The ancient tradition of guising goes back centuries in Scotland, but has been in some ways neglected lately, with the American concept of ‘Trick-or-treat’ becoming more and more popular. It seems a great shame to forget about a tradition so jam-packed full of history, folk culture, and most importantly, fun! So here’s some handy resources … Continued

A story resource telling the bloody tale of the Battle of Carinish which took place in North Uist, 1601. Told by Norman MacLean, as part of the Guthan nan Eilean language project. Anns a’ bhliadhna sia ceud deug ’s a h-aon bha blàr uamhasach ann an Càirinis, Uibhist a Tuath. Mar a chaidh innse le … Continued

Downloads and links to useful practical information and resources for those involved with the traditional music sector.   Toolkits Volunteering in the Arts Toolkit Voluntary Community Arts Evaluation Toolkit (Annabel Jackson Associates) Culture Counts works on behalf of a group of core members to place culture at the heart of policy making, with a great resource section (See … Continued

We all know that stories don’t like to sit on the page of a book and be quiet. Stories like to be told and, more importantly, stories like to travel. This is why you will find similar legends in different parts of the country (or sometimes in different countries too) that seem all too familiar, … Continued

Research and collected information on dancing, dancers, dancing masters and musicians of Angus. Commissioned by the Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust and conducted by Mats Melin, between 1998 and 2001.

A reference list, collated by Mats Melin, of research conducted on Scottish dance traditions and when subsequent material was published, or where it can be accessed (if known).  

Are you a novice storyteller, an early years or primary school teacher or librarian? Does the thought of leading a storytelling session for a small group or classroom full of children make you nervous? Do you want to improve, gain new skills or grow in confidence? Story Sacks may just be the thing for you! … Continued

An information pack for anyone interested in starting or running a storytelling club for children or adults. Where you begin will depend on what you already know and do. If storytelling as a concept is new to you then look at Sections 1 and 5, where you will find general descriptions and explanations, guidelines and … Continued

‘I had been working in the woodlands of Perthshire and beyond on storytelling projects which help children to connect with these wild places, weaving in local folk, plant lore and place-specific stories. At the end of each day’s session the children would become storymakers and storytellers, with each tale created coming from the children’s response … Continued

Stories of place are often telling of events that happened a long time ago, handed down generation after generation, which might have acquired some bizarre or supernatural elements along the way, turning them into legends. Other times the original story was an invention itself, a mythical, superstitious or hyperbolic explanation of why an unusual place … Continued