Yesterday marked the publication of 274 Miles, the inaugural anthology from Tantallon Tìr, and I'm delighted my short story "Takkin Flicht" is included, alongside a host of fantastic stories from a diverse range of Scottish writers.

"Takkin Flicht" retells John Damian's (in)famous attempted flight from the walls of Stirling Castle in 1507. This Icarian episode of faith and folly has attained iconic status, inspiring a variety of artistic responses. It's lovely to be a small part of that continuum.

Sadly I couldn't attend the launch event of 274 Miles in Glasgow this evening so I have recorded a reading of the story from the walls of the castle itself (featuring a timely bird flyby near the end!). youtube.com/shorts/spavPpl…

A huge pleasure to get to hear some of the 274 Miles authors share their work at the launch of the first Tantallon Tìr publication last night. Check out 274 Miles: tantallontir.com/shop/

Our first review of 274 Miles is up on Goodreads and it’s an absolute belter!

Another great review in for 274 Miles. This time from John Dean crime novelist on his website: johndeancrimewriter.co.uk/274-miles-anth…

We got sent this today. 274 Miles has made it all the way to Vesuvius!

Another great destination. 274 Miles has made it to Hong Kong!

‘Here Come the Strike Pilots’ by Charles McGarry is a great story about a despised enemy pilot being found dead. Charles E McGarry #274Miles

Available now! tantallontir.com/shop/ #274Miles

‘The Scottish Problem’ by Douglas Thompson is a layered story about a family and their bottle of champagne that lay unopened for decades with no event worthy of its opening. #274Miles

‘Father’ by Coinneach MacIntyre is a heartbreaking story about a missing father and his daughter. #274Miles

‘Hands on the Window’ by Judith Hughes is a tragic story of a child leaving her father behind as she boards a train in Ukraine with her mother headed for a new life in Scotland. #274Miles

We’ve been reading the massive amount of submissions we’ve had for ‘Call of the Isles’ and the quality of stories is brilliant. Still a long way to go until we close on December 1st, so send us an island story if you’re Scottish/Scotland based. tantallontir.com/blog/

There’s a reason everyone and their maw is talking about the 274 Miles anthology. It’s a Scottish masterpiece! Get your copy today! 👉🏻 tantallontir.com/shop/

Tantallon Castle, 98 Miles #274Miles

274 Miles has lived up to our expectations in what we hoped to produce for a Scottish anthology and shows the quality of writers in our country. #Scotland

Stephanie Garcia’s poetic story ‘Trail Dust’ is a nostalgic memory of childhood. #274Miles

As of five minutes ago, we have sold out our initial print run of 274 Miles! But don’t worry if you haven’t got a copy yet as we’ve ordered more from our printer. Thank you to everyone who has bought and supported our debut. tantallontir.com/shop/

You know, the folks at Tantallon Tìr/Tantallon Tìr might have been on to something when they identified that Scottish-shaped gap in the literary landscape. Congratulations to everyone involved, and if you haven’t discovered 274 Miles yet, don’t miss your next opportunity!