Jane loves Scottish folk tales, myths and fairy stories and the wonderful way storytelling brings communities together.

Growing up in Caithness where the smell of the sea and the song of the seals is home, Jane was left with a love of wild places and a rich tapestry to draw upon in her storytelling. She enjoys sharing stories which inspire delight for nature and travels to wherever listeners may be; nurseries, schools, forests, gardens, care settings, community groups, libraries or theatres where storytelling adventures transport her listeners deep into the woods, o’er moor and mountain where daring deeds await before it’s time for tea…

As a Mum of two Jane wanted her children to spend time learning the names of trees and wildflowers outdoors which encouraged her to become a qualified woodland leader and John Muir Award facilitator. She often combines storytelling with woodland discovery, environmental art, den-making and nature play, encouraging imagination and teamwork, supporting literacy and health.

With a background in psychology and community well-being, Jane is also experienced in facilitating gentle participative story sessions for older audiences, people with dementia and their carers. Sessions are inclusive and social, exploring themes and stories which inspire reminiscence over a cup of tea.

Storytelling sessions Jane has recently led include: Elderwise: Gala Week Stories – for the Luminate Festival of Creative Ageing & the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in May 2019; Stories of Seven Hills – for Café Voices at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Social at the National Library of Scotland in June 2019.  She also led a workshop called Lost Words, Lost Worlds – which explored the relationship between language and nature connection for the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh’s Connect with Nature Festival in June 2019.  Jane has recently been awarded the Andy Hunter creative bursary to develop a new performance exploring the stories of healing wells in Edinburgh.

Email Storyteller