April is Scottish-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of Scottish and their descendants to the tapestry of American culture. As a writer from the South, I've always been aware of the echoes of Scotland in the music and stories of the Appalachian Mountains. It's this connection that lies at the heart of my new series, ‘The Wayfinders.’

‘The Wayfinders’ tells the story of Maisie Macallan, a Scottish-American country singer from Tennessee who travels to Glasgow to reconnect with her roots. What she discovers is a vibrant city, a struggling pub, and a surprising connection with her distant cousin, Jack. But more than that, she uncovers the deep and enduring link between Scottish folk music and the birth of American country and bluegrass.

From the haunting ballads of the Scottish Highlands to the lively fiddle tunes of a bluegrass band, the influence is undeniable. Those early Scots-Irish immigrants carried their music with them, weaving it into the fabric of their new lives in the Appalachian region. The same instruments—the fiddle, the banjo, the mandolin—found their place in both traditions, telling stories of love, loss, hardship, and hope.

In the pilot episode, Maisie steps onto a Glasgow stage, a bit lost and weary but ready to share her music. She introduces a song with deep roots, an old American folk tune ‘Wayfaring Stranger,’ that some say has its roots in Scottish ballads, brought over by those who sought a new life.

Performance by the Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra

Celebrating Scottish Culture

Maintaining Authenticity for International Audiences

‘The Wayfinders’ is deeply rooted in Scottish heritage, and as the writer and creator, my vision is to honor that heritage with accuracy and sensitivity. At the same time, I recognize the importance of creating a show that resonates with a broad audience, including those unfamiliar with the nuances of Scottish culture.

To achieve this balance, I am committed to:

Authentic Representation: My vision includes striving for authentic portrayals of Scottish life, history, and traditions. This encompasses showcasing the beauty and diversity of the country, as well as addressing the complexities of its past and present.
Language Considerations: The show will include references to the Gaelic language and incorporate elements of the Glaswegian dialect.
- Gaelic language references will be woven into the narrative in a way that is both meaningful and accessible.
- Regarding the Glaswegian dialect, my approach will be one of considered authenticity. While I aim to capture the flavor and rhythm of Glaswegian speech, I also intend to ensure that the dialogue remains broadly understandable to international audiences. This may involve finding a balance between authentic vernacular and clarity, and utilizing context clues to aid comprehension.
Education and Inclusion: Where appropriate, the show will offer subtle opportunities to educate international audiences about aspects of Scottish Gaelic language and culture, fostering understanding and appreciation.
Casting: In line with my commitment to authenticity, I envision a cast comprised primarily of Scottish actors.

To ensure authenticity, I envision collaborating with Scottish creative talent to inject Scottish Gaelic, dialect, cultural humor, and Glaswegian nuances.

This April, let's celebrate the journey of the wayfinders, those Scottish immigrants who carried their musical heritage across the ocean, sowing the seeds of a new sound that continues to captivate and evolve today.

‘American’ Country Music - Coming Home UK

Country to Country UK 2025

C2C: Country to Country is Europe’s biggest country music festival created by AEG Europe and SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association. The festival took place in March in London, Glasgow and Belfast with three days of the best in country music and programming. Performances come from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.