LGBT reimaginings of Scottish folktales

Wain is a collection of LGBT themed poetry for teens based on retellings of Scottish myths. The collection contains stories about kelpies, selkies, and the Loch Ness Monster, alongside perhaps lesser-known mythical people and creatures, such as wulvers, Ghillie Dhu, and the Cat Sìth. These poems immerse readers in an enriching, diverse and enchanting vision of contemporary life.

The poems in this collection are fun, surprising, and full of a magical mix of myth and contemporary LGBT themes – it is a perfect read for teens who are learning more about themselves, other people, and the world around them. Wain is fully illustrated in colour by Helene Boppert, and aimed at teenagers.

Rachel Plummer was commissioned by LGBT Youth Scotland to write the collection, and the commission was funded by Creative Scotland. The book is accessible to all readers, Scottish and not – it comes with a glossary, which explains more about the myths in the poems. There is also a section of writing exercises to encourage young readers to write their own poems, inspired by the book.