Deiseil: Dancing in Time
SISF 2026
(Sun 25 Oct: 8pm)
A powerful exploration of how stepdance, Scotland’s percussive dance, was lost… and how its revival became woven into a lifelong friendship. Experience a compelling journey across centuries of tradition told through fiddle, feet, Gaelic song and story, in an immersive performance which draws you in to the heart of our heritage.
Deiseil means 'ready' in Scottish Gaelic: be ready for a mesmerising reflection on how issues of culture, identity and connection still resonate through society today. Groundbreaking work from award-winning director Gerry Mulgrew, dancer Alison Carlyle and musician Amy Geddes. For this performance Amy and Alison will be joined by musicians Mairi Campbell, Fin Moore and Sarah Hoy.
A force of nature and soul, Mairi’s voice has stirred hearts across the globe. Mairi is a Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame inductee, with numerous national and international awards to her name. Deeply personal, politically resonant, and artistically fearless, Mairi’s work reaches into cultural memory and lived experiences. Find out more at mairicampbell.scot.
Fin Moore plays the Highland pipes, Border pipes and Scottish Small Pipes and is also a very successful pipemaker. Fin also has a reputation as a teacher of pipes, and runs exciting music retreats through Far North Retreats. He has played solo and with bands including, InB, Seudan, Dannsa, Slainte Mhath and Back of the Moon.
Sarah Hoy was born into a musical family in Edinburgh, learning fiddle from her father Derek Hoy, and later with Mairi Campbell. Sarah enjoys playing with Bella McNab’s Dance Band, her favourite place to be is playing for dancing! Sarah is now a primary teacher in the Gaelic Medium primary school in Edinburgh and enjoys teaching fiddle each week through Portobello Fun Fiddle.
‘This is the most joyful show I’ve seen so far this Fringe.’ ★★★★★
(Scotsman)
★★★★★ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)
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The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2026 explores the rich relationship between storytelling and the natural world through our theme Bird and Beast. All across Scotland we invite you to discover stories that illuminate the place of birds and beasts in our traditions, folklore, myths and futures. Alongside a vibrant programme at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, festival partners in Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond will bring these tales to life through performances, conversations and music.
The 2026 Festival welcomes special guest storytellers from Italy and Türkiye, as well as Canada, England, and Ireland, sharing traditions and stories passed down through generations. Join us for unforgettable tales, inspiring music and moments that bring us closer to nature. Gather round, follow the trail of feathers and footprints, and let your imagination take flight.
Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme!
Buy A Pass
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SISF - Dance & Story
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£16.00 -
25 October 2026 -
105 minutes -
20:00 -
Scottish International Storytelling Festival -
Storytelling Court -
12+
