Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 3
June 24, 2025
Waters of Philorth, an Aberdeenshire nature reserve
The Waters of Philorth is a small nature reserve near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.
HistoryThe sheltered terrain of the reserve was created by the dunes, which in turn were inadvertently created by man during WW2. Large coils of barbed wire and concrete blocks were laid along the coastline to deter enemy invaders. Over time sand built up on them, plants grew, and the River Philorth changed course.
Wildlife of the Waters of PhilorthWildlife flourishes at Philorth today. There’s a rather nice PDF about it on the council website here.
Let’s walk along beside the river. There’s a gull fishing.
I love the tall grasses.
The scenery grows more and more beach-like as we progress along the riverside path.
washed up fishing net
limpetBeachWe finally reach the sea, and the town of Fraserburgh is visible in the distance.
We return by the higher dune path through the Waters of Philorth as dark clouds gather above us.
And a Castle!Exiting onto the main road, leaving just in time to miss the sudden and heavy rainfall, we get a brief glimpse of Cairnbulg Castle through the trees. Read about it on the website of Lady Saltoun, Chief of the name and arms of Fraser.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Witchcraft and a Handsome Laird
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
Review from Tonya Ulynn Brown: “Before I go any further, I just have to say, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read…“
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Kidnapping, Slavery and Friendship
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Waters of Philorth, an Aberdeenshire nature reserve appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Aviemore Stone Circle at the Summer Solstice
Aviemore Stone Circle is unusual, though not unique, in that it is situated in the middle of a housing estate.
On the day I visited – Summer Solstice 2019 – roses were blooming at the edge of the circle, adding to the magical atmosphere of the place. The houses don’t detract from that; bushes and trees lend some privacy to the ancient stones.
Solstice SunThe sun was newly risen and bright; patches of ground seemed almost luminescent. There’s often a special light quality at stone circles, whether they’re in an open urban setting like this, or tucked away within dark forests. Maybe the mind just tends toward mysticism among these mysterious old standing stones.
People had left mementos or offerings in the Rowan tree, perhaps treating the site like a clootie well?
Clouds gathered overhead as I left the circle, on my way to an utterly amazing breakfast just round the corner at the Mountain Cafe (no longer there, sadly).
If you liked this post on Aviemore Stone Circle, you might also like:Turn Left for Tyrebagger Stone CircleAikey Brae: the North Wind Doth BlowThe Ancient and Strange Lang Stane of AberdeenThere’s a stone circle in all my books:
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
And A Dancer’s Journey:
These books are so naughty that I’m a little worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. They’re heading out into the world anyway.
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…
See the series page here on the site for full blurbs and quotes
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
New novel from Aberdeenshire author combines passions from Grampian Online.
About Page
See my About Page here
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Aviemore Stone Circle at the Summer Solstice appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 23, 2025
Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen
Gallus QuinesExploring Those Witchy WaysI ran through St Nicholas Kirkyard, the first of the historical ‘witchy ways’, and down and round Correction Wynd, an old medieval lane in Aberdeen, to see this recent street art. I was due to meet people for breakfast, but determined to see the ‘Quine Shrine’ first. The reason being? That first part, on the left, honours those who were persecuted for witchcraft in Aberdeen, and one tile names a few of them, including the three women I chose to write about in The Mermaid and the Bear.
Survey of Scottish WitchcraftThe spellings are different, because spellings weren’t set back then, not like they are today. I chose to go with the way the names are recorded in the Survey Of Scottish Witchcraft from Edinburgh University. It was there that I learned, contrary to popular belief, that only a tiny proportion of those accused were midwives or folk healers; a mere 9 of the 3837 ‘witches’ in Scotland were midwives, and only 141 had some mention of healing in their cases. See the Introduction to Scottish Witchcraft
In my fictional account of these women’s lives, one of them is a midwife and healer, but this is not the reason for the accusations brought against the three quines.
So, with the quine shrine admired and appreciated, on to breakfast:
Turmeric LatteThe TolboothNow fortified, off to gaol we go! It’s difficult to get good pictures in
the 17th century Tolbooth, what with it being so dark due to having windows like this:
Let the sunshine pour in!
A chain hangs from the wall Prosecutions for Witchcraft in AberdeenI think I did a better job with photos the last time I was there, blogged here. That was when I first read these words:
I remember feeling overcome and distressed by the information, but it was then that I decided I was definitely going to write the book. Here’s that steeple, or its replacement, standing tall against the blue sky:
Back in 1597, there were two large bells in the original steeple. Now there’s an impressive carillon, and it started to play while I was eating my lunchtime chocolate ice cream in the kirkyard. This is not as creepy and strange as it sounds; there are benches and lots of people go there for lunch! I took a short video, so you can hear the bells.
Lunchtime bellsPinterestI’ve made a Pinterest board for the book, though it does seem to be rather focussed on the cheerier parts of the story.
Pinterest boardI am Weather ObsessedAnd on another cheery, or perhaps laughable, note, I was recently mentioned in the Evening Standard as an example of a ‘weather obsessed’ Briton.
I must go now. I have to check on the weather!
The Mermaid and the Bear
Based on those witchy, witchy ways…The book that came from it all is out now in paperback and kindle.
If you like castles, Scotland, history, witches, stone circles and Christmas done medieval-style, you might like THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. There’s also a love story.
Amazon UK and Amazon Worldwide
Other bookshops (and libraries) can get it too!
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
I also feature in the article Should we really have fun at Halloween when the north-east led the great execution of witches?
My New Series
The first title – Ariel: Dancing on TVThe night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
See my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Working Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes Dark
What jobs have you had?
A WordPress Prompt
Well, WordPress prompt, when I was fifteen, I took over my ballet teacher’s school for a few months before going to college.
Despite being far too young for such a responsibility, I loved it, and it paid for all the dancewear and equipment I needed for my studies.
In my second year of dance school, I got a job in a shop in Covent Garden. It was a very nice shop. I had more money. No more choosing between food and decent pointe shoes.
But here is where things go a bit darker than the WordPress prompt probably intended. I knew really, that working both Saturday and Sunday, after a hard week of dance training, was a bit foolhardy. My sensible friend, Suzette, who would have counselled against this, had returned to Mauritius. More about Suzette and dance training here
So, I became exhausted. There was dance injury after dance injury. I developed a chest infection that lasted five months.
The shop sacked me for being ill. This left me even more vulnerable than I had already been, at seventeen, alone in London.
There was a violent predator.
There was an incident from which I was lucky to escape with my life.
Fast forward to the present, skipping several other jobs…
And my writing is influenced by my past. This is most evident in my contemporary work. There is a dark event in TENDU, the first book of A Dancer’s Journey, that I knew how to write because of my own experience. Not that it’s exactly the same, of course. In fact, it’s quite different. Fiction has to be more dramatic than reality, and more interesting. Far more interesting…
And have an infinitely more exciting setting…
These books have dark moments, but they are actually quite fun, overall, I think. And naughty. Like life, if you’re lucky!
Update: the whole series is out now!
See slides on TikTokSeries on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Dance and Despair: Writing What You Know on Women Writers, Women[‘s] Books.
More on the seriesPointe Work and a Red LeotardDance Research in the DungeonChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceDiabolical and Deranged: Writing and BloodThere’s also this strange little post about what the characters of A Dancer’s Journey get up to when I’m away from the keyboard.Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Working Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes Dark appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 22, 2025
Lavender’s Blue, Dilly Dilly…
Lavender’s blue…
Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green,
When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen:
Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?
‘Twas mine own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so.
Current writing research has taken me to the 17th century, and this folk song that has its origins in that time, is in my mind. The older versions are a little earthier…
Lavender blue and Rosemary green,
When I am king you shall be queen;
Call up my maids at four o’clock,
Some to the wheel and some to the rock;
Some to make hay and some to shear corn,
And you and I will keep the bed warm.
The lavender is SO very fragrant just now, and the cornflowers are SO very blue 
And Ariel is still free today and tomorrow…
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Lavender’s Blue, Dilly Dilly… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Lavender’s Blue, Dilly Dilly…
Lavender’s blue…
Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green,
When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen:
Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?
‘Twas mine own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so.
Current writing research has taken me to the 17th century, and this folk song that has its origins in that time, is in my mind. The older versions are a little earthier…
Lavender blue and Rosemary green,
When I am king you shall be queen;
Call up my maids at four o’clock,
Some to the wheel and some to the rock;
Some to make hay and some to shear corn,
And you and I will keep the bed warm.
The lavender is SO very fragrant just now, and the cornflowers are SO very blue
And Ariel is still free today and tomorrow…
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Lavender’s Blue, Dilly Dilly… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 21, 2025
The Ancient Sound of the Carnyx
A misty Midsummer morning: a perfect time to hear the carnyxIt’s Midsummer, and I’m in celebratory mode and sounding my (imaginary) carnyx, a wind instrument of the Iron Age Celts.
Midsummer in the woodsSound of the CarnyxIn the video below, a musician plays a reconstruction of the Deskford Carnyx. The original was discovered in this area of Scotland and dates from the time of my Iron Age novel, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLDSet in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
Midsummer, or High Summer, is important to the people of the book. There’s dancing, singing, storytelling and other, naughtier, activities in the stone circle. There’s also feasting and fighting, and the sound of a newly constructed carnyx.
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Ancient Sound of the Carnyx appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 20, 2025
An Elusive Stone Circle
The elusive stone circle is Loudon Wood. The trees have been felled, but strangely this hasn’t made the site any easier to find. See a previous tree-filled post here
You cannot see the stones from the track, so the circle still has to be hunted down. The path is just after a fenced-in bit of scrub land, if you need to know!
It remains beautiful and peaceful there. And, as ever, given its elusive nature, deserted.
Heath Bedstraw is growing round the stones.
Ariel is FREE for one more day!
Ariel: Dancing on TV is the first in a series of three books, but absolutely works as a standalone. No cliffhanger endings from me.
The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her…
Ariel on Amazon UK
Ariel on Amazon Worldwide
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post An Elusive Stone Circle appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
An Elusive Stone Circle and a FREE book!
The elusive stone circle is Loudon Wood. The trees have been felled, but strangely this hasn’t made the site any easier to find. See a previous tree-filled post here
You cannot see the stones from the track, so the circle still has to be hunted down. The path is just after a fenced-in bit of scrub land, if you need to know!
It remains beautiful and peaceful there. And, as ever, given its elusive nature, deserted.
Heath Bedstraw is growing round the stones.
The Free Book: Ariel
As part of Stuff Your Kindle day, the kindle version of Ariel is free for the next three days. It’s the first in a series of three books, but absolutely works as a standalone. No cliffhanger endings from me.
The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her…
Ariel on Amazon UK
Ariel on Amazon Worldwide
See the Stuff Your Kindle Day site today for over 1600 free romance ebooks.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post An Elusive Stone Circle and a FREE book! appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 14, 2025
The Orange Ball Tree: Buddleia Globosa
The orange ball tree (no giggling at the back) has a very brief flowering season. The globes brown up in days, but they’re quite stunning and the bees love them.
The purple buddleia is still out too, making the whole garden smell like honey.
FOUETTÉ: Dancing with the Past (book 3 of A Dancer’s Journey)
Amalphia Treadwell thinks she’s living her happily ever after.
She’s achieved fame, fortune and notoriety. She’s blissfully happy in her unconventional marriage and is very excited about the plan she’s just made with her best friend Justin.
When she encounters a mysterious child, a child who desperately needs her help, she knows that life will never be the same again.
Amalphia explores the deeper, darker places of her world, encountering long-forgotten danger and uncovering truths that might have been better left unknown.
Beginning six years after the end of the previous book in the series, the third and final part of Amalphia’s journey is a steamy tale of love, dance, obsession and forgiveness.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home is just one huge performance…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageSee my About Page here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Orange Ball Tree: Buddleia Globosa appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
