STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2025

Our theme for the first storytelling session in our usual venue of The Woolpack, Tillicoultry of September was “Secrets and Lies”.

We began by sharing some secrets or lies of our own, which promoted lots of discussion and sharing of memories.

Our first story of the evening was a traditional Irish tale, “The Children of Lir”.

The second tale was “London again!”, a traditional Scottish story.

Next, we heard an original poem written by a long-term member of Hillfoots Tales, “Secrets”.

Our final offering of the evening was “The Husband Who Lied About his Happiness”.

It was another heart-warming evening which raised all our spirits.

 

WILD HILLFOOTS COMMUNITY STORYTELLING PROGRAMME

Hillfoots Tales are pleased to be kicking off our “Wild Hillfoots Community Storytelling Programme,” this Thursday 14th August 2025.  This is the first in a series of community events we will organising over the next year throughout Clackmannanshire.
Our Storytellers Joanne Dowd and Eleanor Bell are delighted to be attending the Breatheasy Group in Alloa where they will be bringing some local Folklore to life as well as sharing some Scottish Traditional Tales.
If your group is  interested in being involved with our project, please email joanne@hillfootstales.co.uk

STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 16th JULY, 2025

Our second storytelling session in July had the theme of “Islands and Islanders”.

We began by sharing memories of our own favourite islands – Malta, Sicily, Arran, Shetland, Cyprus to name just a few.

Stories shared this evening were “The Crofter and the Laird” from South Uist, “Aci and Galatea” from Sicily, “The Woman with the Calabash Bowl” from Africa, “The Watchers” from Ireland and “New Territory” from a remote island, the location of which is a mystery.

We met in the cosy surrounding of our usual venue, The Woolpack in Tillicoultry.

Hillfoots Awarded £10,000 in Funding

We are delighted to report that Hillfoots Tales has been awarded £10,000 in Lottery funding.

The award will enable us to deliver our  “Wild Hillfoots Storytelling Programme” to Clackmannanshire over the next year,  working with local people, groups, businesses, and engaging communities across Clackmannanshire in local history,  using local venues and bringing people together to help tackle social isolation as well as promote the beauty and heritage of the wee county.

Through hearing the stories of ordinary women, who have helped shape the world throughout history, and using storytelling techniques, women will be encouraged to explore the challenging life scenarios faced every day such as poverty, health inequalities, and discrimination.

STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 21ST MAY, 2025

In our regular session at The Woolpack, Tillicoultry, we enjoyed an enchanting evening of  Shapeshifters tales.

First we listened to a tale from Norse mythology, “Loki’s Three Secret Children”.

Our second story of the evening was “The Fox Boy”, a well-known traditional tale set in the Ochil Hills.

Next we heard a gruesome yet funny medieval Welsh legend, “Math, Son of Mathonwy”.

Our fourth offering was an original work from our resident poet, called “Get in Shape”, a humorous take on the pressures to keep fit and healthy.

Following the poem, we heard the mysterious tale of “The Kelpie of Loch Garve”.

Our final story was “The Hiker”, a chilling tale set in an old cabin.

Before listening to these wonderful and varied pieces, we each chose a random object and modelled it using Play-Doh.  Below are a selection of our modelling attempts.  Can you guess what they are?

                                                

STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 7TH MAY, 2025

We had an excellent turn out of Hillfoots Tales members on a warm and sunny evening.  Our usual venue, The Woolpack, Tillicoultry, afforded a cool and peaceful setting for our “Away With the Fairies”-themed storytelling session.

First, we heard the story of Wee Angus, a shepherd’s son who encountered two wee folk in the Ochil Hills.

Next, an original poem was recited called The Night Visitor.

The third offering of the session was The Sea Shawl.

Then we listened to another original poem, A Celebration of Scott.

After that, a Welsh tale of Fairy Coos was related to the group.

The penultimate story of the evening was The Faerie Oak of Corrieburn.

And lastly, we were entertained by the tale of The Girl Who danced With the Faeries.

A wonderful evening of stories and poems was enjoyed by all.

 

STORYTELLING SESSION: WEDNESDAY, 7TH MAY, 2025

Our first storytelling session in May will have the theme, “Away With the Fairies”.

The session will run from 7.30pm -9.30pm and will take place in the convivial surroundings of The Woolpack, Tillicoultry.

So please join us for a relaxing and uplifting evening of stories, poems, anecdotes and great company.