The Bone Cave

A Powerful Journey Through Scotland's Wild Places

Dougie Strang's lyrical exploration of landscape, myth, and memory

About the Ebook

This is a book about stories – old stories of people and place, and of the more-than-human world.A vivid account of a journey through the Scottish Highlands, The Bone Cave follows a series of folktales and myths to the places in which they're set. Travelling mostly on foot, and camping along the way amid some of Scotland's most beautiful and rugged landscapes, Dougie Strang encounters a depth of meaning to the tales he tracks – one that offers a unique perspective on place, culture, land ownership and ecological stewardship, as well as insights into his own entanglement with place.Dougie sets out on his walk at the beginning of October, which also marks the start of the red deer rut. The bellowing of stags forms the soundtrack to his journey and is a reminder that, as well as mapping invisible landscapes of story, he is also exploring the tangible, living landscape of the present.

Longlisted for the Highland Book Prize

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Travel deep into Scotland's wildest landscapes with a master storyteller
• Explore the connections between place, myth, and personal history
• Read nature writing that combines folklore with first-hand experience
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

Reviews

'This is a glorious read — measured, insightful, wistful and replete with meaning; a gem of a book.' Scottish Field

'Much more than a travelogue; it's the author's exploration of the connections between the places he visits and elements of Scottish folklore that make this such a special book.' Undiscovered Scotland

'Mixing challenging questions about rewilding, land ownership and Highland re‑population with enchanting stories and luminous prose, The Bone Cave is a beautiful book — the perfect fireside companion.' Herald

About the Author

Dougie Strang is a writer, storyteller and performer whose work is inspired by the Scottish landscape. Born and brought up in Glasgow, he studied folkore at Edinburgh University, and has lived and worked in numerous places, including the Scottish island of Iona, Portugal and New Zealand. He has created and directed work for numerous festivals and events and is a core member of the Dark Mountain Project, the international network of writers, artists, scientists and others whose work addresses current social and environmental crises.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 05 October 2023

Print Length: 256 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788856447

Format: Ebook

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