The Witch of Fife and other folk tales ...

In her new publication, professional storyteller Judy Paterson brings together a collection of tales as old as Scotland’s mountains and glens. Young readers will meet talking animals, mischief-making witches, giants and trolls as they travel on an adventure through the country’s magical landscape.

Scottish Folk Tales for Children includes The Witch of Fife which is one of the author’s best-loved tales and it is part of a collection of stories to be enjoyed by seven to 11-year-old readers along with illustrations by fellow Fifer Sally Daly.

Judy said the new book features three Fife tales – The Witch of Fife, The History of Kitty Ill Pretts and The Puddock. The Witch of Fife mentions the locations of Loch Leven, the Lomond Hills and the Firth of Forth and it tells the tale of an old man who cannot believe the stories his wife tells him about her midnight adventures but soon discovers the words that allow her and her witch friends to fly.

The History of Kitty Ill Pretts is about a clever lass who outwits a giant three times and marries the king and The Puddock tells the tale of a young lass who promises to marry a little frog in exchange for water from a well.

Judy said: “The stories come from around Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands. There are 19 traditional tales, including well known tales such as Thomas The Rhymer and others, maybe less well known, such as The Water Horse of Loch Garve. I have been telling these stories for over 20 years and so it was not too difficult to write them for this publication. The History Press has published many folktale books by professional storytellers and they are interested in the voice and style of the storyteller rather than a more literary approach. This book is for seven - 11 year olds, but I am hoping parents and children might read these stories to younger children. They are some of my favourites to tell and I have been told by many children over the years how much they enjoyed them.”

Scottish Folk Tales for Children is available on Amazon and in a Kindle Edition.