Joanna Morris heads off to Edinburgh to experience one of the city’s most popular festivals.

THERE is arguably no better place to indulge in the art of storytelling than Edinburgh. The fairytale appearance and rich history of Scotland’s ancient city lends itself well to The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, now in its 26th year.

Since its inception in 1989, thousands have flocked to the heart of Scotland to enjoy the festival, which draws on the country’s ceilidh tradition in its diverse mix of tales, anecdotes, music and song. Its base is a purpose-built centre on the Royal Mile that spreads throughout the medieval John Knox House and into a contemporary space, complete with cosy theatre.

Nestled in the old city, the award-winning Scottish Storytelling Centre and its devoted staff work throughout the year to keep the world’s oldest tradition alive. The lively festival, an annual celebration of the art, brings storytellers from across the world to share their tales with a growing and diverse audience.

A busy itinerary could only cover a fraction of the productions staged at this year’s event, themed Stories Without Borders.

Having arrived in Edinburgh at lunch time and checked into the nearby Ibis South Bridge Hotel – clean, comfortable and brilliantly located – my partner and I were more than happy to attend the Open Table event.

With autumnal produce spread out across a low table, a variety of intriguing characters introduced a taste of their culture before sharing stories relating to food memories.

Dima AlMekdad invoked the poignant plight of Syria’s displaced people with the description of a tea prepared specially for new mothers, sadness in her eyes as she said the tea made anywhere but Syria could never measure up. The young blogger returned to the festival later that evening to share stories gathered via the Qisetna: Talking Syria blog, recounting moving tales of those living in the war ravaged country and those fleeing conflict.

In the powerful Stories Without Borders event, she shared the stage with Iranian filmmaker Roxana Vilk who showcased videos relating to life in and away from Iran. Global politics may have been at the forefront of this year’s festival but audiences were also able to enjoy more lighthearted fare in the guise of Prometheus, a retelling of the Greek myth using dance and poetry. Whispering Trees saw a circle of skilled storytellers explore Scotland’s living tree heritage with traditional and modern stories rooted in myth and legend.

Edinburgh itself has its own stories to tell, whether they lie in the towers of the famous and imposing castle or in rooms above pubs like the Waverley Bar, where people still gather monthly to share ghostly and comical tales at events hosted by Guid Crack.

It’s a beautiful city to explore and has much to offer in the way of culture, entertainment and culinary delights. Tucked away along one of the city’s innumerable alleyways we found Blackfriars, an independent restaurant and bar that offers a wonderful take on Scottish fare.

A simple, no-choice menu meant there was little concession for fussy eaters but even they’d be hard pushed to find something to dislike in the five-course treat offered to diners. The fixed, produce-led menu allowed us to sample cured trout and red mullet alongside succulent lamb and partridge, served with a selection of craft ales and wine.

For good reason, Edinburgh is known as a festival city and in high season finds itself almost intolerably crammed with festival-goers from across the world. The International Scottish Storytelling Festival allows visitors to enjoy the inimitable festival vibe that drifts through the city’s streets while enjoying a cosy – if rapidly growing – level of popularity that ensures there’s still room to manoeuvre and tables to be had at all the best places.

It stands out as a warm addition to the scene and one that works tirelessly to ensure an important tradition will never die out – well worth a visit.

*EDINBURGH is the world’s leading festival city, presenting an unforgettable and unparalleled mix of cultural experiences set in a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the most historic and iconic cities in the world. Edinburgh’s 12 major festivals transform the city right the way through the year.

As well as being home to world class festivals Edinburgh has award-winning hotels to suit every budget, cutting edge culinary credentials and even a gin distillery or two. Edinburgh is the city which never fails to surprise and win hearts. A trip to Scotland’s capital provides a world-class and utterly unique cultural experience whatever the season.

For further information on Edinburgh’s Festivals please visit: edinburghfestivalcity.com

Rooms at the IBIS South Bridge Hotel Edinburgh are available from £49. For booking and further information visit ibis.com/gb/hotel-8484-ibis-edinburgh-centre-south-bridge/index.shtml