When you think of pirates, your mind probably goes immediately to the Caribbean (rum, anyone?). But did you know that pirates have existed all around the globe – even in Scotland!
Join Joseph Lamb as he reads an extract from his latest book, ‘The Black Pennant’, and sets a musical writing challenge!
Free teaching resource
About the book
Stromness, Orkney, 1796
When orphan Innes is plucked from poverty by Captain John Fullarton, he is grateful to begin a new and better life at sea aboard The Finmurray.
But, when a storm destroys their ship, their fortunes change for the worse and Innes is suddenly, and unwillingly, thrust into the bloodthirsty life of a pirate – with no way to escape…
Based on true events, The Black Pennant tells the story of the rise and fall of one of Scotland’s most bloodthirsty pirates – and of a young boy’s struggle to save him.
About the author
Before turning to children’s fiction, Joseph Lamb was commissioned to write historical dramas which were performed throughout Scotland – including the St Andrew’s Living History drama – which Joseph also acted in and directed. He was also privileged to be given special dispensation by the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien to write a dramatisation of The Hobbit, and to have some of his own lyrics added to Tolkien’s songs.
Much of his creative output is set in Scotland, with a focus on his home town of Dundee—where he lives with his wife and two children.
Joseph has had many articles published in various international magazines, and his first children’s novel, ‘The God of All Small Boys’ was one of three shortlisted for the Great War Dundee Children’s Book Prize.
An actor with over 30 years’ experience, Joseph frequently undertakes school visits and public events, based around his historical writing work—covering eras from the Vikings, to the Jacobites, and beyond.
Time Tunnellers 