Midlothian Folk Tales for Children

Which misunderstood creature still lives in Leith, hidden away in their home? Who is the sleeping lady, resting under Roslin Castle after all this time? What man could sell his own sister's dead body? Where does the headless coachman steer his carriage on a stormy night? Did an ogre really stalk the Pentland Hills? What is the Portal Tree? These are just some of the secrets waiting to be discovered within this collection of sixteen folk tales. Stretching from the mysterious Moorfoot Hills all the way to the magical coast of Portobello, each story unearths a new place to visit and explore. Some tales are magical, some are historical, some uncover the mysteries of mythical creatures, some are about animals and some will help you find the magic hidden in everyday life.

TIM PORTEUS is a professional storyteller who uses traditional folklore and local historical tales to connect people, and enhance a sense of place and identity. He has an MA (Honours) in History, and has told stories in schools, libraries, festivals, and at private functions and gigs for many years. He is an experienced tour guide and storytelling is a central part of this work. As well as writing a weekly column called 'Tim's Tales' for the East Lothian Courier, he has also been involved in storytelling abroad as part of cultural programmes at universities in the Czech Republic and Portugal, and at schools and cultural events in Spain, Germany, Sweden and Slovakia. He lives in East Lothian.