Bring Orkney’s folklore to life with family-friendly workshops where kids craft puppets and masks, then tell tales inspired by the islands. Join Orkney Storytelling for an unforgettable creative adventure.
Bring Orkney’s folklore to life with family-friendly workshops where kids craft puppets and masks, then tell tales inspired by the islands. Join Orkney Storytelling for an unforgettable creative adventure.
Book with Orkney Storytelling
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Orkney Storytelling · Stromness, Scotland
Set against the rugged coastline of Orkney, Scotland, Orkney Storytelling invites families to dive into a unique blend of creativity and cultural heritage with their Family and Children's Storycircles. This immersive activity unfolds within the village of Stromness, renowned for its maritime history and dramatic seascapes shaped by ancient volcanic rock formations and rolling heathland. Here, storytelling transcends mere tales—it becomes a hands-on experience where participants craft puppets and masks from recycled materials, embodying characters pulled straight from local folklore. This activity taps into Orkney’s deep oral traditions, where stories have long been a living link to the islands’ Norse and Celtic past.
Participants receive a personalized Island Storymap, guiding them through a bespoke narrative journey inspired by Orkney’s landscapes, myths, and legends. As they shape their own folklore creations, children and adults alike become Tellers of Tales, weaving stories that fuse imagination with the elemental wildness surrounding them. The workshop setting is intimate yet vibrant, with all art materials thoughtfully reused, underscoring a respect for sustainability woven into Orkney’s modern ethos.
Orkney Storytelling’s offering stands out not only for its creative approach but for its grounding in place—an interactive bridge between the islands’ natural beauty and its rich cultural tapestry. This experience is a compelling option for families looking to engage with Orkney beyond hikes and birdwatching, offering a meaningful encounter with the region’s storytelling heritage that is as educational as it is enchanting. Complementing the creative session is a traditional Orkney treat, adding a sweet local flavor before families venture back into the island’s wild terrain.
For travelers keen to connect with Orkney’s unique character, The Family and Children's Storycircles provide an enriching narrative adventure designed to ignite curiosity, foster imagination, and leave lasting memories of this remarkable archipelago.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly seated and craft-based
Yes, but children under 6 may need close adult supervision to safely handle crafting materials.
Yes, all recycled art supplies and tools are included, so you don’t need to bring anything.
Absolutely—this is designed as a family-friendly activity where adults and kids co-create stories together.
The workshop space in Stromness is accessible, but please contact Orkney Storytelling to discuss any specific needs.
Typical sessions run about 1.5 to 2 hours, including puppet creation and storytelling time.
Yes, each participant receives a traditional Orkney treat as part of the experience.
Orkney’s rich oral storytelling tradition stems from Norse and Scottish influences dating back over a millennium.
The workshop’s use of recycled materials reflects Orkney’s broader commitment to sustainability and preserving its delicate island ecosystem.
Orkney Storytelling brings to life the oral traditions and folklore of the Orkney Islands through immersive, participatory experiences. Based in Orkney, the organisation offers hands-on creative workshops and evening storytelling sessions that connect visitors of all ages with island myths, music and song. Participants in The Family and Children's Storycircles craft unique puppets and masks from recycled materials, explore a personalised Island Storymap, and learn to weave tales as a Teller of Tales while enjoying a traditional Orkney treat. Peatfire Tales Of Orkney Evenings runs at the Orkney FolkLore and Storytelling Centre, where local storytellers including Lynn Barbour present ancient myths and legends accompanied by music, song and dance. Orkney Storytelling focuses on accessibility and sustainability by using recycled art materials and designing sessions suitable for families and community groups. Programming highlights the living oral tradition of Orkney and preserves regional narratives through creative practice. Staff and performers draw on local knowledge and established folk practices to create authentic, place-based experiences. Booking information, seasonal schedules and accessibility details are provided through The Adventure Collective listing and direct venue communications. Whether seeking a family activity, a cultural evening, or an introduction to Orkney folklore, Orkney Storytelling offers engaging, locally rooted experiences that celebrate the islands’ narrative heritage. Sessions are child-friendly and adaptable for school groups, family gatherings and community events, with clear guidance for participants and safe, supervised crafting activities. The Orkney FolkLore and Storytelling Centre provides comfortable indoor setting for evenings, with seating and acoustic focus to support oral performance.
Book with Orkney Storytelling