Telling Hidden Stories
Calling writers! Or those who’d just like to give it a go. Ignite your creativity with this series of workshops in this exciting partnership between the Highland Folk Museum and Storylands Sessions. Join us in responding to the the lesser-known stories of the Highlands, inspired by images of unique objects from the Museum’s collection.
Each month, we will gather online via ZOOM (or similar) to explore intriguing artefacts. These objects act as springboards for imaginative journeys – stories, poems, memoirs, or drama – with no limitation on genre or style and no expectation to focus on history or the Highlands. Let the objects spark your creativity and see where it takes you!
The workshops are offered to anyone aged 16+, with no writing experience necessary.
Visual artists are also warmly invited to make responses to the objects in your chosen medium. Please book in the normal way and supply your own materials.
We create a relaxed, fun and welcoming space for anyone to join - and there's a tea break in the middle! There are opportunities and plenty of support to share your work, but no pressure to do so.
These ONLINE workshops take place on the Wednesday AFTER the first Tuesday of every month from the 5th of February (except July) from 7 to 9 pm. You can come to as many or as few as you like.
NOTE: You will receive the link and joining instructions in an Eventbrite email at least two hours before the event. Please check that Eventbrite emails are not going into your Promotions or Spam folders. You should receive:
- A booking confirmation email straight away
- An event reminder email two days beforehand.
If you do not receive these, check your Promotions or Spam folders. Please ensure you have both noreply@eventbrite.com and StorylandsSessions@gmail.com in your 'safe sender' list. If you have not received the online meeting link at least two hours before the event, then email us and we will send it by reply.
Bring paper, pen and a playful spirit.
Most of these workshops are led by Sessions co-host and local author, Merryn Glover. Merryn's books, Of Stone and Sky and The Hidden Fires: A Cairngorms Journey with Nan Shepherd are set in Badenoch, Speyside and the Cairngorms. Her first novel, A House Called Askival, is set in India, where she grew up. She has also written plays and short stories for BBC Radio and is a regular contributor to the Guardian Country Diary.
Other workshop leaders will be Karen Hodgson Pryce, Andrea Turner and Barbara Henderson.
The workshop is also held in person at the Highland Folk Museum on the first Tuesday of the month (except for January & July).
A shorter version of the workshop for high school-aged young people is held on the same Tuesday at the HFM from 5-6pm.
PROGRAMME 2025
1. Feb 5th: FABRIC Merryn Glover
2. March 5th: MUSIC Andrea Turner
3. April 2nd: FOOD Karen Hodgson Pryce
4. May 7th: TREES Merryn Glover
5. June 4th: CHILDHOOD Barbara Henderson
July - no workshop
6. Aug 6th: FIELD Karen Hodgson Pryce
7. Sept 3rd: SPORTS Merryn Glover
8. Oct 8th: FAITH Barbara Henderson
9. Nov 5th: CRAFTS Andrea Turner
10. Dec 3rd: FIRE Merryn Glover
The Highland Folk Museum, run by Highlife Highland, is mainland Britain’s first open-air museum.
