TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is looking to appoint a new Festival Director to lead the delivery of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) from 2026. Founded in 1989, SISF is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling, anchored in Scotland, a nation of storytellers. SISF takes place in October each year, offering a vibrant … Continued

There’s just one week to go before the world’s largest celebration of storytelling begins… The 36th Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s packed programme of over 120 events, taking place in Edinburgh and across Scotland, kicks off next Wednesday 22 October, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland. … Continued

Why? Join us in Perth on 14 November for the third Intangible Cultural Heritage Scotland conference. With the UK Government ratifying the 2003 UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in 2024, and the national ICH inventorying process starting soon, this year’s conference will focus on how we move forward with ICH across Scotland. What … Continued

Today (10th September) with support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme. Lights of the North – L/R Associate Director Daniel Abercrombie, Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival Donald Smith, storyteller Jan Bee Brown and storyteller and musician Marion … Continued

Sat 8 Nov | 10.30am-4.15pm Inverness Creative Academy (WASPS) Trad Talk is the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland‘s (TMFS) flagship annual gathering, bringing together performers, educators, promoters, and enthusiasts from across the traditional music community. This event creates space for meaningful dialogue on issues facing our sector. This year’s theme is Innovation. We will explore the balance between … Continued

Tha Fòram Sgeulachdan na h-Alba air dàrna sreath den phod-craoladh Gàidhlig, Sgeul is Seanchas, a chur air bhog The Scottish Storytelling Fourm release a second series of the Gaelic storytelling podcast, Sgeul is Seanchas Tha Fòram Sgeulachdan na h-Alba, ann an co-bhonn le TRACS, toilichte cur air bhog an dàrna sreath den phod-craoladh le sgeulachdan … Continued

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, now in its 36th year, (22nd October to 1st November 2025) is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling – encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles. This year’s programme, inspired by the traditional folklore, myths, and legends of Nordic culture, includes storytelling events for adults and families, workshops, exhibitions, … Continued

Professional Development Opportunities for Traditional Musicians We’re excited to launch our Workshops Programme Autumn 2025 –  a series of practical, industry-focused sessions designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for your career as a self-employed traditional musician. Following the success of our 2024 pilot in Glasgow and Edinburgh, we’re expanding! This year, you can … Continued

TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is looking for a Digital Marketing & Communications Officer (0.6 FTE, fixed term 12 months) to join our team dedicated to championing our shared living heritage of traditional music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and local languages. Reporting to the Marketing & Communications Manager, the Digital Marketing & Communications … Continued

Review by Catherine Coutts  Many readers will be aware of UNESCO’s involvement in world heritage through the seven sites in Scotland, including St Kilda, the Forth Bridge and the Antonine Wall. But did you know that for many years, UNESCO has promoted intangible cultural heritage such as traditional dancing? Scots will soon be invited to … Continued