Box Office 0131 556 9579www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

ScottishStorytelling Centre

Jan-Mar2019

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The Scottish Storytelling Centre is free to enter, with a small charge forentry to John Knox House and varying prices for events. The Centreincludes the Storytelling Café, Netherbow Theatre, Storytelling Court,George Mackay Brown Library, Exhibition space and our Bookshop. In 2018the Centre was awarded Best Performing Arts Venue at the Sunday HeraldCulture Awards.

Families are welcome!Highchairs and baby changing facilities are available.Events with this symbol are particularly suitable forchildren and families.

The Centre is accessibleAccessible to wheelchair users, there are audio loops in ourperformance areas and Braille signage throughout. Please let usknow if you'd like any of our publications in a different format or ifyou need assistance once you're here. A full copy of our AccessStatement is available on our website.

‘The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart’Scottish Traveller proverb

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BOX OFFICE Phone: 0131 556 9579Online: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com

reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.comIn Person: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

A booking fee of £1 per transaction is charged for online & phone bookings.No booking fee is applied to tickets purchased in person from the Centre's Box Office.

We try our hardest to make sure all details are correct, but to avoid disappointment pleasecheck with the box office. Sometimes the Centre's exhibition space is not accessible to thepublic because of a private function. Please call ahead to check.TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland SC043009) is the national network fortraditional arts currently based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. www.tracscotland.org

SUPPORT US! BECOME A STORYTELLING CENTRE SUPPORTER FOR ONLY £30 PER YEARBenefits include: Discounts on Storytelling Centre events 10% discount in our bookshop 10% discount in the Storytelling Café Invites to special events A quarterly mailing of our What's On guide (by post if desired) Contributing to the development & work of the SSCPlease call 0131 556 9579 or email supporters@scottishstorytellingcentre.comfor further information. Ticket discounts are subject to availability, T&Cs apply.Storytelling Centre Supporter Prices (SCS)

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Thu 13 Dec - Sat 26 JanNow You See It, Now You Don't: An Exhibition of Photographic Illusions Prepare to be mesmerised by the uncanny illusionists fromEdinburgh Young Carers. In collaboration with MagicFestand Professor Richard Wiseman they will be creatingMagic in a Photo! Join us on a journey of discovery wherethe old history of Edinburgh and the magic of young mindscollide! Witness the magic at Storytelling Centre, unlockthe secrets at Museum of Childhood.

Wed 16, 30 Jan, 13, 27 Feb, 13, 27 Mar | 7pm - 9pm£5 (£3) (£2.50 SCS)Edinbal Dance Workshops: An Introduction to European Folk DancingFrom the lyrical mazurka and the smooth waltz, to thesocial and energetic Breton dances, or the rhythmicschottische, these workshops will introduce you to theEuropean version of ceilidh dancing - bal folk! Theworkshops are independent from each other and suitablefor complete beginners with a mixture of teaching, socialdancing and live music. Light shoes with smooth solesrecommended.

Fri 18 Jan | 8pm - 10.30pm | By donation (suggest £5)The World's RoomThe traditional singing club is now settled into its newhome at the Waverley Bar, St Mary's Street. The first nightof the new year welcomes highly regarded tradition-bearers, Ellen and Kevin Mitchell with a mix of Scottish andUlster songs.

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photo © Alex Hutchinson

WELCOME to our first Programme of 2019, where wereflect on the end of Scotland's Winter Festivals with ourannual celebration of Robert Burns and usher in a hopefuland healing spring series of events and workshops inspiredby Bride and the Celtic season of Imbolc. We hope you canfind many opportunities to engage with your own creativityand take inspiration and enjoyment from these events.

photo © Bejoy Sanjeev

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Tue 15 Jan | 10am & 11.30am (40mins)£5 per child | 1-3yrsTiny Tales:Buccaneers Ahoy!Jump aboard and join our piratecrew, led by storyteller BethHamilton-Cardus - we'll be findingtreasure, facing storms and runningaway from tiny witches! A multi-sensory and thoroughly interactivestorytelling session, with songs,props and a pretty loose take on aFife folk tale.

Thu 17 Jan | 7pm - 9pm | £5 (£4.50 SCS)Café Voices: Jack TalesThere is something quite wonderfulabout Jack, the 'daft laddie', whoalways seems to come through asthe winner in the end. Joinstoryteller Russell McLarty, whoidentifies with Jack big time andenjoys a good few of his unlikelytales. The Centre's monthlystorytelling night, with an open-floor section for storytellers to telltheir own tales.

Fri 18 Jan, 15 Feb & 15 Mar 7.30pm - 10pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Loud PoetsOne of the UK's most successfulspoken word collectives returnwith their monthly showcase of theUK's top spoken word talent. Thisis make some noise, fist-thumping,pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching poetry. This is poetry forthe masses. 'Throughout there's ahumour, poignancy and most of alla confidence which serves toinspire.' (Scotsman)Fri 18 Jan Loud Poets: Life, uh, finds a way Fri 15 Feb Loud Poets: Big Bada-boom!Fri 15 Mar Loud Poets: Choose Life

photo © Faisal Aziz

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Tue 22 Jan | 2pm - 4pm | FreeCafé Ceilidh: Burns CelebrationJoin friends from the Scots Music Groupfor an afternoon session of traditionalsongs, music, poems and storiescelebrating Scotland's national poetRobert Burns. Held in the relaxed settingof the Storytelling Court. All welcome tolisten or bring a tune for a turn!

Thu 24 & Fri 25 Jan | 7pm - 9.30pm | £25Supper with BurnsA seasonal favourite! Join us for analternative Burns Supper in the beautifulsetting of the Storytelling Court, servingup a delicious 3-course Scottish dinner -with the centre piece Haggis - and agenerous helping of Burns' stories, songand lore. Hosted by storytellers DavidCampbell and Ruth Kirkpatrick, withclarsach player Katie Harrigan. Alsofeaturing Donald Smith's wonderfulrendition of Tam O'Shanter! Book early toavoid disappointment!

Fri 25 Jan | 7.30pm - 10pm By donation (suggest £5/£4)Guid Crack Storytelling SessionOn Burns Night, with the Celtic feast ofImbolc fast approaching, join storytellerKate Walker and friends for an evening oftales and banter as she takes an indulgentlook at some Scottish customs and thestories and lore behind them.

Sat 26 Jan | 12pm - 1pm | £5 | Adults and 8+A Cup O' Kindness Scots traditions owe much to RabbieBurns, from Hogmanay's rousing chorusof Auld Lang Syne at the bells, to BurnsSuppers of whisky, neeps and haggis. JoinElderwise storytellers for a nostalgiccelebration of our weird and wonderfulnew year customs, with a generousdollop of heart-warming stories!

Sat 26 Jan | 2.30pm - 4pm | £5 (£4.50 SCS) All AgesFamily CeilidhCome with family and friends to dancewell-known Scottish dances and sing well-known songs. All the dances will be calledand there will be easier circles for thelittler ones. A fun introduction to sociabledancing with live music and some storiestoo.

Join us for our annual celebration ofRobert Burns, as part of Scotland'sWinter Festivals, with exciting liveperformances, in-depth workshopsand the legendary Supper with Burnsstorytelling dinner. Something foreveryone to discover and enjoy!

photo © Ludovic Farine

Fri 1 - Sat 16 FebPainting the Wonder TalesA three-fold exhibition of visual art,storytelling and folk music to celebrate theancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, the seasonof rebirth as spring awakens. New originalpaintings by John Slavin illustrating thewonder tales of Scottish Traveller storytellerDuncan Williamson inspire gatherings ofpoetry, song, story and music.

Fri 1 Feb | 7.45pm - 9.30pm £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)The Birth of the UnicornJoin us to celebrate the Day of Bride andthe launch of John Slavin's exhibition,recreating the stories and songs of Scotland'sgreatest tradition bearer, Duncan Williamson.Led by David Campbell, Helen East and LindaWilliamson.

Tue 12 & Thu 14 Feb | 2pm - 4pm Free (ticketed) | All AgesWonder TalesSpring stories and spontaneous sounds for allthe family under the backdrop of new paintingsby John Slavin. Come and listen or bring a turnyourself to celebrate the wonder tales of ScottishTraveller Duncan Williamson.

Sat 2 Feb | 7.30pm – 9.30pm | £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)Songs and Stories Remembering our EarthA celebration and mourning to remember the earth. Apowerful and moving expression of our relationship toeach other, our fellow creatures, the environment, theplanet, our past and our future. A performance of originaland traditional material inspired by folk and world music,traditional stories and contemporary journalism. Featuringsinger/storyteller Susanna Orr Holland on Indianharmonium, guitar and bodhrán and magical musicianKeLan on percussion, hand pan, viola da gamba, electricbass and spoken word. See related workshop on pg.18.

Thu 7 Feb | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Stories on the WayAn evening of stories to live by. Come along and listen to our wonderful apprenticestorytellers weave their magic and tell stories to make you smile. An evening of upliftingtales to welcome in the first flutterings of Spring.

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photo © Lucas Chih-Peng Kao

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Blank Script present the Edinburgh International Improv Festival, Scotland's first and onlyfestival dedicated to improv. Across 4 days, over 75 performers from across theglobe will amaze with their spontaneity, quick wit and ability to make you laugh your socksoff. Scenes, sketches, songs and stories will be made up on the spot from audiencesuggestions. World class improv teachers will also be delivering a full curriculum of classesthroughout the festival. Please see website for full listings.

Tue 12 Feb | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £5 per child | 1-3yrsTiny Tales: Bear BlethersLook out! There are bears about. Visit the house of the bears with Goldilocks, meet a bravemarmot, help little bear go to sleep and venture on a bear hunt. Join Julie Bannatyne for afun morning of action songs and stories.

Thu 14 Feb | 7pm - 9pm | £5 (£4.50 SCS)Café Voices: Love Springs EternalLove shows itself in all forms, sometimes when we're leastexpecting it. Join us on Valentine's night for an evening ofloving stories with guest storyteller Claire Hewitt. TheCentre's monthly storytelling session, with an open-floorsection for storytellers to tell their own tales, all in therelaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court.

Fri 15 Feb | 11am - 12pm | £5 per child | All AgesMakin a BrewMusician Gica Loening & storyteller Claire McNicol share amix of songs, rhymes, music and stories aimed at childrenunder five with older siblings welcome. Working withchildren and parents in Early Years Centres in NorthEdinburgh and Musselburgh over the last four years, Gicaand Claire are delighted to recreate some of the MABmagic in the lovely Storytelling Court! Snowdrops may wellfeature as we welcome the spring!

Fri 15 Feb | 8pm - 10.30pmBy donation (suggest £5)The World's RoomWith a repertoire drawn from the bothyballads of the rural north east, Allan Taylormakes his debut at the World's Room. Joinin the choruses or even contribute a songyourself at Edinburgh's monthly traditionalsinging night. Upstairs at the Waverley Bar,St Mary's St.

Sat 16 Feb | 11am - 11.50am £5 per child | 4+The Stolen Dragon Adventure Join Adventuretellers Brooke Conway andHannah Mathieson on a story-quest tosave the golden dragon and her newly laideggs from the grasps of a lonely wizard.Together you will conquer fears and facemystical characters, travelling throughjungles, enchanted forests, lagoons andsnow storms 'til you reach the wizard'sruined tower in the snowy mountains. Canyou save the dragon, or will we be trappedin an eternal winter forever?

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photo © Derek Prescott

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Sat 16 Feb | 3pm - 4.15pm | £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)A Story to Every DanceThe Scottish solo dance tradition is peppered with storiesattached to specific dances which appear in HighlandGames and performance programmes. Many of thesestories suggest an origin for a dance anchored in a distantpast, but they may also form some level of meaning-making. Are they even true? Join Mats Melin as hecelebrates his new book with stories, songs, and dance,featuring storyteller David Francis and musician Sarah Hoy.

Wed 20 Feb | 7.30pm - 8.30pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS) | 16+Fool for Love: The Not So Subtle Art of MedievalFrench SeductionLove makes fools of us all andthere are stories to prove it. KleioPethainou brings to life MedievalFrench characters and love songsin this special storytelling andmusic performance. The storiescome from a precious manuscriptwhich is part of the HunterianCollection of Glasgow University.Their last known audience was theDuke of Burgundy and his court,so you will be their first audiencein six centuries. Come and hear ofnoblemen, millers, knights andclerks and the things they did forlove!

Wed 20 Feb - Sat 16 MarExhibition: A Child of the 60's A collaborative piece of work by storyteller/author LeaTaylor and a collection of artists using memories ofchildhood and the stories they evoke. Memories arepowerful and subjective, as each of us possess a differentand unique experience. Add to this a child's eye view and akaleidoscope of pictures will transport us back to a timelong past but not forgotten. The artists hope that the worktriggers something of your own reminiscences.

Fri 22 Feb | 7.30pm - 10pm | By donation (suggest £5/£4)Guid Crack Storytelling SessionAt this time of year, the auld hag Beira is still battling tokeep Scotland in her wintry grasp and stop the young and beautiful Bride bringing springto the land. It is therefore a good time to celebrate stories of woman folk. Bring along yourtales of women in all their guises from heroines, spey wives, witches and temptresses andjoin guest storyteller Heather Yule at Edinburgh's monthly storytelling night at theWaverley Bar, St. Mary's Street.

image © University of Glasgow Library, Special Collections

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Thu 21 Feb | 7.30pm - 10pm | £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)Join us at 6.30pm for the official Festival launchAudacious Women Live!The Audacious Women Festival kicks off in style with ashowcase of some incredible female storytelling and spokenword artists. Featuring Jan Bee Brown & Maria MacDonell,Lily Asch, Erin Kelly and Imogen Stirling all bringing theirown spirit, energy and passion to the stage. Please seewebsite for further details on each performer.

Fri 22 Feb | 7.30pm - 10pm | £12 (£10) (£9.50 SCS)Six Gals Named Smith - The Uncrowned Queens of Blues & JazzThe Red Hot Rhythm MakersScotland's f irst and only all-female Jazz bandformed as a response to vocalist Ali Affleck'scritically acclaimed Preaching Divas show in 2018.The band are delighted to launch the first of a seriesof projects which seek to raise the profile of thequeens of early roots, blues and jazz and also femalemusicians in general. The music is extraordinary andthe women who performed it were even more so!

Sat 23 Feb | 7pm - 9.30pm | £26After Judy ChicagoCreated and Hosted by performer, director and singer Morna Burdon Morna Burdon invites you to a 40th anniversary celebration of The Dinner Party - an iconicexhibition conceived by artist Judy Chicago commemorating over 1000 women hiddenfrom history. Meet, eat and be entertained at a large triangular dining table mimicking theoriginal artwork and decorated with place settings honouring women from that piece. Youare invited to create your own costume and come as an audacious woman of your choice!Places are very limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Ticket price includes 2 coursemeal, entertainment and souvenir place setting. Also featuring guest singers Martha LHealy & Nnena McKenzie.

Thu 28 Feb | 7.30pm - 9.30pm£8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Real Talk: Storytelling for WellbeingAn evening of storytelling, connectionand honesty, creating a safe space tospeak about one of our most beautifulassets, our minds! Attendees are offeredan opportunity to gain insight into theindividual experiences of the speakersaround mental health. Please be awaresensitive topics will be discussed.

photo © Colin Robertson

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Fri 1 Mar | 7.30pm - 8.30pm | £12 (£10) (£9.50 SCS)Hebridean Treasure: Lost & FoundInternationally acclaimed writer, John Philip Newell, works with some of the most talentedyoung artists in Scotland to tell the story of an enchanted Hebridean world that was lost,but is being found again in a new sense of the earth as sacred. This is a story of beauty,pathos, and hope. Featuring composer and singer Mischa Macpherson, dancer KirstenNewell and the artistic direction of Shane Shambhu, achieving what has never beenattempted before, a memory of the forgotten influence of India on the Celtic soul.

Sat 2 Mar | 11am & 2pm (45mins) £5 per child | 4+Tales from the Magic DrumCome on a global journey throughthe wonder tales of the world,dancing to a rhythm or two alongthe way! A riotous selection ofstories and West Africandrumming from storytellerDougie Mackay promises a fun,interactive storytelling session forages 4+ but is likely to delightanyone with a sense of adventureand imagination.

Sat 2 Mar | 7.30pm - 9.15pm £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Tales of Exile & SanctuaryStoryteller Gauri Raje presents a tapestry of stories from around the world exploring thehuman conditions of exile and refuge. With a wonderful storytelling style, Gauri questionsthe beauty and horrors of exile and what can be nourished through sanctuary.

photo © Anita Barron

Tue 5 Mar | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)Storytelling True Facts: Iconic WomenJoin us for a new event as storytellers share tales of some iconic women in music, art andliterature, whilst unearthing an interesting True Fact! Want to know why Mona Lisa smiles?How Madonna got into the groove and where Jane Austen plucked Mr Darcy's name from?Come along for a fun night celebrating the run up to International's Women's Day withsome Storytelling True Facts… You could even share a fact yourself!

Fri 8 Mar | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Trailblazers!Join storyteller Jan Bee Brown on International Women'sDay to celebrate the spirit and strength of the manyunsung sisters on whose shoulders we stand. Featuringtrailblazing tales of female explorers, high climbers,glasshouse smashers, female footballers, slack-wiredancers and stage strutting quines in a saucy ganderthrough Her-story.

Tue 12 Mar | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £5 per child | 1-3yrsTiny Tales: Spring BabiesJoin Allison Galbraith for a fun morning of bouncybunny rhymes and dancing duckling ditties to celebrate thecoming of spring. A gentle introduction to stories for yourwee ones.

Thu 14 Mar | 7pm - 9pm | £5 (£4.50 SCS)Café Voices: The Wicked & The WiseMarie-Louise Cochrane leads an evening of stories aboutthe cheeky ones who challenge the way things are. Held inthe relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court, with anopen-floor section for storytellers to tell their own tales.This is a Hear a Little, Give a Little session, where donationsare encouraged for a chosen charity.

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photo © Bejoy Sanjeev

photo © Solen Collet

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Fri 15 Mar | 8pm - 10.30pm | By donation (suggest £5)The World's RoomThis month's guest is Donegal singer, Vincent Doherty with plenty of contributions fromthe floor too. Upstairs at the Waverley Bar, St Mary's Street.

Sat 16 Mar | 2pm - 3pm | £6 (£4) (£3.50 SCS) | All AgesWild & Windy Songs & StoriesJoin us on Disabled Access Day for some blustery March multi-sensory adventures!Storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane lead this lively session of tales withmulti-sensory props and lots of joining-in. All welcome, but particularly suitable for childrenand adults with additional needs and their families and friends.

Sat 16 Mar | 7.30pm - 10pm | £8 (£6) (Free SCS) | 16+Tall Tales OscarHilarious, mysterious or just plain ridiculous - listen to talltales, ferocious fibs and fables performed live on stage byScotland's finest tellers, then you decide who wins thelucrative accolade of Oscar the Leprechaun! Scotland'sannual tall tales storytelling competition is hosted by lastyear's winner, Suu Caledonia. A guaranteed crowd-pleaserwe recommend you book in advance.

Tue 19 Mar | 2pm – 4pm | FreeCafé Ceilidh: Celebrating St. Patrick’s DayJoin friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs,music, poems and stories celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. Held in the relaxed setting ofthe Storytelling Court. All welcome to listen or bring a tune for a turn!

Wed 20 Mar | 7pm - 9pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Re-Storying Our PlanetHow can we belong in our changing common earth without stories to connect us? Thispresentation combines storytelling, film and commentary to evoke three journeys acrossScotland in a quest to re-unite traditional stories and environmental action through ourinnate yet sometimes un-awakened creativity. Join us on World Storytelling Day as AllisonGalbraith and Alette Willis share the explorations and discoveries of their Andy HunterBursary Project. For related workshop see pg. 19.

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Fri 22 Mar | 8pm - 10pm | £10 (£8) (£7.50 SCS)Beyond: The Story of an Irish ImmigrantGlasgow based fiddler Gráinne Brady presents anevening of music, storytelling and spoken wordexploring the history and legacy of mass Irishemigration to Scotland. The concert will featuremusic from her debut album The Road Across theHills, which soundtracks an autobiographical novelby Donegal author Patrick MacGill (1889-1963),who made this journey aged 14. '…a composer ofenormous talents.' (Pádraig Rynne, NOTIFY)

Sat 23 Mar | 7.30pm - 8.30pm £12 (£10) (£9.50 SCS)Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang SyneThe story of Mairi's adventures withScotland's most famous song. Anexhilarating and original sequel to Pulse,'visionary musicianship... distinctivevirtuosity' (Herald), blending live music,animation and movement. Co-devisedand directed by Kath Burlinson.

Wed 20 Mar - Sat 13 AprExhibition: On Step-MotherhoodThrough images and testimoniesphotographer Vaida Nairn exploresmotherhood in non-traditional nuclearfamilies. The women featured represent a wide range of ages, ethnicities, nationalities, andlength of time they have been mothering children they are not biologically related to. Theyare all connected by the universal experience of motherhood in its different forms. Thisexhibition hopes to rethink the importance of a more constructive narrative and show dueappreciation to all who join motherhood.

photo © Rufus Huggan

The Road Across the Hills © Somhairle MacDonald

photo © Julia Fayngruen

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Thu 28 Mar | 7.30pm - 9.30pm £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)Wicked Stepmother?Stepmothers... are they alwayswicked? Are they doomed to play thevillain forever or can they becomeheroes in their own right? Joinstorytellers Franziska Droll and DaivaIvanauskaite for an evening of storiesand songs exploring stepmothers intraditional tales and in the modernworld.

Fri 29 Mar | 8pm - 9pm | £8 (£6) (£5.50 SCS)The Space Gecko ProjectIn 2014 The Telegraph released an article headlined 'Five Geckos Freeze to Death on SexSpace Mission'. The diary of one of those geckos has since been salvaged, however, and itscontents prove this was no 'sex mission'… because two of the geckos were deeply in love.The Space Gecko Project pairs original spoken word poetry from Stuart Kenny with musicby Grant Robertson and animated visuals from Lewis Gillies to present the untold romanceof two of the geckos on that trip. 'Possibly the most wholesome event for Scottish poetryin 2018.' (The Skinny)

Fri 29 Mar | 7.30pm - 10pm | By donation (suggest £5/£4)Guid Crack Storytelling SessionGlasgow's own double storytelling Oscar winner MichaelKerins returns to Guid Crack with his hilarious tales ofcontemporary and contemptuous life. Bring along yourfavourite tales to share at Edinburgh's monthly storytelling night at the Waverley Bar, St. Mary's St.

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photo © Kristina Meilute & Cathrin Hüttenrauch.

photo © Nadine Dunnigan

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Workshops & Development DaysLiving Culture & Traditions

Rediscover imagination's power to enliven, educate & transform.

A feast of participatory and seasonal culture for anyone involved in arts,education and community work across Scotland.

TO BOOK WORKSHOP PLACES AT THE STORYTELLING CENTREPhone: 0131 556 9579Online: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.comIn Person: Mon - Sat, 10am-6pmWe require five working days' notice of cancellation to guarantee a refund. You will receivean email reminder of your booking & a full programme in the week preceding the workshop.

PLANNING ON ATTENDING MORE THAN ONE WORKSHOP?

For discounted rates on workshops become a member of the Traditional Music Forum,the Scottish Storytelling Forum or the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland. For detailsvisit www.tracscotland.org

Sat 12 Jan & Sat 2 Feb | 11am - 5pm£20 (£18 Forum Members & Concessions) | Dance

Quadrilles WorkshopsNathaniel Gow was Regency Edinburgh's King ofQuadrilles (dances for four couples in a square).

Please join us for fun, fitness and a taste ofScottish history and culture as we rediscover

these dances and bring them to life. Thesetwo all-day workshops will cover Nathaniel

Gow's 7th & 8th New Sets of Quadrilles(1819), in preparation for the BicentennialRegency Ball in March 2019. Comfortable

soft shoes recommended. All levels ofdancer welcome - no experience

necessary. Led by Talitha MacKenzie.

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Workshops & Development Days Living Culture & Traditions

Sat 26 Jan | 10.30am - 4.30pm £24 (£18 Forum Members) | Music & SongSinging the Bard:Resources & SkillsExplore the Robert Burns song repertoirewith Christine Kydd. Widen your ownrepertoire and skills and deepen yourapproach to songs you already know.Astonishingly accomplished, Burns standsat the head of a select band of singerpoets, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchelland Leonard Cohen, yet Burns isexceptional in penning superb songs forall genders.

Sat 19 Jan | 2pm - 4.30pm £16 (£12 Forum Members) | StorytellingTam O'Shanter: Telling the Big TaleExplore Robert Burns' master narrativeand learn how to recite this most mightyof tales. Donald Smith shares his lifelongquest to understand the poem and do itjustice in that ever-elusive perfecttelling. Suitable for those wishing tounderstand Burns' defining work, as wellas those focussed on performing orinterpreting Burns' work artistically. Amighty challenge packed with fun.

photo © Ludovic Farine

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Wed 6 Feb | 7pm - 9pm £10 (£8 Forum Members) | Dance Sean-nós Irish DanceSean-nós dancing is a traditional form ofIrish dance, typically performed solo withlow-to-the-ground steps, a relaxed upperbody and improvisational character. Inthis workshop, Aneta Dortová will focuson beginner steps and their relationshipto the music. Basic improvisationtechniques will also be taught withdiscussion of the differences betweenIrish step dance and Sean-nós.

Sat 23 Feb | 10.30am - 4.30pm £24 (£18 Forum Members) | StorytellingReconnecting with the Whole StoryIn the face of climate change, eco-feminism is emerging around theworld, bringing another narrative togrow and share. This workshop focusseson reconnecting to our body, feelings,creativity and the earth to awaken oldstories and develop new ones. Led byclimate activist and emergent storytellerVirginia Bjertnes and storyteller-singerSusanna Orr Holland. For related eventsee pg.6.

Sat 2 Mar | 10.30am - 4.30pm £24 (£18 Forum Members) | DevelopmentCalling the Soul Back HomeIn this workshop, led by Janis Mackay,you will work with the selkie myth ofseals and humans, alongside personal lifestories, to evoke a sense of soul. Workingwith myth can be empowering and helpretrieve lost or forgotten parts ofourselves. Can we come, like the sealwoman, to feel comfortable in our ownskin despite the pressures that divide ourattention and awareness? Do thesetraditional stories embody a wholenessthat has healing potential?

Workshops & Development Days Living Culture & Traditions

Sat 2 Feb | 10.30am - 1pm £16 (£12 Forum Members) | Storytelling Growing with StoriesA hands-on introduction to livestorytelling with reference to the currentexhibition of Painting the Wonder Tales.Helen East leads this participatory sessionfor anyone curious about growing theirown storytelling talent, based on theinspiration and practice of DuncanWilliamson. Let out your inner storytellerand learn to craft your skills.

Fri 15 Feb | 2pm - 4.30pm £16 (£12 Forum Members) | StorytellingNarrative Art and PoetryExplore the relationship between creativenarrative in visual art and in poetry. ArtistJohn Slavin with storyteller and poetDavid Campbell foster responses to theexhibition Painting the Wonder Tales,which celebrates the relationshipbetween Bride, Lady of poetry, andDuncan Williamson, King of storytellers.

photo © Christina Riley

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Workshops & Development Days Living Culture & Traditions

Wed 20 Mar | 2pm - 4.30pm £16 (£12 Forum Members) | DevelopmentMapping the Stories: People and Place Bring your own story of place to explorehow to map and animate stories throughthe locale, rural or urban. For WorldStorytelling Day, Allison Galbraith andAlette Willis share the explorations anddiscoveries of their Andy Hunter BursaryProject Re-Storying our Planet. Forrelated event see pg.13.

Sat 23 Mar | 10.30am - 4.30pm £24 (£18 Forum Members) | Storytelling Stepping Stones - Changemaking How can we create more spaces wherepeople are able to share experience andgrow through mutual understanding?Building on her Andy Hunter Bursary, BethCross opens up some stepping stones onthe journey, whilst Alexander Mackenzieexplores ways of 'appreciative hosting'that encourage people to respond story tostory, mind to mind and heart to heart. Theday will conclude with a gathering ofinsights, in a ceilidh of stories of place,belonging and enabling community tohappen.

Sat 30 Mar | 2pm - 4.30pm | £16 (£12 ForumMembers) | Music & SongExploring Our VoicesDo you know the capabilities of your ownvoice? No one is unmusical and in ourvoices we each have a unique instrumentto use and enjoy. In this accessibleworkshop, singer Kirsty Law introducesvoice care; explores rhythm, pitch andharmonies; and encourages approachesto sample songs. Whether a beginner, oralready a singer, this workshop will helpyou cherish the voice.

GAELIC STORYTELLING AT MONIACK MHORwith Roddy MacleanLearners and Fluent Speakers alike can enjoy Gaelic storytellingas part of a series of dedicated events in the picturesqueScottish Highlands, in association with Bòrd Na Gàidhlig.

Sun 24 Feb | 10am - 4pm Improving Your Gaelic through Storytelling (for Gaelic Learners)Explore how learning to tell Gaelic stories can improve a learner's fluency and confidence.The stories will be a mixture of heroic legends, some with location links, and more moderntales. Participants will be encouraged to construct and tell a simple story during the day.

Sun 3 Mar | 10am - 4pm Tales of the Fianna and Other Gaelic Heroes (for Fluent Speakers)Beginning with the source materials, this day will illustrate connections between story andlandscape, using examples from the tales of the Fianna and other ancient heroic figures.Storytellers and teachers can make ancient legends relevant for a modern audience,encouraging linguistic fluency and pride in culture and heritage.

Further details and booking at www.moniackmhor.org.uk

photo © Ryan McGoverne

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Design: WAMgraphicsPrinted on recycled paper Scottish Storytelling Centre

& John Knox House

OPEN Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm l Last entry 5.30pm ADMISSION £6 Adult | £5 Concession | £1 Children 7+ | Under 7s freeGROUPS Get in touch & arrange a tour for your group

Cover image: Marigold © John Slavin

Explore the drama ofScotland's Reformation inthis ornate 15th centurybuilding, associated withsome of the most dramaticevents in the nation'sturbulent history. Discoverthe stories of John Knox,James Mossman and Mary,Queen of Scots in one ofScotland's greatest culturaltreasures.

Please contact us to arrangea bespoke tour of John KnoxHouse or the surroundingNetherbow area.

The Church of ScotlandScottish Charity No SC011353