The finalists for Battle of the Folk Bands have been announced by Hands up for Trad. With impressive entries from 24 collectives, competition was tough so the final five promise an exciting and enticing evening of entertainment when they take to the stage on Sun 7 May as part of the finale for Edinburgh’s TradFest. … Continued

With 30 days to go until Christmas Day… Here’s a story of a story told on Christmas morn from Duncan Williamson in conversation with David Campbell in 1995, to remind us all of the true heart of the festive season. ‘Because I remember my father, in the tent as wee kids in Furnace when we … Continued

From Donald Shaw to Muhammad Al-Hussainni, a special day to explore how Scotland is Enhanced by Diversity and Combined by Humanity. Ahead of 2017’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland) and BEMIS jointly host an exploration of how Scotland can realise the creative potential of our diverse cultural heritage … Continued

The home of Scotland’s stories begins its Winter Warmers season as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals in a celebration of Scottish traditions, rooted in community engagement with Play in a Day – followed by a fun Family Ceilidh – on Sat 26 Nov, plus a rich tapestry of multi-culturalism showcased in Light in the Dark, … Continued

The Folklore Society’s AGM conference 2017, jointly hosted with Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, and Celtic and Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh. Friday 31 March – Sunday 2 April 2017 Scottish Storytelling Centre Keynote Speaker: Professor Margaret Bennett, Royal Conservatoire of ScotlandThis annual conference will focus on beliefs, practices, expressive and material culture related to the cycle … Continued

By Matthew Tucker (Image above: Tongue Tied and Twisted at SISF 2017 ft. Peter Chand and PKCtheFirst) My first experience of listening to a professional storyteller was as a child of around seven. A woman with a quilted skirt sat with us at our school to tell stories that were delivered with more eloquence, expression and … Continued

The 15th Carrying Stream Festival will take place in Edinburgh this year from 9-16 November and the Scottish Storytelling Centre hosts a trio of events, plus an exhibition by Charles Nasmyth which includes a large portrait of Hamish Henderson, amidst other key figures from Scotland’s popular culture and folklore.  Hamish Henderson (1919-2002) is often referred … Continued

Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference, AberdeenSat 12 Nov, 10 – 5pm Aberdeen Town House, Union Street, AB10 1AQ Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference showcases community-led projects across Scotland and supports people as they explore their connection to the past. The event is open to anyone with an interest in history, heritage or archaeology – thought no experience of … Continued

Halloween is a great time to visit Edinburgh with its rich autumn traditions and macabre associations, with Virgin Atlantic’s Blog Team stating “Auld Reekie comes to life” at this time of year, especially as the Storytelling Festival and associated Samhuinn celebrations contribute wholesomely to the offering, beyond the frights and chills of ghost tours as … Continued

An exclusive tour created by five-star award winners Mercat Tours, in celebration of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, showcases Edinburgh city as a tale of two halves. Festival audiences will have four opportunities to enjoy a bespoke walking tour, designed by the renowned Mercat Tours, who it’s fair to say know their stuff as they’ve … Continued