The Art of the Storyteller series is all about getting to the heart of storytelling and showcasing the rich variety of skills, interest points and avenues that the artform can take you. The next enticing workshop and performance session is on Fri 9 Dec with Ruth Kirkpatrick and Beverley Bryant bringing their expertise to the … Continued

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

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

Come and join An Còmhradh Mòr – ‘The Big Conversation’ – with leading experts from Gaelic organisations debating the future of Gaelic learning for adults. Speakers include Shona MacLennan, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Rosemary Ward from Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, Dr. Stuart Dunmore from the Univeristy of Edinburgh and journalist David Eyre. In the afternoon you may wish … 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

Scots have a long lineage of being storytellers of the highest order, as well as always being welcoming to the world, with arms wide open to embrace cultures, learning from the diversity and experiences of others. A nation of dreamers who, to paraphrase Shakespeare, may be small but is mighty. Taking Festival of Dreams as … Continued

Every year, World Mental Health Day (Mon 10 Oct) draws attention to the importance of talking about our heads, which is one of the best things we can do to keep our mental health in check – why do you think we’re constantly harping on about the effect live storytelling has on both tellers and … Continued

Celebrated playwright, actor, director, singer and artist Dario Fo marks his 90th birthday and 70 year career with a programme of talks, workshops and performances in Edinburgh, as well as a showcase of Fo’s art in the UK for the first time, with a collection spanning three Edinburgh venues. Dancing with Colours, Whipping with Words … Continued