Scotland has a vibrant group of new storytellers, honing their skills and developing their craft with the help of the Centre’s Storytelling Apprenticeship, led by Janis Mackay. On Friday 22 April, the group will perform their favourite tales at Stories on the Way, a showcase of the skills and stories they’ve developed over the course … Continued
TradFest 2016 is an Edinburgh-wide celebration of culture, with events taking place all over the city. Amongst the highlights of this year’s programme includes Treasure Troves of Scottish Tradition, a series of five events taking place at the National Library of Scotland from Monday 2 – Friday 6 May. Combining storytelling, music and talks, these … Continued
Now entering its second year, Edinburgh’s Folk Film Gathering – the world’s first festival of folk cinema – is a celebration of the myriad ways in which world cinema has engaged with folk culture at different points in space and time. Part of TradFest Edinburgh, the festival’s 2016 edition brings together a series of rare, … Continued
1 The 2016 Annual Song Writing Competition (#40) will take place in the Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 60 The Pleasance, Edinburgh on Wednesday 1 June 2016 at 8pm 2 All entries must be in the hands of the chair (address below) no later than Wednesday 25 May 2016.Late entries will not be accepted.The song lyrics, preferably … Continued
Organising committee members wanted Deadline: 20 April 2016 Originally started in 1996, Scots Fiddle Festival continues to be run by the Scots Fiddle Festival Ltd, whose aim is to promote and sustain traditional fiddle music so that it can hold its place in the culture of Scotland and the world. Our all-volunteer committee spends the … Continued
A holiday in Tuscany? A week of step dance workshops? Or both? In September this year, seven tutors from Scotland and Cape Breton and around fifty participants will head to the “Most Scottish Town in Italy”, the medieval hill town of Barga in Tuscany, for a week-long School of Scottish Music, Dance and Song. … Continued
Two singer-songwriters from opposite ends of the Atlantic come together for a double bill at this year’s TradFest. A troubadour, balladeer and storyteller cut in the old style, Scottish singer Ewan McLennan received critical acclaim for his first album Rags to Riches, which won him the prestigious Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards. Sky … Continued
Famously referred to as “Mississippi Sheiks meet Doctor Seuss as curated by HG Wells”, Canada-based Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son have created a sonic and visual presentation of old time high stepping music which is completely unique. We asked them a few questions about their upcoming projects, inspirations and views on tradition before they head … Continued
Dowally are Dan Abrahams (guitar), Phil Alexander (accordion and piano) and Rachel Walker (fiddle, whistle and vocals), plus regular collaborator, cello player Graham Coe (The Jellyman’s Daughter). Together they make unclassifiable, thrillingly energetic music, fusing their love of traditional Scottish tunes with jazz harmony, Balkan rhythms and deep Americana raucousness. What do Dowally have planned … Continued
Storyteller Colin Williamson has a passion for Scotland’s history, folklore and customs. The grandson of a great storyteller, he has been listening to stories his whole life, and much of his learning comes from an ancient oral tradition. For many years, Colin has worked as a tour guide in central Scotland. He has also worked with children with … Continued
TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland, SCIO SC043009) is a co-operative network which champions our shared traditions of music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and local languages. TRACS brings together the Traditional Music Forum (SCIO SC042867), the Scottish Storytelling Forum (SCIO SC052330) and the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland (SCIO SC045085). Together we celebrate the local distinctiveness of Scotland’s places: our intangible cultural heritage. TRACS and the Forums have their registered office at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
