.png)
Creative Crone - Story Spinner - Word Weaver
STORYTELLING SESSIONS
I am an advocate of vernacular Scots who tells in the ‘mither tongue’. My passion for the language includes a deep connection to the rich lore, otherworldly tales, and ancient folk-magic practices of Scotland.
Having trained as a Community Artist and Theatre of the Oppressed facilitator with a degree in Community Education, I have worked with various communities over the last three decades. Bespoke workshops can include art, crafts, and creative writing to facilitate the tradition of using story to better understand the worlds we inhabit.
As the author of The Witches of Culross and Witch, the Book of Remembrance, I weave a powerful plaid, threaded with humanising stories of accused witches, as an oral memorial to the daughters and sons of Scotland who were persecuted during the witch hunts. My visual and literary artwork and creative events, which give voice and image to the witch, have been recognised by motions in the Scottish Parliament.
I believe that stories are the enchanted thread that binds the human soul and strive to keep women’s cultural heritage alive by telling transformative tales of women who inhabit the Scottish landscape. Stories of the Cailleach, the Queen of Elfland; wise women; shapeshifting selkies; sea sirens; and weather witches who could command the winds that will immerse you in a forgotten heritage of empowering women.
Having studied the traditional practice of keening, death customs, and the role of death-messenger spirits in folklore. This daughter of the Cailleach has participated in an international documentary on traditional folk magic practices. Her tales of the Bean Sith, the Caointeach, and the Bean Nighe create a liminal landscape that enables much-needed narratives on death and dying in a contemporary reclamation of Scotland’s fairy faith.
BOOKINGS
I am listed on the Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland directory as a professional storyteller
https://tracscotland.org/storytellers/rowan-morrison/.
This means that I have undergone a period of apprenticeship to learn this traditional craft and was mentored by experienced storytellers. I have an enhanced disclosure and extensive experience working in the community. As such anyone who books me may be eligible for subsidy through the Live Literature Fund (LLF) scheme, administered by Scottish Book Trust.
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/authors/rowan-morrison.
RATES RECOMMENDED BY THE SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE
One Session (up to 1hr): £120 plus travel expenses
Half Day (up to 2hrs, normally 2 sessions with break): £165 plus travel expenses
Full Day (up to 4hrs, normally 4 sessions with breaks): £280 plus travel expenses
A full day consists of a morning and afternoon, or an afternoon and evening. A half day consists of a morning, afternoon or evening, comprising up to two hours of storytelling with a suitable break.
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Half day £230 plus travel expenses
Full day £350 plus travel expenses
Not-for-profit/voluntary organisations:
Half day £200 plus travel expenses
Full day £300 plus travel expenses
Tailor-made training (e.g. private sector business management workshop) is priced according to requirements
TRAVEL COSTS
These are charged at 45 pence per mile or cost of public transport. Where events and projects require a period of research, preparation and attendance at meetings there may be additional costs.
"Rowan is such a gifted storyteller that her words create a rich tapestry of experience! As a listener, you become the book itself and for every breath Rowan takes to deliver new words. A new page is opened in your life, magically and beautifully! Take this moment seriously and ride it like the wind! For she will guide you along the way".
(Pete Bengry)