Storyteller

Creative Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A cultural organization in Scotland is seeking engaging storytellers to lead interactive sessions that celebrate local legends and community narratives. As part of the 'Community Connections through Collections' project, successful candidates will develop and deliver storytelling sessions inspired by lesser-known objects in the museum's collection. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced storytellers to connect with diverse audiences and share rich cultural narratives. Applicants must submit proposals by August 24, 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven storytelling or oral history experience.
• Ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
• Familiarity with local history or museum collections is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a 1-hour storytelling session linked to the museum’s collections.
• Engage diverse audiences through interactive, accessible storytelling.
• Collaborate with staff to align with project goals.

Skills

Storytelling or oral history experience

Ability to connect with diverse audiences

Familiarity with local history or museum collections

Job description

We are seeking storytellers to lead interactive sessions celebrating local legends, Pictish heritage, and community narratives as part of our "Community Connections through Collections" project.

Fee: £270.00 (for 1h delivery + 1 day prep)
Timeline: One Saturday in October, November, or December 2025, to be agreed for event delivery.
Description:
We are seeking engaging storytellers to lead interactive sessions celebrating local legends, Pictish heritage, and community narratives as part of our "Community Connections through Collections" project, funded by Museums & Galleries Scotland.

These sessions will be inspired by small and often overlooked objects in our collection—not the major headline pieces like our Pictish stones, but items that have rarely been researched or displayed. We aim to demonstrate that every object has the potential to inspire, no matter how modest or obscure.
These items serve as springboards for creativity, allowing stories to emerge that connect past and present in imaginative ways. For example, a funeral bell might spark a tale of local customs, or a handmade map might inspire a story about personal or community journeys.

Potential object inspirations include:
Mort bell from Fortrose Cathedral
Posey rings and luckenbooth brooches
Flax comb and cloth
Handmade maps and plans
Gaelic hospitality customs (e.g., quaichs)
A short introduction to the museum and chosen object(s) will be provided at the start of the session.

Deliverables:
Develop and deliver a 1-hour storytelling session linked to the museum’s collections and themes, as agreed with staff.
Engage diverse audiences through interactive, accessible storytelling.
Collaborate with staff to align with project goals.

Requirements:
Proven storytelling or oral history experience.
Ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Familiarity with local history or museum collections is a plus.

Next Steps for Applicants
Interested freelancers are invited to submit a brief proposal with the subject line "Storyteller Application – [Your Name]" outlining:
Relevant experience.
A suggestion for your proposed storytelling session.
Availability during the project timeline.

The deadline is Sunday 24 August 2025 at 23:55.

TAGGED:
Traditional Arts / Cultural Tourism