‘I believe that if Hamish had not recorded our songs and stories, a massive chunk of history would have gone to the grave with the keepers.’ (Jess Smith) A field of interest and activity for Henderson during the 50s was with the Travellers who gathered from all over Scotland each summer for the berry-picking at … Continued

“Maker, ye maun sing them… Tomorrow, songs Will flow free again, and new voices Be borne on the carrying stream.” (Hamish Henderson) Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) presents the Hamish Henderson Summer School which reflects the visionary spirit and diversity of the founding father of Scotland’s 20th Century folk renaissance, offering inspiration and enjoyment … Continued

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, issued an open letter to EU citizens living in Scotland on 5 April 2019. Following up from her original open letter in 2016, the message of welcome remains, stating: ‘Scotland is your home, you are welcome here, and you are valued. You play a crucial role in Scotland’s … Continued

This Easter Saturday 20 April, swap your chocolate bunnies and easter eggs for some pickled herring and sailor’s yarn, as Jan Bee Brown, also known as Captain Annie, opens her treasure trove of nasty nautical tales at ‘Worse Things Happen at Sea’. If you are looking to keep your family entertained during the Easter holidays, … Continued

I was fortunate to be awarded Professional Development funding from Creative Scotland to attend the Chennai Storytelling Festival as principal artist and to undertake research in traditional forms of storytelling and music in India. I began my journey in the remote westernmost corner of Rajasthan. The golden forted city of Jaisalmer rises like a giant … Continued

World Storytelling Day, on Wednesday 20 March, will be marked in Edinburgh this year with inspiring events honouring one of Scotland’s finest contemporary storytellers, Andy Hunter, who was a pioneer for how storytelling can help navigate a world of climate and communication chaos by reconnecting to nature. Re-Storying Our Planet follows Andy’s environmental journeys across … Continued

It’s fitting that Scotland’s national Centre for storytelling is honouring one of its most memorable enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to enjoy his stories told live, as well as a workshop to empower you to tell these fantastic tales. A three-fold exhibition of visual art, poetry and folk music brings to life the legacy of storyteller Duncan … Continued

There’s tales afoot in North West Scotland, where there’s a thriving community enjoying connecting with place through the stories its landscape holds. Ahead of his involvement in a new documentary, which is set to explore communication and traditions in the Highlands past and present, Greg Dawson Allen (Griogair MacAillean) gives us a taste of traditions … Continued

It’s that time of the year, when Scots and Scots-at-heart gather to celebrate one of the country’s lyrical sensations and national treasure, Robert Burns. Born on a stormy night in Alloway on the 25th of January 1759, the 18th Century poet continues to touch people with his timeless prose, illustrating topics such as injustice, hypocrisy … Continued

As we approach December 31, let’s first foot into the New Year with a flowing store of dance, music and stories. The Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland and artist in residence Nic Gareiss invite you to share your 2019 First Footings through videos, photos and reminiscences. Be sure the use the tag #FirstFootingDance on all your socials! … Continued