Joanne Dowd
Joanne Dowd is a Professional Storyteller, listed on the TRACS Directory of Scottish Storytellers, since 2022. She is also a Writer and Community Education Worker and has led several successful storytelling workshops for children and adults across Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Fife. Her stories have been published in literary journals across Scotland and several of her short plays were performed at the Traverse Theatre. Joanne has a keen interest in using Applied Storytelling and Applied Theatre to promote wellbeing. She has built strong partnerships with many local organisations, voluntary and statutory agencies in Clackmannanshire. She has produced award winning docudramas at Inverkeithing Parish Church, the Carnegie Theatre, Dunfermline and the Scottish Parliament through her work in Community Leaning and Development. Joanne is passionate about Storytelling, Scotland, the Hillfoots and Women’s Wellbeing.
Email: joanne@hillfootstales.co.uk
Eleanor Bell
Eleanor Bell’s love of stories and storytelling started in childhood, listening to her mum and aunts and uncles telling family stories by the hearthside. As a child Eleanor’s favourite story was “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. As an adult she loves musicals and songs that tell a story. For the last five years Eleanor has been developing the skill of oral storytelling, attending courses and events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and learning about traditional Scottish tales and legends. A regular at Hillfoots Tales events, Eleanor enjoys the thrill and magic of live storytelling and loves both dark and humorous tales.
Email: eleanor@hillfootstales.co.uk
Tania Dron
A love for the theatre and performance started at an early age for Tania. After studying acting she has spent her working life performing, educating, writing and guiding, particularly in tourism.
A member of Hillfoots Tales for a few years, Tania loves being part of the community, sharing, listening to stories and enjoying the company.
With a firm belief that stories are a massive part of what makes us human, Tania is happiest in a storytelling environment, be it a performance or a relaxed gathering. The only improvement would be to add a whisky, a cat and crafting supplies.
Gail Watson
Gail joined Hillfoots Tales in 2023 as a volunteer, taking on responsibility for updating our website but she quickly found that she enjoyed listening to oral storytelling. Not long after that she told a story of her own at a Wednesday Storytelling Session. That year, Gail was part of the team sharing stories as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023 “Wild Hillfoots” event in October. She has subsequently taken part in the festival every year. Gail is part of the Management Team and heads our Website Team. She enjoys walking, reading, history and travelling to far away countries.
Kerry-Ann Robertson
Kerry-Ann has been involved with Hillfoots Tales since November 2025 and greatly appreciates the support, encouragement and friendship she has found within this group. Whether reciting her own original poems or sharing work from other writers, she finds it heartwarming and uplifting to listen to everyones stories and poetry. Being part of this wonderful group has enhanced her confidence and she is very motivated to this journey with continued enthusiasm and enjoyment. Kerry-Ann’s passion for writing her own original poetry to recite is inspired by her Dad’s creative talent for writing his own music. Growing up, she always had wonderful handwritten poems by her Dad. Making creative wording quite prominent throughout her life. Outside of writing poetry and reading, Kerry-Ann enjoys knitting and going for long walks.
Bec Wilson
Bec grew up in the Foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, an area rich with history and storytelling. She moved to Scotland in 2024 and to the Hillfoots in 2025, where she met the wonderful Hillfoots Tales group. Since settling in the shadow of the Ochils, she has found a creative home among storytellers who celebrate curiosity, humour and the magic of shared voices. Her tales blend Appalachian folklore with the characters and landscapes she has discovered in Scotland, and she enjoys sharing personal anecdotes as much as traditional tales. She is a designer, painter, and miniaturist.