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 … 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

Ahead of ‘Nine Tales and Carols’ on Saturday evening at the Storytelling Centre, we grabbed a few minutes with storytellers Beverley Bryant and Heather Yule to find out what to expect at their show, and where the inspiration came from. What has been your inspiration for ‘Nine Tales and Carols’? Beverley: ‘Over the years, Heather and … Continued

Where can storytelling go when reality outpaces fantasy? Storyteller Donald Smith rises to the bait with satiric glee with a special reading across three nights to launch Sham Stories as part of Book Week Scotland. Five linked subversive comedies provide Scotland’s untold Brexit chronicles. Treacherous times produce fake news and fake history, but also farce. … Continued

Congratulations to Jess Smith and all the team at Heart of The Traveller (HOTT), whose film ‘A Sense of Identity’ won the ‘Non Print Media award’ at the Folklore Society awards, held in London on Wednesday 7 November 2018, where it was praised for its range, depth, and enlightening approach. ‘A Sense of Identity’ premiered at the Scottish Storytelling … Continued

Are you aged 11 – 25 and want support with a creative or artistic idea? Why not apply to the Nurturing Talent Fund? Creative Scotland’s Nurturing Talent – Time to Shine Fund aims to support the artistic and creative ideas of young people aged 11 to 25. The fund aims to support young people that show ambition, … Continued