Storyteller Frances Logan to take centre stage at historic Lanark tradition

Feb 19 2009 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

A SERIES of special events are to be staged by Lanarkshire Storytellers to mark Lanark’s ancient tradition of Whuppity Scoorie.

The annual event normally takes place on March 1, but this year it takes place on Monday, March 2.

This year, the first day of March falls on a Sunday so, in keeping with a tradition which goes back as far as records exist, the celebration of this unique children’s custom will take place on the Monday.

Lanarkshire Storytellers continue a more recent tradition by naming an internationally-known storyteller as Whuppity Scoorie Storyteller.

For more than a decade, this accolade has been shared by tellers from the USA, Ireland, Nigeria, Estonia, France and Norway, as well as Scotland.

And this year’s special guest is one of Scotland’s best-known and respected storytellers.

Frances Logan, a professional in adult education working with people from different language and ethnic backgrounds, uses the culture of story in her work, often with people from the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and the spin-off has been the development of an impressive repertoire of international folk tales from her students’ home traditions.

Frances is also well known as a committed organiser of Glasgow’s two long-running storytelling clubs, the Better Crack Club (for adults) and the Even Better Crack Club (for children and their parents).

She has been the corner-stone of both these initiatives for about 20 years. Clydesdale Storytellers will recognise Frances as she has been a regular tutor on courses at Wiston Lodge for many years.

Importantly, Frances has been a regular supporter of storytelling events taking place throughout the west of Scotland and, in 2006, she was presented with a special silver brooch in recognition of her support for storytelling sessions at Whuppity Scoorie over 10 years.

This support has continued since, so the Storytellers had no hesitation in naming her as their special guest.

Frances will tell at a special Celebration of Storytelling and Storytellers on March 2 in Lanark’s Wallace Cave (in the upstairs lounge) following the events at the Cross from 7.30pm. This informal event is open to the public for a donation of £4 (concessions £2 / children free).

Earlier that day, children at two Clydesdale schools will have a visit by members of Lanarkshire Storytellers.

They will share stories from folk and fairytales as well as talk about Whuppity Scoorie and other calendar traditions.

Later that same week, on Wednesday, March 4, the Storytellers will meet again at 7.30pm in the upstairs lounge in The Wallace Cave, Lanark, for their regular monthly meeting.

This will include a session of stories from the members as well as final planning for the group’s involvement in World Storytelling Day on March 21.

Anyone interested in finding out about the group will be made very welcome.

For more information on the Whuppity Scoorie event or the regular monthly meetings, or to hear more about the wider activities of Lanarkshire storytellers, contact the secretary, Colin McAllister, tel. (01555) 851187.