Greetings all,

I hope your summer has been filled with adventure, long bright evenings and tales told by open fires.

I feel like I've almost had too much adventure this summer having journeyed to Norway, the Hebrides and South West England. It's been enriching, Norway especially, but for now I'm happy to be home, relaxing and gazing out my window at the endless Scottish drizzle. Ah, this is what summer is all about! :)

In time, I'll post an update on the Norway Lithica gathering as it was really inspiring and I met many interesting people sharing amazing skills. The project has developed since the gathering and land has been secured for a dedicated project in the North of Norway- more news to come!

But for now I'm turning my attention to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which starts in a few days time.

This year I'll be bringing my 'Animate Lands' show to the Fringe between the 5th and 10th of August.

We describe it like this:

'A journey through the storied soul of Scotland. Tales of ancient bards, wily druids, shapeshifters, wildlings and warrior poets are brought to life in a contemporary storytelling style by Dougie Mackay, with musical accompaniment by Freya Rae. A sell-out hit at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2022, this fresh and joyful take on Celtic lore and Scotland’s landscape is graced by light touch and honest humour, sharing poetic echoes of old animistic cultures of these islands carried through the tales of the Fianna.'

Animate lands was a real dream to work on last year, and we received some gorgeous feedback after the performance in October. I'm enjoying the subtle tweaks and developments in the show that have happened since then.

If you're in Edinburgh then do come along and say hi. It feels simple yet bold to present ancient tales and animistic worldview amidst a frenzy of contemporary arts. It feels worthwhile and a little bit exciting!

A wee favour to ask:

If you live further away but would be up for sharing the videos or ticket links via your networks or social media that would be much appreciated!

Shows such as this and venues such a the Scottish Storytelling Centre can't compete with the corporate might and advertising budgets of others at the fringe. We depend on word mouth and resonance with folk looking for something rootsy and heart centred.

If you'd be up for sharing either ticket links or promo videos that can help make all the difference. Either direct to friends and networks, or as social media posts.

A couple of video teasers of the show:

Finn and the Salmon of Wisdom Part 1

https://youtu.be/6PWu1LwawbI?si=rJqyqDOn4S0ia7K0

Finn and the Salmon of Wisdom Part 2

https://youtu.be/nWbnTX5IR_c?si=aWKwbUMtzSkv2364

Animate Lands Fringe Promo:

https://youtu.be/I8tSXKj_0fc?si=7cth0NL4jVz2KPDM

Ticket link:

https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:4944/

Facebook event

https://www.facebook.com/events/239173405131446/

Any support is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

Dougie

p.s.

Myth as Medicine will be up and running in late September so message me if interested.

There are also two new 'Tales for our Times' podcast episodes in production and will bout soon!

Wishing you much merriment through the remainder of the brighter months.