Hillfoots Tales

On Saturday, 21st October 2023, we held the first of three events as part of this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival in Dunmar House Hotel, Alloa.

A sell-out audience heard tales told by our very own Joanne Dowd and Tania Dron, who were joined by West Coast, traditional Storyteller and participatory artist Shona Cowie, who delighted us all with several stories from her repertoire.

A wonderful, atmospheric afternoon was enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to our performers and of course to our audience for supporting us.

 

WEDNESDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER

TONIGHT’S SESSION CANCELLED.

Due to the weather and possible encroaching storm, this evening’s session has been cancelled.

We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment.

October marks the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023! This year’s theme is ‘Right To Be Human’. Alongside our annual poetry competition, Hillfoots Tales is hosting three special events during the festival including:

Stand Up for Your Rights – An afternoon of traditional tales, as well as tea/coffee and biscuits! Sat 21 Oct, 14:30-16:30 at Dunmar House, Alloa.

Rights of the Round Table  – An evening of tales on the theme of right to be human. Wed 25 Oct, 19:30-21:30 at Dunmar House, Alloa.

Finding the Right Story  – A storytelling workshop for beginners in the cosy Ladybird Tearoom. Cake included! Thu 26 Oct, 19:30-21:30.

Tickets available on Eventbrite. Get your early bird discount now!

This Wednesday, 27th September, our theme is “a different perspective”.

Come and join us to hear some of our favourite stories told from a different viewpoint.

Everyone is welcome to come along to listen, or perhaps tell your own tale.

CALLING ALL WRITERS!

Today is the launch of Hillfoots Tales’ annual poetry competition!

This year’s theme is ‘Freedom’.

This coincides with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023 in October. This year’s festival will explore the ‘Right To Be Human’, to mark the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ongoing human rights crises. Read more about the Festival here!

Alongside events during the festival, Hillfoots Tales is hosting a poetry competition. We invite local writers (both amateur and professional) to submit work (maximum 40 lines) on their interpretation of ‘Freedom’, be it personal, political, or freedom in nature.

Enter for the chance to win recognition and prizes! The winner and runners up will be announced following the deadline.

The closing date is 31^st of October.

Send your submissions to laurakateallison@gmail.com

Good luck!

Our last session had the theme of “Favourites”.  We were treated to not one but two original poems composed by our talented members:  “To A Wife” and “The Old Kent Road”.  We also heard the “Twa Corbies” poem.

The tale of “Ras Medden” was shared, as was “The Hero of Largs” which involved a Viking invasion in the 13th Century!  Another of our team told her first ever story, “The Wee Fiddler”.  “As Meat Loves Salt” related the tale of a man with three daughters who asks them how much they each love him.

We also heard a short tale, “Four Spirits on the Black Horses”.  Said spirits are said to bring disease and death….

“The Caillach” told the legend of the ancient Scottish goddess of winter.  There are many stories about this mythical creature, who is also known as Beara and is part of Irish folklore too.

A ghost story, “Tait’s Tomb”, had us all hurrying home at the end of a highly enjoyable evening!

 

 

Come and join us this Wednesday, 13th September, in the Woolpack, Tillicoultry, from 7.30 – 9.30pm for an evening of stories on the subject of “Favourites”.

Perhaps you’ll hear a story which is one of your favourites, or one which is new to you.  Perhaps you’d like to tell your own beloved tale?  Whether you prefer to listen or share a story, all are most welcome.

Hope to see you there!

 

Join us this coming Wednesday evening, 30th August, for our regular fortnightly storytelling session in the Woolpack Inn, Tillicoultry, 7.30 -9.30pm.

This week our theme is  “Games”.  Listen to our favourite traditional tales about games, or perhaps share a favourite tale of your own.

All welcome!

 

Our most recent session had the theme of “Secrets”.

True tales and imaginative tales were shared with members in our usual venue of the Woolpack Inn in Tillicoultry.

First tale told was from West Africa, “Keep Your Secret”, a story of shape-shifting and cleverness.

We heard an original poem composed by one of our long standing members.

Traditional tales included “The Kelpie Seaweed”, “The Pathfoot Secret”, “The Lewis Chessmen and “The Secret”.

We also learned about “The Green lady of Morningside”, a true tale of love and tragedy from Edinburgh in the year 1712.

 

 

Hillfoots Tales were once again pleased to be part of Tilly Community Week.

We presented our free “Tilly Tales” storytelling event in the atmospheric setting of the Neuk at the Woolpack Inn on Tuesday, 8th August 2023.

Several of our storytellers shared tales with a local flavour to an appreciative audience of all ages.  It was standing room only!  There were true tales, traditional tales, original tales and historical tales.

An entertaining time was had by all!

Many thanks to those who came along to support this event.