CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

In remembrance of the Scottish Witch Hunts

The Weaving Creative Threads Event at the Scottish Storytelling Centre features an evocative blend of artists, storytellers, singers, and speakers gathering to remember Scotland's accused witches.

In remembrance of the Scottish Witch Hunts

About In remembrance of the Scottish Witch Hunts

This day also includes an exhibition and a cauldron of workshops. It is the main event of an artistic grass-roots reclamation and remembrance of the 4th of June, the historical date of the Witchcraft Act of 1563. This event is not for profit, after costs, all the money will go to fund a living, breathing, Witches Memorial Grove in the Caledonian Forest. We hope you will join us on a day that honours Scottish cultural creativity and highlights that art in all its eclectic forms, can be a powerful plaid of remembrance for the daughters and sons of Scotland who suffered for the crime of witchcraft.

Rowan Morrison is a storyteller and author who established the Creative Coven to bring together creatives whose work was inspired by the Scottish Witch Hunts. In collaboration with Karen Strang, they have produced innovative sold-out performances, art, and workshops. Their mission is to explore the historical persecution of the Scottish witch hunts through the evocative and emotive power of the arts. Rowan has given voice to the accused witches of Scotland through oral and written stories, songs, performance art, and memorial events. During her workshop, she will support you in reclaiming the magic of your voice, so its medicine can begin to heal the legacy of the burning times. Through the ancient practice of keening, you will sound out your sorrow for the accused witches of Scotland.

Karen Strang is an award-winning visual artist who graduated from the Glasgow School of Art and studied further at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Over the years, she has created many powerful works of art that were inspired by the Scottish witch hunts and has painted live images of persecution as a performance artist. This award-winning painter will give an innovative talk about how the Scottish witch trials have inspired her paintings to create witches as works of art. Karen will explore women painters in the time of the Scottish witch trials and the alchemical use of natural materials in the creation process, as an act of magic.

Katy Bremner is an artist and basket weaver. She studied contemporary art in Glasgow and combined traditional willow basketry techniques to make more experimental pieces. Her interest in the witch trials grew as she moved to Fife where it was impossible to ignore the rich history and folklore present on her doorstep. Throughout history, poppets made from natural materials have been used in acts of sympathetic magic with the intent to curse, cure, or protect against baneful witchcraft. In her workshop, Katy will show you how to create a folk magic poppet made from soft rush, that is similar to a traditional Brideóg effigy. Harm to none!

Jane Mather is a storyteller and woodland leader with a background in community work. She is a guardian of a healing well and shares traditional Scottish stories and legends that evoke wild landscapes and inspire nature connection. Jane's recent work focuses on themes of remembrance and weaving traditional stories into new narratives. Jane’s performance weaves together two tales of transformation from the wild north edge of Scotland. The first tells of an 18th-century Caithness witch trial following a plague of cats in Scrabster, the second is a poignant faerie tale from Sutherland about a witch’s romance. Jane will also host a creative workshop, to explore the many faces of the witch in Scottish folklore. Create new writing inspired by folk tales, and weave individual charms of remembrance to commemorate the thousands of innocents accused and executed under the Witchcraft Act of 1563.

Lindsey Gibb is a performance storyteller based in Highland Perthshire, specialising in history, the environment, and local folklore. In 2023 she researched and performed ‘The Lost Witches of Dunkeld’, sharing stories of the accused witches of the area. She has performed nationally and internationally and is a co-author of Perthshire Folk Tales. Lindsey’s performance takes you on a journey to Perthshire to meet Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl, Dunkeld’s Issobell Douglas, and Margaret Stewart who fought back against their accusers. You will hear about the Great Witch Gathering and the role the powerful Earls of Atholl played in the trials. This is not the story you expect!

Helen Wright has a degree in Fine Art Sculpture and worked as an Art and Design teacher. After moving to Auldearn in 2006, she became aware that there was no public memorial to Isobel Gowdie. In 2021, Helen put that right when she created an innovative mural on a public-facing wall that depicted the story of the Witch of Auldearn. During her workshop, Helen will talk about the inspiration that she drew from Isobel Gowdie, not just to create her work of community art but also the poetry she has written in remembrance of the Witch of Auldearn. Helen will support participants in drawing from this deep well so they can create memorials in the written word.

Joss Cameron is a traditional Scottish folk singer, researcher, artist, and award-winning songwriter born in Edinburgh and holds a First-Class BA (Hons) in Music Performance. She has a passion for promoting Scotland's rich culture, heritage, and traditions and holds courses and workshops as well as touring regularly. Amy Dudley is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the piano, clarsach, and harmonium. She is an award-winning composer from Galloway who holds a BA (Hons) in Music Composition. She produces performances and regularly tours the country. Amy specialises in singing neo-classic, folk, and alternative modern music. Together they will sing some of their Songs from the Witches Sabbat. Their haunting vocal harmonies will stir your soul, take you back to a dark time in history, and leave you in no doubt about the depth and richness of Scotland's magical song heritage.

Scott Richardson Reid is an independent researcher, published Author, activist, and Scottish folk magic practitioner. Scott has several master’s degrees in research and related subjects informing his exploration of Scottish Folklore, customs, practices, and traditions to explore their relevance to us today and to inform a tradition based on historical and social reality. In his presentation, Scott will take a journey through Scottish elite beliefs and everyday folk magic. Exploring witchcraft trial records, and cultural testimony, and comparing them with domestic folk magic and lifeways. In scrutinising an elite-working class discourse we explore power differences still echoing in today’s Scotland and the diaspora.

Mairi Kidd is Head of Literature, Languages, and Publishing at Creative Scotland and has an MA in Celtic Studies. She is CEO of Moat Brae, Scotland's National Centre for Children's Books and has worked with the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and local authorities. Mairi contributes to BBC Radio nan Gàidheal’s books coverage and writes for broadcasts. Mairi’s book, a weaving of fiction and fact was inspired by women who lived under the shadow of witch persecution. Her presentation invites us to explore the forces at work in one of the darkest episodes of Scotland's history and consider their echoes in the present day.

Please note, that there might be a change to the programme that is out of our control and refunds will only be issued in the case of event cancellation.

BRING ALONG A NOTEPAD AND PENCIL ON THE DAY!

Sponsored Links

Headline PR
Edinburgh Street Historians
Hilton Glasgow
Guide Dogs
Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow

Other Events at Scottish Storytelling Centre

Exhibition: Public Diners

30th August 2025 - 21st September 2025

Created by Nourish Scotland and 60 community researchers, this exhibition asks the question: at a time of rising food costs and hectic modern lives, could public diners make a comeback?

READ MORE

Storytelling Ceilidh with the Burgh Blatherers: Stuff and Nonsense

10th September 2025

Join Edinburgh's own Burgh Blatherers on Wednesday 10th September for the next open-floor storytelling night taking place throughout the year!

READ MORE

Beastie

11th September 2025

Blending dark humour and raw storytelling with contemporary lighting, animation and an original folk score, Beastie is a captivating solo odyssey through Scotland’s wild places.

READ MORE

The Invaders’ Fear of Memories

13th September 2025 - 14th September 2025

This play offers a perspective into the origins of settler-colonialism and apartheid in modern-day Israel, exploring themes of loyalty, violence, ideology, and grief.

READ MORE

Cafe Ceilidh

23rd September 2025

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories at the Scottish Storytelling Centre!

READ MORE

Guid Crack: On the Road

26th September 2025

Enjoy another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club on 26th September, featuring stories from guest storyteller Owen Pilgrim!

READ MORE

Uncle Vincent

27th September 2025 - 28th September 2025

Through the words of the artist, his brother, his sister-in-law and nephew, discover the genius of Vincent van Gogh that the world almost forgot…

READ MORE

Loud Poets Open Mic

Selected dates between 29th September 2025 - 8th December 2025

Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, taking place monthly at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

TGC Leisure
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Similar events you might like...

Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation

Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation

Selected dates between 1st March 2025 - 28th December 2025

Uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!

READ MORE
Ghosts - Tales of Terror at Lauriston Castle

Ghosts - Tales of Terror at Lauriston Castle

Selected dates between 24th May 2025 - 27th September 2025

Come along and see the sights of Lauriston Castle as never seen before – hear the history of the castle and ghostly tales of the city!

READ MORE
Tea and Talks

Tea and Talks

Selected dates between 17th July 2025 - 9th September 2025

These tea and talk sessions deliver a series of small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.

READ MORE
Disco Days Edinburgh

Disco Days Edinburgh

Selected dates between 16th August 2025 - 15th November 2025

Scotland's beloved over 30s afternoon clubbing event Disco Days returns to Club Tropicana Edinburgh in 2025!

READ MORE
Country Days

Country Days

Selected dates between 23rd August 2025 - 22nd November 2025

Join us at Club Tropicana Edinburgh for an unforgettable day filled with the chart-topping tracks of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more!

READ MORE
The 30+ Club: Daytime Clubbing for Over 30s

The 30+ Club: Daytime Clubbing for Over 30s

Selected dates between 24th August 2025 - 11th October 2025

With its high-energy party atmosphere and top live DJs, The 30+ Club at Edinburgh Corn Exchange is not to be missed!

READ MORE
Old Skool Days

Old Skool Days

Selected dates between 6th September 2025 - 8th November 2025

Old Skool Days is back for another round of 90s & 00s Afternoon Anthems at Edinburgh's favourite retro venue!

READ MORE
Vogrie Pogrie

Vogrie Pogrie

12th September 2025 - 15th September 2025

Join us for Vogrie Pogrie 2025 from Friday 12th to Monday 15th September. A celebration of innovation, creativity, and pure magic amidst the breathtaking scenery of Vogrie Country Park.

READ MORE
BXIV Medieval Reenactment - Have A Go Day

BXIV Medieval Reenactment - Have A Go Day

13th September 2025

Step back in time and experience the thrill of medieval battles at BXIV Medieval Reenactment - Come have a go on Saturday 13th September!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Headline PR
Edinburgh Street Historians
Hilton Glasgow
Guide Dogs
Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
TGC Leisure
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Popular Events

BXIV Medieval Reenactment - Have A Go Day
Step back in time and experience the thrill of medieval battles at BXIV Medieval Reenactment - Come have a go on Saturday 13th September!
An Audience with Mark and Lard
Don't miss 'An Audience With Mark And Lard', coming to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Tuesday 26th May!
Open Rehearsal for the Chapter House Singers
Curious about singing in a choir? Then come along to our Open Rehearsal on Wednesday 25th September at Walpole Hall and see what Chapter House Singers is all about!
Performing Arts Classes
SJM Creative is running Free trials for all classes throughout the entire month of September - come along any Saturday and see what we do totally free!
Edinburgh Cabaret Festival
Join us at CC Blooms for the inaugural Cabaret Festival in Edinburgh, where performers can find a safe space to showcase their talents and express themselves freely.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall