Enjoyed a magical evening of storytelling with Lynn Barbour at the Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Centre on our last night on the island. Tales of selkies and finmen, woven with a skein of local dialect, poetry, history, and lore. A rich experience by the peat fire. Recommended for a taste of authentic Orcadia.
An atmospheric setting with a wonderful selection of books . Our storyteller was full of knowledge which she was passionate about sharing. She is a mesmerising teller of tales . All in all , a memorable evening which left me keen to learn more.
We very much enjoyed our storytelling evening. The atmosphere created really did take you to a different time and place. Gave us a different understanding of Orkney and stayed with us the rest of our trip.
We had the privilege of listening to an expert storyteller in a unique setting. A great experience and a brilliant introduction to Orkney folklore. Much recommended.
Lynn is a very talented story-teller, we absolutely loved the story-telling evening, it was just magical, would recommend, although not anyone for whom English isn't their first language as some of the group looked to be struggling to understand.
We had a magical evening listening at Orcadian myths and legends. The evening went through a mix of performance and story telling by the host, who is very knowledgeable and a great performer. You don't get much of a chance to experience the intangible heritage of places, and Orcadian myths are particularly special. Would definitely recommend if you are interested in learning about the myths and legends of Orkney. I'd recommend booking in advance as we went on a Tuesday and it was fully booked.
It was a truly magical evening. Not only did we have the stories, but we had the stories behind the stories and the stories behind them. The storyteller finally wove herself into the story tapestry towards the end so we were cocooned in a blanket of myth, legend, history, psychology, geography and custom. The studio itself is magical and the peat fire, the icing on the cake. The gentle pace of the evening and the soft, soporific timbre of the teller’s voice ensured a calm sleep full of dreams of selkies.
We enjoyed a fantastic storytelling evening by the peat fire. The storytelling room is detailed and creatively put together. The stories were beautiful, melodic and almost hypnotic. The storyteller was exceptional. You absolutely must go here to immerse yourself in culture and folklore.
An absolutely incredible night of story-telling! 🙂 Lynn is a fantastic host, performer and orator, truly bringing alive the old tales of Orkney. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the islands’ oral traditions and their preservation is a treasure, and the wealth of local insight and knowledge she brings into her evenings is just remarkable. Very much encourage anyone who has the opportunity to sit in on one of her peat fire tales evenings to do so!
Lovely evening. The setting in the art studio by the hearth is cosy, yet whimsical, and Lynn is a great storyteller, so dedicated to making the old stories survive. If you come to the orkneys don't skip this
I went to a peat fire storytelling evening, and it was INCREDIBLE! Lynn was wonderful, the environment was so cozy, and the stories were enchanting. A must do on your trip to Orkney, it really completes the experience of being in the islands.
Amazing storytelling by an excellent, incredibly knowledgeable and talented host. Location was spectacular with parking at the rear and the studio was decorated with the most interesting artefacts with lots of storytelling props and objects. Great evening
What an absolutely perfect evening we had. Lynn is a wonderful storyteller, she has a beautiful soft tone and voice. We loved the songs that she sung, but would have liked to hear more of them. Lynn is a local and is passing on oral folklore, its a special experience to be able to share. The peat fire was so cosy and added to the atmosphere. Don't dilly dally and treat yourself to this unique experience!! Thank you Lynn.
Lynn is such a passionate performer. She is keeping the tales of Orkney and Scotland alive and it is wonderful to see! A must visit for those spending time on Orkney.
Peatfire Tales of Orkney Evenings
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Tickets £11 per Adult £7.50 per child – Bespoke Private evenings for groups by arrangement all year round. (from 6 to 25 people). Concessions for 10+ guests.
On Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at the Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre – 8 pm for an 8.30 pm start.
FIRESIDE AFTERNOONS
Sit in the Folk Art Studio, around the fireside, while listening to the legends and myths that weave through the Social traditions and work Customs of the past Orkney Islanders who worked the land and Fished The sea. Discover the wall murals and collages of the Islands’ legends and Myths, alongside the models, masks and puppets of the Orkney folkloric characters and creatures…..Discover our Folklore & Heritage library and the Hamnavoe Room with its 20th Century Orkney writers’ books and images of the Islands
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Tickets £11 per adult and £7.50 per child
‘Peedie’ (small) Folk Art Gallery
A Summer Exhibition
Explore ‘seeing’ the stories, the island legends and lore and the Seascapes of the Orkney Fishing and Farming People in pastels, inks, pen & photographic images with words.
Family & children’s StoryCircles.
Create your own Storyboards and storymaps making your own characters and creatures in masks and puppets, all from recycled materials. Share and take away your own Island story in a Storycircles session.
Groups of 2 to 8 people are welcome.
COST: £50 per 2-hour session for every 4 people attending- all inclusive of art and craft materials, and Orkney refreshments.
The Power of Story Courses & Workshops
A Storytelling course for anyone to explore the Power Of Story. Through storymaking, communication arts, voice and rhythm work, discover the storyteller in you. This ancient oral and living tradition was the thread that passed on, for thousands of years, the wisdom, knowledge and practices of a community from one generation to the next.
Of particular benefit to: a) Professionals working in education, special education, social care and mental health b) For volunteers and staff working within social care, mental health and education. c) Parents, carers and Foster Carers with families, young children and adults with special educational needs and /or challenging behaviour. d) Students 18 years+ who are studying Drama, Dance and Performing Arts or preparing to audition for such courses.
The Past Orkney Islanders who worked the land and fished The seas
The Power Of Story Themes Explored:
THE WEAVER OF TALES: Learn how to effectively use voice, rhythm, gesture and language. Explore how to be a storyteller with legends and folk tales from your own environment. THE STORY FOLK: Explore the imagery and symbolism of the characters and creatures in a story. What they tell you, what they do that takes you on your journey through the story. Create your own, masks, storyboards, and written stories, and choose your own theme to create and tell your own story.
THE STORY DANCES & BALLADS – Follow the weavings and patterns of the traditional song dances and ballads. Their stories are told in the rhythm of beating feet, clapping hands and singing voices.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL EVENTS.Private bespoke one-to-one sessions by arrangement.
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