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(Tue 28 Oct: 8pm) Our Open Hearth sessions gather together storytellers and musicians for a relaxed evening of stories and music in the Netherbow Theatre. As the darkness closes in and minds glow with pictures in the symbolic fire, this is the perfect way to end your day! Featuring Grace Banks, Johan Sandberg McGuinne, Jackie Ross and musician Tom Oakes. This performance will be captioned by My Clear Text, with open captioning unit stage left. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 27 Sep-Wed 5 Nov) This stunning collection of ink illustrations and ceramics by emerging artist Hester Aspland draws lines between traditional stories and wild places. Atmospheric, observational landscape studies and explorations into folklore and fairy tales inform detailed, textural works which blend inspiration from the Golden Age of Illustration with a contemporary focus on the connections between women and nature. Book illustrations for projects working with the stories of Duncan Williamson and Tom Muir are shown alongside other evocative works traversing the landscapes and stories of Scotland, Iceland, Ireland and the Faroe Islands. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 29 Oct: 10:30am) Discover the legacy of Vilmos Csipkés, one of Hungary’s last traditional Roma storytellers, led by Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad of the Hungarian Heritage House. Explore Csipkés’ rich repertoire of magical tales, religious stories, and humorous anecdotes through subtitled video excerpts and ethnographic insights. Learn about his performative techniques and storytelling contexts, documented using the performer-centered Budapest School method. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Daily: 2pm) Join us in the Storytelling Court in a relaxed social space where you can spend time with other storytellers and festival-goers. A chance to meet storytellers and maybe hear a short story or two, or tell one yourself! Each session will be hosted by a storyteller or member of Festival staff around a theme, with the Saturday sessions ticketed separately. Thu 23 Oct: Dál Riada Folk Tales (with Colin Urwin) Fri 24 Oct: Celtic Myths & Gaelic Storytelling (with Martin MacIntyre) Sat 25 Oct: Storytellers Together: Collective Inspirations (Tickets Required) Sun 26 Oct: Sea Story Quilting Sessions (with Beth Cross) Mon 27 Oct: Earth Stories (with Grian Cutanda & Marta Ventura) Tue 28 Oct: Grampian Association of Storytellers & Hillfoots Tales (with Joanne Dowd, Eleanor Bell & Jackie Ross) Wed 29 Oct: Orkney Storytelling Festival (with Tom Muir) Thu 30 Oct: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Storytelling (with Annemarie Froemke and Toby Hawks from TRACS, and storyteller Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad) Fri 31 Oct: TBC Sat 1 Nov: Storytellers Together: International Connections (Tickets Required)
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 29 Oct: 4pm) Storyteller Hjörleifur Stefánsson shares tales from the spellbinding highlands of Iceland, where locals and Huldufólk (hidden people) live in harmony, most of the time. A chance to enjoy the company of one of Iceland’s leading storytellers. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 29 Oct: 6pm) Enjoy a flow of tales and songs with Scotland’s Travelling People, whose traditions have been gathered from all parts of Scotland. Go with the magic of Jess Smith, Jimmy Williamson and special guest David Pullar, as they explore the riches of Traveller heritage passed down to them through generations. This performance will be interpreted in British Sign Language. BSL Trailer ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 29 Oct: 8pm - SOLD OUT) Fresh from cèilidhs and story nights at the recently concluded Orkney Storytelling Festival, Nordic storytellers from Orkney, Iceland and Sweden gather once again to share more of their Viking adventures. With Tom Muir, Hjörleifur Stefánsson and Jerker Fahlström. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 30 Oct: 10:30am) Join Tania Allan and Emery Hunter to explore storytelling through both British Sign Language and English in this inclusive, creative workshop. You’ll learn how to develop expressive characters and bring your story to life using movement, facial expression, and voice. Perfect for beginners or those looking to build confidence in bilingual storytelling. Everyone welcome! Interpreters provided. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Thu 30 Oct: 6pm) Danish storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician Neil Sutcliffe present an original tale of a young woman setting out to create her own destiny in Viking times. Brought to life through storytelling and music, blending traditional and original pieces. This performance will be interpreted in British Sign Language. BSL Trailer ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 30 Oct: 8pm) The music of the pioneering Scottish musician Martyn Bennett flowed with many inspirations, none more so than that of the Scottish Travellers. His final album Grit saw him draw upon the ballads and stories of the Travellers, famously sampling Sheila Stewart’s version of Ewan MacColl’s The Moving On Song to incredible effect. We celebrate Martyn’s love of Traveller culture, whilst also exploring his wide use of world music through the Hindu Kali myths, in an evening with friends of Martyn’s and those still being inspired by his legacy today. With James MacDonald Reid, Gauri Raje, Jess Smith and Gary West. This performance will be captioned by My Clear Text, with open captioning unit stage left. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 31 Oct: 10:30am) Join us for a panel discussion and presentations about all things storytelling tech and touring. Storyteller Gauri Raje and Tech Engineer Roddy Simpson chat about how they brought these two very different worlds together and how you can too. Award- winning producer Kate Taylor joins the panel bringing her knowledge and expertise, and Emyr Bell from NEAT will give a presentation. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Fri 31 Oct: 6pm) What happens if we lose our wings and forget how to dance, sing or let our soul take flight? Is it possible to live between human time and wild time? Storytellers and musicians Anna-Maria Toivonen and Claire Hewitt, invite you to gather round the fire of inspiration as they share their unique Finnish- Scottish weaving of this magical transformation tale, Swan Woman. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 31 Oct: 7:30pm) A festival Samhuinn special of Edinburgh’s long-running storytelling night. Featuring guest storyteller Mara Menzies, who leads a session of spooky stories! With the usual chance to share a tale of your own. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Waverley Bar
(Fri 31 Oct: 8pm) Storyteller Anna Lehr presents a tale about death, birth and what lies ‘dazwischen’ (in between). This exploration of fear, grief and reconciliation is loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Godfather Death, German songs, poems and traditions, and will feature Death itself in puppet form joining Anna on stage. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 10:30am) Join us for a taboo-breaking workshop of storytelling, craft and honest conversation. In a safe, supportive environment, we will explore some traditional death stories then get hands-on, decorating a cardboard coffin and weaving a willow coffin with skilled artisans. This isn’t morbid, it’s liberating! Tackle fears, share experiences, and reclaim death as part of life’s natural rhythm. Led by storyteller, celebrant and death educator Beverley Bryant, this workshop transforms discomfort into understanding and isolation into community, offering new perspectives on life’s final chapter. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Sat 1 Nov: 10:30am) Swedish storyteller and actor Jerker Fahlström leads us through the stages of analysing a text. Explore each character in your story: who they are, their role, and why they act the way they do. By the end, you’ll have a rich pool of insights to shape your narrative with depth and clarity. Please bring a story to work with, let’s get creative! ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Sat 1 Nov: 1:30pm) Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust and storyteller Allison Galbraith as we immerse ourselves in the magical, shimmering world of Scottish waters. We will explore the mythology, ecology and importance of rivers and waterways through Allison’s retelling of rare, watery Scottish legends. Then, we will celebrate storytellers of all ages who have captured the spirit and wonder of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places, as we announce the winners of the Words of the Wild nature writing competition. ~~~~~ Join us in the school holidays and across the Festival for a selection of storytelling performances and events for all the family as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025. The Festival tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 2pm) An open conversation with national and international guests about the networks and ideas that connect us. The networking strand at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival brings together performers and attendees who are interested in storytelling skills and sources, community projects and creative collaboration. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Sat 1 Nov: 4pm) In the fourth century, a young woman steps onto a boat in Greece carrying the bones of a martyr. Triduana is part of a small group of missionaries determined to share the Christian faith by taking Saint Andrew’s bones ‘to the ends of the earth’. Her journey to the land of the Picts will take her across seas and rivers and through transformations of belief and body. Join Monica Madas and Erin Farley as they tell the story of Triduana’s voyage into unseen waters and mythologies through story, song and puppetry. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 6pm) Across Cumbria, roads wend their way through picturesque countryside. Ancient dry stone walls hold the stories of the dead that were carried past on these secret and haunted trails. The Corpse Road follows the rise and fall, the twists and turns of these paths to tell the tale of characters that were carried to their final resting place. Storyteller Daniel Serridge and musician Heather Cartwright weave stories and songs together in this evocative and unnerving folkloric journey to the grave. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 8pm) Our Open Hearth sessions gather together storytellers and musicians for a relaxed evening of stories and music in the Netherbow Theatre. As the darkness closes in and minds glow with pictures in the symbolic fire, this is the perfect way to end the festival! Featuring Dougie Mackay, Hjörleifur Stefánsson, Suse Weisse and musician Luisa Brown. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 2 Nov) This delightful Beltane Fire Society tradition allows parents to share in the magic of the Samhuinn story with their little ones through storytelling and music. Join us for a free morning of face painting and activities, followed by a ticketed session of storytelling and songs.. 10:30am face painting & activities, free and drop-in1pm storytelling session, ticketed below ~~~~~ Join us in the school holidays and across the Festival for a selection of storytelling performances and events for all the family as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025. The Festival tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 5 Nov: 7:30pm) The moon begins to form as the moon spinners wash their wool in the sea, winding it again into a white ball in the sky and re-creating the phases and cycles that guide our seasons, and our stories... ~~~~~ Join us for our quarterly series of full-moon celebrations, with live storytelling, music and a rotating programme of incredible performers. Following the Celtic Wheel of the Year (the quarterly seasons of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhuinn) we look forward to moon myths, lunar legends and cross-cultural stories, revealing themes of creation, fertility, cosmic joy, transformation, death and rebirth. For our November session we welcome you under the full Beaver Moon with another exciting lineup of storytellers, this month featuring Bea Ferguson, Selina Graham and Heather Yule, with Claire McNicol and Linda Williamson. ~~~~~ Moonspinners events will follow two distinct phases, with the first half of performance in the Netherbow Theatre, followed by a social and conversational flow upstairs in the Storytelling Court with a chance to digest and discuss the stories amongst friends old and new. Come early for a warm, community meal of haggis, neeps & tatties from The Haggis Box before the Moonspinners performance. It’s free for all ticket-holders, and if you wish, you can make a pay-what-you-can donation to support the Edinburgh Food Project, who run 7 foodbanks accross our city. The community meal will be served from 6pm to 7:15pm. We will be able to cater for most dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free & dairy-free). You do not need to let us know in advance. Mark it in your diary, or just follow the moon to guide you here! ~~~~~ Image credit: Hester Aspland
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 6 Nov: 7:30pm) Over 50% of people in prison are thought to be neurodivergent. This creates additional challenges in an already high-stress environment, with lack of diagnosis only aggravating the issue. For Shug, after decades of addiction, life finally feels like it’s going in the right direction. But when a new and unpredictable cellmate, Kai, moves in, Shug’s carefully constructed new sense of self threatens to fall apart. Combining the experiences of Scottish Prisoners with the author's own experience of living with undiagnosed ADHD/Autism, 'Mind of Man' is a play about the struggle to claim your place in the world when you and the people around you can’t understand what’s going on inside your brain. Emerging from The University of Edinburgh’s major REALITIES research programme, addressing health disparities across Scotland, 'Mind of Man' makes a powerful challenge to prisoners, policy makers and the wider public. This debut performance will be followed by a panel discussion. Part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 7 Nov: 9:45am) Jyne us for a powerful day where the Scots-speaking community comes thegither at Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre. This year’s Gaitherin will shine a licht on fostering connections, breaking doon barriers, and celebrating creativity and representation in Scots. Community voices, especially those fae hard-to-reach areas and new learners o the leid, will be front and centre, and every dialect and background will be amplified. With representatives from the Scottish Government playin an active role throughout the day, this is a rare and timely opportunity for community voices tae shape the ongoing national strategy for Scots language policy. Jyne us and help drive practical action, share ideas, and mak yer ain vyce heard as we shape the future of Scots together. Whether ye’re fluent, learning, or passionate aboot oor Leid, help us celebrate the vitality an diversity of Scots through inspiring keynote talks, dynamic workshops, performances - and open dialogue wi government, artists, and grassroots campaigners. What's Happenin Fan... 09:30–10:10 Registration and networking with tea and coffee10:15–10:45 Welcome and opening addresses, including Kate Forbes MSP10:45–11:05 Keynote: Wullie Hershaw11:10–11:40 Performance: Grace Skinner11:45–12:30 Morning workshops12:30–13:30 Lunch break and networking13:35–13:55 Performance: Jimmy Williamson14:00–14:25 Keynote: Davie Donaldson14:30–15:15 Afternoon workshops15:30–16:00 Panel event: Looking at the role of Scots and indigenous languages in community identity16:05–16:25 Performance: Musician to be announced16:25–16:40 Closing remarks Notes: the agenda is subject tae change, as we firm things up! Tea & coffee throughout the day is includit wi yer ticket. Denner isna includit, but ye can buy fae the Haggis Box café, or bring yer ain wi ye. Pit on in pairtnership wi TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), wi support fae the Scottish Government and the Open University.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Fri 7 Nov: 7.15pm) A monthly session of Gaelic culture and community in Edinburgh, full of stories, songs, music, dance and good cràic! Each month a variety of performers will entertain, alongside the usual space for conversation and friendship. November's session will feature Ruairidh Grey, Julie MacFadyen and Andrew McIntyre, and special guest Mark Turner. Bothan Dhùn Èideann are a not-for-profit group, active for over 21 years, promoting and developing Scottish Gaelic language and culture in Edinburgh and creating space where everyone, no matter their background, feels comfortable celebrating Gaelic in Edinburgh. These events are presented in Gaelic throughout and all are welcome whether fluent speakers, learners or somewhere in between. Ruairidh Gray is a multi-award-winning Gaelic singer from Daliburgh, South Uist. In 2022 he made history by becoming only the second person to win both the Gold Medal and the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in Perth. Later that same year, he was named MG ALBA Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. In 2024, Ruairidh graduated with a Master’s degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied under Iseabail T. MacDonald. That same year, he organised and performed in Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray, a historic concert at St Aloysius Church in Glasgow. This unprecedented event brought together over 70 Gold Medal winners from the Royal National Mòd, spanning eight decades, alongside students from the Conservatoire’s five music departments. The concert was a poignant celebration of Gaelic song and heritage, recorded by BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and nominated for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. He has toured extensively across Europe and is a regular contributor to Gaelic broadcasting. ’S e seinneadair Gàidhlig cliùiteach agus ceumnaiche RSC a th’ ann an Ruairidh Gray agus esan à Dalabrog, Uibhist a Deas. Ann an 2022 rinn e eachdraidh nuair a choisinn e an dà chuid am Bonn Òir agus am Bonn Òir Seann Nòs aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ann am Peairt – dìreach an dàrna duine a rinn sin a-riamh. Nach ann fàd’ on uairsin gun deach a h-ainmeachadh mar “Seinneadair na Bliadhna” aig Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba. Ann an 2024 chuir e air dòigh Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray ann an Eaglais Naomh Aloysius ann an Glaschu, tachartas gun choimeas far an tàinig còrr is 70 neach-bhuannaichidh a’ Bhonn Òir ri chèile. Chaidh an consairt a chlàradh leis a’ BhBC agus chomharraich MG ALBA a’ chuirm sin mar “Tachartas na Bliadhna”. Tha Ruairidh air siubhal agus seinn farsaing air feadh na Roinn-Eòrpa, agus tha e tric ri chluinntinn ann am prògraman craolaidh Gàidhlig. Julie MacFadyen is a prominent member of the Lothian Gaelic Choir, known for her powerful solo performances. Originally from Oban, Julie has been a dedicated participant in Gaelic music from a young age. At the 2025 Mòd in Mull, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Glenaros Rosebowl and the Solo Open competitions, showcasing her exceptional vocal talent. Julie continues to inspire audiences with her emotive renditions of traditional Gaelic songs, contributing significantly to the choir’s success and the preservation of Gaelic musical heritage. ’S e ball cliùiteach de Chòisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn a th’ ann an Julie NicPhàidein, ainmeil cuideachd mar seinneadair ‘solo’, le guth làidir is làn faireachdainn. À Oban bho thùs, tha Julie air a bhith dìleas do cheòl Gàidhlig bhon a bha i òg. Aig a’ Mhòd ann am Muile ann an 2025, choisinn i dà phrìomh dhuaisean – am “Glenaros Rosebowl” agus farpais nan Solo Open – a’ sealltainn sàr-ghuth agus comas ciùil gun samhail. Tha i a’ leantainn oirre a’ brosnachadh luchd-èisteachd leis na h-òrain thradaiseanta aice, a’ cur gu mòr ri soirbheas na còisir agus glèidhteachas dualchas ciùil na Gàidhlig. Andrew McIntyre is a leading bagpipe player based in Edinburgh. A familiar figure on the city’s highland scene, Andrew plays Scottish small pipes and various whistles, as well as playing with his band ‘Curmudgeon’. In addition to his performance career, he is a dedicated teacher of small pipes and Highland pipes, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. Curmudgeon has performed at notable events such as the Piping Live festival in Glasgow and the Edinburgh Fringe, earning recognition for their engaging performances and contribution to the highland folk music scene. ’S e Anndra Mac an t-Saoir aon de na prìomh pìobairean ann an Dùn Èideann. Tha e gu math aithnichte air àrd-ùrlar ciùil na Gàidhealtachd sa bhaile, agus tha e a’ cluich na pìoba bheaga Albannach, diofar fhìdeagan, agus cuideachd còmhla ris a’ chòmhlan aige Curmudgeon. A bharrachd air a dhreuchd mar chleasaiche, tha Anndra gu mòr an sàs ann an teagasg – a’ roinn eòlais air na pìoban beaga agus na pìoban mòra ri ginealach ùr de luchd-ciùil. Tha Curmudgeon air nochdadh aig tachartasan cliùiteach mar fhèis Piping Live ann an Glaschu agus am Fringe ann an Dùn Èideann, far an d’ fhuair iad moladh airson an tabhartas tarraingeach de cheòl dùthchasach na Gàidhealtachd. Mark Spencer Turner has been a fixture in the Gaelic Arts scene for twenty years. An award-winning poet, singer, and songwriter, his work has been been recognised with the Gold Medal for Poetry (Mòd Phàislig, 2023), the Gaelic Award for Arts and Culture (2024) as well as nominations for Gaelic Singer of the Year at The Trads and Scottish Poetry Book of the Year (2022). Gaelic Editor of Northwords Now, Gaelic Reader of Lothian Gaelic Choir and The Balmoral Hotel's Poet-in-residence, his oeovre includes Polaris and Speactram. As former Chair, Mark is thrilled to return to the Bothan stage, now under Jeni's excellent team, as a creative practitioner in his own right. Tha Marcas Mac an Tuairneir air a bhith an sàs an saoghal Ealain na Gàidhlig fad còrr is fichead bliadhna. Mar bhàrd, sheinneadair, is òranaiche, tha e air grunn dhuaisean a choisinn son a chuid obrach. Nam measg, Bonn Òr na Bàrdachd (Mòd Phàislig, 2023) cho math ri Duais na Gàidhlig airson Ealain is Cultar (2024) is ainmeachaidhean Sheinneadair Gàidhlig na Bliadhna aig Na Trads, is Leabhar Bàrdachd Albannach na Bliadhna (2022). Na Dheasaiche na Gàidhlig do Northwords Now, Leughadair Gàidhlig do Chòisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn, is Bàrd-air-mhuinntearas do Thaigh-òsta Bhoth Mhoireil, bheir a shaothair a-staigh Polaris is Speactram. Na Chathraiche roimhe, tha Marcas air a dhòigh tilleadh gu àrd-ùrlar Bhothain, fo shàr stiùir an sgiob aig Jeni, mar neach-ealain air a cheann fhèin. Bothan Dhùn Èideann is funded and in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sun 9 Nov: 12pm - 3pm) Musicians Claire Gullan and Kirstie McLanaghan return to host another fantastic TAM Session, the collaborative project that combines two of their passions - playing Trad music and Arts & Crafting. This session is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. The TAM Sessions is an open and informal trad session, but with the lovely additional invitation to bring your sewing, knitting, crochet, or any other crafting project that you enjoy. Being able to play an instrument is not a pre-requisite and we welcome non-musicians to enjoy the tunes while they craft. In the same vein, please come along for a tune even if you don’t craft. Everyone is welcome! The driving factor behind this project is joy. A joyful experience has a direct, positive impact on our mental health. Community building through creative arts also creates a real sense of belonging and connectedness. Proficiency is not important, just come along and enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~ This event is part of Easy Sundays, a monthly session of stories, music, community and friendship, where warm welcome awaits with a variety of activities for all to enjoy. So come find a space to relax amongst friends, old and new.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Mon 29 Sep, Mon 13 Oct, Mon 10 Nov, Mon 24 Nov & Mon 8 Dec: 7pm) Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with a twenty-minute interval at around 8pm, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event:"At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave." The Loud Poets Open Mic is organised by I Am Loud CIC, through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding. It is produced and hosted by Mark Gallie.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 11 Nov: 2pm) Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories, held in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. All welcome to listen or bring a tune for a turn.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 11 Nov: 4:15pm) A unique event dedicated to World War One poet John McCrae and his poem In Flanders Fields, debuting a new interpretation of this iconic work. Following the very special impact of translating In Flanders Fields into French to sing for commemorations in Cambrai, France, Linn Phipps collaborated with Penicuik songwriter Alan Murray to create a completely new version and interpretation of the poem in Scottish Gaelic to an original tune by Alan. Join Linn and Alan for insights into the life of John McRae and how he came to write this poem, the story of their own collaboration and a performance of the new piece as a duet by singers Linn and Jo Nelson. There will also be an opportunity to take away a special commemorative candle made for this event by Isle of Lewis Candles (donation appreciated).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 12 Nov: 7pm) Join Edinburgh's own Burgh Blatherers for a series of regular open-floor storytelling nights taking place throughout the year, a cosy gathering in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court with refreshments available from the Haggis Box Café. Hosted by Bob Mitchell and members of Burgh Blatherers storytelling club, who will transport you with their own stories and imaginative weavings while offering you the chance to tell your own tales! Hiring fairs were traditionally held at Martinmas – bring us stories of work, magical service, prisoners or apprentices. What would you give a year and a day to accomplish?
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 14 Nov: 6:30pm) Please join us to celebrate Fair Saturday’s 2025 programme at their Opening Party! Featuring live storytelling from Niall Moorjani (Kanpur: 1857, Mohan: A Partition Story) and excerpts of Deiseil: Dancing in Time by step dancer Alison Carlyle and fiddle player Amy Geddes. A lovely opportunity to meet many of the people creating events for Fair Saturday this year and to find out more about this year’s programme. Haggis, neeps and tatties will be provided for each guest, alongside non-alcoholic drinks, and the bar will be open if you wish to purchase alcoholic drinks. Tickets for this event are free, but please book in advance. We hope you will join us! ~~~~~ Niall Moorjani is an award-winning and critically acclaimed Scottish-Indian, non-binary and neurodiverse writer, storyteller and theatre maker based between Edinburgh and London. They have performed all over the world, from Delhi to New York to old York. They create for both children and adults, dealing with themes inclduing queerness, anti-colonialism, myth and legend. At the core of all their work is hope, joy and kindness. Kanpur: 1857 won a coveted Fringe First Award from the Scotsman in 2025 described as ‘one of the most important political dramas at this year’s festival’. Deiseil: Dancing in Time by Alison Carlyle and Amy Geddes is a powerful exploration of how stepdance, Scotland’s percussive dance, was lost... and how its revival became woven into a lifelong friendship. "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. Described by the Scotsman as ‘the most joyful show I’ve seen so far this Fringe, ★★★★★'. Fair Saturday Edinburgh is kindly supported by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 15 & Sun 16 Nov: 10:30am) A hands-on, practical introduction to live storytelling and the associated skills across two days of workshops and presentations. Day 1 is led by storyteller Ruth Kirkpatrick and Day 2 is led by storyteller and National Development Officer Joanne Urwin. For new and aspiring storytellers. ~~~~~~~~~~ Presented by the Scottish Storytelling Forum these participatory sessions are designed to help you improve your skills and share your experiences with fellow storytelling enthusiasts. This carefully curated workshop programme offers you the chance to work with highly-skilled and experienced artists, giving you guidance on improving your practice and discovering your own talent. Did you know? Members of the Scottish Storytelling Forum are entitled to discounted rates on our storytelling workshops. For more information on memberships please visit the Storytelling Forum website. ~~~~~~~~~~ Pay it Forward If you are willing and able to donate a workshop place to another person, you now can! Click the button above and select the ticket price to donate. We will then be able to offer a free place to someone who would not have been able to attend otherwise. If you feel the Pay It Forward scheme would benefit you and would like to request a free ticket please email our Reception Team where you will be allocated a ticket if available. We hold 1 space per workshop for Pay It Forward requests.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Training Venue
(Sat 15 Nov: 12:30pm) This year’s Hamish Henderson Memorial Lecture is presented by David Francis, hosted by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland). Tradition as Heritage: Enclosing the Commons The UK Government signed the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024 and is currently looking at what that means in practical terms. When the traditional arts become re-conceptualised as 'intangible cultural heritage', is something lost? ~~~~~ David Francis is a musician, dance caller and storyteller with vast experience as an advocate and organiser for traditional arts. He has authored reports on traditional arts for the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Government, all the while maintaining his practice as a performer and teacher of traditional music for a range of community projects and in the acclaimed duo, The Cast, with his wife Mairi Campbell. In January 2025, David retired as founding Director of the Traditional Music Forum and for over a decade was co-director of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland). *Arrival for the event is from 12pm, with the lecture beginning at 12:30pm*
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 15 Nov: 3pm) Join Jill de Fresnes, Christine Kydd and Patsy Seddon to celebrate the launch of the Silver, Salt and Stories exhibition running at the Scottish Storytelling Centre during November. Jill, Christine and Patsy will perform song and music interspersed with film clips of memories and stories from interviews collected from women who worked as herring gutters between 1920 and 1960. The exhibition is centred around filmed interviews with 12 Scottish women who worked as herring gutters from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Amongst other images both photographic and artistic, it will include portraits of the women with the opportunity to explore some of their memories and stories through written story, materials and objects. The audience is invited to join Jill and friends to launch the exhibition and enjoy performance from 3pm, no tickets required. ~~~~~ Jill de Fresnes is a creative photographer and filmmaker, researcher and educationalist with over 25 years'experience in heritage and community engagement, particularly in Scotland’s coastal fishing communities. Her work blends oral history and multimedia storytelling to turn lived experiences into lasting cultural legacies, with the voices from these communities front and foremost in telling their stories to a wider audience. A veteran of the folk world, Christine Kydd grew up musically in the vibrant Edinburgh scene. Her career has offered her great variety where she has not only worked solo with the finest of players (musicians who now feature in groups including Jock Tamson’s Bairns, Blazin’ Fiddles and Shooglenifty) but also in highly-acclaimed groundbreaking projects, such as her extensive touring and recording work with Janet Russell; in Chantan with Elspeth Cowie and Corinna Hewat and in Calluna with Charlotte Peterson, Rebecca Knorr and Anna Wendy Stevenson. Patsy Seddon is one of Scotland's favourite and most innovative Celtic harp players, a versatile and experienced musician who sings in Gaelic, English and Scots and plays the Scottish fiddle in a variety of settings. She has performed solo and in bands at concerts and festivals all over the world, and is in great demand as a teacher of harp and of singing, in schools, universities, as a workshop facilitator and for private pupils.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 5:30pm) Join Hands Up for Trad for an intimate celebration marking two decades of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Host David Francis sits down with renowned photographer Louis DeCarlo, whose lens has captured every inductee since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2005. Louis will share captivating stories from his photographic journey across Scotland and Ireland, including his memorable encounter with the late Paddy Moloney. His warm approach and genuine passion have made meeting Louis a highlight for inductees - many describing it as "one of the best parts" of their induction experience. Discover the human stories behind the Hall of Fame's distinguished members and celebrate the dedicated musicians and industry figures who have shaped Scottish traditional music. Image: accordionist Bill Wilkie by Louis DeCarlo.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 7:30pm) A Wheen o’ Wimmin present Singing Our Stories, featuring five celebrated Scots singers who’ve shared many a stage both great and small. Born into a musical Perthshire family, Aileen Carr has been performing since the early 1970s in the UK and abroad; solo and with the bands Lang Johnny More and Ceolbeg, the popular unaccompanied group Palaver and, more recently, with Barbara Dymock and Janice Reavell in the a cappella trio Choras. She is a former chair of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland and was inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Lanarkshire-born Elspeth Cowie’s singing story began with winning a school Burns prize. In the early 1970s she sang rock in Glasgow but soon returned to the tradition in Aberdeen, learning much from Lizzie Higgins. In Edinburgh, she joined the band Seannachie then formed Chantan with Christine Kydd and Corrina Hewat. Elspeth was National Organiser of the TMSA for five years, and has two solo, three band and several compilation albums to her credit. Barbara Dymock learned songs as a child from her grandparents. She made her first foray into performing aged 19 with the newly-formed band Ceolbeg and a cappella trio Fair Game. After a long break to raise a family and pursue a medical career, she returned to sing with Rathlin, Fon a Bhord, Sinsheen, and The Barbara Dymock Band. She is currently in a duo with Chris Marra, and the trio Choras with Janice Reavell & Aileen Carr. She has 2 solo albums. Amy Lord grew in a musical Dunblane family then studied Scots song at the-then Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the inspirational tutelage of some of Scotland’s best. For nearly 20 years, she has led singing groups like The Liltin Lassies, conducted workshops, taught Scots song and language in schools and performed at festivals and folk clubs. Of Folk Revival vintage, Chris Miles has sung since childhood. A floor spot at Kirkcaldy FC in 1985 brought her to attention and she rapidly became a well-regarded trad singer, winning many silver cups in the 1980s. In 1990, she began a 20-year partnership with Gordeanna McCulloch, and in 1991, they formed Palaver with Aileen Carr and Maureen Jelks. Chris still performs, including a five-week 2022 US tour, with her guitarist partner Gearaidh Matthews. This event is supported by the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland and the North Atlantic Song Convention.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 20 Nov: 7:30pm) Welcome to an eclectic night of ancient myth, contemporary storytelling, post-folk music, and physical artistry. Steeped in the traditions of Scottish storytelling, we evoke the warm atmosphere of peat-smoked hearthsides and ceilidh house revelry, presenting timeless motifs relevant to a discerning modern audience. Join host Dougie Mackay as he invites a different selection of Scotland’s finest storytellers, songwriters, musicians, and performing artists to each bi-monthly Hearth Fire Session to create an innovative showcase of Scotland’s contemporary culture. ~~~~~ Dougie Mackay hails from the Scottish Highlands, from a lineage of natural storytellers. He is fascinated by the wild northern tales of Scotland, Scandinavia, Ireland and the Baltics, with a practice steeped in group-work facilitation and storytelling as a tool for development, connection and empowerment. He has been telling stories professionally for over 10 years and has developed successful long-form shows including Animate Lands and A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun. He co-curates and hosts Hearth Fire Sessions throughout the year.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 21 Nov: 7:30pm) Susanna Orr Holland is an experimental world folk singer-songwriter and for her second album she has woven a strong collection of stirring songs and sublime arrangements. With passionate three-octave vocals, this breath-taking voice engages with today’s big challenges such as migration, climate change, a family story of Irish civil war as well as more personal experiences of loneliness, joy and inter-connection. Edinburgh-based Susanna’s unique style is rooted in the ballad tradition but influenced by Indian and Persian vocal techniques. Her heartfelt song-writing weaves polyphony and harmony with a dynamic mix of instruments from Chris Lyons creating a rich tapestry of changing moods and landscapes. This is a voice which soars into the heart and forges marvel where sorrow and darkness merge with tenderness and wildness. Accompanying herself on guitar and Indian harmonium, she will be playing with some of Edinburgh’s most talented musicians in an accomplished line up with the multi-instrumentalist Chris Lyons on bayan accordion, oud and double bass (Blue Giant Orkestar), the inspired Tom Adams on violin (Orkestra del Sol) and creative Tim Lane on drums (Hidden Orkestra). In this unique concert, Susanna and activist Chris Booth will create space for the audience to react, whether with humour, grief or ritual to her songs.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 22 Nov: 10:30am) To accompany the launch of Susanna Orr Holland’s new album Return of the Swallows, Chris Booth will offer a Work That Reconnects workshop. The multiple existential threats to our world seem worse every time we look at the news: species going extinct, rising war and authoritarianism, ice caps melting at an unprecedented rate, the industrial growth economy spiralling out of control. The temptation is either to sink into despair or to hide away and pretend it’s not real! How can we face the mess we’re in with resilience and creative power? Based on the work of Joanna Macy, the Work That Reconnects is an inspiring, interactive group process for anyone who longs to engage in the healing of our world, and to build deep connection with our human and other-than-human communities. An experienced facilitator of the Work That Reconnects, with lifelong experience in the peace and environmental movements, Chris is passionate about addressing the causes of conflict, injustice, suffering, and environmental damage, and building radical communities to sustain us in this work. The workshop offer structured practices and use Susanna’s music to explore gratitude, joy, grief, and active hope in a safe space.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Tue 25 Nov: 12:30pm) Through storytelling, poetry and prose, four widely published Italian Scottish women writers will describe their diverse journeys of navigating, rooting and belonging. This performance is inspired by the innovative research by Professor Manuela D’Amore of Catania University, highlighting what is distinctive about Scottish Italian literature within the context of the wider Italian diaspora. Chaired by Makar Dr Peter Mackay (Scotland's National Poet, University of St Andrews) and featuring dance from Italian Folk Connections. Featured WritersProfessor Manuela D’Amore, author of Literary Voices of the Italian Diaspora in Britain: Time, Transnational Identities and Hybridity. Cavaliere Mary Contini OBE, Director Valvona & Crolla; one of Scotland’s best-known Italian cooks; author, broadcaster and journalist. Her books include Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia, Dear Alfonso and Valvona & Crolla, A Year at an Italian Table. Hilda De Felice, creator of two plays, Loving The Enemy, and The Badly-behaved Poets’ Society; an after-life encounter between Rabbie Burns and the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. Ann-Marie di Mambro, playwright and television screenwriter; author of Tally’s Blood, an option on the SQA English curriculum, and Brothers of Thunder. Dr. Anne Pia, poet, essayist, food writer. Her work includes award-winning Language of My Choosing, Keeping Away the Spiders, Magnaccioni: My Food My Italy and The Sweetness of Demons, translations and responses to Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 28 Nov–Tue 30 Dec) Join us in celebrating the magic of picture books! The Picture Hooks exhibition showcases artwork from emerging children’s book illustrators and their acclaimed illustrator mentors: Jill Calder, David Melling, Sara Ogilvie, Francis Martin and Debi Gliori. Let your imagination run wild and soak in the colours, characters and stories that make picture books so powerful for any age. The mentoring programme offered by Picture Hooks provides opportunities for development and networking for new illustrators under the guidance of established professional illustrators, with mentees and mentors carefully paired and working together for nine months.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 28 Nov: 7:30pm) Another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club held upstairs in the Waverley Bar, with the usual open-floor section for anyone to share a story, song or poem around the theme or otherwise. Featuring a different host every month and a guest storyteller to be announced. Supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Waverley Bar
(Sat 29 Nov: 12pm) Come along to the home of Scottish storytelling for a drop-in session of traditional tales with storytellers Mark Borthwick and Alice Fernbank. Suitable for all ages, these two expert storytellers will welcome anyone into their fairy circle for as many stories, myths, riddles and wondertales as they would like. The storytellers have also been given the magic key to the John Knox House museum, and can give participants access for free. With something to amuse every bouche, tickle every funnybone and beguile every intellect, this will be a jolly ceilidh that will be suitable for all ages. This event is part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 29 Nov: 7:30pm) New South Wales, 1790. Britain's nascent colony is starving while aboriginal resistance simmers in the background. Three convicts venture into the forest, conspiring to commit heinous murder in the hope of a reward. But as they become lost, it's clear they are ensnared in a nightmare of their own making... Actor and writer Paul Case's nightmarish solo horror theatre piece explores the intersection of class, race and sexuality during the violent beginnings of Australian history. 'An evocative and bloodily marvellous new piece of theatre' ★★★★ (BritishTheatreGuide.info)'Atmosphere in spades. Exceptional storytelling' ★★★★ (TheQR.co.uk)'Absolutely gripping. Mesmerising' (ThreeWeeksEdinburgh.com)'A command that's hard to beat. A darkness all its own' - ★★★★ (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 3 Dec: 7pm) Nights are growing long and dark. Cold nips the air. It’s time to braid our evergreen circle - time to join the Burgh Blatherers for their Winter Warmer. Members of Edinburgh's own storytelling club present a heartfelt season finale to their year of storytelling ceilidhs and fan the embers of the year into flame of warming cheer and conviviality. Sit back and enjoy!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Thu 4 Dec: 7:30pm) Welcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, our hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures around Edinburgh and Scotland share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories across the year is as varied as the range of storytellers invited. Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the stories told in the Queer Folks' Tales evenings will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali. ~~~~~ Turan Ali has been a producer, director and writer of BBC radio dramas and comedies for over 20 years. He’s been a stage storyteller since 2012, and a stand up since 2021. He tours internationally and has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. Turan is the creator, producer and host of Queer Folks’ Tales for which he won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award 2024. QFT now tours across Scotland and is Creative Scotland funded. ★★★★★ 'Edinburgh's most vibrant, authentic and exciting storytelling event' (The Wee Review)★★★★★ 'Utterly fabulous' (TheQR.co.uk)★★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com) Queer Folks' Tales is supported by Creative Scotland
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 20 Dec - Tue 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm) It’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited! Join Cinderella, her nasty sister and her even nastier Stepmother, along with a cast of colourful characters in a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly show filled with songs, silliness, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in the fun. Be part of the magic – cheer for Cinders, boo the baddies, and help make sure that Cinders gets home from the ball before the clock strikes midnight! Grab your tickets fast! And don’t forget to wear your best shoes! Specially designed by Macastory as a lovely introduction to Pantomime.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
Thu 29 Jan 2026 (7:30pm), Sun 15 Mar 2026 (2pm), Sat 13 June 2026 (2pm), Fri 20 Nov 2026 (7:30pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. After a sold-out standing ovation premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in 2025, Balancing in Freedom will return to the stage four times in 2026. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Feb: 2pm) England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. This Valentine's Day, celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Our Martin in the Background: the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. 'a compelling story, cleverly framed' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)'all the class, comedy and an undercurrent of melancholy of an Alan Bennett Talking Head' (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
(Tue 28 Oct: 8pm) Our Open Hearth sessions gather together storytellers and musicians for a relaxed evening of stories and music in the Netherbow Theatre. As the darkness closes in and minds glow with pictures in the symbolic fire, this is the perfect way to end your day! Featuring Grace Banks, Johan Sandberg McGuinne, Jackie Ross and musician Tom Oakes. This performance will be captioned by My Clear Text, with open captioning unit stage left. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 27 Sep-Wed 5 Nov) This stunning collection of ink illustrations and ceramics by emerging artist Hester Aspland draws lines between traditional stories and wild places. Atmospheric, observational landscape studies and explorations into folklore and fairy tales inform detailed, textural works which blend inspiration from the Golden Age of Illustration with a contemporary focus on the connections between women and nature. Book illustrations for projects working with the stories of Duncan Williamson and Tom Muir are shown alongside other evocative works traversing the landscapes and stories of Scotland, Iceland, Ireland and the Faroe Islands. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 29 Oct: 10:30am) Discover the legacy of Vilmos Csipkés, one of Hungary’s last traditional Roma storytellers, led by Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad of the Hungarian Heritage House. Explore Csipkés’ rich repertoire of magical tales, religious stories, and humorous anecdotes through subtitled video excerpts and ethnographic insights. Learn about his performative techniques and storytelling contexts, documented using the performer-centered Budapest School method. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Daily: 2pm) Join us in the Storytelling Court in a relaxed social space where you can spend time with other storytellers and festival-goers. A chance to meet storytellers and maybe hear a short story or two, or tell one yourself! Each session will be hosted by a storyteller or member of Festival staff around a theme, with the Saturday sessions ticketed separately. Thu 23 Oct: Dál Riada Folk Tales (with Colin Urwin) Fri 24 Oct: Celtic Myths & Gaelic Storytelling (with Martin MacIntyre) Sat 25 Oct: Storytellers Together: Collective Inspirations (Tickets Required) Sun 26 Oct: Sea Story Quilting Sessions (with Beth Cross) Mon 27 Oct: Earth Stories (with Grian Cutanda & Marta Ventura) Tue 28 Oct: Grampian Association of Storytellers & Hillfoots Tales (with Joanne Dowd, Eleanor Bell & Jackie Ross) Wed 29 Oct: Orkney Storytelling Festival (with Tom Muir) Thu 30 Oct: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Storytelling (with Annemarie Froemke and Toby Hawks from TRACS, and storyteller Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad) Fri 31 Oct: TBC Sat 1 Nov: Storytellers Together: International Connections (Tickets Required)
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 29 Oct: 4pm) Storyteller Hjörleifur Stefánsson shares tales from the spellbinding highlands of Iceland, where locals and Huldufólk (hidden people) live in harmony, most of the time. A chance to enjoy the company of one of Iceland’s leading storytellers. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 29 Oct: 6pm) Enjoy a flow of tales and songs with Scotland’s Travelling People, whose traditions have been gathered from all parts of Scotland. Go with the magic of Jess Smith, Jimmy Williamson and special guest David Pullar, as they explore the riches of Traveller heritage passed down to them through generations. This performance will be interpreted in British Sign Language. BSL Trailer ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 29 Oct: 8pm - SOLD OUT) Fresh from cèilidhs and story nights at the recently concluded Orkney Storytelling Festival, Nordic storytellers from Orkney, Iceland and Sweden gather once again to share more of their Viking adventures. With Tom Muir, Hjörleifur Stefánsson and Jerker Fahlström. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 30 Oct: 10:30am) Join Tania Allan and Emery Hunter to explore storytelling through both British Sign Language and English in this inclusive, creative workshop. You’ll learn how to develop expressive characters and bring your story to life using movement, facial expression, and voice. Perfect for beginners or those looking to build confidence in bilingual storytelling. Everyone welcome! Interpreters provided. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Thu 30 Oct: 6pm) Danish storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician Neil Sutcliffe present an original tale of a young woman setting out to create her own destiny in Viking times. Brought to life through storytelling and music, blending traditional and original pieces. This performance will be interpreted in British Sign Language. BSL Trailer ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 30 Oct: 8pm) The music of the pioneering Scottish musician Martyn Bennett flowed with many inspirations, none more so than that of the Scottish Travellers. His final album Grit saw him draw upon the ballads and stories of the Travellers, famously sampling Sheila Stewart’s version of Ewan MacColl’s The Moving On Song to incredible effect. We celebrate Martyn’s love of Traveller culture, whilst also exploring his wide use of world music through the Hindu Kali myths, in an evening with friends of Martyn’s and those still being inspired by his legacy today. With James MacDonald Reid, Gauri Raje, Jess Smith and Gary West. This performance will be captioned by My Clear Text, with open captioning unit stage left. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 31 Oct: 10:30am) Join us for a panel discussion and presentations about all things storytelling tech and touring. Storyteller Gauri Raje and Tech Engineer Roddy Simpson chat about how they brought these two very different worlds together and how you can too. Award- winning producer Kate Taylor joins the panel bringing her knowledge and expertise, and Emyr Bell from NEAT will give a presentation. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Fri 31 Oct: 6pm) What happens if we lose our wings and forget how to dance, sing or let our soul take flight? Is it possible to live between human time and wild time? Storytellers and musicians Anna-Maria Toivonen and Claire Hewitt, invite you to gather round the fire of inspiration as they share their unique Finnish- Scottish weaving of this magical transformation tale, Swan Woman. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 31 Oct: 7:30pm) A festival Samhuinn special of Edinburgh’s long-running storytelling night. Featuring guest storyteller Mara Menzies, who leads a session of spooky stories! With the usual chance to share a tale of your own. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Waverley Bar
(Fri 31 Oct: 8pm) Storyteller Anna Lehr presents a tale about death, birth and what lies ‘dazwischen’ (in between). This exploration of fear, grief and reconciliation is loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Godfather Death, German songs, poems and traditions, and will feature Death itself in puppet form joining Anna on stage. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 10:30am) Join us for a taboo-breaking workshop of storytelling, craft and honest conversation. In a safe, supportive environment, we will explore some traditional death stories then get hands-on, decorating a cardboard coffin and weaving a willow coffin with skilled artisans. This isn’t morbid, it’s liberating! Tackle fears, share experiences, and reclaim death as part of life’s natural rhythm. Led by storyteller, celebrant and death educator Beverley Bryant, this workshop transforms discomfort into understanding and isolation into community, offering new perspectives on life’s final chapter. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Sat 1 Nov: 10:30am) Swedish storyteller and actor Jerker Fahlström leads us through the stages of analysing a text. Explore each character in your story: who they are, their role, and why they act the way they do. By the end, you’ll have a rich pool of insights to shape your narrative with depth and clarity. Please bring a story to work with, let’s get creative! ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Training Venue at SSC
(Sat 1 Nov: 1:30pm) Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust and storyteller Allison Galbraith as we immerse ourselves in the magical, shimmering world of Scottish waters. We will explore the mythology, ecology and importance of rivers and waterways through Allison’s retelling of rare, watery Scottish legends. Then, we will celebrate storytellers of all ages who have captured the spirit and wonder of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places, as we announce the winners of the Words of the Wild nature writing competition. ~~~~~ Join us in the school holidays and across the Festival for a selection of storytelling performances and events for all the family as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025. The Festival tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 2pm) An open conversation with national and international guests about the networks and ideas that connect us. The networking strand at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival brings together performers and attendees who are interested in storytelling skills and sources, community projects and creative collaboration. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Sat 1 Nov: 4pm) In the fourth century, a young woman steps onto a boat in Greece carrying the bones of a martyr. Triduana is part of a small group of missionaries determined to share the Christian faith by taking Saint Andrew’s bones ‘to the ends of the earth’. Her journey to the land of the Picts will take her across seas and rivers and through transformations of belief and body. Join Monica Madas and Erin Farley as they tell the story of Triduana’s voyage into unseen waters and mythologies through story, song and puppetry. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 6pm) Across Cumbria, roads wend their way through picturesque countryside. Ancient dry stone walls hold the stories of the dead that were carried past on these secret and haunted trails. The Corpse Road follows the rise and fall, the twists and turns of these paths to tell the tale of characters that were carried to their final resting place. Storyteller Daniel Serridge and musician Heather Cartwright weave stories and songs together in this evocative and unnerving folkloric journey to the grave. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 1 Nov: 8pm) Our Open Hearth sessions gather together storytellers and musicians for a relaxed evening of stories and music in the Netherbow Theatre. As the darkness closes in and minds glow with pictures in the symbolic fire, this is the perfect way to end the festival! Featuring Dougie Mackay, Hjörleifur Stefánsson, Suse Weisse and musician Luisa Brown. ~~~~~ The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 2 Nov) This delightful Beltane Fire Society tradition allows parents to share in the magic of the Samhuinn story with their little ones through storytelling and music. Join us for a free morning of face painting and activities, followed by a ticketed session of storytelling and songs.. 10:30am face painting & activities, free and drop-in1pm storytelling session, ticketed below ~~~~~ Join us in the school holidays and across the Festival for a selection of storytelling performances and events for all the family as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025. The Festival tracks a rich northern arc which bridges Finland to Iceland, and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland a sea road junction in the middle. Don’t miss out on the tales and music or the close experience of nature. As winter gathers round the hearth fires, look north to join the merry dancers in the sky! Purchase a Storytelling Festival Pass and make the most of the Festival programme! Buy A Pass
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling Court
(Wed 5 Nov: 7:30pm) The moon begins to form as the moon spinners wash their wool in the sea, winding it again into a white ball in the sky and re-creating the phases and cycles that guide our seasons, and our stories... ~~~~~ Join us for our quarterly series of full-moon celebrations, with live storytelling, music and a rotating programme of incredible performers. Following the Celtic Wheel of the Year (the quarterly seasons of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhuinn) we look forward to moon myths, lunar legends and cross-cultural stories, revealing themes of creation, fertility, cosmic joy, transformation, death and rebirth. For our November session we welcome you under the full Beaver Moon with another exciting lineup of storytellers, this month featuring Bea Ferguson, Selina Graham and Heather Yule, with Claire McNicol and Linda Williamson. ~~~~~ Moonspinners events will follow two distinct phases, with the first half of performance in the Netherbow Theatre, followed by a social and conversational flow upstairs in the Storytelling Court with a chance to digest and discuss the stories amongst friends old and new. Come early for a warm, community meal of haggis, neeps & tatties from The Haggis Box before the Moonspinners performance. It’s free for all ticket-holders, and if you wish, you can make a pay-what-you-can donation to support the Edinburgh Food Project, who run 7 foodbanks accross our city. The community meal will be served from 6pm to 7:15pm. We will be able to cater for most dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free & dairy-free). You do not need to let us know in advance. Mark it in your diary, or just follow the moon to guide you here! ~~~~~ Image credit: Hester Aspland
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 6 Nov: 7:30pm) Over 50% of people in prison are thought to be neurodivergent. This creates additional challenges in an already high-stress environment, with lack of diagnosis only aggravating the issue. For Shug, after decades of addiction, life finally feels like it’s going in the right direction. But when a new and unpredictable cellmate, Kai, moves in, Shug’s carefully constructed new sense of self threatens to fall apart. Combining the experiences of Scottish Prisoners with the author's own experience of living with undiagnosed ADHD/Autism, 'Mind of Man' is a play about the struggle to claim your place in the world when you and the people around you can’t understand what’s going on inside your brain. Emerging from The University of Edinburgh’s major REALITIES research programme, addressing health disparities across Scotland, 'Mind of Man' makes a powerful challenge to prisoners, policy makers and the wider public. This debut performance will be followed by a panel discussion. Part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 7 Nov: 9:45am) Jyne us for a powerful day where the Scots-speaking community comes thegither at Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre. This year’s Gaitherin will shine a licht on fostering connections, breaking doon barriers, and celebrating creativity and representation in Scots. Community voices, especially those fae hard-to-reach areas and new learners o the leid, will be front and centre, and every dialect and background will be amplified. With representatives from the Scottish Government playin an active role throughout the day, this is a rare and timely opportunity for community voices tae shape the ongoing national strategy for Scots language policy. Jyne us and help drive practical action, share ideas, and mak yer ain vyce heard as we shape the future of Scots together. Whether ye’re fluent, learning, or passionate aboot oor Leid, help us celebrate the vitality an diversity of Scots through inspiring keynote talks, dynamic workshops, performances - and open dialogue wi government, artists, and grassroots campaigners. What's Happenin Fan... 09:30–10:10 Registration and networking with tea and coffee10:15–10:45 Welcome and opening addresses, including Kate Forbes MSP10:45–11:05 Keynote: Wullie Hershaw11:10–11:40 Performance: Grace Skinner11:45–12:30 Morning workshops12:30–13:30 Lunch break and networking13:35–13:55 Performance: Jimmy Williamson14:00–14:25 Keynote: Davie Donaldson14:30–15:15 Afternoon workshops15:30–16:00 Panel event: Looking at the role of Scots and indigenous languages in community identity16:05–16:25 Performance: Musician to be announced16:25–16:40 Closing remarks Notes: the agenda is subject tae change, as we firm things up! Tea & coffee throughout the day is includit wi yer ticket. Denner isna includit, but ye can buy fae the Haggis Box café, or bring yer ain wi ye. Pit on in pairtnership wi TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), wi support fae the Scottish Government and the Open University.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Fri 7 Nov: 7.15pm) A monthly session of Gaelic culture and community in Edinburgh, full of stories, songs, music, dance and good cràic! Each month a variety of performers will entertain, alongside the usual space for conversation and friendship. November's session will feature Ruairidh Grey, Julie MacFadyen and Andrew McIntyre, and special guest Mark Turner. Bothan Dhùn Èideann are a not-for-profit group, active for over 21 years, promoting and developing Scottish Gaelic language and culture in Edinburgh and creating space where everyone, no matter their background, feels comfortable celebrating Gaelic in Edinburgh. These events are presented in Gaelic throughout and all are welcome whether fluent speakers, learners or somewhere in between. Ruairidh Gray is a multi-award-winning Gaelic singer from Daliburgh, South Uist. In 2022 he made history by becoming only the second person to win both the Gold Medal and the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in Perth. Later that same year, he was named MG ALBA Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. In 2024, Ruairidh graduated with a Master’s degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied under Iseabail T. MacDonald. That same year, he organised and performed in Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray, a historic concert at St Aloysius Church in Glasgow. This unprecedented event brought together over 70 Gold Medal winners from the Royal National Mòd, spanning eight decades, alongside students from the Conservatoire’s five music departments. The concert was a poignant celebration of Gaelic song and heritage, recorded by BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and nominated for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. He has toured extensively across Europe and is a regular contributor to Gaelic broadcasting. ’S e seinneadair Gàidhlig cliùiteach agus ceumnaiche RSC a th’ ann an Ruairidh Gray agus esan à Dalabrog, Uibhist a Deas. Ann an 2022 rinn e eachdraidh nuair a choisinn e an dà chuid am Bonn Òir agus am Bonn Òir Seann Nòs aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ann am Peairt – dìreach an dàrna duine a rinn sin a-riamh. Nach ann fàd’ on uairsin gun deach a h-ainmeachadh mar “Seinneadair na Bliadhna” aig Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba. Ann an 2024 chuir e air dòigh Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray ann an Eaglais Naomh Aloysius ann an Glaschu, tachartas gun choimeas far an tàinig còrr is 70 neach-bhuannaichidh a’ Bhonn Òir ri chèile. Chaidh an consairt a chlàradh leis a’ BhBC agus chomharraich MG ALBA a’ chuirm sin mar “Tachartas na Bliadhna”. Tha Ruairidh air siubhal agus seinn farsaing air feadh na Roinn-Eòrpa, agus tha e tric ri chluinntinn ann am prògraman craolaidh Gàidhlig. Julie MacFadyen is a prominent member of the Lothian Gaelic Choir, known for her powerful solo performances. Originally from Oban, Julie has been a dedicated participant in Gaelic music from a young age. At the 2025 Mòd in Mull, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Glenaros Rosebowl and the Solo Open competitions, showcasing her exceptional vocal talent. Julie continues to inspire audiences with her emotive renditions of traditional Gaelic songs, contributing significantly to the choir’s success and the preservation of Gaelic musical heritage. ’S e ball cliùiteach de Chòisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn a th’ ann an Julie NicPhàidein, ainmeil cuideachd mar seinneadair ‘solo’, le guth làidir is làn faireachdainn. À Oban bho thùs, tha Julie air a bhith dìleas do cheòl Gàidhlig bhon a bha i òg. Aig a’ Mhòd ann am Muile ann an 2025, choisinn i dà phrìomh dhuaisean – am “Glenaros Rosebowl” agus farpais nan Solo Open – a’ sealltainn sàr-ghuth agus comas ciùil gun samhail. Tha i a’ leantainn oirre a’ brosnachadh luchd-èisteachd leis na h-òrain thradaiseanta aice, a’ cur gu mòr ri soirbheas na còisir agus glèidhteachas dualchas ciùil na Gàidhlig. Andrew McIntyre is a leading bagpipe player based in Edinburgh. A familiar figure on the city’s highland scene, Andrew plays Scottish small pipes and various whistles, as well as playing with his band ‘Curmudgeon’. In addition to his performance career, he is a dedicated teacher of small pipes and Highland pipes, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. Curmudgeon has performed at notable events such as the Piping Live festival in Glasgow and the Edinburgh Fringe, earning recognition for their engaging performances and contribution to the highland folk music scene. ’S e Anndra Mac an t-Saoir aon de na prìomh pìobairean ann an Dùn Èideann. Tha e gu math aithnichte air àrd-ùrlar ciùil na Gàidhealtachd sa bhaile, agus tha e a’ cluich na pìoba bheaga Albannach, diofar fhìdeagan, agus cuideachd còmhla ris a’ chòmhlan aige Curmudgeon. A bharrachd air a dhreuchd mar chleasaiche, tha Anndra gu mòr an sàs ann an teagasg – a’ roinn eòlais air na pìoban beaga agus na pìoban mòra ri ginealach ùr de luchd-ciùil. Tha Curmudgeon air nochdadh aig tachartasan cliùiteach mar fhèis Piping Live ann an Glaschu agus am Fringe ann an Dùn Èideann, far an d’ fhuair iad moladh airson an tabhartas tarraingeach de cheòl dùthchasach na Gàidhealtachd. Mark Spencer Turner has been a fixture in the Gaelic Arts scene for twenty years. An award-winning poet, singer, and songwriter, his work has been been recognised with the Gold Medal for Poetry (Mòd Phàislig, 2023), the Gaelic Award for Arts and Culture (2024) as well as nominations for Gaelic Singer of the Year at The Trads and Scottish Poetry Book of the Year (2022). Gaelic Editor of Northwords Now, Gaelic Reader of Lothian Gaelic Choir and The Balmoral Hotel's Poet-in-residence, his oeovre includes Polaris and Speactram. As former Chair, Mark is thrilled to return to the Bothan stage, now under Jeni's excellent team, as a creative practitioner in his own right. Tha Marcas Mac an Tuairneir air a bhith an sàs an saoghal Ealain na Gàidhlig fad còrr is fichead bliadhna. Mar bhàrd, sheinneadair, is òranaiche, tha e air grunn dhuaisean a choisinn son a chuid obrach. Nam measg, Bonn Òr na Bàrdachd (Mòd Phàislig, 2023) cho math ri Duais na Gàidhlig airson Ealain is Cultar (2024) is ainmeachaidhean Sheinneadair Gàidhlig na Bliadhna aig Na Trads, is Leabhar Bàrdachd Albannach na Bliadhna (2022). Na Dheasaiche na Gàidhlig do Northwords Now, Leughadair Gàidhlig do Chòisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn, is Bàrd-air-mhuinntearas do Thaigh-òsta Bhoth Mhoireil, bheir a shaothair a-staigh Polaris is Speactram. Na Chathraiche roimhe, tha Marcas air a dhòigh tilleadh gu àrd-ùrlar Bhothain, fo shàr stiùir an sgiob aig Jeni, mar neach-ealain air a cheann fhèin. Bothan Dhùn Èideann is funded and in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sun 9 Nov: 12pm - 3pm) Musicians Claire Gullan and Kirstie McLanaghan return to host another fantastic TAM Session, the collaborative project that combines two of their passions - playing Trad music and Arts & Crafting. This session is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. The TAM Sessions is an open and informal trad session, but with the lovely additional invitation to bring your sewing, knitting, crochet, or any other crafting project that you enjoy. Being able to play an instrument is not a pre-requisite and we welcome non-musicians to enjoy the tunes while they craft. In the same vein, please come along for a tune even if you don’t craft. Everyone is welcome! The driving factor behind this project is joy. A joyful experience has a direct, positive impact on our mental health. Community building through creative arts also creates a real sense of belonging and connectedness. Proficiency is not important, just come along and enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~ This event is part of Easy Sundays, a monthly session of stories, music, community and friendship, where warm welcome awaits with a variety of activities for all to enjoy. So come find a space to relax amongst friends, old and new.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Mon 29 Sep, Mon 13 Oct, Mon 10 Nov, Mon 24 Nov & Mon 8 Dec: 7pm) Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with a twenty-minute interval at around 8pm, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event:"At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave." The Loud Poets Open Mic is organised by I Am Loud CIC, through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding. It is produced and hosted by Mark Gallie.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 11 Nov: 2pm) Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories, held in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. All welcome to listen or bring a tune for a turn.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 11 Nov: 4:15pm) A unique event dedicated to World War One poet John McCrae and his poem In Flanders Fields, debuting a new interpretation of this iconic work. Following the very special impact of translating In Flanders Fields into French to sing for commemorations in Cambrai, France, Linn Phipps collaborated with Penicuik songwriter Alan Murray to create a completely new version and interpretation of the poem in Scottish Gaelic to an original tune by Alan. Join Linn and Alan for insights into the life of John McRae and how he came to write this poem, the story of their own collaboration and a performance of the new piece as a duet by singers Linn and Jo Nelson. There will also be an opportunity to take away a special commemorative candle made for this event by Isle of Lewis Candles (donation appreciated).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 12 Nov: 7pm) Join Edinburgh's own Burgh Blatherers for a series of regular open-floor storytelling nights taking place throughout the year, a cosy gathering in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court with refreshments available from the Haggis Box Café. Hosted by Bob Mitchell and members of Burgh Blatherers storytelling club, who will transport you with their own stories and imaginative weavings while offering you the chance to tell your own tales! Hiring fairs were traditionally held at Martinmas – bring us stories of work, magical service, prisoners or apprentices. What would you give a year and a day to accomplish?
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 14 Nov: 6:30pm) Please join us to celebrate Fair Saturday’s 2025 programme at their Opening Party! Featuring live storytelling from Niall Moorjani (Kanpur: 1857, Mohan: A Partition Story) and excerpts of Deiseil: Dancing in Time by step dancer Alison Carlyle and fiddle player Amy Geddes. A lovely opportunity to meet many of the people creating events for Fair Saturday this year and to find out more about this year’s programme. Haggis, neeps and tatties will be provided for each guest, alongside non-alcoholic drinks, and the bar will be open if you wish to purchase alcoholic drinks. Tickets for this event are free, but please book in advance. We hope you will join us! ~~~~~ Niall Moorjani is an award-winning and critically acclaimed Scottish-Indian, non-binary and neurodiverse writer, storyteller and theatre maker based between Edinburgh and London. They have performed all over the world, from Delhi to New York to old York. They create for both children and adults, dealing with themes inclduing queerness, anti-colonialism, myth and legend. At the core of all their work is hope, joy and kindness. Kanpur: 1857 won a coveted Fringe First Award from the Scotsman in 2025 described as ‘one of the most important political dramas at this year’s festival’. Deiseil: Dancing in Time by Alison Carlyle and Amy Geddes is a powerful exploration of how stepdance, Scotland’s percussive dance, was lost... and how its revival became woven into a lifelong friendship. "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. Described by the Scotsman as ‘the most joyful show I’ve seen so far this Fringe, ★★★★★'. Fair Saturday Edinburgh is kindly supported by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 15 & Sun 16 Nov: 10:30am) A hands-on, practical introduction to live storytelling and the associated skills across two days of workshops and presentations. Day 1 is led by storyteller Ruth Kirkpatrick and Day 2 is led by storyteller and National Development Officer Joanne Urwin. For new and aspiring storytellers. ~~~~~~~~~~ Presented by the Scottish Storytelling Forum these participatory sessions are designed to help you improve your skills and share your experiences with fellow storytelling enthusiasts. This carefully curated workshop programme offers you the chance to work with highly-skilled and experienced artists, giving you guidance on improving your practice and discovering your own talent. Did you know? Members of the Scottish Storytelling Forum are entitled to discounted rates on our storytelling workshops. For more information on memberships please visit the Storytelling Forum website. ~~~~~~~~~~ Pay it Forward If you are willing and able to donate a workshop place to another person, you now can! Click the button above and select the ticket price to donate. We will then be able to offer a free place to someone who would not have been able to attend otherwise. If you feel the Pay It Forward scheme would benefit you and would like to request a free ticket please email our Reception Team where you will be allocated a ticket if available. We hold 1 space per workshop for Pay It Forward requests.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Training Venue
(Sat 15 Nov: 12:30pm) This year’s Hamish Henderson Memorial Lecture is presented by David Francis, hosted by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland). Tradition as Heritage: Enclosing the Commons The UK Government signed the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024 and is currently looking at what that means in practical terms. When the traditional arts become re-conceptualised as 'intangible cultural heritage', is something lost? ~~~~~ David Francis is a musician, dance caller and storyteller with vast experience as an advocate and organiser for traditional arts. He has authored reports on traditional arts for the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Government, all the while maintaining his practice as a performer and teacher of traditional music for a range of community projects and in the acclaimed duo, The Cast, with his wife Mairi Campbell. In January 2025, David retired as founding Director of the Traditional Music Forum and for over a decade was co-director of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland). *Arrival for the event is from 12pm, with the lecture beginning at 12:30pm*
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 15 Nov: 3pm) Join Jill de Fresnes, Christine Kydd and Patsy Seddon to celebrate the launch of the Silver, Salt and Stories exhibition running at the Scottish Storytelling Centre during November. Jill, Christine and Patsy will perform song and music interspersed with film clips of memories and stories from interviews collected from women who worked as herring gutters between 1920 and 1960. The exhibition is centred around filmed interviews with 12 Scottish women who worked as herring gutters from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Amongst other images both photographic and artistic, it will include portraits of the women with the opportunity to explore some of their memories and stories through written story, materials and objects. The audience is invited to join Jill and friends to launch the exhibition and enjoy performance from 3pm, no tickets required. ~~~~~ Jill de Fresnes is a creative photographer and filmmaker, researcher and educationalist with over 25 years'experience in heritage and community engagement, particularly in Scotland’s coastal fishing communities. Her work blends oral history and multimedia storytelling to turn lived experiences into lasting cultural legacies, with the voices from these communities front and foremost in telling their stories to a wider audience. A veteran of the folk world, Christine Kydd grew up musically in the vibrant Edinburgh scene. Her career has offered her great variety where she has not only worked solo with the finest of players (musicians who now feature in groups including Jock Tamson’s Bairns, Blazin’ Fiddles and Shooglenifty) but also in highly-acclaimed groundbreaking projects, such as her extensive touring and recording work with Janet Russell; in Chantan with Elspeth Cowie and Corinna Hewat and in Calluna with Charlotte Peterson, Rebecca Knorr and Anna Wendy Stevenson. Patsy Seddon is one of Scotland's favourite and most innovative Celtic harp players, a versatile and experienced musician who sings in Gaelic, English and Scots and plays the Scottish fiddle in a variety of settings. She has performed solo and in bands at concerts and festivals all over the world, and is in great demand as a teacher of harp and of singing, in schools, universities, as a workshop facilitator and for private pupils.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 5:30pm) Join Hands Up for Trad for an intimate celebration marking two decades of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Host David Francis sits down with renowned photographer Louis DeCarlo, whose lens has captured every inductee since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2005. Louis will share captivating stories from his photographic journey across Scotland and Ireland, including his memorable encounter with the late Paddy Moloney. His warm approach and genuine passion have made meeting Louis a highlight for inductees - many describing it as "one of the best parts" of their induction experience. Discover the human stories behind the Hall of Fame's distinguished members and celebrate the dedicated musicians and industry figures who have shaped Scottish traditional music. Image: accordionist Bill Wilkie by Louis DeCarlo.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 7:30pm) A Wheen o’ Wimmin present Singing Our Stories, featuring five celebrated Scots singers who’ve shared many a stage both great and small. Born into a musical Perthshire family, Aileen Carr has been performing since the early 1970s in the UK and abroad; solo and with the bands Lang Johnny More and Ceolbeg, the popular unaccompanied group Palaver and, more recently, with Barbara Dymock and Janice Reavell in the a cappella trio Choras. She is a former chair of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland and was inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Lanarkshire-born Elspeth Cowie’s singing story began with winning a school Burns prize. In the early 1970s she sang rock in Glasgow but soon returned to the tradition in Aberdeen, learning much from Lizzie Higgins. In Edinburgh, she joined the band Seannachie then formed Chantan with Christine Kydd and Corrina Hewat. Elspeth was National Organiser of the TMSA for five years, and has two solo, three band and several compilation albums to her credit. Barbara Dymock learned songs as a child from her grandparents. She made her first foray into performing aged 19 with the newly-formed band Ceolbeg and a cappella trio Fair Game. After a long break to raise a family and pursue a medical career, she returned to sing with Rathlin, Fon a Bhord, Sinsheen, and The Barbara Dymock Band. She is currently in a duo with Chris Marra, and the trio Choras with Janice Reavell & Aileen Carr. She has 2 solo albums. Amy Lord grew in a musical Dunblane family then studied Scots song at the-then Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the inspirational tutelage of some of Scotland’s best. For nearly 20 years, she has led singing groups like The Liltin Lassies, conducted workshops, taught Scots song and language in schools and performed at festivals and folk clubs. Of Folk Revival vintage, Chris Miles has sung since childhood. A floor spot at Kirkcaldy FC in 1985 brought her to attention and she rapidly became a well-regarded trad singer, winning many silver cups in the 1980s. In 1990, she began a 20-year partnership with Gordeanna McCulloch, and in 1991, they formed Palaver with Aileen Carr and Maureen Jelks. Chris still performs, including a five-week 2022 US tour, with her guitarist partner Gearaidh Matthews. This event is supported by the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland and the North Atlantic Song Convention.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 20 Nov: 7:30pm) Welcome to an eclectic night of ancient myth, contemporary storytelling, post-folk music, and physical artistry. Steeped in the traditions of Scottish storytelling, we evoke the warm atmosphere of peat-smoked hearthsides and ceilidh house revelry, presenting timeless motifs relevant to a discerning modern audience. Join host Dougie Mackay as he invites a different selection of Scotland’s finest storytellers, songwriters, musicians, and performing artists to each bi-monthly Hearth Fire Session to create an innovative showcase of Scotland’s contemporary culture. ~~~~~ Dougie Mackay hails from the Scottish Highlands, from a lineage of natural storytellers. He is fascinated by the wild northern tales of Scotland, Scandinavia, Ireland and the Baltics, with a practice steeped in group-work facilitation and storytelling as a tool for development, connection and empowerment. He has been telling stories professionally for over 10 years and has developed successful long-form shows including Animate Lands and A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun. He co-curates and hosts Hearth Fire Sessions throughout the year.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 21 Nov: 7:30pm) Susanna Orr Holland is an experimental world folk singer-songwriter and for her second album she has woven a strong collection of stirring songs and sublime arrangements. With passionate three-octave vocals, this breath-taking voice engages with today’s big challenges such as migration, climate change, a family story of Irish civil war as well as more personal experiences of loneliness, joy and inter-connection. Edinburgh-based Susanna’s unique style is rooted in the ballad tradition but influenced by Indian and Persian vocal techniques. Her heartfelt song-writing weaves polyphony and harmony with a dynamic mix of instruments from Chris Lyons creating a rich tapestry of changing moods and landscapes. This is a voice which soars into the heart and forges marvel where sorrow and darkness merge with tenderness and wildness. Accompanying herself on guitar and Indian harmonium, she will be playing with some of Edinburgh’s most talented musicians in an accomplished line up with the multi-instrumentalist Chris Lyons on bayan accordion, oud and double bass (Blue Giant Orkestar), the inspired Tom Adams on violin (Orkestra del Sol) and creative Tim Lane on drums (Hidden Orkestra). In this unique concert, Susanna and activist Chris Booth will create space for the audience to react, whether with humour, grief or ritual to her songs.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 22 Nov: 10:30am) To accompany the launch of Susanna Orr Holland’s new album Return of the Swallows, Chris Booth will offer a Work That Reconnects workshop. The multiple existential threats to our world seem worse every time we look at the news: species going extinct, rising war and authoritarianism, ice caps melting at an unprecedented rate, the industrial growth economy spiralling out of control. The temptation is either to sink into despair or to hide away and pretend it’s not real! How can we face the mess we’re in with resilience and creative power? Based on the work of Joanna Macy, the Work That Reconnects is an inspiring, interactive group process for anyone who longs to engage in the healing of our world, and to build deep connection with our human and other-than-human communities. An experienced facilitator of the Work That Reconnects, with lifelong experience in the peace and environmental movements, Chris is passionate about addressing the causes of conflict, injustice, suffering, and environmental damage, and building radical communities to sustain us in this work. The workshop offer structured practices and use Susanna’s music to explore gratitude, joy, grief, and active hope in a safe space.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Tue 25 Nov: 12:30pm) Through storytelling, poetry and prose, four widely published Italian Scottish women writers will describe their diverse journeys of navigating, rooting and belonging. This performance is inspired by the innovative research by Professor Manuela D’Amore of Catania University, highlighting what is distinctive about Scottish Italian literature within the context of the wider Italian diaspora. Chaired by Makar Dr Peter Mackay (Scotland's National Poet, University of St Andrews) and featuring dance from Italian Folk Connections. Featured WritersProfessor Manuela D’Amore, author of Literary Voices of the Italian Diaspora in Britain: Time, Transnational Identities and Hybridity. Cavaliere Mary Contini OBE, Director Valvona & Crolla; one of Scotland’s best-known Italian cooks; author, broadcaster and journalist. Her books include Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia, Dear Alfonso and Valvona & Crolla, A Year at an Italian Table. Hilda De Felice, creator of two plays, Loving The Enemy, and The Badly-behaved Poets’ Society; an after-life encounter between Rabbie Burns and the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. Ann-Marie di Mambro, playwright and television screenwriter; author of Tally’s Blood, an option on the SQA English curriculum, and Brothers of Thunder. Dr. Anne Pia, poet, essayist, food writer. Her work includes award-winning Language of My Choosing, Keeping Away the Spiders, Magnaccioni: My Food My Italy and The Sweetness of Demons, translations and responses to Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 28 Nov–Tue 30 Dec) Join us in celebrating the magic of picture books! The Picture Hooks exhibition showcases artwork from emerging children’s book illustrators and their acclaimed illustrator mentors: Jill Calder, David Melling, Sara Ogilvie, Francis Martin and Debi Gliori. Let your imagination run wild and soak in the colours, characters and stories that make picture books so powerful for any age. The mentoring programme offered by Picture Hooks provides opportunities for development and networking for new illustrators under the guidance of established professional illustrators, with mentees and mentors carefully paired and working together for nine months.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 28 Nov: 7:30pm) Another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club held upstairs in the Waverley Bar, with the usual open-floor section for anyone to share a story, song or poem around the theme or otherwise. Featuring a different host every month and a guest storyteller to be announced. Supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Waverley Bar
(Sat 29 Nov: 12pm) Come along to the home of Scottish storytelling for a drop-in session of traditional tales with storytellers Mark Borthwick and Alice Fernbank. Suitable for all ages, these two expert storytellers will welcome anyone into their fairy circle for as many stories, myths, riddles and wondertales as they would like. The storytellers have also been given the magic key to the John Knox House museum, and can give participants access for free. With something to amuse every bouche, tickle every funnybone and beguile every intellect, this will be a jolly ceilidh that will be suitable for all ages. This event is part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 29 Nov: 7:30pm) New South Wales, 1790. Britain's nascent colony is starving while aboriginal resistance simmers in the background. Three convicts venture into the forest, conspiring to commit heinous murder in the hope of a reward. But as they become lost, it's clear they are ensnared in a nightmare of their own making... Actor and writer Paul Case's nightmarish solo horror theatre piece explores the intersection of class, race and sexuality during the violent beginnings of Australian history. 'An evocative and bloodily marvellous new piece of theatre' ★★★★ (BritishTheatreGuide.info)'Atmosphere in spades. Exceptional storytelling' ★★★★ (TheQR.co.uk)'Absolutely gripping. Mesmerising' (ThreeWeeksEdinburgh.com)'A command that's hard to beat. A darkness all its own' - ★★★★ (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Wed 3 Dec: 7pm) Nights are growing long and dark. Cold nips the air. It’s time to braid our evergreen circle - time to join the Burgh Blatherers for their Winter Warmer. Members of Edinburgh's own storytelling club present a heartfelt season finale to their year of storytelling ceilidhs and fan the embers of the year into flame of warming cheer and conviviality. Sit back and enjoy!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Thu 4 Dec: 7:30pm) Welcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, our hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures around Edinburgh and Scotland share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories across the year is as varied as the range of storytellers invited. Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the stories told in the Queer Folks' Tales evenings will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali. ~~~~~ Turan Ali has been a producer, director and writer of BBC radio dramas and comedies for over 20 years. He’s been a stage storyteller since 2012, and a stand up since 2021. He tours internationally and has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. Turan is the creator, producer and host of Queer Folks’ Tales for which he won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award 2024. QFT now tours across Scotland and is Creative Scotland funded. ★★★★★ 'Edinburgh's most vibrant, authentic and exciting storytelling event' (The Wee Review)★★★★★ 'Utterly fabulous' (TheQR.co.uk)★★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com) Queer Folks' Tales is supported by Creative Scotland
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 20 Dec - Tue 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm) It’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited! Join Cinderella, her nasty sister and her even nastier Stepmother, along with a cast of colourful characters in a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly show filled with songs, silliness, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in the fun. Be part of the magic – cheer for Cinders, boo the baddies, and help make sure that Cinders gets home from the ball before the clock strikes midnight! Grab your tickets fast! And don’t forget to wear your best shoes! Specially designed by Macastory as a lovely introduction to Pantomime.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
Thu 29 Jan 2026 (7:30pm), Sun 15 Mar 2026 (2pm), Sat 13 June 2026 (2pm), Fri 20 Nov 2026 (7:30pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. After a sold-out standing ovation premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in 2025, Balancing in Freedom will return to the stage four times in 2026. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Feb: 2pm) England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. This Valentine's Day, celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Our Martin in the Background: the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. 'a compelling story, cleverly framed' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)'all the class, comedy and an undercurrent of melancholy of an Alan Bennett Talking Head' (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
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