Magic, Mischief & Bogles, Inside the Bannockburn Book Launch! The Beastly Bogles have been unleashed! The launch of The Beastly Bogles Save Bannockburn Houseat Bannockburn Library was a truly spellbinding event. It was filled with magic, mischief, and marvellous young minds.
A Green Witch, a Cauldron, and a Story to Tell
To celebrate the release of the book, I fully embraced the magic of the Bogles—dressed as a green witch! With my flowing green dress, foliage-and-flower headdress, staff, lantern, and a cauldron flickering with ‘flames,’ I was ready to bring the story to life. And what an audience I had!
Two fantastic groups of schoolchildren, one from St Mary’s Primary and the other from Bannockburn Primary, joined me for an interactive reading and performance. The moment I began, their eyes widened with excitement, and soon they were gasping, giggling, and eager to take part in the magic of the story.
An Interactive Adventure
This wasn’t just any reading—it was an immersive experience! The children helped whisper spells, acted out parts of the adventure, and even helped the Bogles on their daring mission. Their boundless enthusiasm made the story jump off the pages, turning the event into a lively, magical experience.
It was a joy to see how much they connected with the story and the history behind it. The Beastly Bogles Save Bannockburn Houseis all about mystery, adventure, and a touch of Scottish folklore, and there’s no better way to experience it than in the very place that inspired it!
A Huge Thank You!
I’m so grateful to Bannockburn Library for hosting this fantastic event, to the team at Bannockburn House for their support, and most of all, to the incredible young readers who made the launch so special.
If you haven’t yet met the Beastly Bogles, now’s your chance! The Beastly Bogles Save Bannockburn House is available to purchase. Whether you’re a young reader or simply young at heart, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Let the Bogles’ mischief begin!
Magic, Mischief & Bogles, Inside the Bannockburn Book Launch!
The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission
In the heart of Scotland lies a place steeped in history and mystery—Bannockburn House. This grand estate, with its sprawling gardens and centuries-old walls, holds within its embrace tales of the past. The whispered stories of the Bogles, or Ghosts as they are commonly known. But this is Scotland and our ghosts are Bogles and Bannockburn House is full of boisterous brave Bogles!
What is a Bogle?
Never heard of a Bogle? Ever heard of a Boggle or Bogill? What about a Bogeyman?
This ancient word is common not only in Scotland but also Northumbria. The words definition of one of a ghost!
The Commission
The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission
I do wish my commission had started with a letter, sealed with a wax stamp bearing the crest of Bannockburn House.
Of course in the 21st Century is begins with a missed voice mail. Next there is a telephone call. Followed by a What’sApp message or two. They eventually introduce me to the faded elegance of Bannockburn House and the amazing group of volunteers who help to run the house.
Ghosty Beggars of Bannockburn House
The Magical Story of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Book Project
Bannockburn House is very popular for Paranormal Evenings. Thrill seekers can attend special events at Bannockburn House, wandering the dark corridors and uncovering its spooky past. Visitors to the events not only leave with a thrill and a CHILL!
Unravelling the Mysteries of Bannockburn House
As an author and illustrator I first need to get to know my character. In this case the character is the beautiful old Manor House and the stories which inhabit its amazing halls and old damp walls. I receive a generous invite to walk the passages and hear some of the history of Bannockburn House by three passionate volunteers. I learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Key to Stirling Auld Toon, The Fire and of course the supernatural inhabitants of this old stately home.
Meet the Characters- The Bogles
Fiona, a talented fabric artistintroduces me to the Bogles she has been creating. These Bogles are made from beautiful pieces of recycled wool and scraps of material, buttons and ribbon. The ghostly Bogles are sold in the shop along with other amazing creations. The proceeds of these sales go towards the restoration work which will eventually see Bannockburn House reclaim it’s stately beauty.
Capturing the Magic
I spend an amazing few hours in the company of the volunteers being guided around the building. In each room a little bit more of the houses unique history is shared. Secrets reveal themselves and the atmosphere seeps into my bones.
I take lots of photos, ask lots of questions. All the information, the sights, sounds, smells, penetrate my being. Finally the story of the Beastly Bogles of Bannockburn Houseslowly begins to take shape!
The Story becomes a Reality
The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission. At last the story of the Beastly Bogles is now written. The next stage of this fun process is illustrating the antics of the Bogles and their amazing adventure!
10 things about Isobel Gowdie Scotlands most famous witch from Nairnshire. A poor innocent woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. Never heard of Isobel Gowdie? Then read on to learn 10 things you never knew about Isobel Gowdie!
Scotland’s most famous witch, Isobel Gowdie, lived in the Lochloy area of Nairn in the 17th Century. Indeed the Moray Coast is famous for its witchcraft. It is estimated that over 4000 witches were killed along the Moray Coast. Indeed if you visit Forres today be sure to visit the Witches Stone. This marks the spot where witches were driven in barrels, through which spikes were driven and then the barrel was burnt.
2. Confessed to Witchcraft
Isobel’s case is incredibly fascinating as the original transcripts of her trial still exist and are located in the National Archives of Scotland. The detail of Isobel’s confessions over a six week period are rich with detail although we have no idea of the tortures she endured during the time of solitary confinement.
3. The original transcripts of Isobel Gowdie’s trial still exist
Isobel Gowdie confessed, most probably under extreme duress and torture. It was transcribed that she used magic to attempt to destroy her neighbours crops, she used effigies which she burnt to bring harm to the Laird’s male offspring. Fairies, hares, jackdaws, the devil and other creatures feature in Isobel’s confessions, along with implicating her neighbours and friends.
4. Isobel was tried by 12 powerful men of Nairnshire
Local Lairds (including the Laird of Park and Loch Loy, her landlord), Harry Forbes the local minister. Also present and part of her interrogation was Hugh Rose, public notary John Innes and church elders.
5. Isobel Gowdie was tried in Auldearn
It is believed that Isobel was held in Auldearn Tolbooth and it is also in Auldearn where Isobel confessed, she would meet the devil at the Auld Kirk. At Auldearn Kirk she also confessed that the devil sent her on an errand to Auldearn disguised as a hare.
Auldearn Auld Kirk
6. Isobel implicated 12 other members of the community as part of her coven
From the confessions tortured from Isobel, Janet Breadhead and Margret Brodie were also put on trial. In total, forty-one people were arrested as a result of Isobel’s tortured confessions.
7. The fate of Isobel Gowdie is not certain
After the six weeks of trial the true fate of Isobel has been lost in time. However just outside Auldearn, as a place known locally as Gallowhill, it is believed that Isobel and the rest of her coven were hung and burnt.
8. Green Witch of Auldearn
To this day there are sightings of a green lady in Auldearn. An ethereal ghost or restless soul which roams Auldearn and Nairn seeking resolution and compassion. It is actually believed the Isobel was probably a healer or midwife to her local community. It is suggested that she probably spurned the sexual advances of her local Laird and fell foul to the zealot local minister. Although we do not know much about Isobel we do know that at this time in Nairnshire there was famine, war and sand storms. Perhaps a time where a convenient scapegoat had to be found and blamed for the difficult times.
9. Books, Orchestral Works, Songs,Plays, Podcasts and of course the original transcripts
Isobel Gowdie is the most famous witch in Scotland and has proven to be an inspiration to writers and historians alike. This enigma of a woman, a poor cottar’s wife, who provided so much detail in her tortured confessions remains fresh in the memories of locals and visitors alike.
10. Visit Nairn Museum, Auldearn Church and the Isobel Gowdie Mural
If you are no intrigued about Isobel Gowdie, perhaps you would be interested in finding out a little bit more about this innocently accused woman? Thana tourism or dark tourism, refers to visiting places where dark events of human history occurred.
In this case, we would encourage you to visit Nairn Museum for more information of Isobel Gowdie and of course visit the Auld Kirk in Auldearn. Auldearn is a sleep and beautiful village just a short bicycle ride outside Nairn, where not only can you visit the original chapel but local a local artist has painted a mural in the local square which details Isobel’s story.
Why not download this helpful Exploring Nairnshire map with cycle routes.
The most lastest subject of Mandy’s children’s book is the real character, Isobel Gowdie. Isobel is a local woman who was accused and convicted of witch craft in the 17th century in Nairnshire.
Mandy first heard of the story of Isobel Gowdie after Nairn Museum held a talk in the summer of 2022 held for the year of Scotland’s stories. Mandy then started doing research on Scotland’s most famous witch and found copies of original transcripts of Isobel’s trial, a podcast and much more.
Mandy then went exploring on her bicycle and visited Auldearn on a sunny Sunday. She was keen to visit the Auld Kirk where tortured Isobel confessed to having dealings with the devil and the amazing mural at the square in Auldearn. The Isobel Gowdie Mural by local artist Helen Wright contains illustrations and rhyming verse detailing the horrors of Isobel’s story.
Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn tells the story of Isobel from the time she was a small girl. She is a special child who finds joy all around her. She tends too and cares for all the creatures which surround her. She helps the old hare escape from an evil snare, she helps Mr Jackdaw when she finds him with a thorn in his wing.
Isobel sings and dances and laughs in the natural world which she inhabits and indeed grows up with the knowledge to be a healer not only to her animal friends. Isobel becomes a healer to her neighbours and friends and even becomes a midwife.
Unfortunately at this time, Nairnshire is not all a tranqility. It is a time of war, famine and sandstorms and the poor young woman becomes an easy scapegoat for powerful men looking for someone to blame for the ills in the shire.
Flannel foot comes to Plean or atleast the author and illustrator did!
Arlene the lovely librarian at Plean Library and her senior Jan invited me to my old school and library for a special week of events titled, Off The Page. I was thrilled. I had been taken every Tuesday night by my mum to Plean Library, late night opening, for my weekly exchange of books for the week. We all went, Geoge, Campbell and I. Now I was being invited back to my old library to do a book reading and chat. Something I could never have dreamed off!
I had never been inside the new school at East Plean and was a bit surprised with the high security access arrangement, not disappointed, just didn’t realise the double buzz access had arrived in our sleepy wee village.
What a laugh I had! I showed them some old pictures to see if they could tell me some of the places in Flannel Foot a Scottish Bogeyman, base around the Plean. Now I knew some of them would be tricky but some of them had me in stitches.
Cockabendies Castle Plean
The Big Hoose Plean
The Big Hoose Plean before the trees grew
The Big Hoose Plean before the trees grew
The Corner, The Brae, Plean
Anne MacFarlane’s store Plean Corner
Up the Brae the Plean
Cockabendies Castle? The symbol on all their sweatshirts? The school badge? “Stirling Castle! Wallaces Monument! Edinburgh Castle!” None of the wee ones knew it was Cockabendies Castle or as it is called today Plane Castle.
The Corner? Obviously with the older images it was difficult but by the time I got to the newest image one of the wee ones said “Main street” yeah!
Old East Plean Primary? This photo they got super fast!
The Big Hoose? Eventually someone said “The Country Park” perfect!
Cory got conned into looking after Nancy Coo! You can’t have a Highland Coo running around unsupervised in the school gym hall!
The kids at East Plean Primary were fabulous fun!
As Flannel Foot the Scottish Bogeyman is written in our Plean Scots, I asked them to put up their hands if any of them spoke a second language.
Quite a few of the children did speak a second language which was great and a lot of them said French which they had been getting taught at school.
I however said, “I think you might know another language“. Then I asked them what certain parts of the body were called in Scottish!
I was rolling about the floor laughing by then! As they all shouted out
“Heid”, “Arrrrmpit” (I was going for oxter!), “Fit”, “Eurrrrr” (I was going for lug), “Burl”, “Aye”, “Naw!”, “Hoose”, “Moose”
Then we all sang a song for Nancy Coo using our Plean Scots!
If you are happy and you know it do a Burl!
Sing for Nancy Coo
Hands up
Time for story
Are your sitting comfortably
Story time
If you are happy and you know it do a Burl!
Next on to the library which were there was much less singing and dancing yet we had cake! Yum!!
New Illustrated Story Book from Mandy Elizabeth Rush, inspired by her visit to John O’Groats and local stories and folklore.
John O’Groats, or Jan De Groot is a humble ferry man. One day he rescues the mermaid caught in the Swelkie the Sea Witch’s whirlpool and from that day forward, Jan’s life will never be the same. For his brave deed he receives some local shells, little beautiful pink shells, called groaties. Little does Jan know but these are no ordinary shells but have magic woven into their beauty.
Follow the adventure of Jan De Groot as his kind, heroic deeds around the seas of Caithness, result in him living the live he always dreamed off. Not one filled with wealth and possessions, but one filled with love and laughter.
A story book which is full of love, kindness and adventure as Jan bravely puts others before himself without thought of reward. The perfect bedtime story.
Did you know that the 24th of November is Evolution Day? Charles Darwin’s origin of the Species was first published on this day in 1859!
The revolutionary story of Darwin the Finch, a children’s book about the story of these amazing finches will be launched on facebook on the 24th of November 2021.
Watch my little trailer about my illustrated childrens book launch.
Señor and Señora Finch are swept away from their home by the strong Trade Winds. Eventually when they finally land on distant islands they build a nest and lay eggs.
Blessed, Señor and Señora Finch hatch five eggs.
How will these five brothers adapt, survive and thrive in this strange new land?
The finches’ beaks differed depending on the local food source. Darwin concluded that because the islands were distant from the mainland, the finches that had arrived there had changed over time, adapting to the environment on each island.
Charles Darwin described the speciation of finches after his studies of the birds on the Galápagos Islands. Darwin noticed that the finches on the different islands were similar to each other, but notexactly the same.
Alfred Russel Wallace was a great admirer of Darwin and a fellow naturalist. After a variety of zoological discoveries Wallace proposed a theory of evolution, which matched Darwin’s unpublished ideas that he had kept secret for nearly 20 years. This encouraged Darwin to collect his scientific ideas and collaborate with Wallace. They published their scientific ideas jointly in 1858.
This also prompted Darwin to publish his book, ‘On the Origin of Species’, the following year. This meant that Darwin and Wallace worked together to improve the explanation of natural selection.
