Greetings

I'm writing from Cascadia, deep in the Columbia Gorge, where I'm developing an appreciation for blues jams, 1950s diners and medicinal mushroom laden coffee.

The Pacific North West is claiming a sweet spot in my heart, and whilst I'm not here on storytelling business, I'm rustling up a gathering or two whilst I'm here, as we itinerant storytellers tend to do.

Despite being halfway across the world, I'll be back in Scotland next week for the return of the Hearth Fire Sessions, refined and revived for 2026. Our first session of the year will be the day after World Storytelling day, in Edinburgh on March 19. I'll be joined by Scottish storyteller and celebrant Beverley Bryant, Finnish storyteller Linda Perttula and global harp sensation Esther Swift.

In digital realms, Myth as Medicine is in its penultimate week. It has been such a sweet way to emerge from winter, with a glorious group. This years course has really revived my enthusiasm for it and it'll certainly be running in winter 27 again.

Finally, our programme at the Shieling Collective is also now live, so if your looking for more hands on craft and culture experiences in the Scottish Highlands, there might be something to interest you there.

Stories in the Pacific North West

The Port Townsend event has already sold out, yet there is plenty space in Portland for anyone else that would like to join. Each event will have contributions from local musicians and/or storytellers. It should be a blast.

PNW tickets

Hearth Fire Sessions

This year we're returning to our roots with Hearth Fire Sessions, opting mostly for a mix of my favourite storytellers and musicians. Our march session lands near world storytelling, which we'll celebrate with tales from Scotland, Finland and the far north. We'll be celebrating the return of the sun as the equinox nears.

Beverley Bryant is a fine traditional Scottish storyteller and celebrant, so expect depth and warmth to her storytelling. Linda Perttula will be taking us on a fantastical journey through the Kalevala. Esther Swift will offer lush soundscapes upon the harp.

Hearth Fire Tickets

The Shieling Collective

Over the past year I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the Scottish Highlands at a gorgeous site west of Inverness. Cradled between the mountains, remnants of ancient Scots Pine forest and a river to cool off from the summer sun (when it comes!), it's a splendid place to sit with the land and lean into tradition culture and crafts.

You can see our full programme of events here:

Shieling Events

We're also looking for directors to help steer the ship, if you have skills and capacity to support an organisation devoted to heritage learning and land based skills and culture. We'd love to hear from you.

Director Application

Whether we see you out on the land, at a digital hearth-fire or somewhere in between, I wish you fine tales and companionship through the spring season and beyond.

Dougie