Stories of Scotland

Saving Stories: John Francis Campbell

Join us on a journey into the world of folklorist John Francis Campbell, as Annie interviews the captivating curator, Ulrike Hogg, of the Sgeul | Story exhibition at the National Library of Scotland. Jenny treats us to a telling of a traditional story in the John Frances Campbell collection, the White Pet. This intriguing episode sheds light on the enduring preservation of storytelling, offering insight into a key figure who saved traditional stories to ensure they can be kept alive for generations across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.See more about the Sgeul | Story exhibition here: www.nls.uk/exhibitions/sgeul-storyWe explore the pioneering efforts of 19th-century John Francis Campbell, who wrote down the hidden treasures of Gaelic folktales. We learn about the fascinating process of collecting these tales and the colourful characters he met along the journey. The Sgeul | Story exhibition serves as a mirror into the past and a bridge to the present, reflecting the timeless importance of storytelling. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Stories of Scotland, a Scottish history podcast.

Fireside Folklore: Island Whisky

Join Annie and Jenny as they tell two short stories about whisky distillers on the islands of Mull and Tiree. We have a tale about smugglers and one about ghosts!For more information from our advertisers, on the UHI Culture and Heritage BA Hons course, contact ins@uhi.ac.uk or visit https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-hons-culture-and-heritage/It’s an internationally accredited course from the University of the Highlands and Islands, available as an online course, learn on your own schedule from a yacht in the ocean, the top of a mountain or your spare bedroom! You can get a degree covering the language, heritage, archaeology, literature, landscape, identity, folklore and magic of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Kelp: Scotland’s Seaweed Industry

Join Jenny and Annie as they don their waders and explore the kelp forests that surround Scottish shores. These astounding seaweed ecosystems are home to countless species.In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the demand for kelp soared and the landowners of Scotland had an answer. Thousands of families were moved from their ancestral lands to the coastlines in order to burn kelp seaweed in order to produce the much sought-after kelp ash. The decades-long kelp industry on the Isle of Tiree is explored along with some traditional folklore from Benbecula.Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Fireside Folklore: Caledonian Forest and Fruit

Join Annie and Jenny in their mini in-between episodes, Fireside Folklore: a celebration of Scottish traditional storytelling. Annie brings to life the classic legend of the Great Forests of Badenoch, narrating the tale of a Norwegian King whose envy of the Caledonian Forest led him to unleash a terrifying beast upon Scotland. Meanwhile, Jenny dives into the enthralling adventure of Mionchag and Murchag, presenting the Gaelic version to the well-known Tweedledee and Tweedledum sibling rivalry.In this fascinating exploration of Scotland's rich history and captivating folklore, you'll be transported to the verdant expanses of the Caledonian Forest and the lush landscapes of Badenoch. If you're intrigued by Scottish heritage, planning a Scottish travel adventure, or simply a fan of legendary tales, this podcast will serve as your audio guide to the heart of Scotland's mystical folklore and historical tales. Tune in to our spellbinding tales, perfect for those seeking an immersive cultural experience in Scotland.Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Highland Games: Gatherings of Glory

In this thrilling episode, Annie and Jenny delve into the captivating world of the Scottish Highland Games - a cultural spectacle that showcases both the strength and skill of its competitors and the enduring tradition of Scotland.Prepare to be transported to the Highlands, where kilt-clad athletes participate in time-honoured competitions such as caber toss, hammer throw, and Highland dancing, in an astounding display of brute strength, finesse, and athleticism. Annie and Jenny explore the lore and legends associated with the Games. We question the romanticism and authenticity of the Highland Games but ultimately celebrate this tradition as connecting us to ancestors for centuries. We learn about the profound impact of the Highland Games on Scottish cultural identity.This extraordinary cultural experience that marries athleticism, tradition, music, and community spirit. So whether you're a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or just a fan of all things Scottish, this episode is sure to pique your interest!Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Fingal’s Cave: Giants and Geology

Join Annie and Jenny on an adventure to one of the most iconic islands in all of Scotland: Fingal’s Cave, or known in Gaelic as An Uaimh Bhinn. Jenny flexes her geology skills as she explains the complex deep time story of how this incredible island came to form on the earth through volcanic activity. We explore the massive mythology that connects Fingal’s Cave to the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim and wonder at the legends of Fionn mac Cumhaill, sometimes anglicised as Finn MacCool. We cover the infamous lore of Fionn’s feud with Scottish giant Benandonner, as well as a less-known love story alternative of how the astounding Giant’s Causeway was formed. Was this incredible geologic feature formed by war, or love?Finally, Annie has dug up a strange little piece of local folklore about an infamous monster that is said to use Fingal’s Cave for some pretty gruesome deeds. There is no other island quite like Staffa in all the world. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Dragon and Stoor-Worm: Ancient Monsters

Annie and Jenny delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore, unearthing the legends of Godred Crovan and the Dragon and the remarkable tale of Assipattle and the Stoor Worm. Join us as we traverse the windswept shores of ancient Scotland, where the lines between myth and history blur like the misty Highland glens.First, Annie recounts the legendary tale of Godred Crovan, a Norse-Gaelic warrior king whose heroism and cunning changed the course of Scottish history. Next, Jenny explores the enchanting myth of Assipattle and the Stoor Worm, a story of an unlikely hero and a struggle against a colossal sea serpent in ancient Orkney. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Welcome to Stories of Scotland Podcast: Scottish History, Folklore and Travel

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

Scottish American Folklore: Gold, Ghosts and Enchanted Chanters

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

Slains & Sorcery: an Aberdeenshire Witch Hunt

Content warning: this episode contains references to 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?