Scottish Storytelling Centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vibrant arts venue with a seasonal programme of live storytelling and theatre, music, workshops and festivals.

About Scottish Storytelling Centre

	43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR
	01315569579
	Scottish Storytelling Centre Website
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow ScottishStorytellingCentre on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Art Galleries / Activities - Arts and Crafts / Activities - Reading and Discussion / Attractions - Theatres

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vibrant arts venue centrally located on Edinburgh’s High Street celebrating the live art of storytelling for all ages and interests. The Centre hosts a year-round programme of storytelling, music, theatre, dance and more, with plenty to offer locals and visitors alike. An ever-changing roster of workshops and exhibitions beg repeat visits throughout the year, as does the bustling Haggis Box Café, situated within the Centre’s welcoming Storytelling Court.

Each October the Storytelling Centre is the hub for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, internationally recognised as a leader in its field and one of the 11 Edinburgh Festivals. It also curates a vibrant programme for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August. The Centre also manages the adjacent John Knox House Museum which dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest original medieval buildings still standing on the Royal Mile. The house is now set up as a museum where visitors can learn about the house itself and some of the residents, including the turbulent times of John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots during the Reformation.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a great meeting place, where a warm welcome is extended to families and visitors, and where creative minds can explore cultures and traditions (old and new) in Scotland today.

BlueSky - @scotstorycentre.bsky.social

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Scottish Storytelling Centre are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Scottish Storytelling Centre

Pantomime

Macastory Presents: Cinderella

20th December 2025 - 23rd December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

It’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited!

Family and Kids

Tricky Ricky: Jingles All The Way

27th December 2025 - 28th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Back by popular demand! Scotland’s favourite trickster is jingling all the way into the festive season with a brand-new magic and comedy spectacular.

Workshops

Making Magic workshop with Tim Licata

27th December 2025 - 28th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

In this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it.

Theatre

Richard Wiseman

27th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Have you got what it takes to sit through the most tedious show ever and receive a certificate verifying your extraordinary willpower?

Nights Out

Insane Christmas Magic

27th December 2025 - 28th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Insane Magic finally make their MagicFest debut, ending the year with a bang in a Christmas special packed with festive wonder, jaw-dropping illusions, and a sprinkle of fan-favourite classics!

Theatre

Four Magicians

27th December 2025 - 28th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Four of Scotland’s leading magicians come together for an evening like no other — minds will be read, laws of nature will be defied, and dad jokes will be told.

Theatre

Jamie Leonard: Wonder Boy

28th December 2025

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

After a hugely successful 2025 Edinburgh Fringe run with five-star reviews, Jamie Leonard returns with his most exciting hour yet: Wonder Boy!

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Scotland at Night

9th January 2026 - 29th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

This exhibition at the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a captivating compilation of night photography highlighting the beauty, geology and compelling history of Edinburgh and beyond.

Books

Novel Ideas

10th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Join host Janis Mackay along with students from her 2025 Novel Writing Course as they read from their works in progress at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 10th January!

Theatre

In a Class of Their Own

18th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

In a Class of Their Own is San Cassimally's adaptation of Citadel Arts Group co-founder Millie Gray's first novel, based on Millie's real-life wartime experiences.

Music

Cafe Ceilidh: Celebrating Burns

20th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories as we celebrating Robert Burns!

Workshops

Workshop: Along the Banks o’ Nith with Emily Smith

24th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Join award-winning singer Emily Smith at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and learn some of the songs Burns wrote while living at his inspirational Dumfriesshire home of Ellisland Farm.

Music

Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne

24th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Delivered with Mairi Campbell's trademark wit and unparalleled musical ability, this funny and heartfelt show at the Scottish Storytelling Centre resonates with wider universal truths.

Dance

Easy Sundays: Burns Family Ceilidh

25th January 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Celebrate Burns' birthday with family and friends and dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band on Sunday 25th January!

Theatre

Balancing in Freedom

Selected dates between 29th January 2026 - 20th November 2026

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town

Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this world premiere performance of an enthralling new work, written and performed by Iddo Oberski!

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

Art Galleries

Linlithgow Burgh Halls

NA The Cross , Linlithgow EH49 7AH

Linlithgow Burgh Halls has been transformed into a stunning resource that truly has something for everyone.

Art Galleries

Watson Gallery Edinburgh

39 Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 3NH

Edinburgh's premier high-quality contemporary and investment art gallery, located on Queen Street in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh.

Art Galleries

City Art Centre

2 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DE

Enjoy a visit to the City Art Centre, a main Edinburgh art gallery with one of the best collections of Scottish art.

Art Galleries

Art and Vintage

3 Lyne Street, Edinburgh East EH7 5DN

Art and Vintage is a shop, cafe and art gallery selling original art works, crafts, good food and coffee and beautiful vintage items!

Art Galleries

Wasps Patriothall

Patriothall Studio off 48 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge and Canonmills EH3 5AY

Patriothall Gallery is an Artist led gallery run by the artists in the WASPS Patriothall Complex.

Art Galleries

The Scottish Gallery

16 Dundas Street , Edinburgh New Town EH3 6HZ

The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh is the oldest and largest private Gallery in Scotland.

Art Galleries

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston EH27 8BB

Set within the picturesque 80 acre estate of Bonnington House, arts organisation Jupiter Artland is the brainchild of Nicky and Robert Wilson!

Art Galleries

Out of the Blue Drill Hall

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG

Out of the Blue supports artists by providing them with workspace and selling opportunities, enabling them to work as artists, and to connect to the local community to pass their skills onto others.

Art Galleries

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EL

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Scotland's top free visitor attractions. It is made up of three interconnected buildings, right in the heart of Edinburgh!

Art Galleries