Written and performed by Martin O’Connor and directed by former resident Lu Kemp, Through the Shortbread Tin is a brand-new National Theatre of Scotland production, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity. Embarking on a Scottish tour, Through the Shortbread Tin will play Cove Burgh Hall on 25 April

The play follows the story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760 – Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit? 2025 – Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie? Martin and Macpherson go on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because it takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story.

Cove Park will also welcome Isle of Lewis singer-songwriter Josie Duncan, actress, singer, playwright Màiri Morrison, and Claire Frances MacNeill, actor and performer from Barra and Fort William. Joining the cast are Company Manager Ali Biggs, Lighting Supervisor Jonny Reed, Sound & Video Supervisor Andrew King, Technical Supervisor Archie Scott, and Amanda Gilmour.