Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Please try to have booked your place/tickets beforehand.  Remember, as weekend pass-holders, you still need to select the events you will be attending.  Proceed to the boxoffice if you need to make any amendments or to buy tickets.  

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Susanne Rosenberg, folk singer, educator and academic, has been a pioneer both in rediscovering the older Swedish style of folk singing and in using it in new artistic environments, involving cooperation with contemporary composers and directors, and with her own groups, with which she has toured Europe, Asia and the United States. Susanne has developed the folk singing environment in Sweden by innovative research in kulning (herding calls), folk song style, improvisation, etcetera. She is professor of folk singing at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (RCM). Learn more about her work on her website.

After the keynote address there will be a few songs led by guest performers.  Chorus lyrics provided on screen. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Join acclaimed Scottish singer Robyn Stapleton for an engaging workshop exploring the richness of Scots song. Drawing from her extensive repertoire and deep understanding of the tradition, Robyn will guide participants through the distinctive features of Scots song, including language, style, and ornamentation. Participants will discover the stories behind the songs while learning techniques for authentic delivery and interpretation. Whether you're new to Scots song or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, Robyn's warm and encouraging teaching style makes this workshop accessible to all. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Moderator: Dr. Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw

Panelists: Molly Gawler; Dominie Hooper; Ruth Keggin

Our panel will discuss how group singing strengthens communities, preserves cultural heritage, and creates lasting connections. From informal pub sessions to established choirs, we'll explore different approaches to collective singing, sharing practical insights and inspiring stories of how a communal voice can bring people together. This talk is for anyone interested in starting or joining a singing group, leading community songs, or simply learning more about the transformative power of singing together.

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Moderator: Molly Gawler

Panelists: Emma Bjorling, Neil McDermot, Esbjorn Wettermark 

This talk explores how each of us can start small in our communities and let the songs ripple out to a global circle around the world. We will hear about songs as tools to put in your pocket to take out at the right time. They can be in the form of work songs, lullabies, sea shanties, rowing songs, songs for social change, and songs of the land and place. We are encouraged to do the same in our own homes, kitchens, fields, towns, pubs, forests and song circles of all kinds.

The Canons’ Gait Pub - Royal Mile

8:00 pm until close

Join us for an informal singing session in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. Join fellow singers and song enthusiasts for an evening of shared songs, stories, and camaraderie in a cosy pub setting. Whether you’d like to lead a song, join in a chorus, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is the perfect chance to connect through music and celebrate our singing traditions.  

Access: That this venue has stairs down to the basement and could be challenging for anyone with mobility issues or additional needs.  Please get in touch if you have any questions.  

Note: Convention Full Weekend Pass-holders only.  

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library

10:00 am - 11:15 am

Learn Swedish mouth music with Lotta Andersson, a renowned singer from the acclaimed vocal group Kongero. In this interactive workshop, Lotta will guide you through the unique vocal techniques and rhythmic patterns used in traditional Swedish folk singing. Learn how these folk melodies were historically used for storytelling, herding, and dance accompaniment, and experience the joy of creating music with just your voice. Open to all levels—no prior experience required. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Join Alasdair Whyte, the celebrated Gaelic singer and scholar from the Isle of Mull, for an inspiring workshop exploring the rich tradition of Scottish Gaelic song. Alasdair will share his deep knowledge of the language, history, and cultural significance behind the songs. 

Participants will learn traditional songs, gain insights into Gaelic pronunciation, and learn about the stories behind the songs.  

This workshop is open to all, whether you're new to Gaelic song or looking to deepen your connection to the tradition. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Moderator: Brian Ó hEadhra

Panelists: Nuala Kennedy, Tom Besford, Dominie Hooper

Join us for an engaging discussion on the art and evolution of curating spaces for folk song. From intimate family kitchen gatherings to grand concert performances, this panel explores how songs are presented and shared in different contexts and for diverse audiences. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of creating engaging experiences, whether for small, close-knit groups or large-scale events.

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Gather round and share sea-inspired songs in this open song circle, celebrating the connection between people and the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply love to listen, all are welcome to contribute a song or story related to the sea. From haunting ballads and lively shanties to personal favourites, this is a space to honour the maritime traditions that have shaped cultures across the North Atlantic region.

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Moderator: Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw 

Panelists: Susanne Rosenberg, Alasdair Whyte, Anna Wikénius, Ró Ó hEadhra

Explore the interplay between songwriting and tradition in this thought-provoking panel discussion where the panellists delve into how personal experiences, cultural heritage, and traditional influences shape the creation of songs. Discover how contemporary songwriting can honour and evolve long-standing traditions while reflecting the lives and stories of today.

This is a must for anyone interested in the art of songwriting, the preservation of tradition, and the ways in which music connects past and present. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of song featuring a stunning line-up of international and local artists. This special event showcases the rich diversity of traditional songs from across the North Atlantic region, celebrating the unique voices and cultures that connect us.

From beautiful ballads to rousing choruses, this concert promises to be a highlight of the weekend — Don’t miss it!

Singers include:

Alasdair Whyte (Scotland) ; Robyn Stapleton (Scotland); Dominie Hooper (England); Ruth Keggin (Isle of Man); Emma Bjorling (Sweden); Molly Gawler (USA); Anna Wikénius (Sweden); Lotta Andersson (Sweden); Nuala Kennedy (Ireland)

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Join us for the NASC Annual Meeting, where attendees can share their experiences, reflect on the convention, and help shape the future of the North Atlantic Song Convention. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow participants, exchange ideas, and discuss next steps for fostering collaboration and celebrating the song traditions of the North Atlantic region.

Not ticketed.  

Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Bring the North Atlantic Song Convention to a heartfelt close with our final song circle. This informal gathering is a chance for attendees to share one last song, reflect on the weekend, and celebrate the connections made through music. Whether you’d like to sing, listen, or simply soak up the atmosphere, this is the perfect way to wrap up the convention in true NASC spirit.