Annie and Jenny return to their beloved bogs to have a look at human bodies that have been buried and preserved in peat. From Bronze Age mummies, to the Gunnister Man’s unique knitted garments, we examine the human remains and artefacts that have been excavated from bogs. We tell the tragic history of Betty Corrigall, a young woman buried on the boundary between two parishes. Thanks to Orkney Archives and the National Museum of Scotland for answering some strange questions about bog bodies. Come and see Annie’s play! The Wound, the Rag and the In-Between follows a Highland journalist as she unravels a Victorian death. She exposes secrets that had been buried for generations. By the clootie tree, in a place meant for recovery and wellbeing, tragic forces are looming, ever-present. Book online at: https://eden-court.co.uk/event/the-wound-the-rag-and-the-in-between  Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon.www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Fortress of Shadows just off the Isle of Skye, to the Palace of Dreams in Arthurian legends, Jenny and Annie visit the homes of warrior women. Jenny begins with folklore and mythology of Sgàthach, sometimes called the Shadow, or the Striker of Fear, and we learn how she was the greatest teacher of warriors in all the world. Next, Annie takes us to a strange Arthurian story about a woman of King Arthur’s dreams and how one of the Knights of the Round Table must make an incredible journey to find her. Between the swooshing weapons of these two warrior women, we look at the strength, strategy and second sight of these incredible legends. Borrowing from the Ulster Cycle of the Irish heroic sagas, and the Scottish Gaelic song Am Bròn Binn, from Dunscaith Castle to the halls of the King of Scotland, these stories still inspire wonder and awe to this day. We hope you enjoy!Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon.www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is brought to you by Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Annie and Jenny learn about the importance of rewilding, not just from the perspective of the environment, but also for communities. We meet dedicated staff Cait and Caoimhe at Dundreggan, and learn some beautiful folklore that’s woven into the landscape. From stealthy red squirrels to a killer Cailleach who’ll dance on your bonnet, these conversations challenge us to consider our own relationships with nature. Learn more about Dundreggan Rewilding Centre here:https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/Report your exciting squirrel sightings here:https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny and Annie bring another daring Fireside Folklore episode exploring folklore relating to the noble rowan tree. Jenny kicks off with an intriguing tale of a witch who lives in the woods. The wicked witch is particularly fond of her precious dishes but has minimal desire to clean them herself. This story reveals how the Rowan Tree gained its powers of protection, transforming from a withered, sick tree to a mighty guardian of the forest. Annie brings us back to Loch Ness with the tale of a particularly pesky kelpie who tries to debate his way out of certain death. Whether you're a fan of folklore, interested in Scottish culture, or just love a good story, this episode of Stories of Scotland is a great jaunt into environmental mythology. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annie and Jenny churn through the rich history of butter in Scottish and Irish cultures. We slip into a buttery journey from the ancient practice of making bog butter to the evolution of dairy farming in the chilly northern lands. Learn about the fascinating genetics behind lactose tolerance and how aurochs, the wild ancestors of cows, shaped our dairy destiny.But there's more to this episode than just butter history, there’s also fatty folklore. Jenny brings to life a haunting Scottish folklore tale involving a blacksmith’s wife, a magical bridle, and a transformative curse. This story weaves through the dark and mystical paths of ancient Scotland.We delve into the art of butter-making and explore the vital role of butter in Scottish households. Don't miss this spread of historical facts, folklore, and fun, all buttered up in this episode of Stories of Scotland. Tune in for a dairy dose of culture, history, and whimsy.Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fresh New Year’s Eve tradition at Stories of Scotland is the telling of spooky stories about Hogmanay. Jenny and Annie return with terrifying tales to haunt you all Hogmanay. First, Jenny welcomes us to travel to a smoky bar on the Isle of Mull for "The Queer Visit of Calum the Skipper," a chilling tale of a New Year's ghost with a twist. As the locals gather, reminiscing about Calum, a regular visitor, they're confronted with an unexpected and spine-tingling encounter. This story, unfolding on a stormy Hogmanay night, blends the warmth of community with the mystery of the supernatural.Next, Annie delves into the local newspaper archives of the Glasgow Weekly Herald for a ghostly narrative from 1866. This tale, "The Devil’s Dungeon," sets the stage for an unforgettable Hogmanay at a farmhouse in the south of Scotland. Embark on a ghostly walk past haunted pools and eerie glens, leading to a terrifying encounter that will leave you questioning the line between reality and the supernatural.Stories of Scotland wishes all listeners a beautiful Hogmanay, and health, wealth, and happiness for 2024. May the mountains smile upon you and all your turnips grow mighty!Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enchanting episode of Stories of Scotland, your hosts Annie and Jenny embark on a mystical journey through the life and legends of Michael Scot, a medieval figure shrouded in the allure of wizardry. Unlike the American sitcom character, this Michael Scot stands out as a figure of Scottish folklore, known for his reputed magical powers and scholarly pursuits. Jenny brings out some amazing folklore from shipwrecked sailors, mermaids, snakes of wisdom, deals with the devil, and some very mischievous imps. We explore how his real academic achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and languages got intertwined with tales of wizardry, reflecting the medieval mindset. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Annie and Jenny on an oinking odyssey as they explore the role of the humble swine in Scottish folklore. We dive snout-first into discovering the folklore of the first boar in Scotland, some curious stories of how communities may or may not divide up their pigs, and some baffling bank robberies. We find some of the strangest stories featuring pigs for you, dear listeners. Prepare for plenty of porcine puns!Content warning: This episode contains mentions of decapitation, death, and bodies in a folklore context. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny and Annie take listeners on an enlightening journey through Scotland's rich astronomical history and its contemporary role in space exploration. The episode begins with a reflection on the timeless human fascination with the night sky, highlighting how stars have guided people through history. We delve into Scottish contributions to astronomy honouring the people who helped the world to understand the stars. Enter a lot of men named James: James Gregory. James Short and James Clerk Maxwell. We celebrate the life and discoveries of Mary Somerville, a polymath who greatly advanced our understanding of the solar system. Somerville's work in translating complex mathematical theories into accessible language is highlighted, alongside her role in predicting the existence of Neptune and her advocacy for women's suffrage.We also explore Scottish folklore related to the stars, especially that of the Far North of Scotland. We look at how ancient Scots used celestial phenomena to predict weather and navigate the seas. The episode emphasizes the deep-rooted connection between Scottish culture and the night sky.From Spaceports to satellites, what is Scotland’s future in the stars?Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riding upon their noble steeds, Deirdre and Tickles, Jenny and Annie explore some monster-slaying stories set in medieval Scotland. First, we travel to the glens of Cassley in Sutherland, where a toxic beast has wormed its way into the landscape. Beware, if you are driving the North Coast 500 as you’ll be entering the dangerous territory of the worm! Next, Annie ventures to a wee island on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, near Braemar, where a strange crocodile creature is causing chaos. Featuring major Kings William the Lion and Malcolm Canmore, we question do monarchs love their monsters?Visit the ‘Sguel / Story: Folktales from the Scottish Highlands' exhibition at the National Library of Scotland at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh now! Find more information here: https://www.nls.uk/exhibitions/sgeul-story/Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

being buried alive, from the founding of St Columba’s Iona Abbey to the spooky sinister Lady with the Ring lore.We consider whether horses in the attic are truly the best possible way to tell if you are being haunted. This episode ties Scottish legends of being buried alive to European traditions and even goes all the way to America. Is Taphophobia an irrational fear, or something that can help us understand wider ideas about the human experience, life and death? Listen for top tips on how to survive your burial. Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on a bone-chilling journey with Jenny and Annie as they explore Duntulm Castle. Perched on a cliff edge in north Skye, Duntulm Castle’s story is woven with tales of ancestral battles, clan feuds, tragic fates, and paranormal disturbances. Each crumbling wall and hidden corner of this ancient, majestic castle has a chilling story, echoing the eerie cries of the long-departed.Discover the castle's blood-soaked beginning, a battleground for the territorial clan feuds of the MacDonalds, and MacLeods. With the wild waters of the Minch as the eerie backdrop, this castle, abandoned by the living yet teeming with restless spirits, calls out to all who dare to delve into its enigmatic history. These ancient stone corridors are a gateway to Skye’s macabre past, with tales of betrayal, love, and tragedy.Will you dare to listen as history and haunting folklore intertwine, unveiling the chilling truths embedded in the haunted grounds of Duntulm Castle? Could this be Skye’s most haunted building?Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October means Annie and Jenny have their turnips to carve and some spooky stories to share. In this spine-tingling episode, we delve deep into the ominous shadows of Galloway's history, unraveling two of its most gruesome and enigmatic folklore tales - the malevolent legacy of Sawney Bean and the sinister mystery of the Murder Hole. As we venture back to the Scottish lowlands, Jenny discusses the unspeakable horrors of Alexander ‘Sawney’ Bean and his clan, a family of cannibalistic outlaws who preyed upon unsuspecting souls, leaving behind a trail of terror.Yet, the horrors of Galloway do not end with the malevolent Bean Clan. Annie invites us to the Murder Hole, a place where twisted fate and natural beauty converge. Beneath the serene allure of the picturesque landscape lies a narrative woven with dark secrets and unsolved mysteries, echoing the chilling whispers of those lost in its silent depths.With every narrative infused with meticulously researched details, chilling narrations, and a dash of the supernatural, this episode promises to immerse listeners in the harrowing landscapes of Galloway’s past. Unravel the intricate tapestry of myth, mystery, and murder that have shaped these eerie Lowland legends.Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you concerned about your cow companions? Do you want to protect your bovine besties from evil enchantments?Welcome to Fireside Folklore, a fun wee episode, where Annie and Jenny try to understand the mysterious phenomenon of cow cursing. After noticing cursed cows turn up in multiple episodes, Annie and Jenny try to understand why cursed cows appear so frequently in Scottish folklore. What do these stories tell us about Scottish culture and values?Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annie and Jenny journey to the Far North of Scotland to trace the intricate tale of this once-feared predator: the wolf. These enigmatic creatures, deeply woven into Scotland's culture and environment, have long been subjects of awe, reverence, and lament.Jenny tells the haunting tale of the Last Wolf of Sutherland. A poignant reflection on the extinction of a species, this story serves as a haunting reminder of human's capacity to reshape nature. Annie brings out a romantic Victorian poem about grave-digging wolves. We have a look at the beautiful wolf-related artifacts held by Inverness Museum, including the Ardross Stone, some taxidermy, and a suspicious bog body. We consider the possibilities and complexities of rewilding. Journey with us as we walk from ancient paths to modern controversies, with the distant howls of a bygone era, and the hopeful calls of a future yet uncertain.You can read the full wolf poem for free here: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/A_Book_of_Highland_Minstrelsy.html?id=bsoIAAAAQAAJ&redir_esc=y 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. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Fireside Folklore, an enchanting wee episode, where Annie and Jenny take us deep into the heart of the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands. We unearthing tales of the mystical fairy dogs that roam the majestic mountainous landscapes. Ensure your sheep are safe and secure, cuddle your four-legged companions, and hold a wee piece of metal to protect yourself from fairy frolics. Whether you're a folklore enthusiast or simply looking to experience the magic of Scotland's natural wonders, this episode promises to captivate your heart and imagination.Content warning: This episode includes a description of a person with suicidal thoughts. If you are based in Scotland and require mental health support, check resources here: www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-support/mental-health-services-at-nhs-24 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. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unravel the secrets of the Galloway landscape in this deep dive into the geology of the marvellous mountain, the Merrick. Ever wondered how nature sculpted its majestic peaks and craggy contours? This episode journeys back millions of years, retracing the earth's steps in moulding this iconic landmark, and a funny wee boulder atop it. Jenny and Annie also explore the Cairnholy sites, which are ancient megalithic wonders that stand as a testament to Galloway’s rich prehistoric past. Join us to merge the world of geology with archaeology, and discover the tales and tectonics that shaped Scotland's scenic wonders.Perfect for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, Scots, Scottish travellers, adventurers and everyone in between!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. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny and Annie return with Fireside Folklore to visit the enchanting world of the mystical tales of selkies, the mythical creatures that live as seals in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land. Dive into two enthralling traditional stories that weave the magic and mystery of Scotland's coastal legends, rich with romance, betrayal, and transformation.Whether you're a folklore enthusiast or a newcomer to the legends of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, these selkie stories will transport you to a world where the line between human and seal is as fluid as the wild ocean waves. Selkies have captured the hearts and minds of storytellers for centuries. 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. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Annie and Jenny as they delve into the vast history of Huntly Castle. The now ruinous Aberdeenshire castle dates back to the 12th century when William the Lion entrusted the MacDuffs with controlling the rebellious area. The motte and bailey castle, then called the Peel Strathbogie, was in the MacDuff’s hands for many tumultuous decades which included catastrophic crusades, brutal beheadings, and fatal flip-floppery. Eventually the Strathbogies blew it and were wiped from their castle by Robert the Bruce, who subsequently gave it to the Gordon family.The Gordons quickly set about changing the castle’s questionable name to Huntly Castle and architecturally revitalising it into something never before seen in Scotland. Over the centuries the Gordons amassed huge amounts of power and influence, but power has funny ways of collapsing, especially when on the Catholic side of the Reformation. In the Gordon’s case their Catholicism has strange and spooky consequences which, thanks to contemporary sources, have reverberated through history to the modern day. 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/storiesofscotland Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.