The fourth season of Soup And A Story, Braw Clan’s community programme, kicked off in Roberton and Symington village halls in October, and has been sold out every month since. Creative Producer Martin Travers says:

“Soup And A Story is the highlight of our month through the winter. It offers people a warm welcome, lively conversation, a healthy free lunch and a live performance of a Scots story by a professional actor. It’s a joy and we’re so pleased that 80 people in Roberton, Symington and beyond are enjoying it every month.

Thanks to support from SSE Renewables and Nadara Glenkerie, this is our longest season ever, running till May 2026.”

“We hope it will be back for the next two winters as well.”

“We hear from our audience members that it’s an enjoyable community event, but it’s also a brilliant job for rural actors. Several of our readers this season are young theatremakers who have taken part in our unique Scots Toolkit training workshop. Being able to put everything they’ve learned about speaking Scots on stage into practice, in such a warm and supportive environment, is having a huge effect on their confidence and skills. “

Tea And A Tale, the sister event of Soup And A Story, is also running this winter, with support from the Weir Charitable Trust. One-off sessions have taken place in Thankerton and Wiston, with the project visiting Elsrickle, Pettinain and Leadhills over the coming months. Martin adds:

“We’re always looking to bring Tea And A Tale to more halls, so having the chance to deliver this mini tour of Clydesdale is terrific. In Thankerton, 20 Beavers heard the story alongside the adult audience as part of their work towards a particular badge. As ever, we’re grateful to our funders for seeing the value in this work. Coming together to hear a story is magical.”