Greetings Story Lovers,

As the year starts I find myself in a new house, in the picturesque Scottish Borders town of Peebles. It was a bit crazy to move house at midwinter, yet I feel much more relaxed and creative in this new environment, and am enjoying starting the new year here. It feels fresh and rich with possibility.

As the days stretch a little, I'm enjoying plotting, planning and preparing for various storytelling escapades through 2024.

The details are being woven together, but I felt to give an outline of storytelling offerings through the year. Partly to give you first notice of exciting developments, but also to gauge the pulse of my storytelling community (i.e. you). When reading the following:

Is there something on this list that you'd be particularly interested in?

Is there some way you'd like to get involved and support?

Is there something lacking that you'd like to see?

So, brewing just now there is...

Digital/Online

Scottish Tales for Telling (Kickstarter)

I'm super grateful to be 125% funded so far and running until Jan 28th. Recording and editing stories as we speak. Tell your friends!

http://kck.st/4adO5qH

Myth as Medicine

A story cycle of my favourite Northern Myths. An immersive, personal journey into the power of story and connection to ancestral culture. Moving into the fourth cycle this programme continues to deepen. We've had three fantastic cohorts so far and encouraging feedback. New cycle starts end of February.

Storytelling for parents (and people with children in their lives)

An accessible storytelling mentoring programme for people with children in their lives. Designed by me over the past few years and ready to launch soon. Gain confidence telling stories to the children in your life and creating cherished memories. Year long programme to suit a parent's busy lifestyle. Message to register interest.

Celtic Herb Story Wheel (In desperate need of a better title!)

I'll be continuing my collaboration with Irish herbalist friend Cait O'Neill. Marking each of the old Celtic seasonal festivals, we will explore one plant and/or tree and associated lore and story. This is a practical and poetic journey into the seasonal cycles, ancient worldview, plant knowledge, story, myth and lore, and nature connection. It's going to be a cracker!

In person

Hearth Fire Sessions

This year I'll be joined by some of my favourite fellow storytellers, musicians and performing artists, as I curate an eclectic bimonthly storytelling programme in Edinburgh. Supported by the Scottish Storytelling Centre and starting March 21st.

Vancouver/BC tour

Still to be confirmed, but with preparations underway. I expect to be bringing gnarly old Scottish tales to the West of Canada in late May, early June. Of you know people in the area give them a shout!

Supported by the mighty Tad Hargrave and Ian Mackenzie's School of Mythopoetics.

Lithica

Rewilding humans in a pristine Norwegian valley, dressed in buckskins and making fire mid July.

https://www.lithica.earth/

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

After the success of Animate Lands at the Fringe last year, it would be rude not to do another run this year. We'll be there across the first two weeks in August.

Here's a clip of last year's show: https://youtu.be/vGdeTSVh-Rc?si=_K5fu3K8_LMznzww

Wolf Tracks and Tales

Wolf tracking by day, wolf tales by the fire at night. It's a winner right? Join us in Brandenburg, Germany for a unique opportunity to get close to the mythology and ecology of Europe's most enchanting apex predator. Early October.

SISF

Late October is the time to be in Scotland if storytelling is your thing.

Orkney Storytelling Festival

Still on the hush-hush, but I'll be there as one of their featured guests. I've heard such good things about this festival, as a small gathering with a big heart, and have heard much about the magic of Orkney too. If you fancy a trip to the far north, come join us! 24-27th October.

Samhain retreat

Gather by the fire in a gorgeous rural Scottish venue. Tune in with ancient tales and ancestral perception at this time when the veil is thin.

I'm excited by this particular mix of online and in-person offerings. If you're particularly interested in one aspect, or have feedback of some kind, feel free to respond.

I'm looking forward to cross paths at some point through the year.

Many thanks

Dougie