The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

Grand Hall at Bannockburn House
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The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children's Storybook Commission

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

In the heart of Scotland lies a place steeped in history and mystery—Bannockburn House. This grand estate, with its sprawling gardens and centuries-old walls, holds within its embrace tales of the past. The whispered stories of the Bogles, or Ghosts as they are commonly known. But this is Scotland and our ghosts are Bogles and Bannockburn House is full of boisterous brave Bogles!

Bannockburn Bogle The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children's Storybook Commission

What is a Bogle?

Never heard of a Bogle? Ever heard of a Boggle or Bogill? What about a Bogeyman?

This ancient word is common not only in Scotland but also Northumbria. The words definition of one of a ghost!

4 Bogles of Bannockburn House The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children's Storybook Commission

The Commission

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

I do wish my commission had started with a letter, sealed with a wax stamp bearing the crest of Bannockburn House.

Of course in the 21st Century is begins with a missed voice mail. Next there is a telephone call. Followed by a What’sApp message or two. They eventually introduce me to the faded elegance of Bannockburn House and the amazing group of volunteers who help to run the house.

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children's Storybook Commission

Ghosty Beggars of Bannockburn House

The Magical Story of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Book Project

Bannockburn House is very popular for Paranormal Evenings. Thrill seekers can attend special events at Bannockburn House, wandering the dark corridors and uncovering its spooky past. Visitors to the events not only leave with a thrill and a CHILL!

Grand Hall at Bannockburn House

Unravelling the Mysteries of Bannockburn House

As an author and illustrator I first need to get to know my character. In this case the character is the beautiful old Manor House and the stories which inhabit its amazing halls and old damp walls. I receive a generous invite to walk the passages and hear some of the history of Bannockburn House by three passionate volunteers. I learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Key to Stirling Auld Toon, The Fire and of course the supernatural inhabitants of this old stately home.

White Room of Bannockburn House

Meet the Characters- The Bogles

Fiona, a talented fabric artist introduces me to the Bogles she has been creating. These Bogles are made from beautiful pieces of recycled wool and scraps of material, buttons and ribbon. The ghostly Bogles are sold in the shop along with other amazing creations. The proceeds of these sales go towards the restoration work which will eventually see Bannockburn House reclaim it’s stately beauty.

mangle at Bannockburn House

Capturing the Magic

I spend an amazing few hours in the company of the volunteers being guided around the building. In each room a little bit more of the houses unique history is shared. Secrets reveal themselves and the atmosphere seeps into my bones.

I take lots of photos, ask lots of questions. All the information, the sights, sounds, smells, penetrate my being. Finally the story of the Beastly Bogles of Bannockburn House slowly begins to take shape!

The Story becomes a Reality

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission. At last the story of the Beastly Bogles is now written. The next stage of this fun process is illustrating the antics of the Bogles and their amazing adventure!

To learn more about my visit to Bannockburn House and it’s history go to our wee wild adventures website

For more books by Mandy

Flannelfoot a Scottish Bogeyman another tale of things that creep in the night.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn another true tale and this time a wee Scottish Witch.

Can you recycle old wooden door knobs?

Finished upcycled door knobs
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Can you recycled old wooden door knobs?

Yes, you can and look at how they turned out!

Finished upcycled door knobs

How to Recycled Old Wooden Door Knobs

1. Collect your old Wooden Door Knobs

These old door knobs came from our kitchen cabinets.

Old Wooden door knobs to be recycled

Old Wooden Door Knobs

2. Paint the old wooden door knobs

Use acrylic paint and give the door knobs a few coats. Leave them for a day in between coats, to dry.

Old wooden knobs painted white

Attach the door knobs to a piece of wood and then coat them a few times with acrylic paint

3. Draw the images for the top of your door knobs

Using a blue sharpie on regular paper drawn some Folk Art style illustrations. I have about 18 separate illustrations of different animals in this funky Blue and White style.

  • Folk Art Blue and white illustration of Basking sharks
  • Blue and white horse illustrations folk art style

4. Scan images and open in your photo manipulation software

I use Adobe illustrator. I create circle and then use a clipping mask to insert the image into the circle.

  • Adobe illustrator fill shape
  • Using own designs for recycling wooden door knobs
  • Circles filled with folk art illustrations

5. Print out the Folk Art Illustrations

Print out the A4 sheet of your Folk Art illustrations on regular copier paper

Printed onto regular copier paper folk art illustration circles

6. Cut out the circles

I printed two sets of my Knob Toppers. One set I cut out using scissors. The second set of toppers I cut using my Scan and Cut. The Scan and Cut was much more accurate.

Cut with scissors versus cut with Scan and Cut machine

7. Use Modge Podge to attach paper to your wooden knob

Coat the top of your wooden knob with modge podge. Hold the screw attached to your knob and press down onto the printed paper. Then use some cling film and place this over the Folk Art topper. You can then use the cling film to mould the paper into the shape of the wooden knob without getting glue all over you or distorting the paper. Another key point is that the cling film won’t stick to the modge podge if you remove it after shaping the topper.

  • Modge Podge used to stick knob top
  • Use clingfirl to smooth down the topper and shape
  • Flattened with cling film

8. Allow Glue (Modge Podge) to dry and then recoat surface of the topper

I allowed my Knob Toppers to dry over night. Coat your knob topper again after 24 hours and then once again.

Coated with modge podge and drying

9. Finally, admire your upcycled Wooden Door Knobs

Now it is time to decide where to use your Folk Art Style Upcycled Wooden Door Knobs.

Aren’t they beautiful? Can you recycled old wooden door knobs? Yes you can!

Finished upcycled door knobs

10 things about Isobel Gowdie Scotlands most famous Witch

10 things you never knew about Isobel Gowdie, Scotland’s most famous Witch
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10 things about Isobel Gowdie Scotlands most famous witch from Nairnshire. A poor innocent woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. Never heard of Isobel Gowdie? Then read on to learn 10 things you never knew about Isobel Gowdie!

1.    Isobel Gowdie is Scotland’s most famous witch

Scotland’s most famous witch, Isobel Gowdie, lived in the Lochloy area of Nairn in the 17th Century.  Indeed the Moray Coast is famous for its witchcraft. It is estimated that over 4000 witches were killed along the Moray Coast. Indeed if you visit Forres today be sure to visit the Witches Stone. This marks the spot where witches were driven in barrels, through which spikes were driven and then the barrel was burnt.

Witches stone in forres

2.    Confessed to Witchcraft

Isobel’s case is incredibly fascinating as the original transcripts of her trial still exist and are located in the National Archives of Scotland. The detail of Isobel’s confessions over a six week period are rich with detail although we have no idea of the tortures she endured during the time of solitary confinement.

3.    The original transcripts of Isobel Gowdie’s trial still exist

Isobel Gowdie confessed, most probably under extreme duress and torture. It was transcribed that she used magic to attempt to destroy her neighbours crops, she used effigies which she burnt to bring harm to the Laird’s male offspring. Fairies, hares, jackdaws, the devil and other creatures feature in Isobel’s confessions, along with implicating her neighbours and friends.

4.    Isobel was tried by 12 powerful men of Nairnshire

Local Lairds (including the Laird of Park and Loch Loy, her landlord), Harry Forbes the local minister. Also present and part of her interrogation was Hugh Rose, public notary John Innes and church elders.

Evil men judge Isobel Gowdie at her trial

5.    Isobel Gowdie was tried in Auldearn

It is believed that Isobel was held in Auldearn Tolbooth and it is also in Auldearn where Isobel confessed, she would meet the devil at the Auld Kirk.  At Auldearn Kirk she also confessed that the devil sent her on an  errand to Auldearn disguised as a hare.

Auld Kirk of Auldearn
Auldearn Auld Kirk

6.    Isobel implicated 12 other members of the community as part of her coven

From the confessions tortured from Isobel, Janet Breadhead and Margret Brodie were also put on trial. In total, forty-one people were arrested as a result of Isobel’s tortured confessions.

7.    The fate of Isobel Gowdie is not certain

After the six weeks of trial the true fate of Isobel has been lost in time. However just outside Auldearn, as a place known locally as Gallowhill, it is believed that Isobel and the rest of her coven were hung and burnt.

8.    Green Witch of Auldearn

To this day there are sightings of a green lady in Auldearn. An ethereal ghost or restless soul which roams Auldearn and Nairn seeking resolution and compassion. It is actually believed the Isobel was probably a healer or midwife to her local community. It is suggested that she probably spurned the sexual advances of her local Laird and fell foul to the zealot local minister. Although we do not know much about Isobel we do know that at this time in Nairnshire there was famine, war and sand storms. Perhaps a time where a convenient scapegoat had to be found and blamed for the difficult times.

9.    Books, Orchestral Works, Songs,Plays, Podcasts and of course the original transcripts

Isobel Gowdie is the most famous witch in Scotland and has proven to be an inspiration to writers and historians alike. This enigma of a woman, a poor cottar’s wife, who provided so much detail in her tortured confessions remains fresh in the memories of locals and visitors alike.   

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn – Children’s Book, by Mandy E Rush

The Confessions of Isobel Gowdie – Orchestral Work, by James MacMillan

The Witch of Auldearn – Play, by John Lawson

Weight of Sand – Podcast, by Stories of Scotland

10. Visit Nairn Museum, Auldearn Church and the Isobel Gowdie Mural

If you are no intrigued about Isobel Gowdie, perhaps you would be interested in finding out a little bit more about this innocently accused woman? Thana tourism or dark tourism, refers to visiting places where dark events of human history occurred.

In this case, we would encourage you to visit Nairn Museum for more information of Isobel Gowdie and of course visit the Auld Kirk in Auldearn. Auldearn is a sleep and beautiful village just a short bicycle ride outside Nairn, where not only can you visit the original chapel but local a local artist has painted a mural in the local square which details Isobel’s story.

The Kirk in Auldearn

Why not download this helpful Exploring Nairnshire map with cycle routes.

Watch this YouTube Movie of Isobel’s Story.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn

Isobel Gowdie in the cart being taken to Gallowhill
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Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn an illustrated story book for children, written and illustrated by Mandy E. Rush.

The most lastest subject of Mandy’s children’s book is the real character, Isobel Gowdie. Isobel is a local woman who was accused and convicted of witch craft in the 17th century in Nairnshire.

Evil men judge Isobel Gowdie at her trial

Mandy first heard of the story of Isobel Gowdie after Nairn Museum held a talk in the summer of 2022 held for the year of Scotland’s stories. Mandy then started doing research on Scotland’s most famous witch and found copies of original transcripts of Isobel’s trial, a podcast and much more.

Mandy then went exploring on her bicycle and visited Auldearn on a sunny Sunday. She was keen to visit the Auld Kirk where tortured Isobel confessed to having dealings with the devil and the amazing mural at the square in Auldearn. The Isobel Gowdie Mural by local artist Helen Wright contains illustrations and rhyming verse detailing the horrors of Isobel’s story.

  • Isobel Gowdie Mural in Auldearn
  • Auld Kirk of Auldearn
  • Doocot at Auldearn in blue skies
  • Front cover of Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn book

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn tells the story of Isobel from the time she was a small girl. She is a special child who finds joy all around her. She tends too and cares for all the creatures which surround her. She helps the old hare escape from an evil snare, she helps Mr Jackdaw when she finds him with a thorn in his wing.

Isobel sings and dances and laughs in the natural world which she inhabits and indeed grows up with the knowledge to be a healer not only to her animal friends. Isobel becomes a healer to her neighbours and friends and even becomes a midwife.

Unfortunately at this time, Nairnshire is not all a tranqility. It is a time of war, famine and sandstorms and the poor young woman becomes an easy scapegoat for powerful men looking for someone to blame for the ills in the shire.

Flannel Foot comes to Plean

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Flannel foot comes to Plean or atleast the author and illustrator did!

Mandy and Arlene at Plean Library

Arlene the lovely librarian at Plean Library and her senior Jan invited me to my old school and library for a special week of events titled, Off The Page. I was thrilled. I had been taken every Tuesday night by my mum to Plean Library, late night opening, for my weekly exchange of books for the week. We all went, Geoge, Campbell and I. Now I was being invited back to my old library to do a book reading and chat. Something I could never have dreamed off!

First of all though I was headed back to my old School, East Plean Primary.

  • Old East Plean Primary
    Old East Plean Primary
  • New East Plean Primary
    New East Plean Primary
  • new east plean badge
    New School Badge
  • Old Badge for East Plean Primary
    Old School Badge
  • Mandy Elizabeth Rush in Primary one
    Primary One and Mandy Elizabeth Rush
  • Mandy Elizabeth Rush reading a book
    Young Mandy reading a book

I had never been inside the new school at East Plean and was a bit surprised with the high security access arrangement, not disappointed, just didn’t realise the double buzz access had arrived in our sleepy wee village.

What a laugh I had! I showed them some old pictures to see if they could tell me some of the places in Flannel Foot a Scottish Bogeyman, base around the Plean. Now I knew some of them would be tricky but some of them had me in stitches.

  • Cockabendies Castle Plean
    Cockabendies Castle Plean
  • The Big Hoose Plean
    The Big Hoose Plean
  • The Big Hoose Plean before the trees grew
    The Big Hoose Plean before the trees grew
  • The Big Hoose, Plean two fences and lots of trees
    The Big Hoose Plean before the trees grew
  • The Corner, The Brae, Plean
    The Corner, The Brae, Plean
  • Anne MacFarlane's store Plean Corner
    Anne MacFarlane’s store Plean Corner
  • Up the Brae the Plean
    Up the Brae the Plean

Cockabendies Castle? The symbol on all their sweatshirts? The school badge? “Stirling Castle! Wallaces Monument! Edinburgh Castle!” None of the wee ones knew it was Cockabendies Castle or as it is called today Plane Castle.

The Corner? Obviously with the older images it was difficult but by the time I got to the newest image one of the wee ones said “Main street” yeah!

Old East Plean Primary? This photo they got super fast!

The Big Hoose? Eventually someone said “The Country Park” perfect!

Cory got conned into looking after Nancy Coo! You can’t have a Highland Coo running around unsupervised in the school gym hall!

The kids at East Plean Primary were fabulous fun!

As Flannel Foot the Scottish Bogeyman is written in our Plean Scots, I asked them to put up their hands if any of them spoke a second language.

Quite a few of the children did speak a second language which was great and a lot of them said French which they had been getting taught at school.

I however said, “I think you might know another language“. Then I asked them what certain parts of the body were called in Scottish!

I was rolling about the floor laughing by then! As they all shouted out

“Heid”, “Arrrrmpit” (I was going for oxter!), “Fit”, “Eurrrrr” (I was going for lug), “Burl”, “Aye”, “Naw!”, “Hoose”, “Moose”

Then we all sang a song for Nancy Coo using our Plean Scots!

  • If you are happy and you know it do all four
    If you are happy and you know it do a Burl!
  • Sing for Nancy Coo
  • Hands up
  • Turning the pages at the book reading
    Time for story
  • East Plean Primary book bug session
    Are your sitting comfortably
  • Laughing with the kids
    Story time
  • If you are happy and you know it do all four
    If you are happy and you know it do a Burl!

Next on to the library which were there was much less singing and dancing yet we had cake! Yum!!

  • Book signing at Plean library
    Signing a book
  • Book reading at Plean Library
    Wee presentation

John O’Groats and the Mermaid

illustration of a mermaid holding 4 magical shells with fish and seaweed
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New Illustrated Story Book from Mandy Elizabeth Rush, inspired by her visit to John O’Groats and local stories and folklore.

John O’Groats, or Jan De Groot is a humble ferry man. One day he rescues the mermaid caught in the Swelkie the Sea Witch’s whirlpool and from that day forward, Jan’s life will never be the same. For his brave deed he receives some local shells, little beautiful pink shells, called groaties. Little does Jan know but these are no ordinary shells but have magic woven into their beauty.

Follow the adventure of Jan De Groot as his kind, heroic deeds around the seas of Caithness, result in him living the live he always dreamed off. Not one filled with wealth and possessions, but one filled with love and laughter.

A story book which is full of love, kindness and adventure as Jan bravely puts others before himself without thought of reward. The perfect bedtime story.

Back Cover of John O'Groats and the Mermaid

Evolution Day – Darwin the Finch Book Launch

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Did you know that the 24th of November is Evolution Day?

Charles Darwin’s origin of the Species was first published on this day in 1859!

The revolutionary story of Darwin the Finch, a children’s book about the story of these amazing finches will be launched on facebook on the 24th of November 2021.

Watch my little trailer about my illustrated childrens book launch.

Señor and Señora Finch are swept away from their home by the strong Trade Winds. Eventually when they finally land on distant islands they build a nest and lay eggs.

Blessed, Señor and Señora Finch hatch five eggs.

How will these five brothers adapt, survive and thrive in this strange new land?

The revolutionary story of Darwin the Finch

Written and Illustrted by Mandy Elizabeth Rush

Darwin the Finch, book launch, Evolution Day the 24th of November at 7pm, join me and listen and watch to a wee story about Señor and Señora Little Brown Finch and the revolutionary story of Evolution!

Darwin The Finch

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Darwin the Finch

Lucky enough to visit the Galapagos in November and December of 2019, the story of Darwin the Finch was born.

I have been busy illustrating Darwin and his brothers and hope to get the book published soon.

Can you guess what is brothers are called?

Beautiful Tits

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I love birds and I have been working on some new graphics for our recycled bedlinen bags with WASaBED. I wonder if you have a favourite Scottish Tit?

Now WASaBed no longer exists. I now use Gelato to fulfil the Beautiful Scottish Tits products you see below!

Do you have a bird enthusiast in your life who would love a Tit T-shirt?

Scottish Tits

Beautiful Tits

At the Loo in Inverewe

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New environmental posters at Inverewe Gardens, feature a Highland Cow, the Highland Haggis and Plastic Polluted Puffins. All illustrated by a local author and illustrator Mandy E Rush.

A wee surprise when you visit the loo at Inverewe ❤️ new environmental posters highlighting the problems of plastic pollution, doggy poop bags, and keep your dog on a lead near livestock.

My environmental posters😮😃 Nancy Coo, Puffins and Haggis ❤️ All illustrations from my books ❤️.

We all know the perils or plastic pollution and we can all make a difference by picking up plastic, just pick up 3 and save our sea!

Plastic pollution at Puffins poster

Plastic Pollution and Puffins

Pick up Plastic, Be Fantastic

Save our Trees, And our Seas

Nancy Cow the Highland Cow and red squirrel friends environmental poster at Inverewe Gardens

Nancy Coo the Highland Cow and Inverewe Squirrel Poster

Don’t make Nancy, the Highland Coo, bleed

Near livestock keep you dogs on the lead

And help the Red Squirrels of Inverewe

By kindly removing your doggies poo!

Haggis and Doggie Poop Bags environmental posters

Haggis and their greatest threat – doggy poop bags

Highland Haggis are sadly nearly extinct,

Full doggy poop bags have them hoodwinked

They think them juicy slugs or lovely butterfly

They gobble them up. Then they Die!