Humans are hardwired to love stories and Scotland’s greatest stories have their own home, a Centre dedicated to preserving and recounting them so that future generations can enjoy these tales just as much as their forebears.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre turned 15 in 2021 and is a fantastic central venue on the Royal Mile, where it forms a bustling arts venue that celebrates the nation’s cultural heritage.

Live storytelling, theatre, dance and music will thrill visitors young and old, while an ever-changing roster of workshops and exhibitions beg repeat visits throughout the year.

The Centre is also the hub for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, one of the 11 Edinburgh Festivals internationally recognised as a leader in its field.

The Centre extends a warm welcome to all who venture inside the vibrant arts space.

We’re a great meeting place where you can experience Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

In the Storytelling Court you will find an interactive Storywall which is always enjoyed by children (and adults too!)

Find Greyfriars Bobby; catch the frog; meet Nessie, the Gruffalo and Wee Willie Winkie; and discover traditional Scottish tales. You can also listen to excerpts from Edinburgh’s most famous storyteller, Robert Louis Stevenson, and we always have a free exhibition on display from artists across Scotland and beyond.

Swap your own stories in our Cafe over some delicious home baking and great coffee.

Browse our bookshop in the medieval luckenbooths of John Knox House and see if you can spot our dragon’s nest and time capsule hiding among the books.

43-45 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1SR

  Lothian Bus Service Number 35 goes along the High Street or you can get the number 5, 7, 8 or 14 buses which stop on North Bridge.

  The Centre is a short walk from Waverley station if you take the Market Street exit to the station. Trainline works with 270 rail and coach companies to offer their customers travel to thousands of destinations in Europe. Plan your journey, by using their helpful Trainline search tool.

  Visitors can be dropped off outside the centre & there is a taxi rank across the road, in front of the Radisson Blu Hotel.

There’s pay-&-display on High Street, Jeffrey Street, St. Mary’s Street, Niddry Street and Blackfriar’s Street, a multi-storey car park at St John’s Hill and facilities at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Check out Your Parking Space or Just Park to book in advance or see availability on the day.

As a venue that is part of the Green Arts Initiative, we recommend public transport when possible.

You can find the exact location of our entrances via the What3Words link as follows:

JKH Level Access Door

Scottish Storytelling Centre Entrance

Read Access Statement