The compilation of compositions by the man known by many the world over as the “greatest piper of the 20 century” is now available in a wonderful book. Donald MacPherson was something of a phenomenon in piping. He was not just a masterful performer, a wonderful teacher and great ambassador for bagpiping across the world … Continued

Scottish composer and harpist Ailie Robertson has recently been announced as a member of the 2016-17 RSNO Composers’ Hub.  This is the latest in a number of accolades Ailie has been awarded, including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Composition Prize, and The Sofia International Composition Competition. Ailie is very excited at the prospect, saying, ‘I am absolutely delighted to … Continued

They may be geographically removed and unique in their own way, but Scotland’s Island groups share many cultural connections, not least their Viking heritage and a tradition of expressing their distinctive cultures through the arts. It was with this in mind that the Between Islands project was created by Stornoway’s An Lanntair arts centre, and … Continued

The People’s Parish is a new initiative from TRACS to support communities to discover and rediscover a ‘sense of place’; to dig into the cultural memory and find the resources – stories, traditions, heritage, history – with which it can be expressed creatively. Sign Up to The People’s Parish The Statistical Accounts of Scotland were … Continued

A creative exploration of storymaking, music and song for parents and their pre-school children: a partnership project with Craigroyston and Granton Early Years Centre .  The slow embedding of a new project based in two Early Years Centres, and the building of trust with vulnerable parents and families, have been part of an important learning … Continued

“As you were sleeping on your pillows Dreamt ye ought o’ oor poor fellows? Darkling as they face the billows A’ to fill the woven willow.” (Wha’ll buy my) Caller Herring Apprentice storyteller Jan Bee Brown moved back to Newhaven three years ago and has launched a new project, inspired by the rich history of the area, … Continued

Collaborative workshops connecting the rhythms of song, dance, body percussion and beatboxing Guest blog by Sophie Stephenson

Guest blog by Michael Williams I’d like you to close your eyes for a moment and think of your “special place”. It could be your back garden, your home town, a place you visited on holiday, a beach, a mountaintop, or just somewhere that you feel relaxed in, a place that nourishes heart and soul. … Continued

Last month, dynamic storytelling duo Suit and Pace (Andrew Coull and Beth Hamilton-Cardus) ran two ‘Story Swap’ events as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2016. The sessions focussed on the links between Scottish and Syrian stories, celebrating the similarities between our cultures. Working in partnership with the Fife Arabic Society and the Fife Cultural Trust, … Continued

The 30th April was a very special date for the BBC’s long-running Take the Floor as presenter Robbie Shepherd celebrated his 80th birthday. Robbie has been the voice of the show now for over 35 years, and his rich, Doric dialect makes him instantly recognisable, not only in Scotland, but all around the world. The … Continued