Scottish International Storytelling Festival comes to the Halkirk

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) will host an event at Halkirk next month to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Three local storytellers will explore the interplay between humans and mystical characters from local folklore in Folklore and Humans: Where Two Worlds Meet (Saturday, October 14) at The Ross Institute in Halkirk. Jane Mather introduces the magical figures and wise women of Caithness; Alexandria Patience examines stories of herbs, health, brews and witches; and Griogair MacAllein leads a vivid, immersive workshop on darker local tales.

This year’s festival theme is the 'Right To Be Human' with tales of "human courage and creativity, spoken with powerful words". It will take place across Scotland from October 13-29 and storytellers will share stories about the impacts of war, gender inequality, censorship; ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious prejudices; and other threats and challenges on "our human rights as a global nation".

As events take place across Scotland, SISF also invites audiences from further afield to tune into the festival’s new podcast series Another Story – six weekly episodes themed around our right to be human.

And, audiences can also join in online at Global Lab – a series of digital storytelling and development sessions. In week one (Oct 16-19), Global Lab will look at the planet’s eco-system and how ecological passion drives 21st century storytelling in association with Earth Charter International and, in week two the workshop theme Shared Lives (Oct 23-26) will focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the importance of valuing dignity, respect, equality and compassion in our lives.

Looking ahead to this year’s event, SISF director, Donald Smith said: All over the world human and environmental rights are under threat. But against that there is an activist and creative tide building towards a different future. The Storytelling Festival is part of that wave.”

For tickets and more info visit www.sisf.org.uk

Connect with the festival on social media @ScotStoryFest #RightToBeHuman

Booking and info for the Halkirk event is available from Cally Maxwell – www.sidhchailleannart.com sidhchailleannart@gmail.com, 07811 873507

Folklore and Humans: Where Two Worlds Meet is on Saturday, October 14, at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm.

Jane Mather 12pm; Alexandria Patience (3pm); Griogair MacAllein (6pm) – The Ross Institute, Halkirk B874, KW12 6XZ Free, ticketed (2hrs).

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