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/

Read More

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.

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/

Read More

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-story

Read More

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/storiesofscotland

Read More

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/storiesofscotland

Read More

Join Annie and Jenny in their short in-between epsiodes, 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.

Read More

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/storiesofscotland

Read More

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.

Read More

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/storiesofscotland

Thank you all so much for listening to Scotland’s most popular history and folklore podcast.

Read More

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

Read More

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.

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.

Read More

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?

Read More

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 a return to this trend. Finally, they touch on the smuggler and ghost stories of New Slains Castle.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

Annie and Jenny 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, and a creepy, dreadful unexplained ghost in South Uist!

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

Read More

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?

Read More

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. 

We also meet Christa Gerdwilker, who is one of the leaders for High Level Masonry project currently underway across Historic Environment Scotland sites.

Read More

In this episode Annie and Jenny go squelching out into the marvellous Flow Country. This area, in the northern Highlands of Scotland, is often overlooked in favour of the mountainous west coast, but there is so much great stuff to be discovered here! The deep peat has taken thousands of years to form and the ecology of this Blanket Bog is wonderfully diverse. From hundreds of species of moss to rare dragonflies and carnivorous plants, the bog is teeming with life. The landscape is not just blanketed in bog, but also folklore, we explore a loch with healing powers, and how it got them, and the mysterious yet compelling Hill ‘o Many Stanes. 

if you’re on the North Coast 500, the Flow Country is a must see, and this episode, a must listen!

Read More