Walking Through Dornoch: Researching the Past.

One of the greatest joys of writing historical fiction is discovering the places where history unfolded. Recently, my research took me to the beautiful town of Dornoch in the Highlands of Scotland, a place that features in my debut trilogy, The Witch That Never Burnt.

Walking through Dornoch, I found myself imagining the town as it might have appeared in 1662. The cathedral, the streets and the surrounding landscape all offered small clues to the past. While modern life continues around them, these places still carry echoes of the people who once lived there.

As I explored, I wasn't simply taking photographs or making notes—I was searching for details that would help bring my characters' journey to life. How would the streets have felt beneath their feet? What sounds would have greeted them? What might they have seen as they arrived after days of travelling?

Research trips like this remind me that historical fiction isn't just about dates and events. It's about people. Visiting the places they may have known helps me understand the world they inhabited and allows me to write with greater authenticity.

Dornoch has now become another important piece of the puzzle. Every visit deepens my understanding of Scotland's history and brings me one step closer to completing The Witch That Never Burnt.

As The Saltwater Storyteller, I hope to share many more of these journeys with you. After all, every place has a story—and sometimes, all we need to do is stop and listen.

— Rose Campbell Smith
The Saltwater Storyteller

From My Writer's Notebook

Dornoch reminds me that places have memories. Even centuries later, the landscape can reveal details that no history book ever could.