Scottish Storytelling Centre

About Scottish Storytelling Centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vibrant arts venue with a seasonal programme of live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, family events, and festivals. We are the home of two festivals: TradFest, a traditional arts festival that takes place in the spring, and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October. We’re also a host venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other exciting cultural programmes all year round.

We’re a great meeting place where you can experience Scotland’s rich story heritage. In the Storytelling Court you'll find an interactive Storywall which children (and adults!) enjoy exploring. Try to find Greyfriars Bobby; catch the frog; meet Nessie, the Gruffalo and Wee Willie Winkie; and discover traditional Scottish tales. Tucked around the corner you can listen to excerpts from Edinburgh’s most famous storyteller, Robert Louis Stevenson, and we always have a free exhibition on display.

Swap your own stories in the Café 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. Attached to the Scottish Storytelling Centre is John Knox House, creating a very unique venue that incorporates contemporary design with medieval architecture. Explore this museum to learn about one of the most turbulent times in Scottish History.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is also the Headquarters of the Scottish Storytelling Network which offers its members exclusive access to development events; discounts on our Workshops and Courses; and support and advice on professional development.

Upcoming Events at Scottish Storytelling Centre

Exhibition: A Child of the 60’s

20th February 2019 - 16th March 2019

This exhibition is a collaborative piece of work by Lea Taylor and a collection of artists using memories of childhood and the stories they evoke.

After Judy Chicago

23rd February 2019

A 40th anniversary celebration of The Dinner Party - an iconic exhibition conceived by Judy Chicago commemorating over 1000 women hidden from history. Meet, eat and be entertained!

Real Talk: Storytelling for Wellbeing

28th February 2019

An evening of storytelling, connection and honesty, creating a safe space to speak about one of our most beautiful assets, our minds!

Hebridean Treasure: Lost and Found

1st March 2019

A story of beauty, pathos, and hope, featuring composer and singer Mischa Macpherson, dancer Kirsten Newell and the artistic direction of Shane Shambhu.

Tales from the Magic Drum

2nd March 2019

Come on a global journey through the wonder tales of the world, dancing to a rhythm or two along the way in this fun, interactive storytelling session for ages 4+!

Tales of Exile and Sanctuary

2nd March 2019

Storyteller Gauri Raje presents a tapestry of stories from around the world questioning the beauty and horrors of exile and what can be nourished through sanctuary.

Storytelling True Facts: Iconic Women

5th March 2019

Join us for a new event as storytellers share tales of some iconic women in music, art and literature, whilst unearthing an interesting True Fact!

Trailblazers!

8th March 2019

Join storyteller Jan Bee Brown on International Women's Day to celebrate the spirit and strength of the unsung sisters on whose shoulders we stand.

Tiny Tales: Spring Babies

12th March 2019

Join Allison Galbraith for a morning of bouncy bunny rhymes and dancing duckling ditties to celebrate spring. Suitable for ages 1 - 3 years.

Café Voices: The Wicked and The Wise

14th March 2019

Marie-Louise Cochrane leads an evening of stories about the cheeky ones who challenge the way things. Held in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court on 14th March.

Loud Poets: Choose Life

15th March 2019

One of the UK's most successful spoken word collectives return with their monthly showcase on 15th March. This is poetry for the masses.

Wild & Windy Songs and Stories

16th March 2019

Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Disabled Access Day for some blustery March multi-sensory adventures with Storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane!

Tall Tales Oscar

16th March 2019

Scotland's annual tall tales storytelling competition is back at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 16th March and hosted by last year's winner, Suu Caledonia.

Café Ceilidh: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

19th March 2019

Join friends from the Scots Music Group on Tuesday 19th March for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories celebrating Ireland's patron saint.

Exhibition: On Step-Motherhood

20th March 2019 - 13th April 2019

Through images and testimonies photographer Vaida Nairn explores motherhood in non-traditional nuclear families in this exhibition at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Re-storying Our Planet

20th March 2019

Join us on World Storytelling Day as Allison Galbraith and Alette Willis share the explorations and discoveries of their Andy Hunter Bursary Project.

Beyond: The Story of an Irish Immigrant

22nd March 2019

Glasgow based fiddler Gráinne Brady presents an evening of music, storytelling and spoken word exploring the legacy of mass Irish emigration to Scotland.

Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne

23rd March 2019

Auld Lang Syne is the story of Mairi Campbell's adventures with Scotland's most famous song. Mairi brings her tour to the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Saturday 23rd March!

Wicked Stepmother?

28th March 2019

Stepmothers... are they always wicked? Join Franziska Droll and Daiva Ivanauskaite for stories and songs exploring stepmothers in traditional tales and in the modern world.

The Space Gecko Project

29th March 2019

The Space Gecko Project presents the untold romance of two of the geckos on the 2014 Space Mission. Poetry from Stuart Kenny, music by Grant Robertson and animated visuals from Lewis Gillies.

Guid Crack Storytelling Session

29th March 2019

Join Glasgow’s own double storytelling Oscar winner Michael Kerins when he returns to Guid Crack at Edinburgh's monthly storytelling night on Friday 29th March!

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