Storytelling is an ancient social and cultural activity involving the sharing of stories, which may include elements of improvisation or theatrics. It is closely intertwined with the development of various mythologies and predates writing. Storytelling used to serve as a way to share knowledge, instill moral values, and preserve culture.
Despite the advent of written media, film, and television, storytelling continues to exist as a form of artistic expression that often blends traditional narrative techniques with new technologies and platforms. In addition to traditional forms such as myths, legends, and folktales, modern storytelling encompasses history, political commentary, and personal narratives.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is the world’s largest contemporary storytelling showcase. Inspired by the Scottish cèilidh, a traditional social gathering involving storytelling, singing, and dancing to Gaelic folk music, it showcases contemporary storytelling from around the world. Although modern cèilidhean are primarily associated with social dancing, storytelling has always been an important element of such gatherings.
Launched in 1989, the festival is held every October. This is a deliberate choice since the changing of the seasons, when the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, is the perfect time for a family or community gathering filled with stories, music, and songs. The first festival had 700 attendees, but its attendance has since surpassed 27,000 people.
The main venue for the festival is the Netherbow Theatre at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which is the world’s first purpose-built center for live storytelling. Events are also held at other venues across Edinburgh, including the National Library of Scotland, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.
The festival features renowned international storytellers as well as those who are new to the world of storytelling and want to hone their skills. Its diverse program includes storytelling performances, sessions, workshops, outdoor events, talks, children’s events, ceilidhs, and more.
Every performance at the festival is unique because, unlike traditional theater, storytelling involves building a direct connection between the storyteller and the audience, making them part of the performance. Each storytelling event follows a certain structure but always has an improvised and informal element, a quality that sets live storytelling apart from many other forms of art.
Each festival edition has had a unique theme. For example, the theme in 2025 was “Lights of the North”, which focused on Scotland’s northern identity and the storytelling traditions of the northern arc of the world, bridging Finland and Iceland and connecting Germany and Norway with Scotland in between.
Photo: sisf.org.uk
