A top storyteller has compiled a book of folk tales from all over the region.
Ayrshire-born author and musician Tony Bonning, 73, has added to his existing collection of folk tale books with ‘Folk Tales of Ayrshire’, which contains over 60 stories from across the county.
The book includes well-known traditional tales, such as Sawney Bean the cannibal, or the Murder Hole, but they have all been retold in Tony’s rich and often amusing style.
Tony, who was born in Carrick but now lives in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, has written a number of best-selling books and has performed thousands of shows for children – including at Mauchline’s Holy Fair in his persona as ‘Aiken Drum’.
This collection of traditional tales is one that readers will love, with accounts of witches, wraiths, monsters, selkies, mermaids and fairies.
There are legends from the county’s past explaining the origins of Ayr’s Auld Brig, how Ailsa Craig appeared, and the tradition of Dundonald Castle.
‘Folk Tales of Ayrshire’, illustrated by Jo Jackson Bonning, also includes stories of Old King Cole, Johnny Faa, Maggie Osborne and many more, all retold in Tony's distinctive style.
The book, priced at £14, is on sale at various outlets across Ayrshire, including Waterstones in Ayr, or by post from the publisher, Auchinleck-based Carn Publishing at www.carnpublishing.com
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
