy the Highlander, his first book opens up Scotland’s secrets to anyone, even if they can only explore her from the comfort of their armchair. It invites you to time travel with Andy, walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, murderers, farmers, poets, invading armies, and everyday folks like himself. It is Scotland as you’ve never seen it before.
From the majestic beauty of the wild Scottish landscape to the hidden traces of its history waiting to be uncovered in every town and village, Andy McAllindon is enthralled by the country he is lucky enough to call home. Scotland’s busiest tour guide in real life and online, Andy travels around the country to ancient sites such as castles, cemeteries, burial chambers and prisons, celebrating the history, folklore, superstitions and the fascinating people that make Scotland the most beautiful country in the world.
Lochs and Legends is Andy’s love letter to Scotland, a love that began when he landed a part on the worldwide phenomenon Outlander, and led to him dedicating his life to learning more about the true star of the show – Scotland. A social media sensation as Andy the Highlander, his first book opens up Scotland’s secrets to anyone, even if they can only explore her from the comfort of their armchair. It invites you to time travel with Andy, walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, murderers, farmers, poets, invading armies, and everyday folks like himself. It is Scotland as you’ve never seen it before.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2024
72 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 3, 2025
Andy the Highlander takes the reader on a tour of Scotland – sharing the history, folklore and character of his beloved country. Lochs and Legends is armchair travel at its best.
My grandparents were originally from Scotland and moved to Australia after WWII – while I’m yet to visit their homeland, it has always been close to my heart. Lochs and Legends was great for learning more about this part of my identity.
“Like many descendants of diaspora communities, there’s an undeniable yearning for these people to experience their ancestral home. It’s almost as if heartache has been imprinted on their genetic code.”
Fittingly, a distant relative in Scotland tracked me down while reading this – I didn’t previously know she existed. I had been reading about places located five minutes from where she lives – I’m already looking forward to seeing some of them with her!
Andy seems a natural born storyteller – I loved his passion and curiosity. It’s divided into regions and features stories that include notable people and events, castles, cemeteries, superstitions and more. It has sections on Scottish culture too – detailing everything from thistle and highland cattle, to bagpipes, haggis and other recipes – even dreaded midges get a mention!
Many stories I already knew, yet will always remain favourites – Loch Ness and Nessie, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and the incredible wee Greyfriars Bobby. While other entries I read about for the first time, such as the Dunvegan Castle fairy flag, Loch Lomond’s colony of wallabies and various Isle of Skye legends.
Scotland has a bloodthirsty history and many stories reflected this – from the horrors of witch trials to tragedy at Culloden – the author made me feel like I was walking the battlefields with him. One story in particular, the Massacre of Glencoe, has lingered in my family for generations – it put a lump in my throat reading about the brutality and injustice as thirty-eight MacDonalds were murdered in 1692.
“Highland hospitality was betrayed on that cold winter night, and the ensuing bitterness lasted for centuries.”
Despite some darker entries, the book has a cosy feel with its warm cover and sketches depicting various things mentioned. Sometimes I found myself googling places to better imagine what was being talked about – photos would’ve perhaps helped in that regard.
Lochs and Legends is a must-read for Outlander fans or anyone planning a Scottish itinerary. I enjoyed the escapism – it went down great with an Irn Bru. The kind of book that makes you want to pack a bag and jump on the next flight!
“I’ve always loved the outdoors and the vast wide-open spaces, with nothing but the sea and the horizon, the hills and the mountains, the streams, the rivers and the heather.”
My grandparents were originally from Scotland and moved to Australia after WWII – while I’m yet to visit their homeland, it has always been close to my heart. Lochs and Legends was great for learning more about this part of my identity.
“Like many descendants of diaspora communities, there’s an undeniable yearning for these people to experience their ancestral home. It’s almost as if heartache has been imprinted on their genetic code.”
Fittingly, a distant relative in Scotland tracked me down while reading this – I didn’t previously know she existed. I had been reading about places located five minutes from where she lives – I’m already looking forward to seeing some of them with her!
Andy seems a natural born storyteller – I loved his passion and curiosity. It’s divided into regions and features stories that include notable people and events, castles, cemeteries, superstitions and more. It has sections on Scottish culture too – detailing everything from thistle and highland cattle, to bagpipes, haggis and other recipes – even dreaded midges get a mention!
Many stories I already knew, yet will always remain favourites – Loch Ness and Nessie, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and the incredible wee Greyfriars Bobby. While other entries I read about for the first time, such as the Dunvegan Castle fairy flag, Loch Lomond’s colony of wallabies and various Isle of Skye legends.
Scotland has a bloodthirsty history and many stories reflected this – from the horrors of witch trials to tragedy at Culloden – the author made me feel like I was walking the battlefields with him. One story in particular, the Massacre of Glencoe, has lingered in my family for generations – it put a lump in my throat reading about the brutality and injustice as thirty-eight MacDonalds were murdered in 1692.
“Highland hospitality was betrayed on that cold winter night, and the ensuing bitterness lasted for centuries.”
Despite some darker entries, the book has a cosy feel with its warm cover and sketches depicting various things mentioned. Sometimes I found myself googling places to better imagine what was being talked about – photos would’ve perhaps helped in that regard.
Lochs and Legends is a must-read for Outlander fans or anyone planning a Scottish itinerary. I enjoyed the escapism – it went down great with an Irn Bru. The kind of book that makes you want to pack a bag and jump on the next flight!
“I’ve always loved the outdoors and the vast wide-open spaces, with nothing but the sea and the horizon, the hills and the mountains, the streams, the rivers and the heather.”
December 28, 2024
Fantastic storytelling and armchair traveling through all the regions of Scotland, with each one broken into short and easy subtopics for all sorts of interesting places. A loving narration of a lovely country.
September 9, 2024
The audiobook was fantastic!! 4,5⭐️ Can’t wait to go to Scotland now👀
July 15, 2025
Listened to the audiobook read by the author. Loved it!
September 24, 2024
This is a fun audiobook for folks who like to learn about the goofier parts of Scottish history! Read by the Scottish author, it is a tour of Scotland full of adventure, ghost and murder stories.
March 6, 2025
This is the kind of book you could take with you on the road and read it a bit by bit according to the next destination! I love Scotland and the sheer amount of Want-to-go flags I have on Scotland in my Google Maps just proves how many intriguing places there are from islands to mountains to caves to dinosaur beaches – and this book just made me add some hundred more. Waiting for that Part 2 book !!! 🏴
September 11, 2024
A lovely journey through the amazing and beautiful land of Scotland. Great work Andy!
January 13, 2025
Andy is a content creator and tour guide who leads people around his beloved Scotland. This is a mix of history, memoir and travelogue. I think it's aimed more at non-British tourists as there were a few things I didn't need explaining but it was still an enjoyable read.
February 4, 2025
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
You'll find her in the Highlands, among the heather and the stone,
You'll find her in the Highlands, where her heart has found it's home.
A love letter, history and geography lesson, and tale telling, Lochs and Legends was a fun trip through parts of Scotland travel guide.
Our travel guide, Andy the Highlander (may recognize him as a supporting actor from the Outlander tv show), obviously loves his homeland and it comes through each tale and description of the land. Starting off in Fife, we get tales of a haunted palace, witch trials, and a 500 year old Inn that travelers could visit. The guide then journeys through Edinburgh, Perthshire, Gateway to Highlands, Stirlingshire (The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel may be known to many), Cairngorn, Inverness, Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye, Western Highlands, Argyll, Clydeside, and Glasgow, among others.
Each stop highlights Scottish heritage sights tourists might want to see, on the well trodden path and off-beaten. From nature walks, sharks, castles, book shops, and pubs, there's plenty here to entice you to make the trip. Andy's knowledge and gift for gab, with help written from Lily Hurd, made this an entertaining read, whether it was relaying of historical events, people, and places, or more whimsical with fairy and ghost folklore and stories. As an American, the sheer amount of historical places fascinated. The ending also gave us a Scottish Culture section where recipes and music could be found and a Resources section to give starting places if planning a trip.
Definitely recommend if wanting to learn about Scotland, for going on a trip or just personal enjoyment.
Let me tell you that I love you and I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me and now I'm going home.
If I should become a stranger you know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had.
You'll find her in the Highlands, among the heather and the stone,
You'll find her in the Highlands, where her heart has found it's home.
A love letter, history and geography lesson, and tale telling, Lochs and Legends was a fun trip through parts of Scotland travel guide.
Our travel guide, Andy the Highlander (may recognize him as a supporting actor from the Outlander tv show), obviously loves his homeland and it comes through each tale and description of the land. Starting off in Fife, we get tales of a haunted palace, witch trials, and a 500 year old Inn that travelers could visit. The guide then journeys through Edinburgh, Perthshire, Gateway to Highlands, Stirlingshire (The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel may be known to many), Cairngorn, Inverness, Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye, Western Highlands, Argyll, Clydeside, and Glasgow, among others.
Each stop highlights Scottish heritage sights tourists might want to see, on the well trodden path and off-beaten. From nature walks, sharks, castles, book shops, and pubs, there's plenty here to entice you to make the trip. Andy's knowledge and gift for gab, with help written from Lily Hurd, made this an entertaining read, whether it was relaying of historical events, people, and places, or more whimsical with fairy and ghost folklore and stories. As an American, the sheer amount of historical places fascinated. The ending also gave us a Scottish Culture section where recipes and music could be found and a Resources section to give starting places if planning a trip.
Definitely recommend if wanting to learn about Scotland, for going on a trip or just personal enjoyment.
Let me tell you that I love you and I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me and now I'm going home.
If I should become a stranger you know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had.
October 25, 2024
Incredible Book About an Incredible Country
Kelly and I started following Andy The Highlander (Andy McAllindon) on Instagram before our trip to Scotland last year. His videos got us very excited about our visit and the countryside lived up to the promise. So with another vacation to Scotland coming up (yeah, we loved it that much!), it was perfect timing for him to release this book. I read it and loved it!
McAllindon's passion for his homeland is evident on every page as he shares wild stories about the rich Scottish history and offers plenty of places to discover. We already had a pretty packed itinerary for our trip next month but this book made it even more ambitious as I added a few sites that I have to see now.
Fans of the show Outander will love this book. As will anyone who's been to Scotland or plans to go. And if you're just thinking about it making that trek, this book will convince you to go!
Kelly and I started following Andy The Highlander (Andy McAllindon) on Instagram before our trip to Scotland last year. His videos got us very excited about our visit and the countryside lived up to the promise. So with another vacation to Scotland coming up (yeah, we loved it that much!), it was perfect timing for him to release this book. I read it and loved it!
McAllindon's passion for his homeland is evident on every page as he shares wild stories about the rich Scottish history and offers plenty of places to discover. We already had a pretty packed itinerary for our trip next month but this book made it even more ambitious as I added a few sites that I have to see now.
Fans of the show Outander will love this book. As will anyone who's been to Scotland or plans to go. And if you're just thinking about it making that trek, this book will convince you to go!
August 15, 2024
A guided tour of Scotland in a book.
The joy of reading this book is the joy of reading anything from a person who knows their subject really well. Andy the Highlander takes us to different places throughout Scotland. His tone is light and very conversational and I could imagine going around these castles, or visiting these lochs with him, and him stopping to tell us all about the interesting history of the place. I really enjoyed this and I learned a bit of history too.
I would certainly recommend this to any one who is planning a visit to Scotland soon. This will be a lovely book to read to give you a bit of knowledge before you go. Also there is a few recipes at the back of the book. I have tried the shortbread and it was lovely!
Thank you to the publishers for a review copy of this book.
The joy of reading this book is the joy of reading anything from a person who knows their subject really well. Andy the Highlander takes us to different places throughout Scotland. His tone is light and very conversational and I could imagine going around these castles, or visiting these lochs with him, and him stopping to tell us all about the interesting history of the place. I really enjoyed this and I learned a bit of history too.
I would certainly recommend this to any one who is planning a visit to Scotland soon. This will be a lovely book to read to give you a bit of knowledge before you go. Also there is a few recipes at the back of the book. I have tried the shortbread and it was lovely!
Thank you to the publishers for a review copy of this book.
November 20, 2025
This was just ok. Chapters are divided by counties/ shires in Scotland with rapid fire encyclopedic style entries on famous buildings and landmarks. Many having a short history story or legend included.
The first quarter or so had a large amount of entries dedicated to the more macabre/ spooky/ gory underbelly of Scotland’s history and legends. Would make for a good Halloween lite nonfiction read.
I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would just because it was so rapid fire and covered a lot of people, places, and things in a sweeping birds eye view. Most entries were more common knowledge and less niche than I was hoping for, but I would consider giving it another try in the future. Including photography would have been a huge plus. There was just too many things mentioned for me to keep up searching images.
The first quarter or so had a large amount of entries dedicated to the more macabre/ spooky/ gory underbelly of Scotland’s history and legends. Would make for a good Halloween lite nonfiction read.
I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would just because it was so rapid fire and covered a lot of people, places, and things in a sweeping birds eye view. Most entries were more common knowledge and less niche than I was hoping for, but I would consider giving it another try in the future. Including photography would have been a huge plus. There was just too many things mentioned for me to keep up searching images.
January 14, 2026
I’ve never been to Scotland, but ever since I was young, I’ve been in love with the country—its scenery, its music, the sound of bagpipes, and everything related to it. I can’t fully explain why; I just fell in love with it. Maybe it’s something carried from distant ancestors, or maybe it’s simply that feeling of “Caledonia, you’re calling me.”
I was a little worried this book might be a “wee” bit boring, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. Andy covers so many fascinating places and explores so many different sides of Scotland that I found myself constantly pausing to look things up, learn more, and fall even deeper into the country’s history and beauty. It made for slow reading, but in the best possible way.
I truly enjoyed this book—and seeing just how deeply this Highlander loves his homeland.
I was a little worried this book might be a “wee” bit boring, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. Andy covers so many fascinating places and explores so many different sides of Scotland that I found myself constantly pausing to look things up, learn more, and fall even deeper into the country’s history and beauty. It made for slow reading, but in the best possible way.
I truly enjoyed this book—and seeing just how deeply this Highlander loves his homeland.
September 5, 2024
I bought this book in Fort William having just walked the west highland way, 96 miles from Glasgow. It was a signed copy in the Highland bookshop and it felt like the perfect book to buy (for some reason whenever I go away somewhere new I like to buy a book). I'd previously only been to loch Ness and Inverness and having loved the Scottish countryside I wanted to learn more about the place. This book is a lovely overview of the country with lots of tales about various people and places. I'm sure you could find a really in depth history of Scotland but for me this was perfect. The author has a real warmth and obvious love for his country which comes across in the book and it has left me wanting to see more of the country.
September 15, 2024
Falls ihr immer mal mit einem von Schottland begeisterten Mann im authentischen Highlander-Dress durch das ganze Land ziehen wolltet und all die spannenden Anekdoten und Geschichten und Sagen hören wolltet, die man nur mit einer geführten Tour erhält, aber das Kleingeld für eine echte Reise nicht reicht, dann sei euch "Lochs & Legends" ans Herz gelegt. Amüsant, kurzweilig und noch auf den kleinsten Inseln kennt Andy the Highlander (bitte sofort auf Social Media abonnieren!) zu jedem Stöckchen und Steinchen eine spannende Geschichte. Oder wusstet ihr, was ein Ha-ha ist? Wieso Culloden nicht die schlimmste Narbe in der schottischen Geschichte hinterlassen hat? Wo man die besten Sommersonnenwendfeiern findet? Was mit Cromwells Leichnam geschah? Spannend, spannend!
October 14, 2024
A great Introduction to Scotland!
I bought this book as soon as it came out, as I have been following Andy for a while now - and it did not disappoint! Filled with anecdotes about his experiences guiding people around this beautiful country, his storytelling puts you right there in the middle of it! Through it all you are given a beautiful insight into the lochs and legends of the title - and some actual history too! I read it right through in (almost!) one sitting - and would love to see more of the same!!
I bought this book as soon as it came out, as I have been following Andy for a while now - and it did not disappoint! Filled with anecdotes about his experiences guiding people around this beautiful country, his storytelling puts you right there in the middle of it! Through it all you are given a beautiful insight into the lochs and legends of the title - and some actual history too! I read it right through in (almost!) one sitting - and would love to see more of the same!!
September 1, 2024
I loved reading Andy the Highlander's brief narratives on Scotland's best sights. His stories are funny, heartfelt, and filled with a deep pride and love for his country. It brought back so many wonderful memories of my own trip to Scotland, and I plan to take the book with me on my next trip and read it as I go. I do wish color pictures had been included, or at the very least, many more hand drawings.
January 1, 2025
Definitely easing into the year with this one. It's a guide to Scotland which is definitely aimed at the American tourist market. Because I live in Glasgow many of the locations and facts in this book were already pretty well known to me as there isn't anything too niche covered here but I wanted to pick it up on the off chance that there was some things I didnt know. It'd make a great present for anyone in your life who is planning on coming to Scotland for a visit.
July 15, 2025
I just wasn’t ready to let go of Scotland yet so I picked this up and am so glad I did! You can tell the author truly cares about his country and the history surrounding it. This had so many fun little tidbits of history, information about landmarks, all with humor sprinkled in! The ending may have made me shed a tear. If you’re thinking of visiting Scotland, definitely recommend picking this up before you do!
Caledonia, I love you! 🏴
Caledonia, I love you! 🏴
February 6, 2025
4.5 Having recently returned after several weeks travelling through Scotland, it was lovely to hear Andy share stories and information about many places I have visited, and many to add to the list when I next return. His passion for history, locations, legends, and responsible tourism in this beautiful country was clear and highly enjoyable to listen to via audiobook.
September 4, 2024
Easy to read book, full of really interesting stories and descriptions of places in Scotland. I just wish I read it before my roadtrip! One more reason to go back to Scotland
PS : I really loved the last sentence of the book 🫶
PS : I really loved the last sentence of the book 🫶
October 15, 2024
This is a love story dedicated to Scotland from a true native that loves exploring and sharing it with all who have an interest. Outlander opened many eyes to Scotland but Andy lives it! Pick up this amazing book and travel with him through this beautiful land!
December 10, 2024
Wow! What an awesome book. Full of great tips for anyone travelling to Scotland as well as loads of information about historical events. I loved that Andy talked about all different parts of Scotland and really brought them to life. Thanks for a great read Andy.
August 23, 2025
Light and picked up on a whim in Inverness for some easy reading. Written in plain English and a good overview of key aspects of Scottish geography, although not in an academic way. Which is not a bad thing, given it's aimed at tourists. Made me want to explore more of the country.
January 1, 2026
In its essence, this book is a tourguide in ink and paper. Andy's personality meets me on every page! I've read his guide with much pleasure and even if you didn't plan om visiting Scotland in the near future, after reading Lochs & Legends, you feel as if you've lived there your whole life!
August 16, 2024
A decent introduction to (some of) Scotland and her history. Andy has a deep sense of love and pride in his country, and you can feel it through this book.
August 26, 2024
I follow Andy the Highlander so I had to read the book. Scotland is on my bucket list and when I go this book goes too. Real photos would have been a good addition to the book.
August 30, 2024
I loved reading this book after traveling to Scotland! I think it would have been good to read before as well. Andy definitely hit the highlights and gave a great picture of Scottish culture.
Read
December 17, 2024A collection of Scottish tales interwoven with tales of my friend Andy's adventures as a tour guide and on the set of Outlander as an extra.
December 26, 2024
A fun trip through the Scottish highlands!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews