Last updated on the 29 March 2024 by Maeve

Scottish detective series are a gripping and immersive genre of crime fiction that typically features compelling characters, intricate plots and atmospheric settings in a picturesque landscape.

Crime (2021)

Detective Inspector Ray Lennox delves into the perplexing disappearance of a schoolgirl in Edinburgh. As he navigates his own inner turmoil and copes with internal police conflicts, Lennox relentlessly strives to uncover the truth behind this unsettling case.

Top cast: Dougray Scott, Joanna Vanderham, Jamie Sives, Michael Abubakar, Angela Griffin, Laura Fraser, Sarah McCardie, Ken Stott and John Simm.

Rebus (2000)

“Rebus” is a Scottish detective series that premiered in 2000. Based on the novels by Ian Rankin, it follows Detective Inspector John Rebus as he tackles complex cases and battles his own personal demons in Edinburgh. With its gritty atmosphere and intricate plots, the show delves into themes of corruption, morality, and justice.

Top cast: John Hannah, Ken Stott, Sara Stewart, Gayanne Potter, Jennifer Black, Ron Donachie, Ewan Stewart and Brian McCardie.

Annika (2021)

This Scottish detective series centers around the eponymous character, Annika Strandhed, a sharp-witted and unconventional detective inspector working with the Marine Homicide Unit in Glasgow. The show follows her as she investigates complex cases while facing personal challenges and maintaining an unyielding dedication to justice.

Top cast: Nicola Walker, Silvie Furneaux, Katie Leung, Jamie Sives, Kate Dickie, Varada Sethu, Paul McGann, Saskia Ashdown and Hannah Donaldson.

Case Histories (2011)

“Case Histories” is a Scottish detective series based on the novels by Kate Atkinson, it follows private investigator Jackson Brodie as he solves complex and interconnected mysteries in Edinburgh. With its blend of gripping stories, compelling characters, and emotional depth, the show explores both the dark underbelly of crime and personal journeys of redemption.

Top cast: Jason Isaacs, Amanda Abbington, Natasha Little, Zawe Ashton, Millie Innes, Kirsty Mitchell, Phil Davis and Adam Godley.

Taggart (1983)

“Taggart” is a Scottish detective series that first aired in 1983. Set in Glasgow, it follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart and his team as they solve various murder cases. Known for its gritty atmosphere and complex plots, “Taggart” became one of the longest-running detective dramas on British television.

Top cast: Mark McManus, Neil Duncan, Harriet Buchan, Robert Robertson, Iain Anders, Tom Watson, Alex Norton and Alastair Duncan.

Karen Pirie (2022)

In this Scottish detective series, DS Karen Pirie is assigned to lead a review of a 25-year-old murder case in St Andrews after it gains attention through a true-crime podcast. As she delves deeper into the past, Pirie unearths new clues and suspects. However, as the investigation intensifies, with attacks on potential culprits, Pirie must race against time to identify the killer before more lives are endangered.

Top cast: Lauren Lyle, Emer Kenny, Chris Jenks, Zach Wyatt, Rakhee Thakrar, Ariyon Bakare, Kevin Mains, Gemma McElhinney and Steve John Shepherd.

The Loch (2017)

“The Loch” is a Scottish detective series that follows the investigation into a murder in the fictional town of Lochnafoy. As Detective Annie Redford and DCI Lauren Quigley delve into the case, they uncover a web of secrets and evil forces lurking beneath the serene surface of Loch Ness.

Top cast: Laura Fraser, Siobhan Finneran, Don Gilet, John Sessions, Gray O’Brien, William Ash, Alastair Mackenzie and Oliver Greenall.

Shetland (2013)

“Shetland” is a Scottish Detective eries based on Ann Cleeves’ novels. Set in the remote Scottish Shetland Islands, Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez investigates complex murder cases while balancing personal struggles. With stunning landscapes as a backdrop, he uncovers dark secrets and faces unexpected challenges that test his resolve.

Top cast: Douglas Henshall, Alison O’Donnell, Steven Robertson, Mark Bonnar, Julie Graham, Ashley Jensen, Erin Armstrong, Lewis Howden and Anne Kidd.

Traces (2019)

“Traces” (2019) is a crime drama series that follows Emma Hedges, a bright forensic science student who discovers her mother’s unsolved murder. Determined to find answers, she joins the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy. As she delves deeper into cases, Emma also unravels dark secrets from her own past.

Top cast: Molly Windsor, Laura Fraser, Jennifer Spence, Martin Compston, Vincent Regan, Michael Nardone and John Gordon Sinclair.

Hamish Macbeth (1995)

Hamish Macbeth is a Scottish detective series based on the mysteries written by M.C. Beaton. Set in the fictional village of Lochdubh, Scotland, it follows an unconventional and laid-back police constable named Hamish Macbeth who solves crimes with his sharp wit and local knowledge while maintaining peace in the community.

Top cast: Robert Carlyle, Shirley Henderson, Ralph Riach, Valerie Gogan, Brian Pettifer, Stuart Davids, Jimmy Yuill and Anne Lacey.

Comprehensive list of British detective television series @Wikipedia