Getting into the bones of Barry Mill with novel event

Barry Mill is all set to enjoy something of a ‘novel’ celebration on Sunday 9 September, when this favourite National Trust for Scotland property hosts a special event to mark the publication of Bone Deep, a psychological thriller inspired by the folklore and landscape of the mill.

Author Sandra Ireland, from Carnoustie, worked for several years as a guide and volunteer at the historic property, and in 2017 was awarded funding by Creative Scotland to undertake a writing residency there. During the year-long residency she was able to observe the changing moods of the old watermill and the reactions of visitors to the building, its setting and its history.

Sandra continued: ‘During my residency, I had access to a valuable archive of source material collected by former miller Peter Ellis and made many visits to the National Library of Scotland. I chose the Border Ballad of The Cruel Sister as the central strand in this very modern tale. It features two sisters who quarrel down by the millpond and get on the wrong side of a very sinister miller!’

The publication of Bone Deep will be celebrated with a session of spoken word, traditional music and readings from the book. Running from 2–4pm, this is a free event to coincide with Angus Heritage Week and the ever-popular Doors Open Weekend, when Barry Mill throws open its doors to visitors free of charge, in co-operation with the Scottish Civic Trust and Visit Angus.

Bone Deep is published by Polygon, and the rights have been sold to India, Germany and the US. Signed copies of the novel will be available to purchase on the day.