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Stonehaven Folk Festival and Forvie NNR Open Day

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I have had a wonderful and busy weekend at Forvie National Nature Reserve Fun Day AND!! Stonehaven Folk Festival!

Of course it would be totally in character for me to have taken NO PHOTOS AT ALL (well – not of the storytelling) – so here’s an image of Fizzy the Fairy in the new outfit she unveiled this weekend. Yes! She’s gone all nautical (makes a change from naughty)

After stories (and moths!) at Forvie, we sped off to Stonehaven for Friday evening’s family storytelling at Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum. (Thanks for hosting folks!) The weather was hot and sunny and the harbour area was busy with families and folks enjoying the sun and music and I had a fantastic crowd for tales of the sea, lifeboat men and salty old sea dogs!

On Saturday I started the day with a couple of workshops – Sea Shanties for Families in which the attendees (from an 8 week old to the gent who knew ALL the calls and responses – thankyou sir!) amazed me with their enthusiasm and vocal skills. (In return they were entertained by the sight of me drinking water out of a massive jug because I’d forgotten my water bottle oh well.)

– Then family storytelling where I must apologise for the biological details of septicaemia – it was all in context of a very bad joke spun out into a 20 minute story… honest! 😉

On Saturday evening I had a fantastic audience for Adults Only storytelling at the 65 Club. Thanks so much everyone for coming along and I hope you enjoyed the mix of spooky and ridiculous!

On Sunday afternoon I had a dedicated group of Shadow Puppet Makers who went above and beyond on the design – this deserves a post of its own (pics and vid to follow!)

Today I’m having a wee rest before tomorrow’s tour and storytelling session at Peterhead, Wild About Aden on Thursday and the Tall Ships on Saturday!

(Must also mention how much we enjoyed The World Paper And Comb Championship – of which Wee Imp is now the Junior Champion, hehe; the Aquaceilidh at Stonehaven Open Air Pool and I must also thank everyone at @Stonehaven & District Mens Shed for running such a great camp site for the Festival!)

Peterhead Tours and Stories over the Summer Holidays

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A fantastic turn out for today’s Peterhead Tour and for the storytelling session afterwards! Thanks so much to everyone who came along and of course to the kids and big kids that participated in the stories!!

“Thank you to everyone who attended our Peterhead Trail guided walk and storytelling session today by Pauline Cordiner, A Scottish Storyteller.

The guided walk and storytelling sessions take place again on Tuesdays 15th & 29th July and 5th August. Book online via https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/blog/step-into-the-past-free-family-friendly-peterhead-trail-guided-walking-tours-and-storytelling-sessions-this-summer-at-peterhead-drummers-corner?fbclid=IwY2xjawLbqgdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBycXZpeUJDQXBSeVRrdDFCAR402sU5z9SiWhj8VhuIUGbpp0GQQu09AUJ8oCKo8zuIcwaoPKDnyYovwpRsVA_aem_kyn6q34LMGBCkmKTG4KX6g

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Banff Castle, 6 August 2025

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Banff Castle Teddy Bears Picnic!

Wednesday, 6th August – Banff Castle (as if the title wasn’t clear 😅)

“Pack your picnic blanket, grab your favourite teddy, and join us in the orchard at Banff Castle from 12:30 to 2:30 for a joyful time filled with stories, snacks and surprises!

Tuck into tasty treats from the Castle Garden Café or bring your own picnic, and enjoy fun and games for all ages (and all bears). The brilliant Scottish storyteller Pauline Cordiner will be spinning her magical tales – and that’s just the start!

There’ll be lots of lovely little surprises throughout the event – just the kind of fun and friendly magic people have come to expect from Banff Castle. Come ready to explore, play and make some brilliant memories!

Tickets are for ages 2 and up.

Suitable for all ages and all teddies – from tiny cubs to big kids at heart.

Accompanying adults go free – just bring your picnic blanket and join the fun.”

Register on Eventbrite

Peterhead Tours and Storytelling – throughout the Summer Holidays

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Now that we are back… Back… BACK!! From Glastonbury, it’s time for the first Peterhead Tour and Storytelling Session – TOMORROW at Drummers Corner!

Tomorrow’s tour is booked – but if you’re unable to attend the tours coming up on the 15th July, 29th July or 5th August, why not join us for the 1.30pm storytelling session! Stories will be catered to the audience there on the day – so I can cover some of the best tales from the walking tour.

“Peterhead Trail Guided Walking Tour

Are you eager to delve into the fascinating past of Peterhead? Join us for an unforgettable Peterhead Trail Guided Walking Tour.

Embark on a historic adventure and step back in time as our knowledgeable guide, Pauline, leads you through the streets of Peterhead. From familiar landmarks to stories of krakens and witches, uncover the stories that have shaped this coastal town into what it is today.

🔍 Explore hidden treasures whilst discovering hidden corners and secret spots that even the locals might not know about! This tour takes you on a journey to reveal the lesser-known tales and intriguing anecdotes that add depth to Peterhead’s history.

🎓 Learn from local expert Pauline who is a passionate historian and storyteller ready to share her expertise and insights with you.

Gain a deeper understanding of the town’s heritage, from its modest beginnings to its pivotal role in maritime trade and beyond.

This tour is aimed at families with children aged 8 and over due to the amount of walking and the stories that will be told.

Can’t manage the walking tour? We’ve got you covered! We are also hosting a free storytelling session on the same day from 1.30pm – 2.30pm in the Drum at Drummers Corner. Please note some of the same stories may be shared at the storytelling session as on this tour.

Tickets are FREE of charge and must be reserved in advance.

Meet at the Drum in Drummers Corner 10 minutes before start time to check in.

Register for FREE at www.peterheadtrail.co.uk

After Glastonbury 2025!

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Well that’s Glastonbury over for another year and what a fantastic time I had telling stories in the Green Fields and Kidz Field with all the other wonderful storytellers!!

When I return there’s a LOT going on, so here’s my list for the next couple of weeks!

Tuesday 8th July – Peterhead Trail walking tour followed by storytelling session at Drummers Corner – details here – https://www.peterheadtrail.co.uk/…/step-into-the-past…

Friday 11th July – Forvie NNR fun day. Details – https://www.nature.scot/forvie-nnr-fun-day-1

Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July – @stonehavenfolkfestival including family storytelling, adult storytelling and singing/puppet workshops! Details –
https://www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk/programme/thursday/

Tuesday 15 July – another Peterhead Trail walking tour followed by storytelling at Drummers Corner

Thursday 17th July – storytelling at Wild About Aden – details –
https://adencountrypark.org.uk/event/wild-about-aden-5/

Saturday 19th July – storytelling at Aberdeen Tall Ships family stage – details –
https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/whats-on/

With lots more to come later on in the summer!! Watch this space! 

A Tour Group From Aberdeen To Drum

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A fun days work for me today, starting off at the new Aberdeen Harbour with visitors from the Viking Saturn cruise ship – which is MASSIVE!

Then off to Drum Castle for their tours. It’s a beautiful sunny day! 🌞☀️😊

I was asked some great questions by the visitors about culture, history and clans/tartans – it’s great to be able to tell folk about my wee part of the world.

2025 Portsoy Haal!

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Fit like abdy! That’s me catching up after a busy few weeks!

The last two weeks I spent teaching Scots Songs to P5, 6 and 7 classes with SC&T Youth and tomorrow I’m going to be joining Station House Media Unit for a Wellbeing Walk and then some stories!

At the end of the week, Sheena Blackhall and I will be heading aff tae Portsoy for the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Portsoy Haal!

We’re going to be…

– Telling stories in Macduff and Portsoy Primaries during the day on Friday

– Telling spooky stories at the Town Hall at 11pm on Friday night until 1am

– Running a family storytelling/workshop session at the Harbour Side Grainstore on Saturday at 1pm

– Telling Nautical Tales back at the Harbour Side Grainstore 10am – 10.30am on Sunday morning!

🎶 Here’s the full programme and fringe events for Folk at the Salmon Bothy’s 15th Haal which takes place in Portsoy next weekend from Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June. Final tickets still available from Bob Philips bobportsoy@gmail.com 🎶

Teaching Scots Song in Schools with SC&T Youth

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I’ve been having a brilliant time in schools the past two weeks teaching Scots Song with SC&T Youth ! The Scottish Traditional Taster Sessions have so far been in Muirfield Primary and Ferryhill Primary with Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils learning Guitar, Clarsach and Penny Whistle as well as a “Class song” which they sing accompanied by another primary on their instruments and two songs which they sing unaccompanied but along with the other participating classes.

At the end of the week all 3 classes perform their instrumental pieces, class songs and joint songs in front of the rest of the school and teachers – and the two schools I’ve been involved in have totally nailed their performances!

The class songs this year were –
Mary Mac, The Fisherman’s Lassie and The Bonnie Ship The Diamond. Both Mary Mac and the Bonnie Ship were new songs to the repertoire this year and have gone down very well with the pupils!
The joints songs have been the classics Barnyards of Delgaty and The Wellyboot Song.

Convincing P7s that Bothy Ballads are the coolest thing on earth must go down as one of my biggest achievements of 2025!