Our 2026 programme has officially launched!
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns 21–31 Oct with 10 days of myths, folklore and stories from Scotland and beyond, exploring this year’s theme: Bird and Beast.
Alongside a vibrant programme at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, storytellers across Scotland bring these tales to life this autumn. From Shetland to Dumfries, from Argyll to Aberdeenshire we invite you to discover wondrous stories that illuminate the place of birds and beasts in our traditions, folklore and myths.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Explore this year’s programme of BSL Signed Performances and BSL Led Events, with stories and experiences to enjoy throughout the festival.
We have a range of wonderful events taking place across Scotland as part of our Go Local programme.
See what’s on near you! Events shown from pg 22.
See more for less with a Festival Pass: save when you see multiple shows, plus get exclusive access to a range of perks.
Join us in the October school holidays and across the festival for a selection of storytelling performances and events for the whole family.
Stay connected to the Scottish International Storytelling Festival all year round with our newsletter. Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering the festival for the first time, you’ll find festival updates, including programme announcements, ticket releases and community news, plus get exclusive access to festival highlights in the lead up to the festival.
Welcome to – Another Story, a podcast series where you can hear powerful stories from your favourite storytellers, exclusive moments from this years Scottish International Storytelling Festival, and a deep dive into storytelling in Scotland and beyond.
Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode!
From the nationwide reach of the Big Scottish Story Ripple to the inspiring BSL Apprenticeship Programme, our community initiatives celebrate storytelling as a powerful tool for connection, creativity and inclusion.
Rooted in the rich traditions of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, these programmes nurture confidence, amplify underrepresented voices and honour storytelling as a vital part of Scotland’s Living Heritage.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is one of the most admired storytelling events in the world and the largest of its kind – both from a programming and participation perspective - encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles. A world of stories within the Festival City.
‘Drift into exotic worlds as talented storytellers from all over the globe regale you with tales of derring-do.’ (Bristol Post)
TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, SCIO SC043009) is a co-operative network which champions our shared traditions of music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and indigenous languages. Together we celebrate the local distinctiveness of Scotland’s places: our intangible cultural heritage. Registered office at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
