The story unfolds...
Book festivals, musical journeys, favourite cartoon characters and fresh takes on our culture and heritage, will form part of a dazzling programme of events to celebrate Scotland's Year of Stories!
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 15 December 2021 11:45
A nationwide programme of more than 60 events presented by a range of partners from national organisations to community groups has been unveiled in recognition of the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. Additional events will continue to be added throughout 2022.
The programme was launched along with a new promotional video featuring the voice of Game of Thrones star James Cosmo. The Clydebank-born actor, known for his role in the fantasy epic as well as numerous Scottish film and TV shows, lends his distinctive timbre to inspire visitors and locals to explore Scotland and celebrate the Year of Stories.
The story begins across January-March with:
• Glasgow’s Celtic Connections presenting ‘Whisper the Song’, a series of five newly commissioned events celebrating Scotland's rich tradition of stories, interwoven with music, song and film.
• Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire, beginning with a celebration of Burns then featuring a varied programme of events, exhibitions and experiences that will run across the year.
• Spectra – Scotland’s Festival of Light - returns to Aberdeen in February, celebrating the humour, seriousness and sheer gallus of Scotland’s storytellers, including ‘Writ Large’, which will beam the country’s finest contemporary storytellers’ prose and poetry in large scale projections and neon.
Turning the page into Spring 2022 (March-April) events:
• StAnza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival presents Stories like starting points, exploring the role of stories in poetry and introducing a brand-new Young Makars poetry initiative.
• Stornoway’s An Lanntair presents Seanchas, a series of events, films and special commissions celebrating tales from the Hebrides both real and imagined, modern and ancient.
Summer (May-September) provides plenty to write home about:
• Borders Book Festival returns to Melrose with a special programme celebrating and exploring tales with themes from Walter Scott, to the Great Tapestry of Scotland
• The Wire Women project taking place as part of Perth and Kinross’ Year of Stories with community groups, creatives and cultural organisations sharing the stories of women, all connected through objects in the collections of the new City Hall Museum
• Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Edinburgh International Film Festival will bring Scotland’s Stories On Screen to iconic and exciting places and spaces
• The Dundee Summer (Bash) Street Festival will hail Dundee as the home of comics, celebrating its characters, stories, history and upcoming talent. The city will be declared as BEANOTOWN, with a pop-up comic museum, workshops, talks, film screenings, street fun and world record attempts
• The world-renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival presents Scotland’s Stories Now – proving everyone has a story to tell with tales gathered from across the country and then shared at the flagship event.
• In Skye, SEALL and Gaelic singer Anne Martin lead An Tinne, a collection of songs, stories and objects from across the centuries exploring the deep and fascinating connection between Scotland and Australia
• Moray’s Findhorn Bay Festival will offer a journey of exploration and discovery, celebrating the area’s heritage, landscape and people
• The Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland’s National Book Town will present two new commissions, Into the Nicht, an immersive Dark Skies tour, and Walter in Wonderland, a whirlwind theatrical tour through the history of the nation’s literature
• The Northern Stories Festival led by Lyth Arts Centre in Caithness promises a spectacular celebration of the stories of the Far North.
Continuing the story into Autumn and Winter:
• Transgressive North bringing us Map of Stories – in partnership with the International Storytelling Festival - ‘film ceilidh’ events celebrating the most iconic voices from Scotland’s oral storytelling traditions will invoke the places and landscapes from which they emerge
• Stirling Castle plays host to Tales from the Castle, an after-hours event that opens the gates to extraordinary stories and takes you on a journey through language and time.
• Scotland's Stories – Community Campfires, led by Scottish Book Trust will take place across the country, engaging with communities and showcasing people's tales from their own lives - featuring Luke Winter’s Story Wagon and culminating at Book Week Scotland in November.
There are also a number of events that will take place across the year, with some touring the country:
• Edinburgh, Benmore, Logan and Dawyck Botanic Gardens will host Of Scotland’s Soils and Soul - a multi-sensory journey celebrating stories inspired by Scotland’s rich and diverse plant life.
• The Scottish Storytelling Centre & Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust present Figures of Speech with prominent and emerging figures responding to our iconic stories and imagining them afresh, sparking new dialogues and directions.
• The RSNO bring us Yoyo and the Little Auk, a new story celebrating our diverse cultures for Early Years Audiences with an animated film and live performances at events and festivals across Scotland.
• Songs from the Last Page from Chamber Music Scotland will take place at book festivals, libraries, and community spaces and will create new songs from the last lines of our great and favourite fiction: turning endings into beginnings.
The events programme will bring Scotland’s places and spaces to life, sharing stories old and new covering everything from local tales to oral traditions, iconic books, to tales told on the big screen. They will be told by diverse voices and discovered in many different places, showcasing the many sides of Scotland’s distinct culture.
Across the country, from national to community organisations and businesses, people are preparing to tell their tales of Scotland, shining a spotlight on iconic stories and storytellers, tales of our people, places and legends and stories inspired by nature.
For 2022 the Themed Year will include a brand new events programme strand. The Community Stories Fund has been designed to support organisations and community groups to take part in and celebrate the year, spotlighting the unique stories that matter to them. The fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Around 100 events will be supported through the Community Stories Fund including:
• Weaving with words: the magic of Highland Storytelling at Hugh Miller's Birthplace Museum will feature a series of guided storytelling walks around Cromarty from April to October, inspired by the life and works of the 19th century geologist, folklorist and social justice campaigner.
• In March the distinctive story of Easterhouse will be shared in Mining seams and drawing wells: a living archive for Easterhouse, led by Glasgow East Arts Company with local residents.
• A Yarn Worth Spinning led by The Great Tapestry of Scotland will tell the story of the history and culture of textiles in the Scottish Borders from April to June, including an exhibition and fashion show.
• A cross generational project led by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, The Phone Box – East Linton voices shared down the line, will take place in August with a rich soundscape of stories, memories and music.
In addition to the directly funded programme of events, VisitScotland will work with the widest range of partners to showcase and promote the full gamut of events and activities that celebrate Scotland’s many and diverse Stories across 2022. From the wider programme of Burns events in January, including National Trust for Scotland’s Burns Big Night In on 22 January, to the 75th Anniversary of our World Festival City to wonderful stories from our National Theatre of Scotland, including Enough of Him a remarkable story based on the life of one man who changed the course of history, and the ambitious programme coming to Scotland as part of UNBOXED, a UK wide celebration of creativity and innovation, 2022 is going to be a year in which stories are shared, and created on a huge scale.
Many more partner events celebrating the theme will be joining the programme over the forthcoming months.
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will begin on 1 January 2022 and run until 31 December 2022.
For more information www.visitscotland.com/year-of-stories
Join the conversation #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Jo Malone London arrives at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced that British fragrance house, Jo Malone London, has opened its doors today.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Merry go round Celebrates National Lottery Boost for Volunteers
Glasgow charity and social enterprise Merry-go-round is celebrating after receiving £18,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
READ MORE
SAMH takes The Nook on tour across Glasgow
A specially created preview of The Nook mental health support hub will be popping up in some of Glasgow’s most renowned locations.
READ MORE
Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.
READ MORE
Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds
Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico
This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.
READ MORE
Totally fetch casting update for Scottish premiere of Mean Girls
Emily Lane will star as Cady Heron alongside Vivian Panka as Regina George when Mean Girls The Musical comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre next summer!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Last chance to see Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at SEC Glasgow
The hugely popular experience, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, will end its very successful Glasgow run on 26th October 2025.
READ MORE
Mattel and Glasgow Life announce Barbie: The Exhibition is set to make Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Barbie®: The Exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026!
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Silverburn to host annual job fair with over 100 roles available
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is inviting job seekers looking to gain retail experience to its annual Job Fair on Friday 10th October, 10am – 5pm in the main atrium.
READ MORE
RSNO leader Maya Iwabuchi celebrated in new portrait by Gerard M Burns
Artist Gerard M Burns has revealed a new portrait of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Leader, Maya Iwabuchi as part of his Mother Glasgow project.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow to throw an epic 10th birthday party on 13th October
Flight Club is turning 10 in October and taking the celebrations on a UK-wide birthday tour, with a month of parties in each city it calls home!
READ MORE
Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, returns to Glasgow
Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026.
READ MORE
Extra Tickets Released: True Crime Live with David Swindle comes to Glasgow
Due to high demand, extra tickets have been released for True Crime Live: Murder – A Search for the Truth with international crime expert David Swindle.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Citz new Studio Theatre opens on 8th October with Young Co celebration of the legendary Close Theatre Club
The final space in the Citizens Theatre's acclaimed seven-year redevelopment opens this week on Wednesday 8th October.
READ MORE
COSMO St Enoch introduces initiative to encourage multi gen dining
Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus - but you can take her for a free meal at COSMO St Enoch!
READ MORE
Record turn out for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Glasgow's city centre was transformed into a festival of running as thousands took part in the 10K and Half Marathon, cheered on by over 100,000 supporters as part of the city's famous spirit.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links