MillDust and Dreaming Bread: Exploring Scottish Folk Belief and Folk Magic

by Scott Richardson-Read, Eileen Budd (Narrator)

Discover the Hidden Wisdom of Scotland’s Folk Traditions

Mill Dust and Dreaming Bread takes listeners on a captivating journey through Scotland’s landscapes, legends, and lore. 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 listeners 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.

Audible Audio

Published December 30, 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.