Bob Pegg’s book Highland Folk Tales has been published by the History Press as one of their County Folk Tales series.

Bob Pegg Said: “It’s just getting into the bookshops at £9.99, and is also available online (there’s a Kindle edition, too). Here’s a link to the relevant page on the publisher’s site – www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/Highland-Folk-Tales.aspx

“Though many of the stories in Highland Folk Tales are ancient, I have told them, or have heard them told, in the Highlands over the past fifteen years, so they are still very much alive and kicking. I wanted the book to be an entertainment that was also true to the spirit of the stories, so, along with my own versions, there are tellings from folk who imbibed them with their mothers’ milk – in particular the Highland Travellers – together with some biographical information about the storytellers themselves. And, as it seemed important to link story to place, the book is structured through a series of journeys – along the Great Glen, heading north up the A9 and so on – in the hope of encouraging readers to follow the trails of the tales, either in their mind’s eye or through the physical landscape.

“The illustrations for Highland Folk Tales, some forty bold and brassy pictures, are by my friend and long-time collaborator, RCA graduate John Hodkinson. I think they are exceptional, and have attached a handful to whet your visual appetite. The book’s gorgeous cover, also attached, features a painting by Katherine Soutar. Katherine is married to a friend from the old folk club days, the exceptionally fine songwriter Bill Caddick. She has chosen as her theme The Seal Killer of Duncansby Head, a Caithness story which is told in the book.

“I’m becoming more and more interested in the ways these old, tough, uncompromising stories can spark a narrative flame in other art and performance forms. Later in 2012, thanks to an investment from the EMS Traditional Arts Small Grants Fund, I’ll be mounting a three-day exhibition/installation/mini-festival; it will feature the Hodkinson pictures and storytelling on demand, and a storytelling and music ceilidh, as well as sound and video elements and artworks relating specifically to the way of life of the old style Traveller storytellers. I’ll send out more information when dates and venue are firmed up, but it should take place during the autumn.

“Lastly, if you happen to be on the Island of Skye this coming Saturday evening, 19th May, I’ll be performing my show The People of the Sea at The Museum of the Isles. More information on www.culture24.org.uk/sc000169?id=EVENT376980.

Source: Bob Pegg