Cafe Ceilidh

Cafe Ceilidh is back at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 17 November, the final session of its 2026 run. It's run by the Scots Music Group as a series of monthly afternoon gatherings in the Storytelling Court, where traditional songs, music, poems and stories are shared in a relaxed setting. The format is open: you can come along just to listen, or bring a tune and take a turn yourself.

This particular session is part of the Carrying Stream Festival 2026, which this autumn looks at the changing world of the traditional arts and the legacy of the Scottish folklorist, songwriter and activist Hamish Henderson. The festival takes its name from the 'carrying stream' — the organic route by which music, song, spoken word and culture are passed from person to person and from generation to generation. The Scottish Storytelling Centre plays its part in that revival, and this session fits right into it.

It's a free, drop-in afternoon, so there's no need to book ahead. The venue is wheelchair friendly, with level access, accessible toilets and assistance dogs welcome. The session starts at 2pm and runs for two hours, in the Storytelling Court at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.