The popular Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) is set to return to Shotts next month. Headlining the event is a rendition of “In the Hartwood” by Jane Mather and Heather Yule, a piece that was specially created for the festival last year. The festival pays homage to those laid to rest in pauper’s graves at the now abandoned Hartwood Hospital, with a focus on the caretakers who maintain the cemetery as a serene sanctuary. Attendees will be transported into a mystical world filled with dreams and nature spirits through enchanting stories and harp music.
Storyteller Jane Mather, who hails from Caithness, brings to life Scottish folk tales and fairy stories with a passion for building community connections through storytelling. The festival’s Go Local programme includes more than 50 events across Scotland from October to November. Supported by Creative Scotland’s PLACE Programme, these events aim to bridge cultures and unite artists and audiences through the art of storytelling.
The historic Hartwood Hospital, a psychiatric facility closed in the late 1990s, serves as the backdrop for this year’s festival. In the Hartwood will be hosted at the Henderson Theatre in Kirk Road, Shotts, featuring performances on Saturday, October 19, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets are priced at £5, with free entry for children. For bookings and further information, visit www.spotlightshotts.org.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore and community spirit. With events scheduled in a variety of venues such as village halls, pubs, castles and gardens, attendees can experience the magic of storytelling firsthand. Don’t miss out on this enchanting festival that celebrates the power of stories to connect and inspire audiences of all ages.