Seeing how Orkney Folklore and Storytelling works with additional support needs has reinforced what is unique in our own practice. The storytelling is interactive with the audience and has space for children’s different ways of receiving the stories. The Centre also run ceramic workshops for children and families and we could really see the quality of what the children produce and the experience of a traditional craft – the slow process of drying the clay, firing, glazing and glaze-firing and how stories build through the characters which emerge. Also the environmental
benefits of this slow craft where there is a lot less waste than with other forms of art ‘n’ crafts.

We explored how the peoples’ Island Calendar and their partnership with the ancient landscapes and surrounding seas has shaped the social landscape of today in these magical Highland and Islands of Scotland. This will enable us to share this knowledge with our Moray audiences – to enrich our tales with the first hand account of The Islands, the islanders and their history, culture, traditions and lives.

Learning Outcomes

• Find out about past Highlanders’ and Islanders’ culture, social customs, work traditions and beliefs.
• Learn how to make our story telling sessions inclusive of those children who may find it challenging to just sit and listen to a story – enabling our stories to reach a broader audience and include those with Additional Support Needs.
• To learn the Folklore, Folk Tales, Legend, Rhymes, Poetry, Sagas, sea legends, crofting tales and myths to share with our Moray audiences.

"The experience of being on Orkney brings a depth and detail to our stories which would be missing if we hadn't seen the height and majesty of the standing stones, crawled through the deep dark tunnels of the ancient chambered burial cairn of dogs and re-emerged into the bright light of morning, gentle green hills sloping down to the turquoise loch and affirming that we live because of those who have gone before."