This textbook overview of Modern Scots provides a description and analysis of the language covering lexical, phonological and structural patterns. It presents evidence for the diversity of the language through illustrations from newly collected fieldwork material. Frequent, detailed analysis of local variation is combined with a central focus is on the overall patterning of Scots. McColl Millar also examines the present and future of Scots, considering both its use in literature and other media and ongoing language policy and planning.

A dedicated chapter introduces the reader to the various research methods and available resources - including corpora, atlases and dictionaries - and provides guidance on how to use them effectively. Each chapter concludes with a series of exercises to complete and issues to discuss, encouraging active engagement and development of skill and knowledge in relation to the subject matter. This textbook offers a practical and engaging survey of Modern Scots making this an essential resource, aptly structured for use on Modern Scots and modern varieties of English modules.