Schools & Educational Visits

I offer engaging, curriculum-linked storytelling, Scots language and creative workshops for primary and secondary schools. Each visit is carefully tailored to suit the age, stage and interests of your pupils — whether you’re looking to inspire reading for pleasure, explore local heritage, support language learning, or enrich topic work through story and song.

Storytelling in Schools

Storytelling lies at the heart of my work. I perform and facilitate sessions for both primary and secondary classes, covering a wide range of themes (see the Themes page for details).

If you let me know what topics your classes are studying, I can usually create a programme of stories that links directly to your curriculum focus. I’m always happy to learn new material on request — with sufficient notice — to ensure your pupils receive a meaningful and connected experience.

I also work with care experienced children, including through the Aberdeenshire Promise Groups, delivering sensitive, supportive and empowering sessions.

Curriculum Topics & Living History Experiences

For historical topics in particular, I can enhance sessions with elements of costume and living history discussion. For example, when working with classes studying Iron Age (Celts and Romans) or Vikings, I can bring a range of natural materials and replica items to help pupils understand how people lived day to day.

Creative Projects & Themed Workshops

In addition to storytelling performances, I offer hands-on creative workshops, including:

• Story creation projects tailored to individual schools
• Stories inspired by your school’s Learner Characteristics, with original characters representing each value
• Storytelling workshops including character and voice
• Puppet workshops
• Shadow puppet-making workshops

These sessions encourage imagination, teamwork, and expressive skills, while linking naturally to literacy and expressive arts outcomes.

Supporting Themed Days & National Events

Schools can also book visits to coincide with themed days and national celebrations throughout the year, including:

• Burns Night (25 January)
• National Storytelling Week
• World Book Day
• British Science Week
• International Children’s Book Day (held on or near Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday)
• Tell A Story Day
• Children’s Book Week
• Scottish Archaeology Month
• Book Week Scotland

These events are wonderful opportunities to bring stories, language and creativity to life across the whole school.

Professional Credentials

• Full PVG for working with children and protected adults
• Fully insured through Equity
• Registered storyteller with the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature scheme

Schools may be eligible to apply for support through the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature School Residencies programme.

Whether you’re looking for a one-off visit, a themed day celebration, or a longer-term residency, I aim to create sessions that are lively, inclusive, curriculum-connected and memorable.

I would love to work with your school to bring stories, song and creativity into your classrooms.