Storytelling on film: a creative opportunity or a contradiction in terms? According to an old Scottish traveller proverb, stories are told “eye to eye, mind to mind, and heart to heart”. Capturing a storyteller’s performance on camera might suggest a blockage between teller and listener; however, film can bring stories to audiences who otherwise would … Continued

Storyteller Angie Townsend recently passed away after brave and courageous fight with cancer. Her funeral takes place at St Michael’s Church in Inveresk today, followed by a celebration of her life which – as Angie wished – will see her old band ‘Seeing Red‘ perform in Musselburgh. Angie loved to tell stories to children, but was … Continued

From 21 – 29 Feb 2016, the Audacious Women Festival marks its first ever edition, a chance to break down personal, political or institutional barriers, and to celebrate audacious women everywhere. The programme includes an array of events, exhibitions and workshops around Edinburgh, including four fantastic performances here at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Amongst the … Continued

The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s January – March programme combines high quality and rich variety, with comedy and spoken word featuring alongside storytelling, music and children’s shows. If you were a fan of our previous Speakeasy events, you may recognise some of the performers appearing this season; if not, look forward to discovering some fantastic new … Continued

Tha coimhearsnachd bheòthail de luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig a’ fuireach ann an Dùn Éideann, agus tha sinne aig Ionad Sgeulachdan na h-Alba glè thoilichte gu bheil sinn am measg nan ionadan a tha a’ toirt taic do na h-ealain Gàidhlig anns a’ bhaile. Ann am prògram a’ gheamhraidh am bliadhna-sa, bidh ceithir tachartasan a’ nochdadh sa Ghàidhlig, a bhios freagarrach … Continued

In Celtic mythology, Brigid – sometimes known as ‘Bride’ in Scotland – is the goddess of healing, poetry, smithcraft, and childbirth. Myths and stories of her power, goodness and compassion have existed for centuries, and she is still celebrated as both a saint and a goddess around the world. The celebration of Bride in February … Continued

Always known as Colin, this great friend to storytelling died just before Christmas. Many tributes to Colin Mackay will record his outstanding public service as teacher and headteacher, memorably at Craigmuir in Pilton, as Scout leader and pioneer in Scouting for disabled youngsters, and as a lifelong church volunteer at St David’s in Broomhouse.  However, … Continued

From 21 Jan – 6 Feb 2016, the Scottish Storytelling Centre will pay homage to Robert Burns with eight braw events celebrating his work, life and legacy. Part of the SCOTLAND’S WINTER FESTIVALS programme, the events include live storytelling, music, workshops, children’s events and, of course, a traditional Burns Supper with a storytelling twist, all … Continued

  A resourceful person is required to support Scotland’s oral storytellers in the next phase of their work in shared advocacy, creative development, communications, and community empowerment. You should be: Committed to the ethos and values of oral storytelling in Scotland today A connector and communicator able to listen and help people help each other … Continued

The gift of storytelling is one of life’s most powerful – and coveted – skills. A well told story can make you laugh, weep, swell with pride, or rise with indignation and human beings are fundamentally hard-wired for stories: they are how we record both the small, everyday moments and the monumental events of life. … Continued