Scotland Tour Guides
Jane Mather
Scottish Woodland Leader, Facilitator, & Storyteller
Jane, a native of Scotland, has been a woodland leader, facilitator, and storyteller for 15 years and in the mental health services field for 30 years. She loves to share and weave stories about the beautiful landscape of her homeland, which may include myths, legends, plant identification, and more. She was awarded the Andy Hunter creative bursary to develop a performance which explores stories about Edinburgh’s healing wells.
Recent storytelling sessions include: Elderwise: Gala Week Stories – for the Luminate Festival of Creative Ageing & the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in May 2019; Stories of Seven Hills – for Café Voices at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Social at the National Library of Scotland in June 2019.
Workshops: Lost Words, Lost Worlds “explored the relationship between language and nature connection for the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh’s Connect with Nature Festival in June 2019.”
Matthew/James Appleby
Tour Guide, Poet, & Editor
Matt is a birding and nature certified tour guide, who not only has done many tours in his place of residence, Edinburgh, Scotland, but also internationally. He speaks French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
​
He goes by "James" when he has his poet, writer, and editor hat on. He's the editor of Interpret Magazine. His original poetry has been published in The London Magazine in the UK and Best American Poetry blog in the US. James’ poetry translations are published by Asymptote and featured at events at the French Institute of Scotland and the Sofia Literature & Translation House. His book, Spurious Language, won accolades in The International Book & Pamphlet Competition.
Writing Awards: International Booker Prize, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, the King's Gold Medal for Poetry, the US National Book Award, Elizabeth Kostova Foundation Fellowship, and commendation in the McLellan Poetry Competition.
​
​
​
Erica Moore
Tea & Mental Health Entrepreneur (Recovering Lawyer)
Erica started eteaket in 2008, founded on her belief for quality tea, nourishing experiential experiences, and that we were “all born to chase our dreams and find our passion” (eteaket.co.uk.). She herself has modeled this in her own life, after leaving her career as a lawyer and fulfilling her dream to create this company!
According to her site: “In every part of the world, tea has the ability to create a gentle yet vibrant atmosphere that brings people together and inspires them to live their best life seeking health and happiness.”
We will have the honor to have her present her Tea Tasting Experience to us, combining the Scottish Tea and 5 Element Tea Tasting Experiences. This will show us the beauty of Scottish tea blends, basking in their heritage and engaging our senses with rich distinct flavors and botanicals. The 5 Elements Tea Experience features Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal, learning which one we are born to and can unlock our power.