Stories of Scotland

Like all adventures, after five wonderful years, Stories of Scotland is coming to an end. Join Annie and Jenny in this last episode as they revisit where it all started, the humble bothy, and tell some final stories of Scotland.We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to you, our listeners. Thank you for supporting us as we’ve made this show, and tuning in to each episode, no matter how weird the subject, we couldn’t have done it without you. We’ve learnt so much, laughed even more, and truly lived the Stories of Scotland, it’s been an incredible journey. We’re forever grateful to our family and friends, who have given us endless encouragement, support and advice (mainly on how to pronounce things) throughout the years. With all ends come new beginnings, so stay subscribed to this feed to hear about our future projects and endeavours. For the final time, slàinte mhath. 

Join Jenny and Annie at dawn, as we dive into the dangerous world of Scottish duelling! We explore the history, laws, and legendary figures of Scottish duelling.First, we break down what duelling is and trace its evolution from medieval trial by combat to private duels of honour. We uncover fascinating Scottish duelling laws and share the blood-soaked tale of the Battle of North Inch, also known as the lethal Battle of the Clans. Next, we meet Donald McBane, an 18th-century Highlander with a notorious reputation as one of Scotland's greatest swordsmen. His life story is packed with duels, battles, and even some dirty tricks.We discover dastardly duels of the wealthy, including a Jacobite spy.Finally, we sprinkle in some folklore fun, then tell the story of the last fatal duel in Scotland. Join us as we parry, lunge, and uncover the hazardous history of duelling in Scotland.

We journey to the cold waters of the North Sea for Jenny to tell the famed story of the Nuckelavee as captured by farmer and folklorist Walter Trail Dennison. The nuckelavee is a skinless horse who haunts Orkney’s coasts, terrifying travelers. He also brings blight and plague to crops, livestock and even humans with his terrible toxic breath. Meanwhile, Annie will do anything to avoid the nuckelavee, including summoning the ancient Sea Mither to ensure the nuckelavee is trapped for summer.Independently made in the Highlands, Stories of Scotland is gratefully funded through listener support on Patreon.www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandCome 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  

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

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

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/