The 2016 Storytelling Network Development Day took place at Old Churches House in Dunblane last Saturday 27 February, bringing together a range of speakers and storytellers to explore the key opportunities and challenges facing the artform in Scotland today. The day’s events included a series of open discussions and guided workshops, ranging from advice on … Continued

Storytelling on film: a creative opportunity or a contradiction in terms? According to an old Scottish traveller proverb, stories are told “eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart”. Capturing a storyteller’s performance on camera might suggest a blockage between teller and listener; however, film can bring stories to audiences who otherwise would … Continued

Storyteller Angie Townsend recently passed away after brave and courageous fight with cancer. Her funeral takes place at St Michael’s Church in Inveresk today, followed by a celebration of her life which – as Angie wished – will see her old band ‘Seeing Red‘ perform in Musselburgh. Angie loved to tell stories to children, but was … Continued

From 21 – 29 Feb 2016, the Audacious Women Festival marks its first ever edition, a chance to break down personal, political or institutional barriers, and to celebrate audacious women everywhere. The programme includes an array of events, exhibitions and workshops around Edinburgh, including four fantastic performances here at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Amongst the … Continued

The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s January – March programme combines high quality and rich variety, with comedy and spoken word featuring alongside storytelling, music and children’s shows. If you were a fan of our previous Speakeasy events, you may recognise some of the performers appearing this season; if not, look forward to discovering some fantastic new … Continued

Tha coimhearsnachd bheòthail de luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig a’ fuireach ann an Dùn Éideann, agus tha sinne aig Ionad Sgeulachdan na h-Alba glè thoilichte gu bheil sinn am measg nan ionadan a tha a’ toirt taic do na h-ealain Gàidhlig anns a’ bhaile. Ann am prògram a’ gheamhraidh am bliadhna-sa, bidh ceithir tachartasan a’ nochdadh sa Ghàidhlig, a bhios freagarrach … Continued

In Celtic mythology, Brigid – sometimes known as ‘Bride’ in Scotland – is the goddess of healing, poetry, smithcraft, and childbirth. Myths and stories of her power, goodness and compassion have existed for centuries, and she is still celebrated as both a saint and a goddess around the world. The celebration of Bride in February … Continued

Holiday Cottages has recently launched Young Creatives 2016, a nationwide competition promoting creativity in children and young adults in partnership with Puffin Books. Open to ages 5 – 16, the competition asks where is your favourite place in the UK? Responses can take the form of a piece of writing, photo, drawing or video, and … Continued

Sadly, news has reached us that Mr Ian Walker, owner of the Waverley Bar, passed away just before Christmas. His passing signals the end of an era as the Waverley Bar – the Guid Crack’s home for past a quarter of a century – has now closed. Regardless of its future, we tip our hat … Continued

Always known as Colin, this great friend to storytelling died just before Christmas. Many tributes to Colin Mackay will record his outstanding public service as teacher and headteacher, memorably at Craigmuir in Pilton, as Scout leader and pioneer in Scouting for disabled youngsters, and as a lifelong church volunteer at St David’s in Broomhouse.  However, … Continued