Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025: The Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Talks To Donald Smith...
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.
Really enjoyed this conversation with Donald Smith. The way the festival keeps oral storytelling alive across generations is something worth protecting, and the podcast captures that warmth well.
It also reminded me how much narrative structure matters in interactive media. I have been exploring a small project, 1in8b life simulation game, that leans heavily on branching stories, and listening to this made me think about how the same craft applies.
Really enjoyed listening to this chat with Donald Smith ahead of the festival. His insights into how the "Lights Of The North" theme brings together different cultural strands are fascinating, and it is hard to believe this is his final year steering the programme after so long. While juggling my usual schedule and sorting out an Environmental Engineering Assignment Help Australia guide for a friend over the weekend, I found myself reflecting on how vital these community traditions are for keeping local culture vibrant and connected. It is wonderful to see the event celebrating its thirty-sixth year with such energy, and it makes you appreciate the sheer dedication behind keeping oral traditions alive across Scotland.
Really enjoyed this conversation with Donald Smith. The way he describes oral storytelling traditions, and how a story only really lives once it is shared out loud, is something I keep coming back to. It made me think about how the simplest group activities are often the ones that get people talking, and lately the Wacky Steps game has been our go-to for exactly that at family gatherings. Looking forward to the next episode.
Really enjoyed this episode - the storytelling festival sounds like a brilliant listen, and the conversation with Donald Smith is a treat. If you fancy a quick break between podcasts, you can try Summer Rider online for a light-hearted ride.
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