photograph © Perthshire Picture Agency

Biography and Key Events

Biography

My name is Jess Smith.

I am a Traditional storyteller from Scotland's Perthshire Travelling people. My past lifestyle which is now extinct was working the land. This closeness to nature taught me many things about the body's hidden senses and thankfully I have never lost them.

I have written three books on my life travelling the country in an old bus with parents and seven sisters who came and went over a period spanning ten years. The first two books, Jessie's Journey and Tales from the Tent were in Scotland’s best-selling list and are now for sale in America and Canada.

Book three, Tears for a Tinker, which finishes my journey stories, was published in April 2005.

My first novel, Bruar's Rest, was published in October 2006. A short story compilation will follow called Sookin' Berries. This collection will feature reminisces of travelling agricultural workers.

My skill as a teller of tales was self-taught round camp fires by listening to the old folk. I also sing ballads and recite poetry. Visit the Publications page to hear two tracks from my new CD - The Matted Cat.

I have been storytelling on a professional basis for several years and can just about tell a tale anywhere: schools, universities, churches, yurts, festivals, fields, beaches to name a few.

What is important to me is that the content of my ancient tales are shared and passed on to live through others in future generations.

I do work-shops, forum, concert, small audience from two to ten, or large from twenty to a hundred plus. I tell tales of ghosts, humour, sadness, fairies, goblins, dogs, superstitions, and anything else as long as there’s a story in its guts.

I can work alone or with others.

I am available for performances, talks and after dinner speeches.  contact me either by telephone; 01764656278 or email; info@jesssmith.co.uk  or write to her at 1, Glenturret, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4LD

Key Events

Kirriemuir - winner of the Doric Verse 2004.

TMSA (Traditional Music and Song Association) Keith Festival 2003 - winner of women's singing and storytelling cup.

Keith Festival - winner of storytelling cup in 2002.