Tales of an ancient dragon and inspirational stories of local women in Perth and Kinross will play a key chapter in a dazzling programme of events to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
VisitScotland’s nationwide programme of more than 60 events, presented by a range of partners, is in recognition of the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.
On May 1, 2022 a spectacular art show is going to take place telling the tale of The Legend of Kinnoull Dragon.
Back in the sixth century, the slaying of the Kinnoull dragon was celebrated on May 1 with fire, marching, drums and bagpipes.
Adventure Circus is going to revive this tradition by sharing the long-forgotten local legend with modern audiences at its new circus arts show presented at the foot of Kinnoull Hill.
Puppetry, fire breathing, knife juggling and aerial acrobatics will animate the story, with the audience getting the chance to learn some of the safer circus arts.
Then throughout June to September VisitScotland will be working with community groups, creatives and cultural organisations to tell the stories of women from across Perth and Kinross, all connected through objects in local collections to the new Perth City Hall museum.
These amazing stories - from the Jacobites to modern day - will conclude in a trail across Perth with fantastic life size wire women, each will have a plaque in English and Gaelic telling the story of the woman it represents.
Across the rest of the country, from national to community organisations and businesses, people are preparing to tell their tales of Scotland, shining a spotlight on iconic stories and storytellers, tales of our people, places and legends and stories inspired by nature.
Chief executive of VisitScotland Malcolm Roughead said: “Scotland’s Year of Stories, and this exciting new events programme, offers an incredible platform to showcase the many sides of Scotland’s distinct, vibrant and diverse culture.
“We are inviting the world to delve into the wonderful experiences our stories create.
“From icons of literature to local tales, the year encourages visitors and locals to experience a range of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.
“And it’s important to shout about Scotland’s new and untold stories.
“Year of Stories 2022 will shine a light on emerging, fresh and forward-looking talent and highlight the innovators that break boundaries across all forms of storytelling.
“As our valuable tourism and events industry continues to rebuild following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year heralds an exciting new chapter while also providing quality opportunities for artists, creatives and audiences.”
