THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into Orkney’s vibrant folklore world with the Peatfire Tales evenings in Stromness, where local storytellers bring ancient myths, music, and dance to life around glowing peat fires. Discover the history and spirit of this Scottish archipelago through captivating island stories.
Step into Orkney’s vibrant folklore world with the Peatfire Tales evenings in Stromness, where local storytellers bring ancient myths, music, and dance to life around glowing peat fires. Discover the history and spirit of this Scottish archipelago through captivating island stories.
Book with Orkney Storytelling
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Orkney Storytelling · Stromness, Scotland
On the windswept northern isles of Scotland, where sea and sky meet in dramatic fashion, lies Orkney – a place steeped in history and alive with age-old stories whispered by the peat fires that dot this rugged landscape. The Peatfire Tales of Orkney Evenings, held at the Orkney FolkLore and Storytelling Centre in Stromness, offer a rare window into the island’s deeply rooted oral traditions, where local storytellers evoke the ancient myths and legends of this unique archipelago. This immersive experience transports visitors back to evenings when islanders gathered around flickering peat fires, sharing tales shaped by Norse sagas, Pictish heritage, and the intimate relationship between community and nature.
Located in the harbor town of Stromness, the storytelling centre serves as both a cultural hub and a beacon for those eager to connect with Orkney’s soul. The evenings are brought to life by Lynn Barbour and fellow storytellers, who weave together music, song, and dance with legends that reveal the social customs and spiritual beliefs of Orkney’s fishing and farming communities. Their performances celebrate the fragility and resilience of oral traditions, preserving remnants of Norn – the lost language of the Norse settlers – and bridging thousands of years of history.
Available from March through September, the Peatfire Tales run three nights a week, creating an intimate ambiance where visitors can listen to folklore that explores everything from supernatural creatures to everyday island life. A particular highlight is the “Taste of Orkney” evening, a curated mix of stories and sketches that showcase the narratives from six different islands in the archipelago. Each session underscores the powerful bond between people, land, and sea that defines Orkney’s spirit.
For travelers staying in Stromness or nearby Kirkwall, this event is a standout cultural offering amid the natural wonders of Orkney’s rugged cliffs, ancient standing stones, and dramatic seascapes. Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, history buff, or simply eager to experience local life beyond the typical tourist trail, Peatfire Tales invites you into a world where myth and reality intertwine with the music of the islands. By embracing this tradition, you support the ongoing preservation of Orkney's intangible heritage, ensuring these stories continue to inspire future generations.
It is located in Stromness, the main harbor town on the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
Each storytelling evening lasts about two hours.
Yes, children aged 7 and older are welcome, with special ticket prices available for ages 7 to 13.
Yes, the stories are told in English, often reflecting Orkney dialects and folk traditions.
Yes, tickets can be purchased online through the provided referral link or at the storytelling centre.
Accessibility details are limited; it's best to contact the centre directly to discuss specific needs.
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