University of Edinburgh

The Road Less Travelled: Scotland's Travellers and the Functions of Traditional Narrative in the Construction of a Minority Community

Academic History:

2017 - present: PhD: Celtic and Scottish Studies

2015 - 2016: Master of Science by Research: Scottish Ethnology (Distinction)

2011 - 2015: Master of Arts with Honours: Scottish Ethnology and English Literature (2:1)

Supervisors:

Dr William Lamb

Dr Neill Martin

Research Interests:

My project investigates the functions of traditional narratives in the construction of the iconic sector of Scottish society known as ‘Travellers’. My research questions ask how traditional narratives, which are orally transmitted through generations, condition the worldview of a contemporary minority community. My project will also explore what Travellers’ tales can tell us about their social, cultural and economic history, as well as their milieu in modern Scotland. For example, I have previously demonstrated that Traveller narratives function as ciphers for expressions of a distinctive Traveller worldview and culture. Furthermore, my research will engage with contemporary Travellers and their cultural output to highlight ‘living traditions’ in Scotland – these vital traditions will be used to provide valuable insights to educational institutions, charitable bodies and governments into the current character of one of Scotland’s most marginalised communities.

Previous Research Projects:

‘Outsiders on the Inside: Scotland’s Traveller and the Narrative Negotiation of Worldview’.

This Masters project used close reading and comparative techniques to reveal how Travellers’ identities and worldview are negotiated through their expressions in oral narrative.

Scholarships:

AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship

Awards:

The University of Edinburgh Strömbäck Prize (2013) for highest award in Scottish Ethnology.

Contact Details:

Address: The School of Scottish Studies, 50 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH

Email: s1130842@sms.ed.ac.uk

First published: 25 September 2017