Category: Old Town

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly Comedy Night & Autumn Programme

Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more. 

The Gilded Saloon, which opened in August, will host a vibrant programme of live events in the heart of the city’s Old Town at Bristo Square. With upcoming shows featuring Scotland’s top comedians like Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson and more, The Gilded Saloon is the capital’s latest addition to its arts scene. 

As joint venue operators (with Kelburn Arts and Paradise Palms), Gilded Balloon presents a new weekly night of mixed bill stand-up comedy with the best comedians from across the UK, as well as local rising talent, performing every Friday night at ‘The Comedy Show’.

Resident comperes will kick off the 8pm Friday show, with upcoming line-ups featuring some of Scotland’s most successful comics including: Chris Forbes, Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson, Krystal Evans, Sam Lake, Eleanor Morton, Billy Kirkwood, Kate Hammer, Kathleen Hughes and more.

Featuring a brand new line-up each week, comedy fans can kick their weekend off by adding a meal from The Gilded Saloon’s hearty pub kitchen on to their ticket. 

The Comedy Show – 8pm every Friday night

£10 show only,  £18 ‘meal and show’ ticket

24th October – Chris Forbes, Scott Agnew, Julia Sutherland, Amanda Hursy,Rosie Hess

7th Nov – Stephen Buchanan, Billy Kirkwood, Amelia Bayler, Kathleen Hughes, Michael Welch

14th Nov – Marjolein Robertson, Chris Thorburn, Eva Peroni, Sophie Rose McCabe, Scott Agnew

21st Nov – Mark Nelson, Eleanor Morton, Sam Lake, Kate Hammer, Alan Ritchie 

5th Dec – Chris Thorburn, Giulia Galastro, Robin Grainger, Ifrah Qureshi, Oro Rose

12th Dec – Krystal Evans, Amy Matthews, Tamsyn Kelly, Amelia Bayler, Sabina 

20th Dec – Stuart McPherson, Sam Lake, Kathleen Hughes, Alana Jackson, Sean Chalmers 

Plus, comedy fans can round their weekend off at ‘Hot Comedy’ every other Sunday – a bold inclusive comedy compilation show hosted by Nicholas Elliot and Eva Peroni.

Welcoming a new line-up every fortnight, the show features queer, POC, disabled, female, non-binary performers, (and even straight white men!), for a comedy show that doesn’t target or exclude audiences or performers.

Expect the next generation of comedy talent combined with top headliners from across the Scottish scene. 

Hot Comedy – 7pm, every other Sunday

£4, £3 concession

2nd Nov

16th Nov

30th Nov

Line-ups announced weekly via social media – @gildedballoon and @hotcomedyedinburgh

A new monthly event at Gilded Saloon with free tickets on offer, ‘Story Platform’ will welcome Scottish writers and performers to take on a night of stand-up, sketch comedy, music and more.

A changing group of writers and performers devise and workshop the show over the course of four days, combining a unique creative energy with unpredictable live shows. Previous stars include Kim Blythe, Amanda Dwyer, Amelia Bayler, Chris Weir and many more, creating brand new hilarious sketches at each show. First come, first serve for limited free tickets. 

The Gilded Saloon will also host one-off shows spanning Fringe big hitters, new comedy sketch nights, music and more. Scotland’s favourite live Dungeons & Dragons show ‘Tartan Tabletop’ returns after a sold out Fringe run, with a charity Halloween special show with all proceeds donated to the charity Mermaids and starring drag queen Ruth Canal. 

Plus, Fringe’s top magicians reunite for a show with a Halloween twist as stars of the show ‘1 Hour of Insane Magic’ present a night of fast-paced fearless magic for adults where fans can find out whether the night holds a trick, a treat or both.

And for those looking to relive their youth, ‘Brick & Sip’ is an afternoon of lego building and bonus drinks rounds that ends in the ultimate inner toddler tantrum – destroying your own creation!

Twilight fans can celebrate the cult movie’s 20th anniversary with a special edition of Australian cult comedy sensation ‘Lost in Translation : Twilight’ following a hugely successful August. The film’s script is run through an online language translator a dozen times, before guest stars read the results live on stage in character for a night of live, linguistic chaos. 

Plus, ‘Sixties on a Sunday’ takes over The Gilded Saloon once a month, for an afternoon of dancing and drinks with local band Fayne & The Cruisers. Music fans can relive the heady days of iconic 60s tunes with the band playing hits from The Beatles to The Beach Boys, Elves, Ray Orbison and everything in between. A Sunday afternoon party like no other. 

The Gilded Saloon is open 7 days a week, supporting the creative and performing arts community across Scotland with gigs, club nights, comedy shows, spoken word, music performance and more. The venue serves up a specially selected menu of local beers, wines and spirits, with a menu of favourite pub dishes created by local chef Tomás Gormley featuring burgers, pies and locally sourced fish. 

View events at The Gilded Saloon via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk

Book a table at The Gilded Saloon via thegildedsaloon.co.uk

For further information please contact press@gildedballoon.co.uk

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian go on display in Scotland for the first time

A design by Leonardo da Vinci for a fantastical dragon costume is one of more than 80 drawings by 57 different artists that are now on display as part of the widest-ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings for over half a century in Scotland.

Drawings by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and more are among 45 works going on display in Scotland for the first time as part of Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Following a critically acclaimed showing in London, the exhibition explores the variety and range of drawings in this period, from preparatory studies for paintings and altarpieces to designs for sculpture and elaborate drawings which were made as gifts.

Drawings were often discarded after they had served their purpose, with only a small proportion surviving, but the works on display have been carefully preserved in the Royal Collection for centuries, allowing them to be enjoyed almost as vividly as when they were created. 

Lauren Porter, curator of the exhibition, said ‘This is a remarkable opportunity to share so many of the Italian Renaissance drawings from the Royal Collection, with over half being shown in Scotland for the first time.

“As works on paper cannot be permanently displayed for conservation reasons, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to view these drawings up close, giving a unique insight into the minds of the great artists who made them.’

Reflecting the continued importance of drawing today, the Gallery is hosting its first artist residency, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art.

Edinburgh-based artists Phoebe Leach and Dette Allmark, both alumni of the School, will respond to the masterpieces on display by drawing in the Gallery throughout the exhibition. Their creations will form a changing display for visitors, who are encouraged to take inspiration and try drawing themselves, with materials freely available.

A highlight work on display is an example of one of Leonardo’s anatomical studies drawn from a real-life dissection. The double-sided drawing which shows the muscles of a man was created in c.1510–11 and shows his detailed, personal notes in his left-handed ‘mirror-writing’.

Perhaps lesser known are the anatomical studies of Michelangelo, who reportedly conducted human dissections as a young man. 

On display for the first time in Scotland is his study of a male torso in pen and ink, which was likely drawn from a wax model made by the artist, which shows his ongoing interest in human anatomy later in life. This can also be seen in his highly finished black chalk drawing of the resurrected Christ, with the artist capturing the energy of the muscular figure rising from his tomb.

Other striking figure studies on display include two works by Raphael: a vigorous drawing of Hercules slaying the many-headed Hydra, and a red chalk study of The Three Graces that was – unusually for the period – drawn from a nude female model.

Scenes from mythology were common subjects for Italian Renaissance artists and are well-represented in the exhibition. They include drawings by lesser-known artists including Paolo Farinati’s design for a fresco showing the goddesses of fruit and agriculture.

The drawing, which has not been on display before in Scotland, is inscribed with instructions for the artist’s assistants on the height of the figures, telling them they should be around three-feet-high but to ‘do it as you fancy when you are on the scaffolding.’

Other highlights on display include a drawing attributed to the Venetian artist Titian of an ostrich, believed to have been drawn from life, and Leonardo’s design for a dragon costume, which appears to house two men, in the manner of a pantomime horse.

A series of portrait drawings and head studies show therange of subjects, materials, functions and coloursof Italian Renaissance drawings.

The distorted and tormented face of a grotesque mask sketched by Michelangelo, possibly a design for a sculpture, contrasts with the classical features of Leonardo’s red and black chalk drawing of a curly-haired young man which is displayed nearby, with both works on show for the first time in Scotland.

After almost 120 hours of conservation work by Royal Collection Trust conservators ahead of the London exhibition, Bernardino Campi’s cartoon for an altarpiece of the Virgin and Child is on show for the first time in Scotland.

The cartoon, a large-scale drawing made of four pieces of paper joined together, was originally used to transfer the drawing onto a painting’s surface. The conservation work involved painstakingly removing the drawing from its deteriorating canvas backing and supporting sections where the paper had become as delicate as lace.

The Italian Renaissance saw the range and purpose of drawing greatly expand, resulting in some of the finest works of art in any medium. 

Michelangelo’s meticulous drawing A children’s bacchanal marks a highpoint of Renaissance draughtsmanship and is in perfect condition, allowing us to see Michelangelo’s mastery of the art of drawing.

Following a successful launch in 2024, The King’s Gallery will offer £1 tickets for the exhibition to visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

Further concessionary rates are available, including discounted tickets for young people, half-price entry for children (with under-fives free), and the option to convert standard tickets bought directly from Royal Collection Trust into a 1-Year Pass for unlimited re-entry for 12 months.

Family History Fair at Central Library

FRIDAY 24th OCTOBER from 10am – 4pm

Join us for a Family History Fair at Central Library on Friday 24 October 2025, between 10am and 4pm!

Come along to talk to experts from the following organisations who will be on hand to introduce their collections and answer questions about using materials to search for missing details in your family history.

We’ll be joined by:

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Edinburgh Central Library – Edinburgh and Scottish Collection and Digital Teams

Edinburgh City Archives

Historic Environment Scotland

National Library of Scotland

National Records of Scotland and Scotland’s People

National War Museum Library

Scottish Genealogy Society

and The Royal Scots

There will also be a series of presentations held throughout the day. Both the day and talks are free to attend, but the talks should be booked in advance via TicketSource.

Read the full Family History Fair programme on the blog at https://zurl.co/mQieA

We hope to see you there!

Image: Photograph of group of children, Newhaven, c. 1921, © The City of Edinburgh Council Museums and Galleries

Local History Writing Competition

Calling Edinburgh writers!

Enter our local history writing competition, the William Anderson Memorial Prize 2025, for the chance to win £200.

#Edinburgh900

https://zurl.co/6g0zT

RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

Picutred: Neil Thompson, RHASS Director and Rev Dr Scott Rennie





RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Scotland’s farmers in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

A John Deere tractor and a seed drill took centre stage outside of Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday (5th October) as the exceptional efforts and hard work of Scotland’s farming community were recognised in a Harvest Thanksgiving service in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).

Conducted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, the service celebrated the tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, while acknowledging the ever-changing weather conditions farmers across the country have faced ahead of this year’s harvest.

Displays of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips and carrots were donated by RHASS Directors for the service from farms across the country to shine a light on the array of local produce grown in Scotland.

RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust) also supported the Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations by creating a display inside the cathedral.

Their exhibit drew on educational resources used in schools to highlight what’s in season, Scottish crops, images of harvesting through the ages, examples of school growing projects, and a seasonal calendar.

This provided visitors with a chance to reflect on Scotland’s food harvest and the work of farmers, while showcasing RHET’s role in connecting young people with food and farming.

The produce on display during the service has since been donated to Edinburgh charities, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and the Salvation Army Hostel, to be made into meals for those in the city who are in need.



RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.

“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us and shared produce in support of local causes.”

Speaking on the Harvest Thanksgiving service, Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer at RHET, commented: “As an education charity, it’s an honour for RHET to be asked by the team at St Giles to be part of this celebration of harvest and to share some of the learning information we create for teachers all about food and farming in Scotland.”

Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director, said: “We are truly thankful for this incredible donation of fresh vegetables again this year.

“Every week, we support more than 230 vulnerable adults who often struggle to access healthy and nutritious meals. Food poverty continues to be a serious issue across our communities, and contributions like this make a real difference to those most affected.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to St Giles’ Cathedral for their ongoing support, and to RHASS and the dedicated farmers whose hard work has made this gift possible.”

Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “In this time when we are more than ever aware of our need of local food production and the vital role that Scottish farmers in bringing the food we need to our tables, we are delighted to partner with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

“There is a particular poignancy to celebrating the Harvest in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, a city filled with tables set for visitors and residents alike.  We are reminded of where our food comes from, and the labour in its production.  For all this, and more, we give thanks to God.

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of all of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit: rhass.org.uk

Cost of Living Support Event at The Crannie

CRANNIE COMMUNITY HUB: FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 10.30am – 1.30pm

Crannie Community Hub (9 Cranston Street, EH8 8BE) is hosting a Cost of Living Support Event this) Friday (26th September) from 10:30am -1:30pm.

It is a collaboration between the office of Angus Robertson MSP and the community hub. There will be multiple organisations with stalls offering face-to-face advice and support + tea and coffee. 

The organisations are: 

  • Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust 
  • Citizens Advice Bureau 
  • Social Security Scotland 
  • Home Energy Scotland 
  • AgeUK
  • Southside Community Centre/CHAI
  • Living Rent Tenants’ and Community Union 
  • Advocard 

No booking required – ALL WELCOME! 

Morning family films at Dynamic Earth this October

October Family Films! 🎃

Start your morning with monsters, myths and movies!

This October, we’re bringing you early-morning screenings of family favourite films.

Enjoy your favourite monstrous movies in our state-of-the-art Planetarium for only £6 per person.

✨How to Train Your Dragon

✨Monsters Inc.

✨ Brave

✨ Shrek

✨ Scooby Doo! Frankencreepy

Films are showing at 10am on selected dates in October.

Find out more and book your ticket:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/halloween-at-dynamic-earth/

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth with Monsters and Myths Trail

Halloween Fun this October!

THIS October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

From myth-busting monster hunts to late-night planetarium thrills, Dynamic Earth promises a Halloween season filled with discovery, imagination, and just the right amount of fright!

At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Monsters and Myths Trail – a Halloween adventure curated and illustrated by Dynamic Earth’s own talented team. Visitors are invited to journey through immersive galleries and track down legendary creatures, both real and imagined. From Halloween favourites such as zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster to icons of Scottish folklore including selkies and the Loch Ness Monster, this self-guided trail reveals the fascinating science behind the stories.

On the trail, interim CEO Anastasia Rocke said ‘October is one of our favourite times of year at Dynamic Earth. Our new Monsters and Myths Trail brings together creativity, science and storytelling in a way that captures the wonder of Halloween while staying true to our mission – helping people of all ages understand the incredible world around them. We’re especially proud of our incredible staff whose passion and talent made this programme possible. Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something here to make your October unforgettable.’

Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team is delivering brand-new spooky science sessions to celebrate the season. For families with younger children, under 6, the Dynamos and Dynamites sessions will combine gentle Halloween-themed fun with hands-on discovery, helping children explore some of the world’s spookiest creatures.

Dynamic Earth’s October programme runs throughout the month, with highlights including:

Monsters and Myths Trail

Daily from 3rd October – 2nd November | £4.50 add-on to Science Centre & Planetarium

Embark on a thrilling journey through Dynamic Earth’s immersive galleries and uncover the real-life science behind legendary creatures. Upon purchase, visitors receive a Trail Passport to guide their adventure, collecting stamps and tackling interactive science challenges along the way. 

Budding explorers will uncover both myths and monsters whilst discovering the real creatures that shaped the stories we know and love today. Uncover different legends: from the shadowy waters of Loch Ness and its famous monster to Halloween favourites like vampires and zombies. Complete the trail and claim a fossil detective set to take home – perfect for budding explorers.

Seasonal Science Sessions

DynaMites: There’s No Such Thing As A…

 Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 10–11am | Book here

A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for under-4s. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).

Dynamos: There’s No Such Thing As A…

 Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 2:30 pm | Book here

A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for 4 – 6 year olds. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).

Dino’s: Monstrous Myths

Saturday 1st November, sessions throughout the day | Book here

Dynamic Earth’s Dino’s Saturday Science Club invites 6–12 year olds to get hands-on with spooky science this Halloween. Through fun activities and a take-home craft, children will explore the real creatures that inspired famous myths and monsters

October Holiday Club 

13th, 14th, 15th and 17th October | Book here

This October, children aged 7–12 can join Dynamic Earth’s Holiday Club for four days of discovery and adventure. Each day brings new scientific challenges – from outdoor investigations in Holyrood Park and wildlife spotting, to creative crafts, games, and experiments. And, with flexible booking, families can choose the days that best suit their holiday plans. Led by Dynamic Earth’s Learning & Engagement team, the club offers the perfect mix of fun and hands-on science, inspiring the next generation of planet protectors. 

Planetarium Programme

What’s Up: Dark Matter Detectives | Book here

3rd September – November 30th 

Step into the role of a space detective in What’s Up – Dark Matter Detectives, the latest presenter-led Planetarium show from Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers. The Universe is full of mysteries, from dark energy to the elusive dark matter that shapes the cosmos. Join Dynamic Earth’s team of astral agents to discover the hidden clues the Universe leaves behind and explore one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: what is dark matter?

Planetarium Lates 

16th – 18th October | 18+ | Various concession prices available |  £20 per ticket | Book here

 Adults can enjoy an atmospheric evening under the stars with cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Aliens, or lose themselves in The Dark Side of the Moon dome shows. Cocktails and a spine-tingling atmosphere guarantee a Halloween night to remember.

Family Film Screenings

13th – 19th October daily | £6 per ticket | Book here

Every Saturday and Sunday between 4th October and 2nd November | £6 per ticket

Family favourites including Monsters Inc., Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, and Scooby Doo: Frankencreep light up the dome every morning from 10:00 am.

October Membership Offer:

This October, there’s more than just Halloween fun in store at Dynamic Earth! Visitors can upgrade their Annual Pass from £25 and receive a 12-month membership at Dynamic Earth.

A Dynamic Earth Annual Membership Includes:

  • Exclusive invites to Members Only events
  • Free tickets to selected seasonal events
  • Welcome £5 voucher for the Cafe or Gift Shop
  • 10% discount in the Cafe and Gift Shop every time you visit
  • 20% discount on parking at Dynamic Earth every time you visit
  • £2 per child entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play
  • Priority access to skip queues
  • Regular updates via Dynamic Earth’s Members e-newsletter
  • Priority notification on special events

T&C apply. 

Visit Dynamic Earth and Transform Your Halloween!
Celebrate Halloween at Dynamic Earth with a mix of science, storytelling, and spooky fun. From uncovering legends on the Monsters & Myths Trail to family-friendly Planetarium shows and late-night screenings for adults, October at Dynamic Earth offers unforgettable adventures for all ages.

For tickets, timings, and full programme details, visit Dynamic Earth’s Halloween page.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival – Programme Announced

●    International Guest Storytellers from Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Germany

●    Tales by Scotland’s Travelling Community 

●    Over 60 Go Local Events

●    Dark Tales for Halloween and the Brothers Grimm

TODAY (Wed 10 Sep) with support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme. 

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (22 October to 1 November 2025) organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), is the world’s largest annual celebration of storytelling.  

This year’s theme ‘Lights of the North’ explores Scotland’s northern identity through sharing tales from the world’s northern arc, which bridges Finland to Iceland and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland in between. 

Over the 11 days of the festival, some of the North’s most celebrated storytellers will join leading voices from Scotland to bring a feast of traditional storytelling to Edinburgh and to venues across Scotland. 

International guest storytellers including Anna-Maria Toivonen from Finland; Georgiana Keable Jerstad and Mimesis Heidi Dahlsveen from Norway; Hjörleifur Stefánsson from Iceland; Jerker Fahlström from Sweden; and Suse Weisse from Germany; will share tales of Vikings, Huldufólk (or the hidden people from Iceland), trolls, the dark northern winters and some of their favourite traditional folktales.

Joining them, will be some of Scotland’s most celebrated storytellers, who will present new work themed on the ‘Lights of the North’, and their own twist on some classic tales including:

●      Of Stars, Bears and the Beginning of Time  (Wed 22 Oct) presented by storyteller Riikka Palonenand accompanied by folk musician Richard Clarke. Riikka will take audiences on a mythical journey through the celestial origin stories of the Fenno-Baltic tradition. 

●      The People of the Sea (Thu 23 Oct) inspired by David Thomson’s remarkable work about selkie myths and coastal voices told by Ruth Kirkpatrick and Colin Urwin.

●      Selkie: Past, Present, Future (Fri 24 Oct) with Niall Moorjani and Ailsa Dixon who explore what it is to be human through three queered and reimagined selkies set in the past, present and future.

●      Land of Many Waters (Sat 25 Oct) with Eileen Budd, David McAlmont and Debbie Armour whopresent stories inspired by Scottish rivers and waters, the stories they carry and their fragile eco-system.

●      He Sits on the Rock of Joy (Sun 26 Oct) with storyteller Linda Perttula and singer-songwriter Aino Elina who combine their own teenage memories, with ancient poetry and ethereal vocals in the search for a connection to this Finnish epic.

●      Da Winters O Shetland (Sun 26 Oct) with storyteller and comedian Marjolein Robertson, who takes us on a story arc across the dark night of a Shetland winter.

●      Gullrun’s Saga: A Viking Story (Thu 30 Oct) with storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician Neil Sutcliffe who present an original story inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Classic tales with a twist include: 

●      Claire Hewitt presenting the magical tale of The Swan Woman with Anna-Maria Toivonen.

●      Mark Borthwick retelling the tale of The War of the Birds.

●      Sarah Wedderburn-Ogilvy, Isobel O’Donovan, Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown and Trinidad Cabezón Droguett reimagining the forgotten tale of St Enoch through the journey of four women making their lives in Glasgow.

●      Monica Madas and Erin Farley using puppetry and song to tell the epic tale of Triduana and her journey to take Saint Andrew’s bones to Scotland.

●      Tania Allan and Craig McCulloch’s take on traditional Selkie myths and the parallels between the silence and captivity found in deafness. 

The festival is also packed with rich tales and songs from Scotland’s Travelling Community that have been passed down through generations. With Jess Smith and Jimmy Williamson sharing well known tales, and Marion Kenny paying homage to Duncan Williamson with a retelling of The King and The Lamp. This year’s Alan Bruford lecture will also discuss ‘Nackens’ (Scottish Gypsy Travellers) and how their folklore gives us unique insights into Scotland’s history and placenames. This will be led by author Dr Robert Fell who will be joined by Shamus McPhee to recount a tale about Balquhidder and how it got its name. Plus, piper Gary West, author of the Martyn Bennett biography Brave New Music, hosts a live event celebrating the Traveller ballads and stories which influenced the late musician’s work.

As we edge closer to Halloween,and the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park, the festival embraces the dark side of storytelling with Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright sharing stories and songs about the unnerving and haunted corpse roads in Cumbria, where the dead passed through on the way to their graves; Anna Lehr presents Dazwischen – a tale about death, birth and what lies between; Chair of the Scottish Storytelling Forum, and celebrant, Beverley Bryant leads a workshop on Mortality and Making and how we craft conversations about death whilst participants weave willow and make decorations for coffins; and Suse Weisse in association with Goethe-Institut, shares some of the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales and tales fit for The Bewitching Season on Hallow’s Eve. 

For younger audiences and families there’s a packed programme of events over the October school holidays kicking off on Saturday 11 October, ahead of the festival’s main programme (22 Oct to 1 Nov). Family highlights include sensory storytelling fun with Fibi Cowley in A Dispute with a Butterfly told through puppetry; and sensory stories with Ailie Finlay in Tales of Cold Forests and Cosy Bears.There’s also percussive dancing from Tokyo-born stepdancer Kae Sakurai in BLOOM; a family ceilidh with the Minnow Ceilidh Band; songs and stories about dragons with Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown and Gaynor Barradell; and plenty of events outdoors including the return of the Botanics Storytelling Day and Macastory’s School for Skalds.

Plus, Allison Galbraith delights audiences with folk tales about our Scottish waters and will announce the winners of this year’s Words of the Wild nature writing competition run in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Also, new for 2025, three emerging storytellers present their own work themed around shame, consent and survival, in association with FEST (Federation of European Storytelling).

This year’s workshop programmeis packed with tips on telling stories including a look at using BSL in storytelling and how facial expression and movement can help bring a story to life; tech and storytelling with the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s very own inhouse expert Roddy Simpson discussing how best to present storytellers on the stage; what music can add to stories; and the ethical considerations behind using recordings and archive material.  Plus, Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad of the Hungarian Heritage House explores the rich repertoire of one of Hungary’s last traditional Roma storytellers Vilmos Csipkés; and Anna Lehr discusses classic fairy tales particularly those of the Brothers Grimm.

Throughout the festival, audiences can also enjoy relaxed Open Hearth gatherings of storytellers and musicians across four evenings in the Storytelling Centre’s Netherbow Theatre.

Go Local returns this year, with new voices from East Lothian and Shetland joining storytellers from all over Scotland throughout October and November to celebrate Scottish storytelling. From the Western Isles, to Dumfries and Galloway there will be over 60 Go Local events in this year’s programme, plus the international storytellers invited to participate in this year’s festival, will also perform in Glasgow, Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Dundee; and as guests at storytelling festivals in Orkney, Aberdeen and Dumfries and Galloway.

Finally, this year’s festival exhibition Stories Drawn from the Land, hosted at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will feature ink illustrations and ceramics by Hester Aspland, whose work is rooted in the realms of folklore, wild places, landscape and history. Hester is also the illustrator of this year’s festival programme.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:

“The fantastic programme for this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival features something for everyone and brings together stars of Scotland’s storytelling scene with our north Atlantic neighbours to give light to dark winter nights through mystical stories and songs.

“The festival received £200,000 this year from our EXPO fund as part of a record increase in culture funding from the Scottish Government. We are proud to support this celebration of Scotland’s storytelling heritage and its important place on the world stage.”

Donald Smith, Scottish International Storytelling Festival Director said: “I’m very inspired by the chemistry of this year’s programme. Northern stories come from the forests, mountains and oceans, while drawing on an eerie imagination, surreal humour and hidden connections between human and natural spirits. Inner and outer journeys collide with unexpected magic. And Scotland is a hub and a crucible of this unique northern brew!”

Performing at today’s launch, with musician Richard Clarke, storyteller Riikka Palonen said: “This festival is a very special and exciting time for me – as a relatively recent arrival on these shores, I feel honoured to be able to present the stories from my home land, here in the land of my new home.

The stories I will be telling are rooted in the celestial origins of our northern mythology – tales born of the stars – and just as the starlight brings its glow to the darkening nights, I hope my tales can also cast a little light and wonder, if even for a short while.”

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place from Wednesday 22 October to Saturday 1 November. For those planning on attending multiple events, the Festival Supporter Pass (£24) offers discounted tickets to many festival events, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as a discount at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s bookshop, Haggis Box Café and an invitation to the Festival launch event.

There will also be BSL interpretation available for D/deaf audiences at selected events.

To purchase tickets and browse the full programme, visit sisf.org.uk

Edinburgh hosts International Fair Trade Towns Conference

Last weekend, Edinburgh welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, a three-day event dedicated to strengthening the international movement for fair and sustainable trade. 

The event opened on Friday 30 August with a reception at the City Chambers, chaired by Rachel Farey of the Edinburgh City Fair Trade Group. Among the speakers were Foysol Choudhury MSP, Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, Europe and International Development; Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron; Thembisile Mnisi from Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa; and Louise Davies from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. 

Delegates also visited the Scottish Parliament, where they joined a Q&A session with Foysol Choudhury MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.

The visit set the tone for the week, with Mr Choudhury opening the programme by reflecting on Scotland’s achievements: “In 2023, Scotland marked 10 years as a Fair Trade Nation, a milestone reflecting the dedication of communities, campaigners, and businesses working to make trade fair, just, and sustainable.

“Today, we continue to champion Fair Trade with pride, and I am delighted that Edinburgh is at the heart of that journey.” 

This year’s conference theme, “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, framed discussions on how local initiatives can contribute to global system change. Delegates took part in interactive workshops on climate action, wellbeing economies, youth engagement, digitalisation and the power of storytelling in driving social change. 

Closing the weekend, Mr Choudhury added: “Fair Trade has always shown us that local action can drive global change, and the stories we are hearing here in Edinburgh prove just that.

“I am proud that Scotland is hosting this conversation, and I look forward to seeing the collaborations and commitments that emerge from this weekend.”