The Man With The Horse - Tony Bonning launches new book detailing Skye adventures
Professional storyteller and collector of Kelpie mythology Tony Bonning has released his new book, ‘The Man With The Horse’ - In Search of Skye Kelpie Tales.
The Island Book Trust’s first publication of 2026, The Man With The Horse recounts Bonning’s epic trek around the Isle of Skye with his trusty Grey Cob Chief.
During the Spring of 2023, shortly after the restrictions of Covid, the duo became a familiar sight on the roads and trackways of Skye, many people turning out to welcome them and provide sustenance for both man and horse as they walked between the island’s famous landmarks. Others followed their journey on Facebook.
This lavishly illustrated book tells the story of their journey in the form of Tony’s diary, the friends and acquaintances they met on the way, and recounts well over 100 traditional tales of kelpies and other supernatural creatures associated with the places they visited.
The book weaves the kelpie tales into the narrative, revealing each location’s legend as the duo arrive.
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Tony said: "Skye and its topography is the stuff of legend, and it has more tales per square mile than just about anywhere. Why someone felt it needed fairy pools and a fairy glen is quite absurd; just about every ruined fort, and there are many, has a fairy tale attached to it.
"The book contains over a hundred tales, and I could write another book from the tales left out – maybe I will.
Tony and Chief’s myth hunting adventures have taken them all over the West Coast of Scotland, with books coming in the future on his trips to the Western Isles and Mull.
The book will be launched at Portree Library on Thursday February 19 at 6.30pm, and at An Crubh in Sleat on Friday February 20 at 7pm. All are welcome to come along to hear Tony talk about his unforgettable expedition, the people he met, and the stories he unearthed.
Signed copies of the book, price £15, may be purchased at the launch events or (unsigned) via the IBT website www.islandsbooktrust.org
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