The Scottish International Storytelling Festival

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is a warm and welcoming celebration of stories, voices, and cultures, held each autumn in Edinburgh and across Scotland. At its heart, it’s about bringing people together through the power of storytelling—whether that’s ancient legends passed down through generations or fresh, contemporary tales. The festival welcomes storytellers, musicians, and artists from around the world to share their traditions and perspectives, creating a space where everyone can listen, connect, and feel part of something timeless and meaningful.

Run by the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the festival blends the old with the new, exploring a different theme each year that speaks to our world today. Events range from intimate storytelling sessions and music performances to hands-on workshops and outdoor gatherings, all designed to be accessible and engaging for people of all ages. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of shared humanity, where stories become a way of understanding ourselves, each other, and the world we live in.