Chiming with World Storytelling Day on Friday 20th March, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) announced the appointment of Daniel Abercrombie as the new Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF). Daniel, who is a creative arts producer with experience deeply embedded within the storytelling community in Scotland, will take up his appointment from April 2026.
Daniel has been Associate Director of the SISF for the past five years and at the forefront of the much-loved Scottish Storytelling Centre since 2010. He has been a key figure in driving and shaping the current resurgence of interest in traditional and contemporary storytelling, and his work is as rooted in shared creativity, partnerships and collaboration as a traditional ceilidh.
Under Daniel’s guidance, the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme has developed into a thriving platform for storytellers and trad-artists, becoming a must-see programme of first-class creativity each August and in 2013 he was also part of the creation of Edinburgh Tradfest.
Daniel, with his Edinburgh upbringing, has a deep understanding of the city’s festivals, and as part of his appointment he will join the Directors of Festivals Edinburgh bringing with him a wealth of experience in working with a wide range of artists and cultural organisations and an educational background in cultural and literary tourism.
Daniel said “It’s a great joy to be tasked with continuing the great work of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. I have seen first-hand the natural evolution of the festival into the thriving cultural community force it is now and I look forward to being a steward, celebrant and advocate for the great stories, storytellers and traditional artists that make our festival a light in a world in need of stories.”
SISF, the world’s largest celebration of storytelling that runs from 21st to 31st October 2026, is organised by TRACS and has taken place annually in various venues across Scotland since 1989 encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles. It was founded by former director Donald Smith to promote storytelling, nurture new talent and celebrate community. Today, the festival welcomes audiences in excess of 40,000 participants and connects with new and well-known storytellers from all across Scotland and in other parts of the world.
Steve Byrne, CEO of TRACS, who led the recruitment process, commented “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to the TRACS team after many years of working alongside him in partnership, having long admired his innovative programming work at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. His track record speaks for itself – he is an outstanding candidate whose commitment to traditional arts is first rate. I look forward to seeing SISF flourish under his leadership.”
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 