Scotland’s Year of Stories

You might have noticed that I’m a fan of stories, if you’re here then hopefully you are too! VisitScotland has named 2022 as Scotland’s Year of Stories which is something I’ve obviously been delighted by. Businesses, tourists and storytellers have been making the most of the themed year andtior there’s still plenty more to come.

This theme means that there’s never been a better time to visit and experience the stories that Scotland has to offer. Now, VisitScotland have asked me to help promote the themed year and make sure you get the most of it! So what exactly is Scotland’s Year of Stories all about and how can you enjoy its full potential?

What is Scotland’s Year of Stories?

In a nutshell, Scotland’s Year of Stories is a chance to celebrate stories written in or inspired by Scotland. Over the last few years, I’ve discovered that there are literally thousands of them to explore. That includes books, films and storytelling, from the shortest of tales to the most epic of sagas. So many people have been inspired by Scotland’s scenery, history or culture and this is a chance to find your own story.

An important part of Scotland’s Year of Stories is the the events that go along with it. Take a look on the VisitScotland website to browse through some of the year-long specials inspired by the theme, or book a ticket for a one-off evening.

Why are Stories Important?

Stories are integral to Scotland’s heritage, they always have been! These tales are all around us, often as a connection to our proud history. They help us understand the past, prepare for the future and enjoy ourselves at the same time. Sitting down and sharing a story is one of the most human interactions that we have.

Stories allow us to escape reality for a while or share important lessons in a memorable format. What better way to keep children away from dangerous pools of water than stories of monsters in the deep?

“Stories” makes for a pretty broad subject though, it can be hard to know where to start and when to stop. That’s why there are five key pillars to the Year of Stories to help us understand everything it involves.

Iconic Stories & Storytellers

The first is exploring Scotland’s iconic stories and storytellers. There are plenty of lesser known legends and brilliant small writers, but there’s a reason people love the big names! Without tales of Nessie, a trip on Loch Ness just wouldn’t be the same and if it wasn’t for Walter Scott, then Scotland would surely be a very different place today!

I can’t cover them all, but if there’s one storyteller who deserves special mention then it’s Robert Burns. Here’s a figure so iconic to Scotland that he has his own annual celebration! Of course Burns is primarily referred to as a poet, but much of his success comes down to his ability to tell a story.

Take his epic Tam o’ Shanter for example, one of the best horror tales ever written. It was inspired by stories he was told as a child and the ruins of Alloway Kirk, just along the road from the house he grew up in. This isn’t just an entertaining story about witches, the Devil and a hero on a horse though. Tam o’ Shanter is a moral tale about the dangers of drink and paying women unwanted attention!

New Stories

When people hear the word story, many instantly think of “Once Upon A Time” or tedious school lessons in History class. However, a story can be much more than just a supernatural legend or something found in a dusty book. There are new stories being written, told and experienced every single day.

There are places like Historic Kilbride, where a group of volunteers are bringing a place full of stories back to life. Once an important local church and burial site for MacDougall clan chiefs, it fell out of use and into disrepair for years. Almost forgotten, the ruins and graves were eventually rediscovered and it was clear they had a story worth telling.

Without this group’s efforts, the old church of Kilbride near Oban would still be buried under thorns and foliage. Now it’s a vibrant attraction with a passionate following! Visitors can find regular tours and events happening here, bringing a new chapter to this important story.

Inspiring People & Places

Scotland is full of inspiring people and remarkable places, which might explain why stories are such an important part of our culture! I’ve spent a lot of time exploring and never stop being amazed by the places that I stumble upon. The term Hidden Gem has become cliché, but every so often you discover somewhere spectacular when you’re least expecting it.

Castle Tioram was one of the first locations I ever really experienced that feeling. After driving the long winding road through Lochaber’s Rough Bounds, Molly and I arrived to catch our first glimpse of this tidal fortress. It’s a quiet place and even without knowing Tioram’s stories, you can’t help but feel inspired. I was only meant to be there for half an hour, but ended up staying until morning!

Another of my favourite inspirational places is actually more like a collection of sites. The elongated peninsulas of Argyll are full of surprises, including a series of small chapels full of magnificent, carved graveslabs. Somewhere like Kilmory Knap Chapel isn’t going to attract tourist buses, but there aren’t many places I would rather be. I could spend hours just sitting and wondering at the stories these elaborate markers are trying to tell.

Local Tales & Legends

The most important thing about Scotland’s stories to me is that they don’t just take place in a land far away. They’re connected to local landmarks and have a special place in the heart of the communities that surround them. Every town and village has its own stories to tell and locals are incredibly proud of them.

St Monans Auld Kirk might look like a pretty, but fairly simple church at first glance. However, it’s the setting for two rival stories, competing as an explanation for the building’s origins. It was built by King David II in the 14th century, on top of a 500 year old shrine to St Monan by the Firth of Forth.

In the first legend, David visited to pray for help with an old war wound. He had been living in pain for 11 years, held in English captivity with an arrowhead stuck in his face. After calling on St Monan’s help, the metal barb worked its way free and the King constructed the church in thanks!

Another story claims that David arrived on these shores as a result of a shipwreck. After being tossed in the waves and fearing for his life, the King was eventually thrown onto the Fife shore. When he spied the shrine to St Monan, it was clear that he had been saved by divine intervention!

Inspired By Nature

With the vast natural beauty Scotland has to offer, it’s no surprise that it features heavily in our stories. Mountains, rivers, lochs and glens are all incredible sources of inspiration. Scotland’s Year of Stories is a great excuse to stop what we’re doing, take a deep breath and appreciate it.

Take Scotland’s creator deity for example – the Cailleach. She’s a giant, blue-skinned, red-toothed old lady with one eye who sits on her throne atop Ben Nevis. In Scotland’s earliest days, she strode across the landscape, shaping it into what we see today with her massive hammer. Rocks that fell from her creel formed the islands and the rivers she tended would pour into deep lochs.

On Skye, the River Sligachan is said to be filled with magic left over from the fairies. They blessed the water to provide life-saving knowledge to the daughter of legendary warrior lady Scáthach. If that story inspires you, then the next time you’re on Skye all you need to do is place your face in the river for 7 seconds and let it dry naturally. The fairies will have just blessed you with eternal beauty!

How To Get Involved With Scotland’s Year of Stories

Now you’ve seen the wide range of stories there are to share and where I’m most inspired, it’s time for you to get involved. No matter where you’re visiting in Scotland, you’ll find events that are part of Scotland’s Year of Stories. Visit the website to find some near you.

In the age of Social Media, did you really visit a castle if you didn’t post about it? To show your support for the year of stories, the next time your showing off a story you discovered on your travels add the official #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland tags.

More important than either of those things though, just enjoy yourself. Scotland and its stories are calling you and I’ve no doubt you’re going to absolutely love it!

This article was sponsored by VisitScotland to promote Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, but all words are mine alone.

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