Storytelling to be showcased at the Glendale Gathering

You have a rare opportunity to hear one of Scotland’s best known storytellers, George Macpherson, as he celebrates the culture and techniques of the Celtic oral tradition at the Glendale Gathering from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May 2008. Now retired, Mr Macpherson, 75, continues to promote the art and has so far published two books of traditional tales – Highland Myths and Legends, and Celtic Sea Stories, due out in June by Luath Press Ltd.

He will be joined by other renowned traditional Scottish and Irish storytellers, who will explain the background to the famous folk tales, in the atmospheric setting of Skye. The essence of a traditional tale is one that has been passed on by person to person for centuries and remains unchanged, unlike other folk tales that can be reinterpreted, changed and updated.

Genuine storytellers of traditional tales have to make sure that no part of the story is changed, and even after centuries of retelling by different generations each story remains the same word for word.

This unique event in Skye, the historical setting of many of the stories, is aimed at families and there will be several events specifically for children including interactive animal tales for children aged 3-7 year-olds and Following The Stream, a story adventure for 7-12 year-olds with Donald Smith.

Workshops throughout the weekend will focus on the art of storytelling and there will also be the opportunity to learn more about the clairsach, the traditional Celtic instrument, with musician Heather Yules. A ceilidh on Saturday night will be hosted by Seoras Macpherson to celebrate in Highland style.

Traditional stories and storytelling is a dying art in Scotland and the festival hopes to strengthen the long-established custom and share the stories of our heritage to a new audience.

For more information please call Kati Waitzmann on 07867 985578.