Our next storytelling session will take place in our usual venue, The Woolpack, Tillicoultry, from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Everyone is welcome, to tell a tale or just to listen.
The theme for the evening is “Ochil Tales”.
News
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.
STORYTELLING SESSION: WEDNESDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2025
Join us in The Woolpack, Tillicoultry from 7.30 – 9.30 for a heart-warming session of storytelling on the theme of “Secrets and Lies”.
Come along to tell a tale or simply to listen – everyone is welcome!
STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 20th AUGUST, 2025
Our theme for this evening’s storytelling session in the convivial surroundings of The Woolpack, Tillicoultry was “Hero or Villain?”.
We began by sharing anecdotes about our own personal heroes or villains, which generated much discussion and laughter.
Our first tale of the evening was “Zeus and his Shenanigans”.
Next we heard a family story, “The Doc Leaf Poultice”.
We were lucky to hear not one but two self-penned poems from our long- standing members, “Last Summer” and “The Villains of Summer 2025”.
“The Dean of Dalmahoy” was our next story, set in Cambuskenneth Abbey.
Our final offering of the night was “hero Turned Villain”, a long tale about a fisherman.
Once again, it was a most enjoyable evening.
WILD HILLFOOTS COMMUNITY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: BREATHE EASY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE
Our first storytelling event of the festival, on Thursday 14th August 2025, was a great success. Joanne and Eleanor brought local folklore to life and shared some traditional Scottish tales with an enraptured audience at Breathe Easy in Alloa.
Here are just a few of the many testimonials we received:
“Fab afternoon, loved the stories. Pleases return soon!”
“Really enjoyed the stories. The Hillfoots are so romantic!”
“Fascinating stories, especially the local ones.”
STORYTELLING SESSION REVIEW: WEDNESDAY, 6th AUGUST, 2025
Our theme for our first meeting in August was “Flight of Fancy”.
We listened to the story of “Jack and the Witch’s Bellows”, one of many stories about the eponymous Jack.
Next we heard a story of a clever slave, “In a Box”.
After that, the true story of “The Invasion of the Caterpillars”, which took place in Clackmannanshire in 1937.
The fourth offering of the evening was an original poem written by our resident poet, “The Dream”.
Our penultimate tale was “The Firebird and the Wolf”, from Russia.
And last but not least, we were entertained by “The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship”.
We also enjoyed hearing about eventful air journeys that our members have experienced.
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: WEDNESDAY, 6TH AUGUST, 2025
Please join us in The Woolpack, Tillicoultry, 7.30pm – 9.30pm for an evening of storytelling which promises to be thought provoking and entertaining.
Our theme for our first meeting in August is “Flight of Fancy”.
So come along to listen to our tales and perhaps even tell a tale of your own.
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.