Legends have a habit of travelling around – through time, language and cultures – attaching themselves to different places and adapting to their new homes. This story is taken from my collection, Argyll Folk Tales and while this particular telling is from Mull, there are versions from other places in Scotland, including Montrose and Blair Atholl. … Continued

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

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival launches the 2015 Schools and Communities Campaign ‘Dig Where You Stand’ Scotland’s landscape and communities are rich with local stories and legends, some hundreds of years old. Dig It! 2015, the year-long celebration of Scottish archaeology, in partnership with the SISF invites everyone to unearth a treasure-trove of stories and … 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

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, in association with TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) present five days of storytelling, music and dance which celebrates the unique heritage, culture, community and stories of Edinburgh’s Old Town.                Whether you are a local, a tourist, young or old, there’s enjoyment and entertainment for all as we transport you back … Continued

What happens when you pair story with craft? That’s exactly what Craft Scotland and the Scottish Storytelling Centre asked which led to a commissioned series – Tales in the Making – performed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 29-31 December 2014. The makers – metalsmith Bryony Knox and glass artist Laura Reid – were paired up … Continued

Some useful tips and hints from Rosie Mapplebeck on how to run a storytelling session with older people. Rosie was involved in The Living Voices project, bringing storytelling, song and poetry to care homes in Ayrshire.

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

National Storytelling Week (Sat 31 Jan to Sun 8 Feb) was set up by the Society for Storytelling 15 years ago and aims to promote the oral tradition of storytelling; celebrating our most ancient art form. From recounting something that’s happened in your day, reading a bedtime story to a child or watching a plot … Continued