Story Telling Feast For North Families

30th January 2006

Families in Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, and Inverness will this February have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of storytelling events organised by Highland Council's Community Learning and Leisure Service.

Through funding from the Live Literature Scotland Scheme, Highland Libraries have organised five family storytelling sessions "Stories For All Ages" led by key Scottish poets, authors and storytellers.

Managed by the Scottish Book Trust and funded by the Scottish Arts Council, Live Literature Scotland Scheme is a unique funding scheme which takes Scottish writers, playwrights, poets, storytellers and their work to every corner of Scottish society. Live Literature Scotland Scheme financially supports up to 1500 events a year in schools, libraries, writers groups, prisons, hospitals, community groups and festivals throughout Scotland.

In Ross and Cromarty, performance poet, storyteller and art therapist, Margot Henderson area will be at Dingwall Community Centre on Monday, 6th February at 2:00 pm.

Skye-based writer Siusaidh Nicneill will read stories for all ages at Lochcarron Library on Wednesday, 8th February 8th at 10:00 am.

At Thurso Library on Thursday, 9th February 9th at 2:00 pm, storyteller Bob Pegg will weave weave music and song into his tales.

Martin Watssman will be at Tain Library, on Friday, 10th February 10th at 2:00 pm. Martin tells stories which have a supernatural twist or feature. He relates stories from Celtic and Scottish folk tradition.

On Saturday, 11th February at 2:00 pm, Inverness Library will be hosting Lilian Ross, a native doric speaker from the Buchan Farnmlands of Aberdeenshire. Lilian is a tradition bearer, and as well as telling stories, she writes short prose and poetry and sings traditional ballads.

Michelle Gowans, Highland Council's Senior Librarian, Young Children and Families Co-ordinator said: "These free events are intended for all ages and we welcome entire families to come along and enjoy this rare opportunity to take part in the magic of live storytelling.

"All the storytellers practice a traditional art and are masters at improvisation in choosing the right story to suit the audience that presents themselves. We can guarantee lots of traditional stories that will appeal to all ages. Some will use songs and instruments; others mayuse Gaelic or poetry or dance."