What has been the best arts company to visit your school in the past year? The Traditional Story Workshop.

How did you hear about them? Through the education authority’s expressive arts adviser.

What did they do? Paraig MacNeil was the storyteller and he vividly told traditional Scottish folk tales.

Did you do any preparation beforehand? We described to the children what is involved in the traditions of Scottish stories and storytelling.

Any follow-up work? We tried telling stories among ourselves, which could be passed on.

How long did they stay? The whole afternoon.

How much did they cost? Pounds 50.

Who paid? The education authority, with the help of some sponsorship from the Hydro Electric Young Generators Arts in Schools Programme.

What was so good about them? They were different and highly authentic. They wore costumes which looked the part and which were explained in detail to the children. Their delivery was excellent and the children were enthralled.

How relevant was their work to the curriculum? For one class in particular, they were highly relevant, as they were already studying Scotland in school. Others found it interesting, in that the storytellers were conveying stories of different genres.

* Paraig MacNeil, tel: 01786 824563.