Scottish Storytelling Centre

About Scottish Storytelling Centre

	43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR
	01315569579
	Scottish Storytelling Centre Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Art Galleries Attractions - Art Galleries Attractions - Theatres Activities - Arts and Crafts Activities - Reading and Discussion

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

In Conversation: Tom Pow

26th April 2019

A unique series of live Friday afternoon discussions with writers who have been gripped by a subject that will not let them go.

Family Ceilidh

27th April 2019

Come with family and friends to dance well-known Scottish dances at the Scottish Storytelling Centre Family Ceilidh on Saturday 27th April!

Starting with Solo Singing

27th April 2019

A hands-on, practical introduction to lifting your own voice in song, accompanied or unaccompanied. Let out your inner songster and learn to craft your skills!

Family Beltane

27th April 2019

This delightful Beltane Fire Society tradition allows parents to share in the magic of the Beltane story with their little ones through storytelling, face painting and arts & crafts.

Cafe Ceilidh: Spring Sing

30th April 2019

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories, Held in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court!

Soundhouse: Gnoss

30th April 2019

Catch Gnoss, a dynamic quartet of fiddle, flute, guitar and percussion, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 30th April as part of Tradfest!

The Stones of the Ancestors

1st May 2019

Join authors Stuart McHardy & Douglas Scott as they reveal the histories behind Scotland's standing stones at the launch event of their new book 'The Stones of the Ancestors' published by Luath Press!

Soundhouse: Savourna Stevenson and Steve Kettley

2nd May 2019

Clarsach virtuoso and acclaimed composer Savourna Stevenson has joined forces with old friend and saxophonist Steve Kettley in a duo showcasing her compositions.

Pete Seeger 100: Which Side Are You On?

3rd May 2019

Finlay Allison and Jimmy Ross celebrate the life and times of Folk legend Pete Seeger in this new and expanded edition of their successful show.

In Conversation: Barclay Price

3rd May 2019

A unique series of live Friday afternoon discussions with writers who have been gripped by a subject that will not let them go.

Pith and Power: Words to Help History Happen

4th May 2019

This workshop explores the affinity between politics and social change in Scotland and the nation's stories and songs.

Hamish Henderson 100: A Ceilidh Come All Ye

5th May 2019

Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS are delighted to host a relaxed Ceilidh Come All Ye, celebrating songs, poems, and memories of the leading light in Scotland's 20th Century Folk Revival.

Tiny Tales: Bear Tales and Critter Capers with Renita Boyle

7th May 2019

Meet Moth, shake your squirrely tail, sing with skunk, paddle your little canoe and wish upon an acorn, the perfect introduction to storytelling and the Centre for your wee ones.

Storytelling True Facts: Inventions!

7th May 2019

Join us for a new event as storytellers share tales of amazing inventions and discoveries, whilst unearthing an interesting True Fact!

The Mythology Sessions

8th May 2019

Explore some of the big defining Mythological tales of Scotland, and their influence on poetry, song, and story in this event led by Svend-Erik Engh and Donald Smith.

Exhibition: 150 Years of The People’s Friend

10th May 2019 - 25th May 2019

Discover some of the secrets of 150 years of storytelling in 'The People's Friend' magazine and delight in artwork, poetry and surprises!

Loud Poets: I'll Be Back!

10th May 2019

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

Celebrating 150 Years of The People’s Friend

11th May 2019

A light-hearted and entertaining afternoon to celebrate 150 years of a Scottish writing and storytelling success.

Gala Week Stories

13th May 2019 - 16th May 2019

Enjoy storytelling, singing, reminiscence and crafts with tea and cake, hosted by the Elderwise storytellers. Part of Luminate and the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.

Café Voices: 150 Years of Jam, Jute and The People’s Friend

16th May 2019

Join storytellers from Dundee and Fife as they help celebrate the 150th jubilee of the DC Thomson stalwart 'The People's Friend'!

In Conversation: Richard Holloway

17th May 2019

In this unique series of live Friday afternoon discussions with writers, join Richard Holloway on Waiting for the Last Bus about death!

Starting with Stories 2

18th May 2019

A hands-on introduction to live storytelling and the associated skills, with leading storyteller and trainer Ruth Kirkpatrick.

Real Talk: Storytelling for Wellbeing

23rd May 2019

An evening of storytelling, connection and honesty, creating a safe space to speak about our minds as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.

Stories on the Way

24th May 2019

Come along to the Scottish Storytelling Centre and listen to our wonderful apprentice storytellers weave their magic and tell stories to make you smile.

Workshop: Writing Stories for The People’s Friend

25th May 2019

Led by “The People’s Friend” Fiction Editor Shirley Blair, this short story writing workshop gives writers the chance to learn from the experts and develop their skills.

From Thurso to Berwick: A Centenary Celebration of Morris Blythman

25th May 2019

A Rebel Ceilidh ‘Come All Ye’ celebrating the songs and poetry of Morris Blythman (aka Thurso Berwick), 100 years since his birth.

I Wish I Was a Mountain

28th May 2019 - 30th May 2019

Performed by a poetry slam champion this show uses rhyme and live music with an ingenious set of illuminated plywood houses, to explore what happens when we are granted all our wishes.

In Conversation: Joanna Geyer-Kordesch

31st May 2019

Joanna Geyer-Kordesch talks on Why Gardens Matter about our varied and vital experience of gardens in this unique series of live Friday afternoon discussions with writers.

Exhibition: The Seven Hills of Edinburgh

1st June 2019 - 22nd June 2019

This exhibition features the natural and cultural heritage of hills in Edinburgh and Tirumala, India. A collaboration between Friends of the Braid Hills and the Telugu Association of Scotland.

An Incredible Journey

1st June 2019

Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 1st June for an enthralling evening of tales and tunes.

Passing It On: Sheila Stewart and Stanley Robertson

1st June 2019

Jess Smith and James Spence unfold the legacy of two of Scotland's greatest twentieth century talents.

Tiny Tales: Magical Morning with Susi Briggs

11th June 2019

Tiptoe and stomp with Nip Nebs Scots children’s book author Susi Briggs as she takes you on an enchanted trail through the world of pixies and giants at the Scottish Storytelling Centre!

Café Voices: Seven Hills

13th June 2019

Join storyteller Jane Mather and Madhavi Latha Danduri of the Telugu Association Scotland for an evening of stories to complement the Seven Hills exhibition.

Pinkie’s Den

15th June 2019

In honour of Autistic Pride Day, Beth Hamilton-Cardus presents a new storytelling-based performance celebrating diversity for children and families, including those with additional support needs.

People and Place: Take Three

15th June 2019

Leith, Strathspey and the Eastern Borders/Berwickshire - A workshop linking the culture of these places with the past, present and future people who live there.

Cafe Ceilidh: Summer Stramash

18th June 2019

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court!

Art of the Storyteller

21st June 2019

Enjoy a living example of how storytelling takes us into the landscape and its layers of meaning as Donald Smith leads an exploration of Arthur's Seat!

Celluloid

29th June 2019

Annie Lord explores the illusion of cinema and the materials that sustain it, in the stories of the workers and patrons of the New Palace Cinema which operated on the High Street from 1929 to 1956.

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