“People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact it’s the other way around.”
Terry Pratchett
Whenever I was travelling, whether in a car, bus or train, looking out of the window, taking the scenery in, I always wondered who might have roamed the same roads and hills, who fought the mountains and each other, arrived on the shores in search of new land or home, built the castles in the distance or lived in the villages on the roadside.
I have always worked with stories. As a narrative psychologist I looked for the sparkling moments and incredible – if often overlooked or trivialised – stories in people’s lives, proofs of strength and ingenuity. As a journalist I sought out stories I could share that would intrigue or inspire but always make one think further.
When I arrived in Scotland a decade ago this passion of collecting stories increased many-fold. I have been mesmerised by the fairy stories, the legends and wondered if there was any need of fiction writing if you have historic characters like the ones I got acquainted with. I had the good fortune of making an archaeologist and later a guidebook writer my good friends who have helped quench my thirst for historic stories.
As time goes by, I feel an urge to share those many cultural, historic and everyday narratives this beautiful land can offer. Come along and let me tell you what’s behind the scenery.
