World Storytelling Day, on Wednesday 20 March, will be marked in Edinburgh this year with inspiring events honouring one of Scotland’s finest contemporary storytellers, Andy Hunter, who was a pioneer for how storytelling can help navigate a world of climate and communication chaos by reconnecting to nature. Re-Storying Our Planet follows Andy’s environmental journeys across … Continued

Scottish-Nordic festival returns next month. An unique festival of Nordic and Scottish music, song and dance based in Edinburgh celebrates its 16th year next month, with another diverse line-up of invited guests. Taking place 26-28 April, Northern Streams 2019, features: Kata – a five women group who sing traditional songs from the Faroe Islands in … Continued

CARA release “Mòran Taing” charity single for Cancer Research on 28th March 2019, and welcome new bandmate, Aimee Farrell Courtney (bodhrán) from Ireland CARA are delighted to announce the release of their forthcoming single, “Mòran Taing”, which means “many thanks” in Scots Gaelic. Written by Scottish songwriter and CARA member, Kim Edgar (piano, lead vocals), … Continued

This year’s Easter Youth Gaitherin’ will be from the 8th-10th April in Leith Theatre and tickets are now on sale! If you are aged between 9-18, and want to meet and play music with other young musicians then come along to three days of folk music workshops in Leith Theatre.  This years fantastic tutors are Steven Blake, … Continued

The musical connections between three of Scotland’s island groups – Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides – are to be celebrated at this year’s Orkney Folk Festival, with two collaborative concerts featuring celebrated musicians and singers from each of the areas. Leading western Isles vocalists Julie Fowlis and Kathleen MacInnes will appear alongside Shetland’s Jenny Keldie and Orcadian duo Saltfishforty – Douglas Montgomery … Continued

IT’S official! The World’s Largest Ceilidh Band, organised by Stonehaven Folk last year is a Guinness World Record Holder. It took months of planning to meet the stringent requirements for last year’s attempt to set a new record for the world’s largest ceilidh band. Forms had to be filled and strict evidence protocols followed. Stewards, … Continued

The 2019 Scottish International Storytelling Festival – Beyond Words – will have a special focus on Canada, showcasing new creative work developed by Scottish and Canadian artists. This international project to develop new collaborations between Scotland and Canada has been awarded £80,000 through Festival Expo funding, which is supported by the Scottish Government through Creative … Continued

New for 2019, the HND in Traditional Music Performance is the ideal course for traditional vocalists and instrumentalists looking to hone their craft, and learn the skills and knowledge required to build a successful career in the industry. Combining practical learning with the academic study of the theory and history of music, the Traditional Music HND … Continued

Isobel Mieras, is the Artistic Artistic Adviser to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and President of The Clarsach Society and introduces to us to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival’s 2019 programme… “Putting together the Festival programme each year with my co- Artistic Adviser, Patsy Seddon, is both a great joy and a challenge. We aim … Continued

This guest article has been penned by Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland board member and accordionist, Bernie Hewitt. As the title suggests Bernie advocates participation in traditional dance with an emphasis on fun, friendship and fitness.  I have been playing the accordion for ceilidh dancing for longer than I care to remember, and have many … Continued