Guidebooks were instrumental in the development of Scotland's travel and tourism industry. They offered travellers detailed itineraries, practical recommendations, and vivid descriptions of the nation's captivating landscapes and cultural landmarks.

In 1820, James Lumsden & Son published The Steam Boat Companion, which catered to the growing popularity of travel via steamship around the Scottish Highlands and Isles. Fitting within the genre of travel literature, but assuming the formal tone of a guidebook ‘directing’ readers, and providing them with systematic details regarding means of transport and other aspects of travel, Lumsden's writing romanticizes the rugged beauty of the Highlands and adds allure through his use of the ‘indescribable’. The Steam Boat Companion shaped perceptions and directed tourists to certain historical sites, encouraging success within Scotland's tourism sector.

By 1844, Black's Picturesque Tourist of Scotland expanded upon this concept, presenting fifteen different detailed tours and more than twenty itineraries, ranging from day trips to journeys spanning hundreds of miles. Black’s guidebooks were essential to the growth of Scotland's tourism industry as they helped promote the nation’s culture while encouraging international and domestic travel into and across the nation.

Guidebooks played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland's travel industry, not only by providing essential travel information, but also by fostering a deeper appreciation for the country's rich cultural and natural heritage.