‘There was something predatory about him, as if a hungry tiger had been dressed in a man’s clothing.’

-Bluebeard

Storytelling in Schools

I am available for storytelling in schools throughout Scotland and worldwide.

Most schools book a full day visit, allowing me to spend time with every year group. I can select stories on a particular theme, such as Irish myths or Norse myths, or you can let me choose whichever stories I think your pupils will enjoy. I don’t just tell traditional stories - I weave in my own experiences, such as tracking chimpanzees in Uganda, trekking in the Himalayas, caring for a baby monkey in the Amazon, swimming with sharks in Thailand and seeking out Komodo dragons in Indonesia!

All my storytelling sessions feature live music on didgeridoo, jaw harp, drums and percussion. My aim is not only to entertain and inform your pupils – I want to show them that my dreams have come true, and so can theirs.

Sessions in Scottish schools are eligible for funding from Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Fund.

Read my profile on the Directory of Scottish Storytellers here.

‘When Talorc asked if that was true or not, she said it happened far away, where there was no such thing as true or false.’

- The Shattering Sea

Storytelling at Festivals & Events

Storytelling is a fantastic addition to all kinds of events. I have been hired to tell stories at weddings, parties and awards ceremonies; in libraries, museums, yoga centres and prisons.

I have told stories at festivals and events worldwide including Boom Festival, The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Storyfest Singapore, The Edinburgh International Book Festival, The Global Eclipse Gathering, Kaleidoscope Festival, G5A Mumbai, Noisily Festival, The Green Gathering, Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, Kelburn Garden Party and Eden Festival.

Choose from one of my set performances or allow me to create a unique programme for your event.

‘Raven moved through the forest, following the sun. She grew wise in the ways of the wild wood, shunning the places where people lived.’

- The Six Swans

Author Events

I am available for author events in schools and at festivals.

Events for adults can focus on either Scottish Myths & Legends or The Shattering Sea.

Events in schools are aimed at readers aged 11-14 and focus on my novel, The Shattering Sea.

Scottish Myths & Legends is a collection of my favourite traditional Scottish stories, road-tested though performance in front of hundreds of audiences. Ranging from local legends to ancient epics, this collection aims to demonstrate that Scotland’s stories should be known throughout the world.

Set in Iron Age Orkney, The Shattering Sea is a fast-paced adventure story that will not only hook reluctant readers but can also encourage an interest in Scottish prehistory, legends and folklore. The story is inspired by an Orcadian legend, Asipattle and the Stoor Worm, which has its roots in Norse/Viking mythology. It draws on a decade spent working as an oral storyteller in Scottish schools, as well as my own hands-on research including martial arts training in Thailand, seeking out wild Komodo dragons and diving (with and without oxygen) in Indonesia. 

All events include a powerpoint presentation, live storytelling, music played on prehistoric instruments, Q&A and book signing.

Author events in Scottish schools are eligible for funding from Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Fund.

Get exclusive updates on The Shattering Sea and further titles in the series by joining the House of Legends Clan here.

‘A tremendous read… no end of dramas, surprises & reversals of fortune… a rattling good plot… wonderful stuff’

Fay Sampson, Guardian Children’s Book Award-Nominated Author

‘Every evening, the old man took the bucket to the rocky buttress overlooking the western sea. As the sun scattered gold over the mountains, he held up his works in his hands, one by one.’

- The Makers of Dreams

 ‘Blue-skinned and white-eyed, her breath so cold that it shattered stars, the Cailleach sought a new home.’

-The Cailleach