William McIlvanney's fiction is drawn from the lives and circumstances of the people of the West of Scotland, and is characterised by detailed observation, an accurate ear for language, wit and thoughtful reflection on living and working conditions. Laidlaw is a crime novel: its eponymous detective is both thoughtful and fallible, and the book can be seen as a precursor to the 'Tartan Noir' works of writers such as Ian Rankin. Beth Dickson's SCOTNOTE study guide provides a thoughtful analysis of the novel Laidlaw by William McIlvanney, its characters and its settings, for senior school pupils and students at all levels.