Year of Stories set to tell north's tale

EXCITING events will share the north-east’s story with the world as Scotland celebrates the Year of Stories in 2022.

A nationwide programme of more than 60 events presented by a range of partners from national organisations to community groups has been unveiled today (Tuesday, December 14) in recognition of the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. Additional events will continue to be added throughout 2022.

The programme was launched along with a new promotional video featuring the voice of Game of Thrones star James Cosmo. The Clydebank-born actor, known for his role in the fantasy epic as well as numerous Scottish film and TV shows, lends his distinctive timbre to inspire visitors and locals to explore Scotland and celebrate the Year of Stories.

Aberdeen will play host to a special Spectra – Scotland’s Festival of Light - in February, this time celebrating the humour, seriousness and sheer gallus of Scotland’s storytellers, including Writ Large, which will beam the country’s finest contemporary storytellers’ prose and poetry in large scale projections and neon.

The events programme will bring Scotland’s places and spaces to life, sharing stories old and new covering everything from local tales to oral traditions, iconic books, to tales told on the big screen. They will be told by diverse voices and discovered in many different places, showcasing the many sides of Scotland’s distinct culture.

Across the country, from national to community organisations and businesses, people are preparing to tell their tales of Scotland, shining a spotlight on iconic stories and storytellers, tales of our people, places and legends and stories inspired by nature.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “2022 is the year we celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories. Storytelling and celebrating our unique oral history tradition has never been more important as we continue to respond to the impacts of the pandemic.

“We must ensure our Scotland’s stories are preserved and celebrated. 2022 will have something for everyone from some of the biggest cultural events of the year taking place at the Edinburgh festivals, to small community festivals in our towns and villages.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the very best in Scottish storytelling talent throughout 2022 - which will be absolutely vital to our continued culture recovery.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, commented: “Scotland’s Year of Stories, and this exciting new events programme, offers an incredible platform to showcase the many sides of Scotland’s distinct, vibrant and diverse culture.

“We are inviting the world to delve into the wonderful experiences our stories create. From icons of literature to local tales, the year encourages visitors and locals to experience a range of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

“And it’s important to shout about Scotland’s new and untold stories. Year of Stories 2022 will shine a light on emerging, fresh and forward-looking talent and highlight the innovators that break boundaries across all forms of storytelling.

“As our valuable tourism and events industry continues to rebuild following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year heralds an exciting new chapter while also providing quality opportunities for artists, creatives and audiences.”

James Cosmo added: “It is an honour to be involved with Scotland’s Year of Stories.

"I know first-hand the impact our nation’s stories have on the world and to have a full year dedicated to sharing them from all corners of Scotland, is incredible.

“I am really excited to see the year unfold and all these events take place. It’s so important that we share how Scotland’s stories, in all their forms, make our country so special.”

For 2022 the themed year will include a brand-new events programme strand. The Community Stories Fund has been designed to support organisations and community groups to take part in and celebrate the year, spotlighting the unique stories that matter to them. The fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Around 100 events will be supported through the Community Stories Fund including a theatre piece in Inverurie inspired by the life of Scottish suffragette and journalist Caroline Phillips. Written in Doric dialect and English by award-winning writer Alan Bissett, and performed by Garidge Theatre’s cast of young people, this will be a fabulous celebration of local history and language

Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will begin on January 1, 2022 and run until December 31, 2022. For more information, see www.visitscotland.com/year-of-stories