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Stories of Scotland

Stories of Scotland

Carrying Stream

Stories of Scotland is an award-winning Scottish history podcast. Join hosts Jenny and Annie as they unravel the rich tapestry of Scotland’s culture, nature and heritage. Prepared to climb into caves, cairns and chaos, Jenny and Annie travel around Scotland and investigate how stories of the past can help us make sense of modern life.

Stories of Scotland celebrates Scottish history through traditional storytelling, archival research, museum objects and wandering in nature. It is recorded in Inverness & hosted by Jenny, an environmental scientist & Annie, an archivist.

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125 - Fireside Folklore: Warrior Women
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  • 125 - Fireside Folklore: Warrior Women

    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

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sat, 23 Mar 2024 - 38min
  • 124 - Rewilding in Dundreggan

    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/

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    Mon, 04 Mar 2024 - 43min
  • 123 - Fireside Folklore: Witch's Wrath and Kelpie's Curse

    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.

    Sat, 27 Jan 2024 - 36min
  • 122 - Blessed Butter: Bogs and Beyond

    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.

    Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 52min
  • 121 - Fireside Folklore: Ghosts of Hogmanay

    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.

    Wed, 27 Dec 2023 - 26min
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