Books On Board

44 Scotland Street Books in Order

  • 17 Books
  • 2005 – 2024 Published

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How to Read the 44 Scotland Street Series

Because the series was originally written as a daily newspaper serial for The Scotsman, the books follow a strict chronological timeline. Characters grow, relationships shift, and the small dramas of Edinburgh's New Town build on top of one another. For the best experience, you should read this series in publication order starting with the very first book.

44 Scotland Street Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete chronological list of the books in the main series, updated to include the latest releases:

  1. 44 Scotland Street (2005)
  2. Espresso Tales (2005)
  3. Love Over Scotland (2006)
  4. The World According to Bertie (2007)
  5. The Unbearable Lightness of Scones (2008)
  6. The Importance of Being Seven (2010)
  7. Bertie Plays the Blues (2011)
  8. Sunshine on Scotland Street (2012)
  9. Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers (2013)
  10. The Revolving Door of Life (2015)
  11. The Bertie Project (2016)
  12. A Time of Love and Tartan (2017)
  13. The Peppermint Tea Chronicles (2018)
  14. A Promise of Ankles (2020)
  15. Love in the Time of Bertie (2021)
  16. The Enigma of Garlic (2022)
  17. The Stellar Debut of Galactica Macfee (2024)
  18. Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream (2025)
  19. The Prime of Bertie Pollock (August 2026)

Short Stories and Companions

In addition to the main novels, Alexander McCall Smith has written short holiday pieces, most notably Bertie's Christmas (originally serialized in The Scotsman in December 2010). This festive story is a wonderful companion to read alongside the sixth or seventh books in the series.

Related Series and Spin-offs

There are no direct spin-offs or co-authored entries in the 44 Scotland Street universe. However, if you enjoy McCall Smith's warm, episodic writing style, you might also like Corduroy Mansions. Set in London's Pimlico neighborhood, this three-book series utilizes the exact same daily newspaper serialization format to follow a similarly quirky cast of city neighbors.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading 44 Scotland Street?

You should start with the first book, 44 Scotland Street (2005). The characters age and develop over time, so reading them in order is highly recommended.

Do the characters age in the series?

Yes, but at an extremely slow pace. For example, the precocious fan-favorite character Bertie Pollock starts the series at five years old and takes several volumes to reach the age of seven.

Are there any co-authored books or spin-offs?

No. Alexander McCall Smith is the sole author of the series, and there are no spin-offs. If you want a similar vibe, try his London-based serial series, Corduroy Mansions.

How many books are in the series?

As of 2026, the series has 19 books, ending with The Prime of Bertie Pollock (scheduled for release in August 2026).

What is the inspiration behind the series?

The series was inspired by Armistead Maupin's famous Tales of the City serial novels, following a challenge from The Scotsman newspaper to write a daily serial story.

Is 44 Scotland Street a real place?

Yes, Scotland Street is a real street in Edinburgh's New Town, though number 44 itself is fictional.