Set sail this autumn, as the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) takes audiences on a voyage, exploring Scotland’s coasts and water through music and storytelling. The 2020 SISF programme is revealed today, promising an eclectic mix of online events spanning across the globe and small-scale face-to-face events, celebrating Scotland ‘a nation shaped by the sea’. … Continued

We’re excited to announce that the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, which runs from 17 – 31 October 2020, will keep you ‘In the Flow’ with an eclectic mix of online events and small-scale face-to-face performances, celebrating Scotland ‘a nation shaped by water’, taking you on voyages at home and away. Stories and songs are vital … Continued

It’s been hard to miss the various creative responses to the restrictions, mandatory and self-imposed, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. From the weekly outbreak of applause, pot-banging and bell-ringing in appreciation of the health workers, to rainbows in windows, and comedian Janey Godley’s affectionate parodies of the First Minister, people have been making sense of … Continued

‘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