Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025: The Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Talks To Donald Smith...
- Alistair Braidwood
- Oct 20, 2025
- 2 min read
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with Donald Smith, the director and founder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, to hear all about this year's programme, which features over 120 events and which will take place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland from 22nd October - 1st November.
Donald breaks down the title Lights Of The North and how that relates to the international aspect of the festival, before going through the themes and strands for this year and explaining the nationwide scope in terms of people and place.
This, the festival's 36th year, is also Donald's last (at least as director) and he looks back not only to previous festivals but also how he came to be involved, as well as the inspirational individuals and moments which fired his passion for storytelling - and for sharing that passion with others.
The two then discuss the communal nature of storytelling and how that fundamentally leads to greater empathy, understanding and generosity.
It was such a pleasure to be able to talk at length with Donald, not only about this year's festival, but also about his life and work to date, and we hope you find it as fascinating and inspiring as we do.
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The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) is organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and has taken place annually, in various venues across Scotland since 1989. It is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling, encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles.
Click here for our back catalogue of over 390 interviews with some of the most interesting names in and around Scottish culture.
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