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.

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Upcoming Events at Scottish Storytelling Centre

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!

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.

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.

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

Following a sold-out, standing-ovation premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in 2025, Balancing in Freedom returns to the stage in 2026.

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!

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