Travelogues have become an easily identifiable form of information to prepare tourists for the exploration of foreign regions of the world. They grew in popularity to become a staple source for tourism information in Scotland, growing in production and circulation in the 17th century and beyond because of a growth in literacy and printed forms of advertisement. Travelogues tend to be detailed, reading intensive accounts of the author’s learned experiences of different places for the benefit of a general public wishing to understand more or travel to these locations. The subjectivity of the author was undisguised, in contrast to 19th travel guidebooks.

Travelogues grew in popularity because of the developments in modes of transport and a growing British middle class that possessed the necessary disposable income to travel to their sparsely inhabited northern frontier. Scotland was becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists intrigued by the Highlands, wanting to experience firsthand the scenic vistas and preserved nature with which Scotland was becoming increasingly associated. This necessitated a production of travelogues to describe the experience of travellers, explaining personal experience, geography, communities, food, wildlife, and other attributes that would be of a great benefit to first time visitors. 

As tourism to Scotland continued its growth, these narratives became integral sources for informing the interested tourist and even promoting Scotland as a suitable tourist destination, describing beautiful landscapes that cultivated a public perception of Scotland.