Storytellers urged to book a place on training course

BUDDING storytellers can have their skills for telling a good yarn approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Newbattle Abbey College and the Scottish Storytelling Centre are accepting a new intake of apprentice storytellers to their SQA-validated storytelling course.

College principal Ann Southwood said: "Scotland has a rich tradition of storytelling and now, more than ever before, many professionals are using aspects of storytelling in their daily work.

"People working in areas such as education, social care, tourism and business have signed up to develop their storytelling skills to become better communicators.

"Through our partnership with the Scottish Storytelling Centre we are helping to continue the tradition of storytelling."

Donald Smith, director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, delivers the classroom elements of the course from the college.

He said: "Students gain confidence to be creative and learn how the art of storytelling can make a real difference in many areas of society today."