Telling stories

Written by Helen Fowler

Luckily, Edinburgh festivals don't stop at the end of August. The 20th Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs from 23 October to 1st November - good news for anyone who fears withdrawal symptoms after the end of the Fringe and Festival in August.

This year the Storytelling Festival is tying in with Scotland's 2009 Year of Homecoming to explore the idea of Homelands. The festival will bring together storytellers from North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - all countries where Scottish settlers made their homes - to entertain audiences. In the case of this particular festival, the venue itself is part of the event's attraction.

The festival takes place in the Scottish Storytelling Centre located in Edinburgh's Netherbow, halfway down the Royal Mile, on the site of the city's medieval gateway. Parts of the centre date back to 1470 and the centre makes for a memorable day out, especially for those with children. The award-winning new building incorporates the former home of John Knox, the Protestant reformer. It is also home to the 99-seat Netherbow Theatre and the George Mackay Brown Library.

The Storytelling Court is open to the public and holds free, child-friendly exhibitions. The court has a special atmosphere, thanks to the skilled architecture that created the space. The cafe serves good-quality, home-made food. Not cheap, but waitress service means no queueing and a chance to rest tired feet. A tour of the centre costs £3.50 for adults, children under seven go free. The festival will comprise storytelling performances, talks, workshops and family activities.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 9579. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it