Qualification brings a new chapter to storytelling

Published on Monday 29 June 2009 21:29

ONCE upon a time, students from a Midlothian college were celebrating after winning the first qualification of its kind in Scotland – in storytelling.

Newbattle Abbey College, which specialises in adult learning, teaches the ten-month course to students jointly with the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

With backgrounds in tourism, education and social care, graduates can either bring their skills back to their day-to-day work, or join more than 100 professional storytellers already working across Scotland.

Spinning a yarn is an ancient art and many traditional Scottish folk tales are passed down through word of mouth.

Lyndsay Weir, 51, from Glasgow, was asked to participate in the course while working as a Young People's Officer.

She said: "

I always enjoyed telling stories to children through my work in libraries, and so I thought this course would provide the perfect opportunity for developing these skills, as well as gaining a formally recognised qualification."

Students on the course receive two weekends of tuition and must also develop a project.

For anywhere between 200 to 1000, firms can hire out storytellers for either an "Interactive Workshop" or just an old-fashioned storytelling performance.

Donald Smith, director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, said:

"The students have gained the confidence to be creative, and learned how the art of storytelling can make a real difference in many areas of society today."