Our Go Local programme of events for 2026 has now ended. Hillfoots Tales was delighted to provide four events this year – two for children and two for adults.
Both of our events for adults sold out. “Ghouls and Goulash” at The Royal Oak, Alloa served up a delicious buffet of goulash, pizza, sandwiches and pakora alongside spooky stories from Eleanor, Tania, Gail, Cath, Mary and Jo. “Great way to spend an evening – better than watching rubbish on the T.V.!”
Many thanks to Greg and the team at The Royal Oak for the venue and food, and to Eleanor and our own team for decorating the tables in a suitably seasonal fashion.
And, of course, thanks to our wonderful audience for supporting us.
Our second event for adults, “Bird and Beasts – Darkness Beneath” was held in the atmospheric setting of Alloa Tower. Jo, Eleanor and guest storyteller Ian Stephen had our audience captivated by local tales and tales from the isles of
Scotland. Jim Thornton and Farquhar Wilson added musical accompaniment to the stories and Jim delighted all with his renditions of folk songs featuring birds and beasts. “What an absolutely magical evening. The storytellers were mesmerising.”
Huge thanks to Alison Fraser at Alloa Tower for the use of this historic building.
Hillfoots Tales also ran a children’s event at Hawkhill
Community Centre for local children, “Look Aboot Ye” in which tales were told by Jo and Eleanor and suitably spooky crafts were offered. “Great session, kids loved the crafting, games and the storytelling was definitely a hit!”
Thanks to the two Gills from Hawkhill Community Centre.
Our second children’s event was also storytelling with crafting, held at Mum’s the Word in Sauchie. Again, local children had the opportunity to create their own monster and hear traditional and local tales told by Jo and Eleanor. The children also helped to create their own story about a magic unicorn.
Thanks to Charlene and Mum’s the Word.
And finally, one of our storytellers, Tania Dron, co-hosted an outdoor event with Lucy O Higgins from Wild Seasonal Workshops just outside Dollar. Tania told several stories about swallows whilst Lucy guided us through
the process of making willow and reed swallows, sitting around a campfire, drinking pineapple weed tea. “It was really great! Stunning views of the Ochils, captivating stories and interesting craft activity.”
Hillfoots Tales are delighted to be part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s “Go Local” programme of events for the ninth year.
We have three events planned for October 2026:
Ghouls and Goulash – Haunting Tales of Bird and Beast
Thursday, 15th October 2026:
Cath, Eleanor, Gail, Jo, Mary and Tania – experienced storytellers all – will tell spooky, beastly tales from near and far in the Royal Oak, Alloa.
Ticket price includes a hot buffet (including goulash). Vegetarian option available.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT.
Darkness Beneath Storytelling Event at Alloa Tower
Thursday, 22nd October 2026 7.30 – 9.30pm
Join us in the beautiful, historic Alloa Tower for a haunting evening of stories and songs of Birds and Beasts – Darkness Beneath. Come and hear legendary tales set in historic Clackmannanshire, from Joanne Dowd and Eleanor Bell, alongside island tales from our guest storyteller Ian Stephen accompanied by local musician, Jim Thornton.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT.
Look Aboot Ye – Storytelling and craft for Children
Saturday, 24th October 10.00am – 12.00pm
What’s happening?
Fun, interactive storytelling
Local tales and a little bit of magic
Creative crafts and monster making