Scottish International Storytelling Festival – Edinburgh – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF), the world’s largest celebration of storytelling, has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural landscape since 1989. Organized by the Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), the 36th edition runs from 22 October to 1 November 2025 in Edinburgh. Rooted in the Scottish cèilidh tradition, SISF blends traditional and contemporary oral storytelling with music, dance, and workshops, fostering community and cultural exchange.

Attracting 39,862 attendees in 2022, it features global storytellers, local talent, and initiatives like Map of Stories (launched in 2022, showcasing 77 multimedia tales) and Sensing Stories (BSL storytelling workshops). The 2025 theme, Lights of the North, celebrates northern storytelling traditions, with events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and partner venues like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and National Library of Scotland.

Event Highlights

• Open Hearth Gatherings: 22–31 October, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Netherbow Theatre, $12–$24 USD, relaxed storytelling and music sessions.
• Blas Finale: 1 November, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, $24–$49 USD, featuring Arthur Cormack, Jenna Cumming, Alice Macmillan, Ruairidh Gray, Aon Ghuth choir, and Mike Vass’s Air Falbh ann am Bàta.
• Children’s Events: 22–31 October, various times, Scottish Storytelling Centre & partner venues, $6 USD, including face painting, crafts, and The Bouncy Billy Goats Gruff (sensory-friendly).
• Go Local Programme: 22 October–November, various Highland venues, $12–$24 USD, featuring international storytellers in communities like Orkney and Tobermory.
• Sensing Stories (BSL): 22–31 October, times TBD, Scottish Storytelling Centre, $12–$24 USD, BSL storytelling workshops for Deaf attendees.
• Tree of Memory: 22–31 October, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, Scottish Storytelling Centre, free with ticket, honoring storytelling elders.

City

• Edinburgh: Scotland’s historic capital, renowned for its Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and UNESCO City of Literature status. Venues span the city, with the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile as the festival hub.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue:
  • Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre): 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR, Scotland.
• Partner Venues:
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ.
  • National Library of Scotland: George IV Bridge, EH1 1EW.
  • Museums & Galleries Edinburgh: Various locations (e.g., Museum of Edinburgh, 142–146 Canongate, EH8 8DD).
  • Eden Court Theatre: Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA (Blas Finale).
• Administrative Contact: Scottish International Storytelling Festival, 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.
• Note: Full venue list at www.sisf.org.uk.

Date & Duration

• Date: 22 October–1 November 2025.
• Duration: 11 days.
• Opening Times (Confirmed):
  • Main Events: Typically 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (Netherbow Theatre, partner venues).
  • Open Hearth: 7:30 PM–9:30 PM daily.
  • Children’s Events: Mornings/afternoons, times TBD.
  • Blas Finale: 1 November, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM.
• Note: Full schedule TBD September 2025 at www.sisf.org.uk.

Venue / Location

• Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre): A-listed building (1470) on the Royal Mile, hosting performances, workshops, and exhibitions. Features accessible toilets, hearing loops, and Haggis Box Café.
• Partner Venues: Royal Botanic Garden (outdoor/indoor, limited accessibility), National Library (accessible), Museums & Galleries (varies). Eden Court Theatre (Inverness) offers wheelchair seating and parking ($5–$10 USD).
• Note: Accessibility details TBD at www.sisf.org.uk; contact info@tracscotland.org for accommodations.

Contact Information

• Email: info@tracscotland.org (general and ticketing).
• Phone: +44 (0)131 556 9579.
• Website: www.sisf.org.uk (main, ticketing, programme).
• Social Media: Follow @scotstoryfest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; updates at www.sisf.org.uk.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.sisf.org.uk or store.storytellingcenter.net from September 2025. Groups (10+) email info@tracscotland.org.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via www.sisf.org.uk or store.storytellingcenter.net from September 2025. Refunds per TRACS policy (TBD at www.sisf.org.uk). Booking fees (~£1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD) may apply. Contact info@tracscotland.org for accessibility or groups.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Standard Tickets: £10–£20 ≈ $12–$24 USD (individual events, estimated).
  • Children’s Tickets: £5 ≈ $6 USD (family events, per).
  • Festival Supporter Pass: £160–£195 ≈ $195–$238 USD (adult, covers multiple events, estimated).
  • Concessions: Seniors £147 ≈ $180 USD; Children £131 ≈ $160 USD; Family of 4/5 £483 ≈ $590 USD (based on provided data, speculative).
  • Booking Fees: £1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD per order (estimated).
• Additional Notes: Pricing speculative as 2025 tickets unannounced per provided data and web results (e.g.,). Based on 2024 pricing (e.g., family events £5, Supporter Pass discounts) and provided estimates ($160–$590 USD). Full pricing TBD September 2025 at www.sisf.org.uk.

Cultural Significance

SISF, in its 36th year, is a global beacon for oral storytelling, rooted in Scotland’s cèilidh tradition. It celebrates Gaelic, Scots, and international tales, fostering cultural diversity through performances, workshops, and projects like Map of Stories (77 multimedia tales, 2022) and Sensing Stories (BSL storytelling). The Lights of the North theme for 2025 highlights northern narratives, with events like Go Local extending to rural Scotland. It’s 39,862 attendees in 2022, and the Edinburgh 900 programme contributions underscore its cultural and economic impact.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Haggis Box Café at Scottish Storytelling Centre (sandwiches, haggis, drinks, $5–$15 USD). Partner venues (e.g., Royal Botanic Garden) offer cafes ($5–$20 USD). Eden Court Cafe (Inverness, $5–$15 USD). No outside alcohol; bars at select venues (18+).
• Nearby Dining (Edinburgh):
  • The World’s End: 2–4 High Street ($10–$25 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • Café Royal: 19 West Register Street ($10–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Netherbow Theatre, Eden Court (18+); no external alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for under 5s; children’s tickets $6 USD. Events include face painting, crafts, and sensory-friendly The Bouncy Billy Goats Gruff. Loud music may affect young children.
• Accessibility:
  • Scottish Storytelling Centre: Wheelchair access, hearing loops, BSL-interpreted events (Sensing Stories). Partner venues vary (Royal Botanic Garden: partial outdoor access; National Library: fully accessible). Eden Court: wheelchair seating, accessible parking. Contact info@tracscotland.org or +44 (0)131 556 9579 for accommodations.
  • Full details TBD at www.sisf.org.uk.

Getting There

• By Air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 8 miles, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Edinburgh Waverley Station (5-minute walk to Storytelling Centre).
  • Bus: Lothian Buses to High Street ($2–$5 USD, 5–10 minutes from the city centre).
• By Car: Limited parking near High Street; use NCP Castle Terrace ($10–$20 USD, 10-minute walk). Postcode EH1 1SR.
• By Taxi: Central Taxis (+44 131 229 2468, $10–$15 USD from Waverley).
• Rideshare: Uber ($8–$15 USD within city).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• Open Hearth Gatherings: 22–31 October, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Netherbow Theatre, $12–$24 USD, featuring storytellers and musicians (e.g., Ruth Kirkpatrick, Siannie Moodie).
• Children’s Programme: 22–31 October, various times, Scottish Storytelling Centre & partner venues, $6 USD, face painting, crafts, The Bouncy Billy Goats Gruff (sensory-friendly for additional needs).
• Go Local Programme: 22 October–November, Highland venues (e.g., Orkney, Tobermory), $12–$24 USD, international guests like Jeeva Raghunath (India) and Nuala Hayes (Ireland).
• Sensing Stories (BSL): 22–31 October, times TBD, Scottish Storytelling Centre, $12–$24 USD, BSL storytelling workshops with Deaf Creative.
• Guided Walks & Talks: 22–31 October, various times, city-wide (e.g., Surgeon’s Hall, Bridgend Farmhouse), $12–$24 USD, exploring Edinburgh’s history.
• Blas Finale: 1 November, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, $24–$49 USD, featuring Arthur Cormack, Aon Ghuth choir, Mike Vass’s Air Falbh ann am Bàta.
• Speculative Events:
  • Map of Stories Screening: 22–31 October, times TBD, Scottish Storytelling Centre, $12–$24 USD, multimedia tales from the 2022 project.
  • Samhuinn Celebration: 31 October, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, venue TBD, $12–$24 USD, dark tales and music for Halloween.
• Note: Programme partially confirmed; full schedule TBD September 2025 at www.sisf.org.uk.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Mending Nets by Janis Mackay and Nada Shawa; The Dream of Al-Andalus with Sef Townsend; 130+ events with 9% ticket sales increase.
• 2022: Map of Stories launch with film cèilidhs; 39,862 attendees.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Digital tickets via www.sisf.org.uk; recycling at Storytelling Centre; public transport encouraged (Waverley Station, 5-minute walk). Full 2025 details TBD at www.sisf.org.uk.
• Note: Aligns with TRACS’ community-focused ethos.

Educational Impact

• Sensing Stories: BSL workshops (22–31 October, $12–$24 USD) teach storytelling to Deaf participants, fostering inclusivity.

Cultural Activities

• Storytelling Performances: 22–31 October, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, $12–$24 USD, traditional and contemporary tales.
• Music & Dance: 22–31 October, various times, $12–$24 USD, cèilidh-inspired performances (e.g., Burd Ellen’s Òran Mhòir).
• Workshops: 22–31 October, times TBD, $12–$24 USD, storytelling and BSL sessions.
• Guided Walks: 22–31 October, various times, $12–$24 USD, exploring Edinburgh’s history.
• Tree of Memory: 22–31 October, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, free with ticket, community storytelling.
• Blas Finale: 1 November, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Eden Court Theatre, $24–$49 USD, Gaelic music and storytelling.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets on sale September 2025 at www.sisf.org.uk; accommodation is scarce during festival season.
• Weather Prep: October (40–50°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Edinburgh Castle ($20 USD, 10-minute walk); Royal Mile (free, 2-minute walk).
• Public Transport: Lothian Buses Smartcard ($5 USD) for city travel.
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.sisf.org.uk; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• Edinburgh:
  • Edinburgh Castle: Castlehill ($20 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Royal Mile: High Street (free, 2-minute walk).
  • National Museum of Scotland: Chambers Street (free, 5-minute walk).
  • Royal Botanic Garden: Arboretum Place ($10 USD, 15-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Edinburgh:
  • Hotels: The Balmoral ($200–$500 USD/night, 5-minute walk from Waverley).
  • B&Bs: 23 Mayfield ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
  • Airbnb: City centre apartments ($80–$150 USD/night).
• Inverness (Finale):
  • Hotels: Kingsmills Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk from Eden Court).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for October; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Storytelling Centre; Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at Netherbow Theatre; no large bags at partner venues.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Outdoor events (e.g., Botanic Garden) are weather-dependent.
• Safeguarding: Per TRACS policies at www.sisf.org.uk.