An Sgriobhadair (pronounced An Screevater) means The Writer in Scots Gaelic. Historically, Gaelic was spoken in most of Scotland, but today most native Gaelic speakers live in the Western Isles of Scotland. However, it is also spoken quite widely in the West Highlands and even as far away as Nova Scotia and Cape Breton in Canada. Although the language had declined, partly as a result of repression since the mid 1700s, it is now reviving with initiatives such as Gaelic teaching in schools, Gaelic radio and television and use in the Scottish parliament. Gaelic music and writing are very popular, with many festivals and events both at home and abroad.

Mary is based on the Isle of Barra, in the Western Isles (also known as the Outer Hebrides).