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 ..read more

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 fo ..read more

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 weave ..read more

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 ..read more

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 languag ..read more

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 unde ..read more

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 mon ..read more

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 th ..read more

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 liv ..read more

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 ..read more