Stories are at the very heart of Scottish cultural identity and whether it’s local legends, films that tap into our national pride or songs that stir the soul, they have a vital role to play in creating a sense of community, history and belonging. With so much to celebrate, 2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year Of Stories. Here are some of the best events taking place this June.

Kicking off our list is Striking Herstories (from Wednesday 1 June), a brand-new trail at Glasgow’s Scottish Football Museum which shines a spotlight on the history of women’s football and hopes to provide inspiration for the future female stars of the beautiful game.

Scottish Football Museum, Museums Galleries Scotland / Picture: Nick McGowan-Lowe

Performed in English and Doric by a cast of young people at Inverurie’s Garioch Heritage Centre, A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 June) is a unique celebration of local history and language. This new play, written by Alan Bissett, explores the life of Kintore’s Caroline Phillips – pioneering feminist, suffragette and journalist.

Situated high in the hills above Loch Ness, Abriachan Forest is the setting for Abriachan’s Stories, Seanchaidh And Some Stars. If you like your tales with atmosphere and audience participation then these monthly events are a must, with ‘Midsummer at the Shieling’ promising both songs and stories on Tuesday 21 June.

A Monstrous Regiment of Women, Garidge Theatre

As part of Refugee Week, Beacon Arts Centre plays host to Story Ceilidh (Tuesday 21 June) – an evening of food and multicultural family storytelling set by the banks of the Clyde. Stories, ballads and poems in Arabic, Scots and Gaelic will be shared by those from all across Inverclyde’s community.

Told through words and music, Up The Middle Road: Crichton Stories Of Recovery And Resilience (Friday 24 & Saturday 25 June) shares authentic accounts from the former patients and staff of Crichton Royal Asylum in Dumfries. A look at the treatment of mental health from the 1930s to the 1990s, it’s sure to be eye-opening.

Back at Harmony Garden, Melrose for four fabulous days of talks, comedy, live music and food & drink, Borders Book Festival (Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 June) is where words come alive. Joanna Lumley, Andrew Marr and Alexander McCall Smith are amongst the guests.

Songs From The Last Page is a collaboration from Chamber Music Scotland and composer Gareth Williams delivering song writing workshops and live performances at festivals, libraries and community groups across Scotland. Check them out at the Borders Book Festival on Sunday 19 June.

Borders Book Festival, Visit Scotland / Picture: Ian Rutherford

Annual family fun day the Holy Fair With Armed Forces And Pipes In The Park returns to Ayr Low Green on Saturday 18 June. This year, a second day has been added, Story Sunday. Storytelling, music and arts & crafts activities will take place alongside some fascinating ‘Tent Talks’.

Yoyo & The Little Auk is a live, child-friendly concert from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra accompanying a brand-new animation from Visible Fictions, narrated by James Cosmo. It’ll be performed live at Glasgow’s Wee Write Festival on Sunday 19 June, with the film also available to watch online. 

Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre is the setting for Figures Of Speech, where notable cultural figures respond to universal themes and guide us through iconic stories. On Friday 24 June, Michael Pedersen and Val McDermid discuss ‘Friendship’, with music from Kim Carnie.

For more information on all Year Of Stories events, visit visitscotland.com/stories