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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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 [email protected] 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...

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...

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...

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...