Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. Described by critics as ‘exceptional’ and ‘spell-binding’ by critics, with five-star reviews from The Student and four stars from The Herald, The Skinny and Scotsgay Arts. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director.

a unique opportunity for families, teachers, librarians, authors, publishers and many others to share knowledge around how to make books and stories accessible for children with additional needs.

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories, held in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. All welcome to listen or bring a tune for a turn.

Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with two short intervals, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event: "At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave."

Short Supply One chair. One question. Sit with us for a moment. In this gentle one-to-one encounter, you’re invited to share an idea you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet. Step One is a quiet participatory artwork by Short Supply, exploring the moment before something begins. Each meeting lasts a few minutes and unfolds differently depending on who sits down. In the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe, this piece offers a pause from the noise – a space to reflect, speak freely and acknowledge the ideas we carry but rarely say out loud. Audience participation Age category: 12+

Should your path lead you to the Scottish Storytelling Centre, artist Sylvia Troon invited you to step into Pathways - an exhibition of paintings accompanied by poems, exploring the journeys we all take. "Every life follows its own winding course, shaped by unexpected turns and the courage to embrace new challenges. My own artistic journey has led me full circle, back to where it began – drawing and painting. I still remember vividly those joyful days of discovery with lasting friendships at art college in Edinburgh. Meeting Lea, storyteller, at the Storytelling Centre has been a particular gift. To see my paintings reflected and reimagined in her poems is both a privilege and a delight – two creative paths meeting and continuing onward together." - Sylvia Troon ~~~~~ Lea Taylor is an author, writing consultant and professional storyteller with a fondness for the ridiculous and a keen eye for a story. Writing and performing both nationally and internationally, Lea is known for stopping double-decker buses on the Royal Mile and addressing MSP's as part of her art. A graduate of Edinburgh University, Lea lives in Scotland with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs. Painter and illustrator Sylvia Troon lives in The Gauldry, in North Fife, where coast and landscape offer endless inspiration to a path-wanderer like her. She studied Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art and has subsequently enjoyed a varied career including teaching, puppetry and storytelling.

National Theatre of Scotland The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760: Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian – but is it built on deceit? 2026: Martin O’Connor questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. Sporrans, stags, and shortbread; do these gift-shop images hold us back or bring us forward? Performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, Through the Shortbread Tin returns to explore the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. 'Witty and provocative' \*\*\*\* (Guardian). MadeInScotlandShowcase.com. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

A contemporary, poetic yet realistic narrative with a cinematic gaze, engaging with the Europe of tomorrow and bringing audiences into contact with its ordinary people. Set in 2040, in the so-called “Old Neuropa,” four individuals — Xenia, Ingrid, Melina and Aris — move within a landscape of constant control, in a society of limited sovereignty and continuous surveillance. They walk a path that leads either to annihilation or to the so-called people of the caves. Written in 2016 and considered prophetic for its time, The 3% combines video art, cinematic aesthetics and live stage action, moving between realism and dystopian imagination, while approaching contemporary dead ends with humour and subtle irony. With a playful yet deeply human perspective, with hope and proposition, the play explores what freedom and consciousness mean in a world that seems to have stopped desiring them. The play is inspired by the financial crisis experienced by Greece and is written by Eurodram-awarded playwright Vily Sotiropoulou and produced by Greek theatre company Boufoni Theatre Group. Performed in Greek with English surtitles.

Come with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Cèilidh Band. All dances will be called and there’ll be easy-to-follow circles for wee ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music. This event is part of Easy Sundays, a fortnightly session of stories, music, community and friendship with a variety of activities for all to enjoy. Supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and the Scottish Storytelling Centre to create a warm and welcoming space for the community.

Celebrate Make Music Day with a free concert by Edinburgh's Sangstream Choir! Sangstream are a community choir led by acclaimed Scottish traditional musician Corrina Dawn (Hewat). For almost 30 years they've been entertaining audiences with an enchanting variety of Scots folk songs, both contemporary and traditional, some well known and others less so, mostly in three-part harmony.

Thigibh agus rannsaichibh clàr nan òran Gàidhlig a sgrìobh is a sheinn Runrig bhon chiad chlàr aca a-riamh Play Gaelic, anns an robh cuid de na h-òrain as motha nan cùrsa-beatha, gu òrain Gàidhlig nas co-aimsireil a chuidich le bhith a’ cumadh sealladh dùthchail na Gàidhlig agus a’ brosnachadh mòran sheinneadairean thar nan 50 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh. B’ e Calum agus Ruaraidh MacDhòmhnaill prìomh sgrìobhadairean òrain na Gàidhlig thar nan 50 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh agus chuidich na h-òrain aca le bhith a’ cumadh saoghal seinn na Gàidhlig chun na tha e an-diugh, agus cluinnidh sibh mòran de na h-òrain aca gan cleachdadh aig an fhèis Ghàidhealach as motha san t-saoghal, Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail. Come and explore the catalogue of Gaelic songs written and performed by Runrig, from their first ever album Play Gaelic, which included some of the biggest songs of their career, to more contemporary Gaelic songs that helped shape the Gaelic folk scene and inspire many singers over the last 50 years. Calum and Rory Macdonald were the key Gaelic songwriters of the last 50 years, and their songs helped shape the Gaelic singing world to what it is today. Many of their songs are now used at the biggest Gaelic festival in the world, The Royal National Mòd. Norrie Tago MacIver is a singer-songwriter from the Isle of Lewis, with a reputation as one of Gaelic music’s most versatile and accomplished voices. Until November 2025 he was the lead singer of Skipinnish, one of Scotland’s most popular and dynamic folk bands, for nine years. Known for his powerful voice, melodic flair, and deep roots in Gaelic tradition, Norrie has brought his signature style to sold-out venues across the UK, including the Barrowlands and Edinburgh Castle. In December 2011, Norrie was voted Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and in 2021 he won the Online Performance of the year. He has two solo albums under his name and also released an album of new songs with the Glasgow Barons called Songs of Govan Old.

Jyne award-winnin nor’east folk sangster Ellie Beaton fur a blithesome reenge throu tradeitional Aiberdeenshire ballants fae the Greig-Duncan Folk Sang Collection. Uisin sic routhie resoorces, fowk takkin pairt wull fin oot mair aboot the airt o gaitherin folk sangs, alang wi the distinct ornamentation an style o thon pairt o the kintra. Pit on bi the Tradeitional Music Forum o Scotland. Join North-East folk singer Ellie Beaton for an engaging exploration of traditional Aberdeenshire ballads from the Greig–Duncan Folk Song Collection. Through these rich resources, participants will delve into the art of folk song collecting, while exploring the distinctive ornamentation and style of the region. Ellie Beaton is a captivating award-winning folk singer hailing from Rothienorman in the North-East of Scotland. With a commanding voice that ripples with warmth and confidence, Ellie effortlessly embodies the timeless spirit of Aberdeenshire’s vibrant singing style whilst blending inspirations from across the globe. Born and raised in Rothienorman, in the heart of Aberdeenshire, she has carved a name for herself as one of the most promising voices in Scotland’s folk scene, being described as “one of the most outstanding voices in Scotland’s folk scene” by the Herald. In February 2025, Ellie was crowned BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, four years after becoming the youngest ever winner of the MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year.

The sun is high in the sky and the long road beckons! Take us on a journey with travelling tales from near or far. Join the Burgh Blatherers for a series of regular open-floor storytelling nights taking place throughout the year, a cosy gathering in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court with refreshments available from the Haggis Box Café. Hosted by Bob Mitchell and members of Edinburgh's own storytelling club who will transport you with their own stories and imaginative weavings while offering you the chance to tell your own tales!

Queer Folks’ Tales continues its fifth year in the Scottish home of storytelling, with rave reviews and even an award under its belt! Celebrate the start of summer 2026 with LGBTQ+ storytellers galore from around Edinburgh and Scotland sharing stories of queer lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories is as varied as the range of performers we invite. Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the tales told will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali, who is joined in June by stand-up Heather Ross, crime novelist Emma Christie and musician Raveloe. Turan Ali has been a producer, director and writer of BBC radio dramas and comedies for over 25 years. He’s been a stage storyteller since 2012, and a stand up since 2019. He tours internationally, just completed an east Asian stand-up tour to Singapore, Vietnam and Japan, and has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. He’s the creator, producer and host of Queer Folks’ Tales for which he won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award 2024. QFT now tours across Scotland year round and is Creative Scotland funded. Emma Christie has written 4 psychological thrillers set in Edinburgh’s Portobello. Her debut novel The Silent Daughter was shortlisted for Bloody Scotland’s esteemed McIlvanney Prize and for the Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2021. Her latest novel Watch Your Back was described as ‘superb’ by Ian Rankin and was named as Thriller of the Month in The Times. She also runs Write and Walk retreats - which combine writing sessions with spectacular walks in Spain. She’s currently working on her 5th novel Heather Kondak Ross is a Scottish-Canadian writer and performer based in Edinburgh. Along with creating award-winning shorts and sketches with her comedy group Get Your Goat Comedy, she has just adapted her first feature length film and performed for the 2025/2026 cohort of Scotland's Comedy Platform. She hass also written, produced and performed for CBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 4, OutTV and Montecristo Magazine. Raveloe (a moniker found within the pages of George Eliot's Silas Marner, about a reclusive weaver) is the project of Glasgow songwriter Kim Grant. She takes inspiration from nature, magical-realism, the spectrum of human experience and emotions, and artists like The Microphones, Big Thief, Jason Molina. Her debut album was Exit Light (2023) and she has headlined at Celtic Connections and been featured on BBC Radio.