Lanarkshire Folk Tales

by Allison Galbraith

From a cantankerous brownie in Dolphinton to the vampire with iron teeth who terrorised Glasgow, this collection of tales spans fourteen centuries of Lanarkshire's history and happenings. Here you will find the legends of William Wallace's love and loss in Lanark and Saint Mungo's bitter feud with the Pagan hierarchy and Druids, alongside totemic animals, unique Scottish flora and fauna, warlocks, herb-wives and elfin trickery.

Allison Galbraith combines storytelling expertise with two decades of folklore research to present this beguiling collection of Lanarkshire stories, suitable for adults and older children.

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

Allison Galbraith is an author specialising in Scottish Folklore and storytelling. Drawn from an early age to fairytales and legends, she studied traditional oral culture at Glasgow University and gained an MA in Scottish Folklore. Allison lives in rural Scotland, surrounded by birds, beasts and historical landscapes. Believing in the restorative potential of nature to heal ourselves and fragile ecosystems, she brings nature's wisdom into her stories. Allison shares her passion for writing, collecting and re-telling folktales at talks, festivals, residences, and writing retreats, wherever she is invited. Her books include Funny Folk Tales for Children (2023, History Press), Lanarkshire Folk Tales (2021, HP) and Dancing with Trees, Eco-Tales from the British Isles (Co-Author, 2017, HP).

Reviews

[Csenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always appreciate the folktale collections of History Press, especially the ones written by professional storytellers. This book is among the best of them. I enjoyed Allison Galbraith's previous volume too, and Lanarkshire Folk Tales did not disappoint. It combines folklore research with storytelling, and that combination makes the whole book entertaining, informative, and rich with detail. I especially liked the wide variety of genres included, from saints' legends through folk beliefs and historical events all the way to 20th century folklore. It is a truly colorful collection of stories. The tales are eloquently retold and full of interesting tidbits; you can tell the amazing research work and background knowledge that was needed to bring them alive. I was especially grateful for the list of sources at the end. ​
It is probably even better to have this book at hand when visiting the places mentioned. It made me want to travel...

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious tales. Some tales were person to person anecdotes, this book is full of stories with a strong oral tradition. One is the author's own; about a black clydesdale- fans of the Brave Disney film would be delighted. I think my favourite is the brownie tales as Holly Black had given me a soft spot for brownies. The Arabian/ Indian stories were a surprise but I remember Lynne Reid Banks tales of Cathay( China) and trade routes to "Arabie" and The East. I loved Penguins edition of Arabian tales, the author was from an old set which has long gone and knew many languages. I think the author of this book must enjoy a wide range of the supernatural( like auras)- I was surprised by all the devilry( religious aspect) rather than the fey king and court and prettiness. I see the influence of witchcraft and James I; I'd love to read Edmund Spencer.

[Caron Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stories by Allison. Who knew St Mungo our Glasgow founder was an absolute BAM!
This is one of those books you can pick up and put down forever. As well as being one of those books you can’t wait to pass on to hear what your friends think of it.