Greetings all,

I write on a bright November day as Salmon leap in the River Tweed that runs through my town.

I'm enjoying a sense of space after the busyness of October Storytelling festivals and Samhain. As the year slips towards midwinter, rest and reflection are higher on the agenda, with the first hints of festive plans beginning to formulate.

Fire, food and good folk are all ingredients of a good winter around here, and this year, I'm welcoming the slower pace that winter offers!

Having said that, I do have one or two events before midwinter hibernation that I'd like to share, spread between Edinburgh and Glasgow over the next month.

Final 'Hearth Fire Session' of the Year

2024 has been a year full of new ventures, one of the has been the bi-monthly Hearth Fire Sessions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Each night has been different, eclectic yet rooted in the spirit of the ceilidh and I'd say the quality of guests has been consistently high.

The November session (Thurs 21) will be our final session of the year, and to say thanks to everyone who has come along so far we're offering discounted £5 tickets to anyone who is a returning attendee.

To access this discount, book via the link below and then add the code SSCOFFER5 at the checkout.

https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:5796/913:25227/

My guests this month include storyteller Shona Cowie, bringing witchy tales from Argyll, Musician Diljeet Kaur Bhachu bringing enchanting soundscapes from India and beyond, and renowned bothy ballad singer Scott Gardner (whom I had the pleasure of sharing a lift back from Orkney with recently).

It'll be a fine way to wrap up the year.

Nessi Gomes in Glasgow

If you're in the mood for more than one night of entertainment next week, I'm personally excited that Nessi Gomes is coming to Glasgow next Wednesday (20th Nov).

I discovered Nessi's music during lockdown, and her album became anthemic for me during those times. I find her music refreshing, soulful, sombre yet hopeful. The lyrics carry ideas and reminders ripe for these times.

I've got permission to share a discount code for this gig too!

If you're keen to attend, you can get tickets at a discount price via the link below, typing NESSIFRIEND for the discount.

https://www.seetickets.com/event/nessi-gomes/saint-luke-s/3005961

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Maybe see you in the next week for some evening entertainment to fend off the darkness!

All Best

Dougie