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

A Winter Warmer

6th December 2019

Join storytellers from Edinburgh's Burgh Blatherers for an evening of heart-warming yarns and chilling winter tales from Scotland and around the world!

Tiny Tales: Snuggle-Up Tales for Winter

10th December 2019

Tiny Tales is the perfect introduction to storytelling and the Centre for your wee ones. Join us as Tim Porteus leads a fun morning of winter stories!

The Night With? Ensemble Offspring

10th December 2019

The Night With? is a fantastic salon style series presenting interesting classical music in intimate, informal venues.

Ian MacKenzie Memorial Concert

11th December 2019

Traditional and original music concert by Talitha MacKenzie featuring Gaelic song from the School of Scottish Studies Archives.

Café Voices: Transformation Tales

12th December 2019

Transformational tales on a winter night reminds us that light will soon take over the darkness. Danish storyteller Svend-Erik Engh invites you into a world that always changes…

Strange Town

13th December 2019 - 15th December 2019

Strange Town returns to the Storytelling Centre with a trio of new pantos with a twist to delight all the family!

The World’s Room

13th December 2019

The World's Room is a home for traditional singing in Edinburgh organised by the Traditional Music Forum and held in the Waverley Bar, St Mary’s Street.

It’s a Wonderful Life!

15th December 2019 - 21st December 2019

Floating Brick Theatre present their live stage version of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from 15th to 21st December. Don't miss it!

Bal Folk: Dance Workshops and Social

18th December 2019

Come along and try Bal Fold, the European version of Ceilidh dancing, in these workshops at the Scottish Storytelling Centre!

Loud Poets

20th December 2019

One of the UK's most successful spoken word collectives return with their monthly showcase of the UK’s top spoken word talent.

Family Ceilidh

21st December 2019

Come with family and friends to dance well-known Scottish dances at the Scottish Storytelling Centre Family Ceilidh on 21st December!

Feast of Fools: Christmas Special

23rd December 2019 - 24th December 2019

Join Daniel Serridge at his dinner table of foolishness as he regales you with tales of deliciously disgusting holiday banquets.

Magic School

27th December 2019 - 30th December 2019

Learn to perform exciting magic, make new wizard friends and become a graduate of the most mysterious school in the world – Magic School!

Guid Crack Storytelling Session: Out of the Dark: Tales to Lighten the Heart

27th December 2019

Legendary Scottish storyteller David Campbell leads a festive evening of tales to lighten the heart in these dark nights at Edinburgh's long-running storytelling club in The Waverley Bar.

Tricky Ricky ‘Christmas Madness’

28th December 2019

Join The Trickster, Jingles the Reindeer and Sonny the Bunny on the nutty train to Magical Christmas Madness as part of Edinburgh Internation Magic Festival!

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