Dougie Mackay
Scottish Storytelling · Mythic Tradition · Nature Connection
Traditional tales for turbulent times
Raised in the Scottish Highlands where storytelling is still in the water.
At the forefront of Scotland’s storytelling resurgence.
Regular sold out shows at Edinburgh Fringe & Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
Guinness World Record holder.Telling traditional tales across four continents — and tending a fire on the edge of the wild.
What I offer
Story Performances & Workshops
Evocative storytelling for festivals, theatres, conferences and community gatherings.
Sessions draw from Scottish, Celtic, European, and world folk traditions, mythic cycles, and ecological lore — always creatively tailored to the audience and the magic in the moment.
Currently touring ‘A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun’ (see link)
Workshops on ‘Storytelling Craft’, ‘Storytelling & Nature Connection’ and ‘Myth as Medicine’ offered.
Story Mentorship & Online Learning
One-to-one mentorship and group classes for new and seasoned tellers.
Whether starting out on the story pathway or seeking to develop your craft, I’m passionate about supporting others to progress on their storytelling journey.
Twenty years in community learning and fifteen as a storyteller support my approach to mentoring, as do the mentoring I’ve received along the way (Jan Blake, David Campbell, Janis Mackay, Shonaleigh, George Macpherson).
Together we explore discovering stories, remembering stories, crafting stories and telling stories. Voice, repertoire, embodiment, goal setting, mythic and the inner ecology of story are key features.
Nature-Based Storytelling Immersions
Immersive experiences that reconnect story with landscape and ancestral ways of knowing.
Past offerings include Wolf Tracking & Storytelling, the Salmon of Wisdom Weekend, Seasonal story events, ancestral pilgrimages with Weaving Remembrance, and ongoing programmes with The Shieling Collective.
These gatherings weave land-based practice, folklore, ecological awareness, and cultural memory.
Highlights & Media
Edinburgh Fringe Festival: 4&5* reviews & Sold out Shows
(2017-19, 2023-25)Scottish International Storytelling Festival Commission
2022 & 2024Guinness World Record —
Marrakech Storytelling Festival 2025Festival Guest Storyteller
(FatE, Yarn Fest, Glens Fest, Story Oase Berlin)
Across Europe, Jordan, Morocco & CanadaStoryteller in Residence
at Lithica Gathering, Highland Hearth, Saskatoon.Commissioned by:
BBC Scotland, NHS, Scot Gov, Alzheimer ScotlandPodcast Host:
Tales for Our Times PodcastSubstack Writer:
Rekindling the HearthStorytelling ‘Derek’ Award
Edfringe 25
Gather by the hearth
The hearth was the centre of the Highland home — a place of gathering, warmth, and the old legends told anew. Hearth Fire Sessions are where that tradition continues.
Monthly gatherings · Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Come feel the warmth of a traditional hearthside ceilidh, with some of the finest storytelling artists in Scotland. The gathering will be richer for your presence.
Featured Show:
A wolf Shall Devour The Sun
A powerful retelling of Norse myth exploring prophecy, kinship and belonging. Currently touring — available for festivals, theatres and community venues.