Scottish Borders Folk Tales

Folk Tales

by James P. Spence

This lively and entertaining collection of folk tales from the Scottish Borders is rich in stories both tall and true, ancient and more recent, dark and funny, fantastical and powerful.Here you will find the Lochmaben Harper, Tam Linn, Thomas the Rhymer, Muckle Mou’d Meg and Michael Scot the wizard. These well-loved and magical stories – some appearing in print here for the first time – are retold in an engaging style, shaped by James Spence’s many years of storytelling.Richly illustrated and enlivened by the rhythmic Scots language of the region, these enchanting tales are sure to be enjoyed and shared time and again.

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

James Peter Spence is a Scottish poet who writes in Scots and English. He lives in Edinburgh and has been self-employed as a storyteller since 2002.

Reviews

[Johanna Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great set of old tales, deliciously written in Scots dialect - so I could hear the story-tellers voice when I was reading. And that greatly adds to the stories. Some are funny, some are scary, some are indescribable. I'd recommend this for anyone who likes folk tales or fairy stories.

[Nad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof, it's like reading a book by a Nac Mac Feegle 😀

The selection ranges from tales for kids and rather standard stories of "it goes in threes" variety to tall tales and freaky stories bordering on horror. Overall, a pretty interesting read that will definitely enrich your vocabulary :)

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the way the stories in this collection was told. Many of them are very fun and I enjoyed picking out the places they are set.

[Cynthia Frazer · Rating 2 out of 5]

the same tale is in there twice!