Mill Dust And Dreaming Bread - Standard hardcover

by Scott Richardson-Read

Discover the Hidden Wisdom of Scotland’s Folk Traditions

Mill Dust & Dreaming Bread takes readers on a captivating journey through the landscapes, legends, and lore of Scotland. This rich tapestry of folk belief and folk magic uncovers the enduring connections between land, community, and spirit, rooted in the ancestral traditions of Scotland. From animistic practices and seasonal celebrations to the struggles of resilience against suppression, this book reclaims a marginalised cultural heritage and invites readers to rediscover its relevance in the modern world.

Blending deep archival research, personal storytelling, and vibrant explorations of ecology, history, and spirituality, this work is an evocative homage to Scotland’s past and a powerful call to embrace its enduring wisdom. Whether delving into the fairy faith, uncovering the rituals of ancient festivals, or examining the impact of societal upheaval, Mill Dust & Dreaming Bread offers a transformative perspective on our shared heritage and a vision of how it can inspire us today.
This is a book for seekers, storytellers, and all who yearn to connect with the echoes of an ancient land.

Genres: Nonfiction, Scotland, Mythology, History, Folklore

522 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Scott Richardson-Read is a working-class writer, folklorist, and cultural historian deeply connected to Scotland’s folk heritage. As the creator of Cailleach’s Herbarium, a platform dedicated to preserving Scottish folk traditions, Scott has spent years researching and sharing the stories, practices, and beliefs defining the working-class and animistic roots of Scottish culture. His work blends archival exploration, oral history, and personal experience in Scotland's landscapes.
With a background in human rights, ecology, activism, and traditions, Scott’s writing bridges past and present, offering fresh insights into folk belief's enduring significance. He advocates for preserving Scotland’s sacred sites and cultural heritage.
When not writing, Scott explores Scotland’s wild spaces, libraries, and archives, drinks tea with his cats, or engages with vibrant communities keeping traditions alive.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in Scottish folklore get this book. Much more approachable than many books on the same subject. It weaves a rich tapestry of history and belief.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic exploration of Scottish folk practices. Useful for any practitioner looking for an introduction to the subject - as I was. I found it to be a very accessible read compared to other books I've read. Plus, it cites a lot of useful texts for further reading should you be interested.

I love that this book aims to keep Scottish cultural practices alive. I love that it speaks for working class people from the past, present, and also to the future. I love the overall messages running through this book; folk practice is a protest, a reclamation of power, and an important tool in the fight for the climate and climate justice.

A lot of things clicked for me while reading this book!

[Beth Winegarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mill Dust and Dreaming Bread" is an impressive work of reclaiming. Richardson-Read pulls together folklore, myth, storytelling, and practical connection to the land to bring readers a sense of Scottish folk practice (relatively) free of colonization and efforts to eradicate these practices. A rich book and well worth your time.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just began reading this wonderful book which spoke to me on many levels, entwining folk belief, politics, ecology and our connection to the sacred. Highly recommend!