Craft, Family-friendly, Storytelling

Bell, Book and Borealis

Go Local Aberdeen and North East

(Wed 21 Oct: 10:30am)

Long ago, a boy grew up in the landscape we now call Aberdeenshire, grounded in his earthy dwelling but attuned to the lights of the northern sky. The Merry Dancers rippled above him, the beautiful aurora borealis vibrant in the darkness. That boy, Ternan, learned, healed, farmed… and would travel far. He crossed a stormy sea to Orkney, where the same lights blazed even brighter. Returning with the gift of a bell to summon people across great distances, he settled on the banks of the Dee, in the place that still bears his name.

Bell, Book and Borealis is a day of making and storytelling in his landscape, for anyone who wants to get their hands on a story that has been here all along. Led by Elspeth Murray, whose artistic and theatre work weaves narrative, voice and resourceful creativity into vivid community experiences. For adults, families and lively minds aged 8 and up - bring playfulness and time-travelling curiosity!

Subsidised by Green Shoots Trust, this event is ticketed on a Pay What You Can basis. Lunch will be included.

Part of the 175th anniversary celebrations of St Ternan’s Banchory.

At The Barn, Burn O'Bennie Rd, Banchory AB31 5QA.

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This year’s Festival explores the rich relationship between storytelling and the natural world through our theme Bird and Beast. Alongside a vibrant programme at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, storytellers across Scotland bring these tales to life this autumn through the Go Local programme. We proudly celebrate Scotland’s cèilidh tradition with an invitation into the story circle, extending a warm welcome to international guests who share their stories, traditions and contemporary practices alongside Scotland’s own world-class talent. Join us for some unforgettable tales and moments that bring us closer to nature, as we follow the trail of footprints and feathers and let our imagination take flight.

• SISF - Go Local
• £15.00
• 21 October 2026
• 360 minutes
• 10:30
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival
• Regional Events
• 8+