The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 runs from 22 October to 1 November, celebrating northern identity with tales from Finland to Iceland, Germany to Norway, and Scotland at the heart. This year’s theme, Lights of the North, invites audiences into a rich tapestry of myth, memory, and modern resonance.
A Hearth of Stories in a Changing Season
As autumn deepens and the nights grow long, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) returns to Edinburgh and venues across Scotland, rekindling the ancient art of oral storytelling. Now in its 36th year, SISF 2025 draws inspiration from the Scottish cèilidh tradition—a communal gathering of tales, music, and song—and expands it into a global celebration of northern voices.
Theme: Lights of the North
This year’s theme, Lights of the North, explores Scotland’s place within the northern arc—a cultural corridor stretching from Finland and Iceland to Germany and Norway. Through this lens, the festival curates stories that illuminate shared heritage, resilience, and the emotional landscapes of northern communities. Expect tales of migration, myth, and memory, told with warmth and wit.
Global Voices, Local Roots
Organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), the festival showcases world-class storytellers alongside local talent. Events span intimate performances, outdoor gatherings, workshops, and family-friendly sessions. Venues include the Netherbow Theatre at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the National Library of Scotland.
New Podcast: Another Story
Complementing the live programme is Another Story, a new podcast series launched by SISF. It offers listeners a chance to experience storytelling on the move—whether commuting, walking, or curled up at home. Each episode is a portal into the emotional and cultural richness of the festival’s themes.
Festival Pass & Community Programme
For those planning to attend multiple events, the Festival Pass offers discounted access and exclusive perks. Meanwhile, the Community Programme extends storytelling into schools, libraries, and local hubs, ensuring the festival’s spirit reaches every corner of Scotland.
Legacy and Innovation
Since its founding in 1989, SISF has grown into the world’s largest celebration of storytelling. It continues to evolve, embracing multimedia projects like Map of Stories—a digital archive of 77 tales launched in 2022—and Sensing Stories, which brings British Sign Language storytelling to new audiences.
Whether you’re drawn to folklore, contemporary narratives, or the quiet power of a well-told tale, SISF 2025 offers a space to gather, listen, and reflect. It’s not just a festival—it’s a cultural hearth, glowing with the light of shared stories and northern soul.
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