May Day, known as Beltane in Gaelic, marks the beginning of summer in the Scottish Calendar. Yet some still argue that the Scots are a pessimistic nation… Whatever the weather, traditionally life moved outdoors on 1 May after the long dark days of winter and TRACS is marking the celebration this year in traditional and … Continued

The Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland & The University of Edinburgh present ‘The Art of Treepling’, a mini festival of percussive dance culminating the First Footing residency with international dance artist Nic Gareiss.  TODAY, on International Dance Day, the grand culmination of the First Footing residency – The Art of Treepling – is announced. The … Continued

A copy of The People’s Friend is sold somewhere in the world every 3.44 seconds. Not bad for a bespoke magazine that first hit the shelves on 13 January 1869, which has managed to cultivate a readership by promoting fiction amongst history, nature, science, recipes, games, puzzles and tips for housewives, and retain a loyal … Continued

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

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

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

Over the last 10 years, Strange Town has staged 124 productions, commissioned 98 original scripts and performed in a variety of spaces including theatres, football stadiums, schools and prisons, showcasing local talent year-round and offering opportunities for young people on and offstage, with a recent coup in seeing their member Josie O’Brien cast as Chris … Continued

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

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is on until the 31st of October and we’ve gathered some highlights and memorable moments from our recent events for you.   Opening at Stirling Castle Could there have been a more fitting and atmospheric setting for the opening of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, an annual celebration dedicated to … Continued

The nights are getting longer, the weather is cooling down and so the Scottish International Storytelling Festival begins, as we gather round the fire and share a story or a song. Harvest season can often surprise us with beautiful sunshine and vibrant colours, what better time to spend your weekends with the family, exploring enchanted … Continued