Tag: storytelling

TradFest: An unmissable final weekend in Edinburgh

MUSIC | FILM | STORYTELLING

Live-looping Ukrainian musician GANNA Gryniva headlines on Saturday night. 

Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir perform ahead of a rare screening of cinematic classic Andriesh (1954). 

The Nexus Project launch their new album Glaisvair.

Folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation. (Available online)

A jam-packed, free Living Heritage Discovery Day on Sunday at the Storytelling Centre with Michael Fortune, one of Ireland’s leading folklorists, a traditional fayre, cèilidh and taster sessions.

EDINBURGH TRADFEST runs until Monday 11 May 2026

An unmissable weekend of the very best in traditional music, storytelling and film kicks off with Swedish folk trio Northern Resonance on Thursday playing explosive rhythms using a combination of viola d’amore, Hardanger fiddle and 12-string guitar.

Followed by, internationally acclaimed saxophonist Brian Molley and his quartet (Tom Gibbs-piano, David Bowden-bass, Stephen Henderson-drums) sharing tunes from their recently released album Tùs/Origin which loosely follows an 18th century journey from the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, all the way to Louisiana, and features a mix of traditional folk, Afro-Caribbean Grooves, Gospel, Sea-Shanties and Fugue. 

Continuing into the weekend, on Friday night The Nexus Project led by piper Bede Patterson launch their new album Glaisvair which unites different musical voices from around the world. Plus, headliners RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame) who areat the forefront of the Scottish fiddle scene, share powerful melodies and some favourite tunes from their new album, that celebrates a decade of them performing together. 

The trad tunes continue over the weekend with Isla Ratcliff’s reinterpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons released last year to mark the 300th anniversary of the work’s original publication; multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black; and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing tracks from her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz- tinged arrangements, and electronic soundscapes.

Plus, singer-songwriter and artful banjo player from Montreal Kaïa Kater performs solo, ahead of this year’s ETF Spotlight concert which will showcase threeamazing up-and-coming combos: Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza, Curlew and Dauntless. (Fans can also find Dauntless popping-up on stage at Nobles Bar, in Leith on Friday 8 May at 2pm.)

Other unmissable weekend highlights include:

·      Folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation with Dr Lori Watson from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Celtic and Scottish Studies. (This talk is currently sold out but will be streamed online.)

·      The Cold Heart by storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine which explores the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging. (Storytelling Centre)

·      A jam-packed Living Heritage Discovery Day which will include a talk with Michael Fortune, Ireland’s folklore aficionado, to discuss approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Living Heritage) and tradition-bearing. On the day there will also be a Living Heritage Fayre, Come and Try Sessions, and a traditional ‘house cèilidh’. (Storytelling Centre – Sun 10 May)

·      The Folk Film Gathering’s screening of Jack Archers’ Sailm nan Daoine (Psalms of the People) fresh from its recent success at the Glasgow Film Festival, which follow’s psalm precentor Rob MacNeacail’s journey across Scotland and Ireland, to bring together communities old and new through the power of Gaelic psalm singing.  (Cameo Cinema)

·      A rousing performance by Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir who will perform live ahead of a rare screening of 1954 Ukrainian classic cinematic folk tale Andriesh. (Cameo Cinema)

·      And, finally Scotland’s original folk supergroup Session A9, will close the festival with great tunes and top banter on Monday night.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Don’t miss the final weekend of this year’s festival, there are some amazing bands coming up, and fantastic films and storytelling events still to come.

“Shows are selling out and the 5 star reviews are rolling in. The buzz around the ETF venues is palpable, come and be part of it.”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs until Monday 11 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

Edinburgh Tradfest kicks off this Friday

TRADITIONAL MUSIC | FOLK FILM | STORYTELLING

A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (1-11 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation. 

In addition to the 65+ events already programmed, there will also be three, free pop-up performances lasting approximately 20 minutes each, and giving audiences and passers-by a taste of Tradfest in a new location:

Edinburgh Airport on Thursday 30 April, 11.30am –  Astro Bloc

Aroma Restaurant and Bar, Broxburn, Saturday 2 May, 11.30am – SAZ

Nobles Bar, Leith, Friday 8 May, 2pm – Dauntless

Edinburgh Tradfest opens at Hangar 5 with two incredible bands headlining: Scotland’s most sought after folk band RURA; and newcomers to the folk scene Astro Bloc, whose music offers an exhilarating mix of heritage and innovation. 

Over the weekend the music highlights continue with siblings Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies; folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie; an early evening concert with fiddler Eilidh Shaw (who is replacing Laura Jane Wilkie) and guitar legend Ian Carr; centuries old folk music from Rajasthani music sensation SAZ; African singing and step-dancing workshops; and late night sessions in the Traverse Bar. 

In addition, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay on Saturday 2 May, by uploading a Strathspey tune online, or by joining fiddlers Sam Mabbett, Dylan Cairns, Eilidh Shaw and Angus Lyon for a live afternoon of Scottish music to celebrate the beauty of the humble Strathspey.

Plus, anyone under 5 years and their family can join in an afternoon of songs, actions and non-stop dancing with award-winning folk singer, primary music school teacher, and parent to a lively pre-schooler Fiona Hunter (Malinky), who will be hosting this year’s relaxed performance on Sunday afternoon.

Other hot tickets include The Furrow Collective with a final performance by Rachel Newton who is leaving the band; RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; virtuoso musician Tim Edey; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.

One of the most unmissable events in this year’s programme has to be singer songwriter Josie Duncan’s new music commission on Monday night: A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction. Joining Josie on stage will be Charlotte Printer (bass), Chloë Bryce (fiddle), Eilidh Rogers(percussion), Jenny Clifford (guitar) and historian and author Ashley Douglas reading from Marie’s poems.

At the Storytelling Centre there will also be online talks and workshops discussing traditional dance, craft, music and storytelling with guest speakers including author, scholar, dancer and dance teacher Pat Ballantyne and CEO of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) Steve Byrne. Plus, there will be two storytelling performances: The Corpse Road on Sunday 3 May with Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright, about the Cumbrian roads that for many, formed their final journey to the grave; and The Cold Heart with storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine exploring the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging.

At the Cameo, the 12th edition of Scotland’s Folk Film Gathering also gets underway this weekend with the World premiere of a new documentary exploring the life and work of Gaelic singer and weaver Jimmy Hutchison, alongside a one-off live concert from Jimmy and his protegé Erika Douglas.

Other folk film highlights include Women in Resistance, a special double bill celebrating cross-cultural solidarities between Scotland and Peru; rarely-screened early short films from pioneering Scottish filmmaker Bill Douglas; and Heiny Srour’s groundbreaking Lebanese drama-documentary Leila and the Wolves introduced by Scottish-Palestinian poet Nada Shawa. 

The Folk Film Gathering runs until 10 May and closes with a special screening of the newly-remastered 1954 Ukrainian classic Andriesh, and a live performance from the Edinburgh Ukrainian choir.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Over the past few months we have booked the most incredible bands we can find, sorted food and accommodation, checked all our sound equipment is in place, liaised with our  programming partners, and  briefed all our lovely technical, front of house and production teams.

“We are marketing like crazy in any way we can think of so we are ready. All we need now is YOU, the audience. We have just the best line-up ever so come and check it out. A good time is guaranteed!”

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

Midwintering at Stockbridge Library

We have got an exciting event for adults at Stockbridge Library!

MIDWINTERING

An hour of Music, Poetry & Storytelling

A midwinter gathering for rest and reflection

Free Entry, and free teas and coffees

INFO

Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place

Sat 31st Jan, 3pm – 4pm

Featuring poet SEAN WAI KEUNG

https://seanwaikeung.carrd.co

https://www.instagram.com/seanwaikeung

Storyteller/pianist WILL PICKVANCE

https://www.instagram.com/willpickvance

https://www.willpickvance.com

and hosted by singer-songwriter/poet LIAM BAKER

https://liambaker.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/liambaker.insta

Celebrate Burns Night in an exclusive Edinburgh venue with rare whiskies and immersive storytelling

This month, The Lost Close invites you to experience Burns Night in a way few ever will – an intimate evening of Scottish heritage, exceptional whiskies, and captivating storytelling in two of Edinburgh’s most exclusive private spaces.

On 24th and 25th January 2026, only 20 guests per night will step inside a private luxury apartment overlooking St Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, and Parliament Square; a venue rarely open to the public with incredible views.

From the moment you arrive at 6pm to the sound of the pipes, the evening unfolds as a celebration of Scotland’s culture and history. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz before the ceremonial “Address to a Haggis,” performed by a bagpiper as the haggis is led in.

Throughout the night, storytelling takes centre stage. Expert hosts will share tales of Robert Burns and the poet Robert Fergusson, whose work profoundly influenced him, alongside stories of Parliament Square, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the fascinating history of The Lost Close itself.

Between these moments, guests will enjoy a three-course Scottish dinner, with each dish paired with an exceptional whisky introduced by The Lost Close’s whisky expert.

The tasting features four remarkable Scotch whiskies, including Annandale Distillery’s Man O’Words, a single cask expression from the two-century old Scottish distillery, and An Edinburgh Dram, distilled in 1991 at North British and matured for over 33 years.

The evening concludes underground at The Lost Close, where guests will savour The Lost Close 2, a single cask release exclusive to the venue, bottled at 57.6% ABV with only 190 bottles ever produced.

After the final dram, guests are welcome to linger in the atmospheric underground setting until 11pm.

This is not just a Burns Night supper – it is an immersive journey through Scotland’s poetry, history, and craftsmanship in a setting few will ever experience.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 24 & 25 January 2026
  • Time: From 6pm
  • Price: £155 per person
  • Capacity: Limited to 20 guests per night

Booking is essential. 

For reservations and more information, visit: https://thelostclose.com/book-now

Mercat Tours celebrates 40th anniversary year with the premiere of The Spirit of the Mile 

Mercat Tours, local, independent family tourism business thanked its team and community of industry partners, plus generations of storyteller alumni, as it wraps up its 40th anniversary year. 

Co-hosted by Managing Director Kat Brogan, Director Michael Brogan and company founder Des Brogan, last weeks’ event celebrated four decades of storytelling from the award-winning walking tour company.  

Mercat’s enduring impact is how visitors connect with Edinburgh through the deeply human craft of storytelling, grounded in the values that have steered the business to success from the start.  The event was attended by over 100 invited guests, warmly welcomed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The premiere of The Spirit of the Mile was the highlight of the evening. Written and narrated by professional dramatist and former Mercat storyteller Karen McKenzie, the Ode pays homage to the voices that echo through Edinburgh’s remarkable history, the famous and the forgotten.

The work is both a love letter to the city’s rich past and a tribute to the Master Storytellers who have thoughtfully curated and shared stories with passion, truth and deep connection. 

Kat, current MD, described the Ode as “a beautiful gift from a beautiful friend.” 

“Our 40th anniversary is a milestone for Mercat Tours and for our wider community – our team, locals, friends and partners. Our Ode captures the love we have for the city and how seriously we take the task as custodians – ensuring stories pass from the past to future,” she continued.

Karen McKenzie said: “Writing The Spirit of the Mile was a lovely chance to thank Mercat for sparking my love of storytelling and to applaud the guides that bring Edinburgh’s past to life every day.

“I wrote this piece as a thank you, inspired by the history of the city, the stories of the closes and the passion of the Mercat team. Being part of their 40-year story has been a genuine joy and a reminder of just how powerful a well-told tale can be.”

Featuring live music and local food and drink, the evening offered a heartfelt thank you to the many people and organisations that have supported Mercat throughout its 40-year journey.

The gathering brought together their team with representatives from the travel trade, cultural organisations, heritage attractions, and the Scottish tourism community, including longstanding collaborators such as VisitScotland, the Grassmarket Community Project, ASVA, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Castle (HES), Living Wage Scotland, and ETAG.

Guests were also invited to contribute to the Mercat Memory Tree, sharing moments that showcase the impact of Mercat’s work, the strength of industry relationships, and the promise to put their people first that has guided Mercat’s purpose since its founding in 1985. 

Jill Walker of VisitScotland encapsulated her reflections simply and powerfully: “Mercat = it matters!!”

“Mercat has always been about values first, not value.  Deep, meaningful connections are what set the Mercat team apart and keep us thriving, true to our promises in the Mercat Deal. Any good story leaves you wanting to know what comes next and we look forward to writing our next chapter together.”

Watch the Spirit of the Mile

St Andrew’s Day Storytelling for children at LifeCare

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER at 11am – FREE EVENT

LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.

The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.

This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.

No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Be a Garden Guide at the Botanics

🌿 Become a Garden Guide at the Botanics!

For the first time in years, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead tours at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

If you love horticulture, enjoy meeting people from around the world, and have a passion for storytelling, we’d love to hear from you.

Our popular guided tours run twice a day from April to October. No formal experience is required and full training will be provided.

Apply by 12pm on Monday 1 December:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

DynaMites and Dynamos Sensory Sessions at Dynamic Earth

THIS week, join us for special Seasonal Sessions of DynaMites and Dynamos – Dynamic Earth’s Sensory Sessions for under 6s where little ones and their grown-ups can discover and explore the natural world together!

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.

🐛 DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 10am

🐝 Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 2.30pm

Find out more: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/whats-on/

AN UNMISSABLE FINAL WEEKEND – Edinburgh Tradfest runs until 12 May

MUSIC | FILM | STORYTELLING


FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 2 May – Monday 12 May 2025

Edinburgh Tradfest’s programme of sensational live music, storytelling and film continues across the city this weekend.

Plus, just announced, BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician for 2025, singer Ellie Beaton will be performing at St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile today at lunchtime (1.30pm), ahead of her evening concert at the Traverse tonight.

This half hour event is free and is part of a new pop-up programme of impromptu events happening across the city.

Other highlights not to be missed include:

  • Gaelic singer, broadcaster, and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth talk guest on Sunday afternoon. Joy will be sharing her story from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC. 
  • Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen (above) who mixes different folk traditions with classical, roots, electronic and pop music and, whose unique vocal techniques, rarely performed by women, are not to be missed!
  • A line-up of incredible emerging musicians performing at this year’s ETF Spotlight concert including Miwa Nagato-Apthorp whose debut album Noren is released this month; Parsisonic led by Iranian duo Aref Ghorbani and Amir Hossein Feyzi, a Glasgow based quartet bridging cultural gaps with their unique cross genre sound. Plus, one of the most respected Gaelic trad fusion bands Dlù, whose members originate from school days at the Gaelic School in Glasgow.

For film-goers the Folk Film Gathering continues its fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the work of the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May; and a screening of Gerda Stevenson’s recent documentary Paper Portraits which celebrates the history and working people of Penicuik’s paper mills.

Over at the Storytelling Centre The Poet and the Moon led by three Spanish artists including celebrated storyteller Inèz Àlvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet, told through poetry and flamenco dance. And, storyteller and journalist Rachel Pugh shares her gripping true story about an ancient bog man found in Lindow Moss in Bog Standard, accompanied by award-winning harpist Lucy Nolan.

Finally, bringing the whole festival to a close will be Siobhan Miller with her sensational band at the Traverse on Monday night.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Don’t miss the final weekend of this year’s festival, there are some amazing bands coming up, and fantastic films and storytelling events still to come.

“The festival’s strength of programming this year is exceptional. So, make sure you squeeze in everything you can.”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs until Monday 12 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

EDINBURGH TRADFEST KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

2nd – 12th MAY

MUSIC | FILM | STORYTELLING

A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest next weekend (2 May to 12 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

The Festival opens with Terra Kin supporting celebrated piper Ross Ainslie and the Sanctuary Band (Greg Lawson, Paul Towndrow, Steve Byrnes, Hamish Napier, James Lindsay, John Blease),who have featured on Ross’s last four albums including Pool released in 2024.

Terra Kin aka Hannah Findlay has been a dynamic force in Glasgow’s jazz, folk and pop scenes for many years, and for this year’s opening they will be joined by master musicians and rising stars: Su-a-Lee (cello), Roo Geddes (violin) Emma Pantel (violin) and Sarah Hanniffy (viola).

This opening night concert at the Queens Hall in Edinburgh kick starts an incredible 11 days of traditional and traditional-inspired music taking place at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, and other film and storytelling events happening across the City.

Other opening weekend highlights include Leveret, made up of some of the finest tunesmiths in modern folk music (Andy Cutting on melodeon, Sam Sweeney on fiddle, and Rob Harbron on English concertina); and the rich darkly-toned fiddle sounds of Lauren MacCollwho is joined by Rachel Newton (harp), Anna Massie (guitar), Mhairi Hall (piano), Mairearad Green (accordion) and James Lindsay on (bass) to play tunes from her most recent album Haar, along with a delve into her back catalogue.

This year’s festival commission on Monday night is For the Love of Trees featuring new tunes and old, by Mary Macmaster (The Poozies) and Donald Hay.  Including The Cedar, Silent, a new piece about the tallest tree in Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens that was felled by Storm Éowyn earlier this year, The Trees by rock band Pulp, and Chraobh nan Ubhal a traditional Gaelic waulking song. 

Joining them will be super group of Scottish traditional musicians: Amy MacDougall (vocals, sampling), Mairearad Green (accordion, pipes, vocals), Pete Harvey (cello) and Ciaran Ryan (banjo/fiddle/guitar); andspecial guest Fiona Soe Paing who will open the concert with a selection of her electro alt-folk sounds.

Other hot tickets include: The Traveling Janes; BBC Scotland’s Young Trad Winner Ellie Beaton; Seckou Keita dubbed the ‘Hendrix of the kora’; Virginia’s finest string band The Hot Seats; piping legends the Finlay Macdonald Band; national treasures the Siobhan Miller Band; and singer, broadcaster and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth guest. She will be sharing her story on 11 May, from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC.

Plus, on Saturday 3 May, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers, Anna Robertson, Catriona Price, Adam Sutherland and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon of Scottish music to celebrate the beauty of the humble Strathspey. Alternatively, there is also the traditional May Day Parade which sets off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishes with a rally, music and speeches. 

Fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including an introduction to Gaelic storytelling with the University of Edinburgh’s first Gaelic Writer in Residence Martin MacIntyre; storytelling from the Highlands and islands with Bea Fergusonand Heather Yule; and stories and songs told in the North-East Bothy Tradition by Phyll McBain, Jackie Ross, and ballad singer Allan Taylor, accompanied by fiddler Karin Paterson. In addition,storyteller Inez Alvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute toFederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet told through poetry and flamenco dance. 

For film-goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ – a fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May. This tribute includes screenings of docudrama An Ceasnachadh – An Interrogation of a Highland Lass starring a young Kathleen MacInnes, Ian MacRae and Dolina MacLennan. 

The film tells the legendary story about the band of students who took the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas morning 1950. National treasure Kathleen MacInnes, fresh from starring in the acclaimed production of Macbeth in London’s West End, will also perform her latest songs at the festival on Friday 9 May, all of which are set to appear on her next album. 

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s line-up represents the wealth of Scottish musical talent with some very  special visitors from England and overseas.

“The breadth of musical brilliance that will open the festival next Friday at the Queens Hall is incredible, and reflects the festival’s strength of programme and position as a key player in Scotland’s year-round calendar of unmissable events.

“Be there!”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs from Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com