• Celebrate contemporary Scotland through traditional arts incorporating story, song and music for adults and families
• Stellar line-up of programming utilising various art forms for richer experience
• Local residents and visitors can share in the energy of modern culture inspired by tradition

Scotland is a year-round festival nation, with exciting programmes of world-class events, festivals and cultures for all to enjoy. Through the Year of Creative Scotland, and evoking the remit of new collaborative group TRACS, the Scottish Storytelling Centre has expanded their July programme to present three weeks of storytelling, music and song in rich afternoon sessions and engaging ceilidh evenings.

As the seasons turn and the summer Festivals of busyness begins, Edinburgh residents and visitors alike can be assured of a warm welcome with a July programme at the Storytelling Centre which showcases Scotland’s creativity at its best, reflecting on the joy that a vibrant cultural life brings to Scottish communities. A jam-packed three weeks kicks off on Sunday 8 July and Storytelling Centre Programme and Events Manager, Daniel Abercrombie states:
“We are delighted to be celebrating the vibrant, living culture of Edinburgh and Scotland for the July Folk Fest, presenting an exciting and varied three week programme of events sure to appeal to all. The Storytelling Centre and the participants are raring to go, ready to welcome locals and visitors from around the world to share in the energy of a modern culture inspired by tradition.”

Sunday Sessions offer the opportunity for friends and families to gather together and enjoy afternoons of discovery, giving the opportunity to surprise yourself by getting involved with stories. Performers include Alistair McIver, author of the acclaimed Glasgow Fairytale and a stalwart of the city’s storytelling community, as well as pop-up theatre and activities in the Centre’s welcoming court space courtesy of Tightlaced Theatre before they present the supernatural tale of The Three Hagstanes in the Netherbow.

Tuesdays means Tiny Tales, and the usual monthly session trebles for July with six opportunities for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years to get interactive with tales in an environment of story sharing, rhymes, songs and simple movement; capture their imagination and prove you’re never too young to enjoy stories.

Our adult monthly session Café Voices also gets more of an outing to make sure locals and visitors get a chance to experience the jovial, welcoming atmosphere. These inclusive Wednesday evenings provide an eclectic mix of storytelling, poetry, tunes and songs in a relaxed setting that confirms tales aren’t just for kids! Each event is hosted with the opportunity for the audience to get up, have a go and throw words open, and with a stellar line-up of comperes including the recent rowdy raconteurs’ who took part in the successful Young Storytellers Scotland competition, you’re guaranteed to be surprised, enthralled and delighted and the smorgasbord of tales and talent on offer.

Thursdays offer Story Space sessions where storytellers share their favourite tales using games, movement, music and song in a fun, playful atmosphere that is engaging and stimulating for youngsters, and youngsters at heart. Amongst other opportunities, youngsters can become Edinburgh Olympians and re-enact hippodrome chariot and Torch relay races, and our inclusive Story Kist session returns which offers multi-sensory stories and games for children with additional needs.

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Then our weekend line-up offers plenty of crack with traditional Ceilidh Evenings and Introductory Tasters to cultural resources that incorporate music, story, song and dance for rich Friday and Saturday evenings of sharing Scotland’s heritage. Highlights include Voices in Scotland, a wonderful evening of entwining cultures, stemming from the intercultural storytelling, music and arts project performed earlier this year at Celtic Connections, a Game of Two Halves from Edinburgh’s Makar, Ron Butlin and Fèis Ros swing by with their driving tune sets as part of the Trad Trail rour.

Friday afternoons in July offer great opportunities to experience and discover Scottish Traditional Music with sessions exploring the small pipes, the clarsach (Scottish harp), folklore traditions of the Ceol Mor (Bagpipes) and an exploration of Jacobean song and story just some of the intriguing topics to absorb yourself in.

Listings:

Fri 6 Jul | 1.30-4.00pm | £18/£15 (network members)
Small Pipes: The Music Folklore and Traditions of the Lowland and Borders Pipes
Hear the story of Scotland's small or bellows pipes and their remarkable re-emergence. The session includes an introduction to the instrument and the music, but will not be a hands on workshop and does not require participants to have previous instrumental knowledge or skills. With Hamish Moore.

Sat 7 Jul | 10.30am-4.30pm | £36/£30 (network members)
The Fairy Folk in Music and Story
The magic and mischief of the fairy people is central to Scottish and Irish folklore. Explore the stories, music and traditions of the Celtic world's "other side".Enhance your capacity to weave a story using sound, song, and music. A day of imagination and learning led by David Campbell, Daniel Allison and Rachel Newton.

Sun 8 Jul | 1pm & 3pm (1hr) | 1pm (5-7yrs) | 3pm (8+) | £5/£3 per session
Nonsense!
A fun-filled afternoon of poems, crafts and fun with storyteller Senga Munro, celebrating the bi-centennial of the poet Edward Lear. Fun for all the family.

Tue 10 Jul | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | 6mths – 2yrs
Tiny Tales: Royal Tales
Who's been visiting the Queen down at Holyrood palace?! Find out with storyteller Sheila Kinninmonth.

Wed 11 Jul | 7pm (2hrs) | £5
Café Voices: Scots Histories
Some of the Young Storytellers of Scotland from this year’s Telling Tales competition host a special evening of historical tales and youthful enthusiasm!

Thu 12 Jul | 11am (1hr) | £6 per child | 7-13yrs
Edinburgh Olympians
Inspired by both Ancient Greek and modern day athletes, compete in events like the hippodrome chariot races, horse jumping and Torch relay races! Underpinning the Olympic ethos; its motto, creed and movement, Edinburgh Olympians includes a peppering of Olympic anecdotes and facts, literacy skills and refers to social attitudes and sportsmanship themes. Not that the children will notice - they will be too busy having fun! Suitable for children who are local, day visitors or tourists. A 'Words and Action' event: www.wordsandaction.co.uk

Fri 13 Jul | 1.30-4.00pm | £18/£15 (network members)
Ceol Mor: The Music Folklore and Traditions of the Scottish Bagpipe
Hear the story of Scotland's great bagpipes and their central role in Scottish music and tradition. The session includes an introduction to the instrument and the music, but will not be a hands on workshop and does not require participants to have previous instrumental knowledge or skills. With James MacDonald Reid.

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Fri 13 Jul | 7.30pm (2hrs) | £10/£8 | 12+
Voices in Scotland
A wonderful evening of intertwining cultures, stemming from the intercultural storytelling, music and arts project Voices in Scotland, performed earlier this year at Celtic Connections. Performers include Roxana Vilk (Iran) a singer, poet and storyteller; Mohammed Nafea (Iraq) who plays the oud, one of the central instruments from Arabic music, and is Scotland's leading Middle Eastern singer; Chuck Warren, a storyteller from the ‘First Nations’ tribes of America; Dougie Hudson (Australia/England), one of Scotland's leading percussionists, and storyteller and musician Marion Kenny (England/Ireland).

Sat 14 Jul | 10.30am-4.30pm | £36/£30 (network members)
The Jacobites in Song and Story
The Jacobite movement dominated Scottish life and politics for almost a century. Moreover it caught the cultural imagination and led to a wave of song, music, dance and story that continues to the present. This day of talks and workshops puts Bonnie Prince Charlie in context and introduces the riches of Scotland's culture in an informative and creative way. Led by Margaret Stewart, Stuart McHardy and Aonghas Grant.

Sun 15 Jul | 1pm & 3pm (1hr) | £5/£3 per session
Storytelling with Alastair McIver
Storyship | 1pm (6+)
A Storyship is a magical ship made of pure imagination that can take you all over the world without ever leaving the room. All aboard the Storyship to explore the stories of the world!
Story-building | 3pm (All Ages)
Story-building for all ages! An opportunity for children and adults alike to use a variety of story-building techniques to create brand new stories.

Tue 17 Jul | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | 6mths – 2yrs
Tiny Tales: The Mini-Beastie Maloo
Come and join the mini-beastie maloo with storyteller Maria Cairnie!

Wed 18 Jul | 7pm (2hrs) | £5
Café Voices: Tales of Rescue
Join this year’s Tall Tales Oscar winner Fiona Herbert for irreverent tales of rescue!

Thu 19 Jul | 11am (1hr) | £5/£3 | All Ages
The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling
We're off to the enchanted forest where we’ll meet Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a fox, some birds and a bug! Come and enjoy some magical, multi-sensory stories and games for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. Lots of fun for everyone with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane!

Fri 20 Jul | 1.30-4.30pm | £18/£15
Clarsach: The Music Folklore and Traditions of the Scottish Harp
Hear the story of Scotland's harps or clarsachs, and their special place in music and tradition. The session includes an introduction to the instruments and the music, but will not be a hands on workshop and does not require participants to have previous instrumental knowledge or skills. With Alison Kinnaird MBE.

Fri 20 Jul | 7.30pm (1hr 45) | £8/£6 | 12+
Fairy Lore: Creatures of the other worlds
In a soundscape of harp, music, story and song Daniel Allison, David Campbell and Mio Shapley will conjure fantasies, fairies, elves, dragons and strange creatures from the Celtic kingdoms and lands across the world, in a night of enchantment.

Sat 21 Jul | 10.30am-4.30pm | £36/£30 (network members)
Emigration in Song and Story
Scotland's history is one of migration and emigration, connecting this northern seaborne nation with many parts of the world. This programme explores the songs and traditions surrounding emigration, Highland and Lowland, and the continuing strength of Scotland's cultural connections with the Scottish Diaspora. Led by Margaret Stewart and Brian Ó hEadhra.

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Sun 22 Jul | 3pm (1hr)| £6/£4 | 12+
The Three Hagstanes
In order to increase his crop a greedy farmer pulls down three ancient standing stones in his field, known locally as The Three Hagstanes. Those stones were there for a reason and the door to another world is now opened. The farmer is then visited by three monarchs who are each wealthier than the other, each requesting to see one of his three beautiful daughters, but there is a price for his actions. A supernatural tale of greed, witchcraft… and a whisper on an ancient legend where no-one is quite what they seem. Join storyteller Robert Howat and Tightlaced Theatre for a free afternoon of pop-up theatre and storytelling fun from 1pm before the production.

Tue 24 Jul | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | 6mths – 2yrs
Tiny Tales: Animal Antics
Can Giraffes dance?! Come along and find out from acclaimed storyteller Anne Pitcher, along with many other tales of
animal antics.
Wed 25 Jul | 7pm (2hrs) | £5
Café Voices: Highland Folk Tales
Bob Pegg's new collection for The History Press is packed with stories full of adventure, intrigue, and otherworldly magic, all rooted in the wild Highland and Caithness landscape. Join him for a telling of some of the book's most dramatic tales,
together with a mini-popup exhibition of John Hodkinson's bold illustrations.

Thu 26 Jul | 11am (40mins) | £5/£3 | 7+
Stories from the Sea & Shore
Scottish tales and songs of the sea with Lea Taylor and Heather Yule. Meet selkies, changelings and talkative fishermen on an unforgettable voyage of adventure.

Thu 26 Jul | Book Launch (free) 6pm | Performance 7.30pm (1hr) | £6/£4 | 12+
The Tinker & the Student
The launch of the sequel to Traveller in Two Worlds, The Tinker and the Student continues the dramatic story of the remarkable life of traveller storyteller Duncan Williamson and his marriage to student Linda Jane Headlee. The launch is followed by a live celebration of Duncan's repertoire of story, song and music: join in this spirited ceilidh with David Campbell, Linda Williamson and Lindsay Porteous.

Fri 27 Jul | 1.30-4.00pm | £18/£15 (network members)
Fiddle: The Music Folklore and Traditions of the Scottish Fiddle
Hear the story of Scottish fiddle music and its leading place in folk traditions, past and present. The session includes an introduction to the instrument and its place in Scottish music, but will not be a hands on workshop and does not require participants to have previous instrumental knowledge or skills. With Pete Clark.

Fri 27 Jul | 7.30pm (1hr 45) | £8/£6 | 12+
Fèis Rois Trad Trail
Currently on their Year of Creative Scotland Trad Trail tour, this exceptional group of musicians showcase Scottish traditional music at its very best. With their beautifully crafted songs and driving tune sets, these young musicians promise an entertaining evening of traditional and contemporary folk music. Fèis Rois is one of Scotland's leading youth arts organisations providing opportunities for over 3,000 young people to play music and perform each year. www.tradtrails.org.uk

Robert Burns in Song and Story
Sat 28 Jul | 10.30am-4.30pm | £36/£30 (network members)
Scotland's national poet holds a pivotal position in Scotland's society and culture. From Tam O Shanter to Scots Wha Hae, Burns' many voices resonate with contemporary Scotland and its self-presentation to the wider world. This programme introduces Burns' life and work, and the wealth of material that can be used in today's settings. Led by David Campbell, Fred Freeman and Gill Bowman.

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Sat 28 Jul | 7.30pm (1hr 45) | £10/£8 | Age 12+
Tarnished Yarns: A Game of Two Halves
Magicians of Edinburgh
With customary verve and wit Ron Butlin, Edinburgh’s Makar, celebrates the city and its people, its dramatic vistas, magnificent architecture and failed tramlines. Following Fringe sell-out success last year, this completely new show again features acclaimed musicians Dick Lee and Anne Evans. Let international prize-winning novelist Ron (“the best, most productive Scottish poet of his generation” – Scotsman) with Dick and Anne (“inspired musical accompaniment... two musicians playing beautifully together” – Scotsman) offer you some seriously glorious entertainment!
Archipelago
A forlorn crew embark on a voyage from a mountainous island into Edinburgh where Ron’s poem, Gondolas of South Bridge, brings their journey to a giddy conclusion. Archipelago is a darkly humorous account of a struggle to overcome challenges presented by a rapidly changing climate. Featuring Conrad Molleson (Double bass, guitar, vocals), Willy Molleson (Percussion, vocals), Ron Butlin (Narration) & Dick Lee (Clarinet).

Sun 29 Jul | 1pm (2hrs) | Free | All Ages
Ae Fond Kiss
To celebrate 21 years of their live programme Supper with Burns, Linda Bandelier and David Campbell have teamed up with musicians Katie Harrigan, Mairi Campbell and Hamish Moore to create this CD and launch it with live excerpts from the programme.

Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR
0131 652 3272 | http://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk