Monday November 17th 2025
Toby Hawks and Jan Bee Brown (photo by Andrew Perry)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is in Musselburgh on Friday 28th of November with ‘Raven Tales’ performed by storyteller Jan Bee Brown and musician Toby Hawks.
Running from then 22nd of October to the 1st of November, 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. SISF is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling, encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles.
Raven Tales is part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Go Local programme that includes over 60 events taking place all over Scotland between October and November. Events take place in village halls, pubs, castles and gardens, where storytellers connect audiences to the light, the North, the sea and the sky, through the power of storytelling.
The one off Musselburgh event, ‘Raven Tales’, presents a collection of memorable, thought-provoking and dementia-inclusive stories and songs from Scandinavia and Scotland about Ravens. Beginning with myth and legends including tales of Odin and his two pet Ravens and many more.
Jan Bee Brown is a professional storyteller and collaborative artist. Her creative practice is driven by folk tradition, sharing stories eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart. Living by the sea, her creel is full of stories and songs of the sea, including quests, battles, monsters, stowaways, and pirates.
Toby Hawks is an accomplished musician and experienced performer on modern violin, Baroque violin and folk fiddle.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival Director, Donald Smith said:
“I’m very inspired by the chemistry of this year’s programme. Northern stories come from the forests, mountains and oceans, while drawing on an eerie imagination, surreal humour and hidden connections between human and natural spirits. Inner and outer journeys collide with unexpected magic. And Scotland is a hub and a crucible of this unique northern brew!”
For more information on ‘Ravens Tales’ visit SISF’s website.
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