Discover the enchanting world of Scottish folklore, history, and culture through Stories of Scotland. Journey with our passionate hosts, archivist Annie and environmental scientist Jenny, as they unravel the secrets of Scotland, weaving tales of ancient battles, mystical creatures, and breathtaking landscapes. This immersive podcast transcends time, taking you on a voyage to the heart of Scotland's rich heritage. Ideal for Scots, travellers to Scotland, or anyone interested in learning more about this country.

Each episode of the Stories of Scotland Podcast dives deep into the forgotten corners of the nation's past, blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling. From the haunting legends of the Scottish Highlands and their ancient mythologies to the romantic tales of the Lowlands.

Whether you're savouring a dram of whisky by the fireside, or wandering through the misty glens with headphones, Stories of Scotland will transport you through skilled storytelling and a love of the country. Delve into Scotland's past and uncover the mysteries that lie at the heart of this magical land, exploring unexpected landscapes, and beautiful nature to the rich histories of clans, castles, and witches.

Tune in now and lose yourself in the spellbinding Stories of Scotland Podcast, a tapestry of tales, history, and adventure that will stay with you long after the final notes have faded away.

Independent, made in the Highlands, and funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

Join Annie and Jenny as they dive into the mystical world of Scottish folklore with an American flavour. Journey across the Atlantic as we explore spellbinding traditional tales inspired by Scottish immigration to America.

This enchanting episode of Stories of Scotland podcast is guaranteed to transport you to a world of wonder and mystique, as Annie and Jenny attempt to shed light on the fascinating connections between Scotland and America. Perfect for fans of folklore, history, and Scottish culture, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking to uncover the magical stories that join these two countries.

Listen to the end to hear how to cross the seas on the back of a giant sea skate.

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

If you’re in New York on Saturday April 15th, join Annie and Jenny in the NY Tartan Week Parade! It will be great fun.

Content warning: this episode contains references to sex in the context of witch trials accusations, torture, execution, and suicide.

Join Annie and Jenny as they explore the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597 and the characteristics of this hunt within Aberdeenshire itself. We focus on the power of Slains Castle by looking at cases undertaken within the castle grounds and accusations made by the inhabitants of the castle.

We look specifically at the cases of Ellen Gray, Gilbert Fiddler, and Andrew Mann, all of who were accused of being witches or warlocks. What do these cases tell us more broadly about the Scottish witch hunts? What can they tell us about Early Modern superstitions and beliefs?

Join Annie and Jenny on a trip to the Aberdeenshire Coast, revisiting Old and New Slains Castles. We discover how Bram Stoker took extensive inspiration from Cruden Bay in his writing of his books: Watter’s Mou, Mystery of the Sea and Dracula. 

We revisit the Hays of Errol as their power in the North East of Scotland surges and wanes. 

Together, we unpick why 19th Century vampires were wearing kilts in the public imagination, and demand for a return to this trend. Finally, they touch on the smuggler and ghost stories of New Slains Castle.

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

Join Annie and Jenny as they explore the history of Old Slains Castle. The ruins, which stand atop cliffs looking out into the cold North Sea, are the remnants of ancient power. Old Slain’s castle fell into the Hands of the Hays of Erroll after the Scottish Wars of Independence, but how the Hays of Errol had power fall into their hands is a tale of Danish invasion, battle, and falcons.

The Hay’s wielded their power both locally, nationally, and internationally. Embroiled in the counter-reformation, Slains castle was the centre of rebellion and the alleged treasonous plot of The Spanish Blanks. While exile would usually spell the end of someone’s power, not for the Hays of Errol…

Join us to destroy an Aberdeenshire Castle.

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

Welcome to the battle betwixt tatties and turnips. Who will win? 

Tune in to this special episode of Stories of Scotland as we celebrate Burns Night! Enjoy a night of delicious Scottish history and folklore as we explore the traditional accompaniments to haggis: turnips and potatoes. Learn all about these classic Scottish vegetables and the international journeys that they took to get to Scotland's shores. We discover the place these humble root vegetables have in Scottish culture. Plus, a couple of spooky ghost stories about haunted tattie patches.

And can either Annie or Jenny pronounce ‘rutabaga’? No.

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

In despair over the death of the 800 year old Beauly Wych Elm tree, Annie and Jenny learn about the history of this amazing tree. 

Jenny sensibly explores the Valliscaulian Order and the monks who would have planted this tree. Annie puts 800 years of monarchs into rhyming couplets. 

Jenny examines the science of Dutch Elm Disease and what it means for the future of elm in Britain. 

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

References:

Chisholm-Batten, E. Historical Notices and Charters of the Priory of Beauly. Transactions of the Royal Historical Society, 1876

Historic Environment Scotland, Beauly Priory Statement of Significance, 2019.

Simpson, W. The Valliscaulian Priory of Beauly. The Antiquaries Journal, 1955.

Jenny and Annie from Stories of Scotland apologise greatly for this miserable Hogmanay episode, which commemorates New Year’s Eve with some tragic and spooky stories. 

You have been fairly warned, so we hope you enjoy these Hogmanay hauntings!

We learn about the mythology of the Wheebin Standing Stone in Orkney (aka the Stane o Quoybone), and a creepy, dreadful unexplained ghost in South Uist! We wish you all a beautiful and unhaunted New Year!

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

References:

Alasdair Fiadhaich agus am Bòcan, Contributor: Angus MacLennan, Fieldworker: Calum Iain Maclean, SA1958.27.B1;B2, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/32286]

Historic Environment Scotland Statement of Significance: https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM1414

Robert Menzies Fergusson, Rambling Sketches in the Far North, and Orcadian Musings, 1883

Annie and Jenny explore the Shetlandic legends of the trows, wee fairy folks who become especially active during the season of Yule.

We explore how Shetlanders have interacted with the trow folk over the past few centuries, and question ‘are there any trows left?’ What happens when people stop believing in trows, and where do the trows go?

Why are trows so interested in drinking and merriment over the winter season?

You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland

Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.

References:

Fairies Frequent a Well on a Shetland Island, Contributor: Brucie Anderson, Fieldworker: Calum Iain Maclean, SA1956.129, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/33428]

Playing the Fiddle at Yule Celebrations, Contributor: Tom Anderson, Fieldworker: Aom Atkinson, SA1977.010, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/79451]

A Minister Ousted the Trows with His Preaching, Contributor: Tom Tulloch, Fieldworker: Alan J Bruford, SA1978.63, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/81182]

Auld Yule Een, Contributor: Tom Tulloch, Fieldworker: Peter Rich Cooke, SA1973.6.1, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/81530

We use articles from The Scotsman in 1914.

Join Annie as she travels to Linlithgow Palace, the jewel of Scotland’s Early Modern crown. Annie speaks to Nicki Scott, Senior Cultural Significance Advisor at Historic Environment Scotland, who describes what Linlithgow Palace would have been like several centuries past. We learn about the monarchs who lived in this spectacular palace. From the Great Hall to the chamber where Mary Queen of Scots was born, we imagine the power of this palace when it was standing strong. 

Next, we meet Christa Gerdwilker, who is one of the leaders for High Level Masonry project currently underway across Historic Environment Scotland sites. Christa explains the cutting-edge inspections underway to protect the precious fabrics of Linlithgow and other historic buildings managed by Historic Environment Scotland. We get a behind-the-scenes glance into masonry conservation, and the increasingly important role conservators play in protecting historic buildings from the impact of climate change. How can we listen to the stones to understand how to save these monuments? What does it take to ensure Scotland’s built heritage can withstand the coming centuries?