Stories of Scotland

The Falkirk Triangle: An Alien & UFO Hub in Scotland

In this episode, Annie and Jenny investigate some of the unexplained phenomena seen in the skies above Scotland. Since the 1990s the town of Bonnybridge has been the centre of Scotland’s UFO activity, with thousands of reported sightings leading to it being crowned ‘The Roswell of Scotland’. It is a hotspot in the greater area known as The Falkirk Triangle, in which many strange and unexplained encounters have occurred. Perhaps the best-known of these is Bob Taylor, a forester who saw more than just trees in the forest. Listen to this world-famous alien encounter explored in depth, through the portal of local newspapers. Bob’s encounter is not the only one reported in the Scottish press, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, these sightings are always exciting and sometimes newsworthy. Some are mysterious and unsolved, others are mysterious and solved, but all… are out of this world. None more so than Annie’s very own tale of a mysterious encounter in the Highlands. Want to try out WeeBox? Go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandReporting from The West Lothian Courier (1979), Daily Record (1992), The Dundee Courier (1994), The Scotsman (1947), Aberdeen Press and Journal (1997). We mention the TV show Strange But True? - S01E02 (1994).

Promo: Scotland- A Scottish History Podcast

We’re delighted to bring you a sample episode from one of our friends who makes the tremendously splendid Scotland: A Scottish History Podcast. The episode featured is called Milngavie vs the Monorail - The George Bennie Railplane System. Listen here:http://link.chtbl.com/scotlandWhen we heard the Milngavie vs the Monorail episode, we were entranced by the big emotions around this intriguing entrepreneur. Annie and Jenny are currently putting together a new season for you and are aiming to make more regular Stories of Scotland Podcasts. Thank you for your support of our show, and our listening to our wonderful friends and their emotions towards the monorail.

Women Turned to Stone

In this episode, Jenny and Annie explore the curious phenomenon in Scottish folklore of the spirits of women being captured by stone. From the glorious mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail to the Maiden Stone of Drumdurno in Aberdeenshire, we investigate why there are so many stories of women turned to stone.Also, we revisit Smoo cave to hear a tremendous tale of a loch-protecting Cailleach.Want to try out WeeBox? Go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!Interested in visiting the National Museum of Scotland? Get more information here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/scotland You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThis is part of the Radical Mountain Women, funded by the Royal Society of Literature. Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.Sources:Canmore.org.uk and historicenvironment.scot on the Maiden Stone and Persephone.Kingshill, S., Westwood, J. B., The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends, London, Random House, 2011.McConnochie, A. I., Bennachie, Aberdeen, D Wyllie & Son, 1890.Newspapers from the Aberdeen Evening Express and Highland News.

Ferns and Stinging Flowers of Scotland

Jenny and Annie explore some folklore around a couple of the most common plants of the Scottish landscape. We go out into the wilds of Scotland and have a think about the plants we’re treading on along the way. This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThis is part of the Radical Mountain Women, funded by the Royal Society of Literature. Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.Sources:Articles from the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal (1903), Dundee Courier (1926), Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette (1905).Oral history reference numbers 75696, 41976, 33367, 2750, 60651 from www.tobarandualchais.co.uk. Chambers, Robert., Popular Rhymes of Scotland, W & R Chambers, Edinburgh, 1870.Wrightham, Mark., & Kempe, Nick, Hostile Habitats: Scotland's Mountain Environment Scottish Mountaineering Trust, 2019.

Fairy Folks of Loch Fyne

Annie and Jenny look at the beautiful environment of Loch Fyne, and explore the folklore that has developed around it. We have some lighthearted fairy stories and a spooky ghost tale around the areas of Inveraray Castle and Stonefield Castle. This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotlandThis is part of the Radical Mountain Women, funded by the Royal Society of Literature. Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.Sources:Stoddart, J., Remarks on Local Scenery and Manners in Scotland during the Years 1799 and 1800. William Milar, 1801. MacCormick, D.(contributor), Maclean C. I. (Fieldworker), SA1954.7.B1, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh (https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/42064)Articles from the Occult Review (1909), the Scottish Mountaineering Journal (1890), The Globe (1895), Morning Post (1909), Falkirk Herald (1870), Fife Herald (1852).

The Hercules: A History of Scottish Diaspora

Join Annie and Jenny on a trip around the world. The year is 1852, the Potato Famine and Highland Clearances are causing devastation, and hundreds of Scots board The Hercules, a ship destined for Adelaide, but struck by horrific disaster. As they leave their home in Scotland to start a new life halfway around the world, storms, disease, and sharks all plague the voyage. This episode looks at why these people left their homes, the journey they undertook, and their lives in Australia, if they survived to live them. This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!Interested in visiting the National Museum of Scotland? Get more information here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/scotland You can support Stories of Scotland on patreon, visit www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland to join up!References: Devine, T. M, “The Scottish Clearances: A History of the Dispossessed, 1600-1900”, 2019, PenguinDevine, T.M, “Scotland’s Empire: The Origins of the Global Diaspora”, Penguin, 2004Hunter, James, “Scottish Exodus: Travels Among a Worldwide Clan”, Mainstream, 2005Richards, Eric, “Highland emigrants to South Australia in the 1850s”, Northern Scotland, Vol 5, Feb 2015Reportings from the Inverness Couier, Cork Examiner, Edinburgh Evening Courant. You can read the ship registers here: www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/guides/highland-and-island-emigration-society-records

Promo: Weight of Sand

We’re sharing the first episode of a new podcast series we’ve just released called Weight of Sand. This is an audio drama exploring the life and lore of Isobel Gowdie. Isobel was accused of witchcraft in 1662. She lived in Auldearn in the Highlands of Scotland and her witchcraft confessions were detailed and vivid. 30 years after her trial, a nearby village of the Culbin was destroyed in a storm and covered in sand dunes. The sand was so extensive the land was called ‘The Sahara of Scotland’. Folklore blamed Isobel for cursing this land as revenge. Weight of Sand explores Isobel, her life, and the environment she is said to have destroyed. Listen to more Weight of Sand episodes at: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-of-sand/id1632916019 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RD2r2aQJTXngkFPcvFgcqPocket Casts: https://pca.st/podcast/815949a0-df45-013a-d9e1-0acc26574db2Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4024035CastBox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Weight-of-Sand-id4994068 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/weight-of-sand Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/7761809b-fe11-4ea2-9491-8c3c6659fd26/weight-of-sand Website: https://www.carryingstream.com/weightofsand/

Granite Blessings of the Woman’s Stone: Clach Bhan

Join Annie and Jenny deep in the Cairngorms, as they climb Ben Avon, but the summit isn’t the goal, instead, they take a detour to an astounding rock formation called Clach Bhan, or in English, the Women’s Stone. This rock formation overlooks the surrounding glens, and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Pregnant women from miles around would undertake an arduous trek to this point and ask the stone for a safe childbirth. But why this stone, three-quarters of the way up a mountain? What caused it to be here? Why are there numerous bowl-shaped holes, perfect for sitting? And most importantly, what drew women to this spot, in search of solace and safety?
This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!
You can support Stories of Scotland on patreon, visit www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland to join up!
Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.
References:
Aberdeen Press and Journal. Old North Country Superstitions. 1877.
Gordon J, Wignall R, Brazier N, Bruneau P, ‘Cairngorms, A landscape Fashioned by Geology’, Scottish National Heritage, 2006.
Mason D. Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, volume xiv, 1887-1888. Inverness: Gaelic Society of Inverness; 1889.
Northern Scot and Moray & Nairn Express. A Highland Village in the 18th Century. 1911.
Sinclair J. Statistical Accounts of Scotland. Edinburgh: William Creech; 1794.
Smith A. The history and antiquities of new and old Aberdeen. Aberdeen: A. Murray; 1882.

Myths of a Skye Mountain: Beinn na Caillich

Annie and Jenny discover how Skye’s greatest mountains are the remains of an ancient volcano. We unravel rich Scottish folklore about Beinn na Caillich: the Mountain of the Old Woman. We discuss the lore of giant women who battled across the sea with giant boulders. 
Learn about Saucy Mary, a lost Norwegian Princess and, a fake Norwegian Princess. If you love Skye, this episode is filled with magical mountain lore. 
You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland
This is part of the Radical Mountain Women, funded by the Royal Society of Literature.
References:
Anderson, J., 1873. Notes of some Entries in the Iceland Annals regarding the Death of the Princes Margaret. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 10. 
Finlayson, J. (Contributor), Maclean C. I. (Fieldworker), 1955. Mar a fhuair Beinn Na Caillich aim, SA1955.169, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. 
Gordon, S., 1927. A Peak in Skye: Beinn na Cailliche. The Scotsman. 
Hull, E., 1927. Legends and Traditions of the Cailleach Bheara or Old Woman (Hag) of Beare. Folklore, 38.
Kallestrup, L. and Toivo, R., 2017. Contesting Orthodoxy in Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Cham: Springer International Publishing: Palgrave Macmillan.
Macculloch, J. and Scott, W., 1824. The Highlands and western Isles of Scotland in letters to Sir Walter Scott. London.
MacKay, J., 1905. How Beinn na Caillich got its name. Celtic Monthly, Glasgow, 13. 
Mackenzie, D. A., 1905. A Highland Goddess. The Celtic Review, 7, no. 28. 
Whyte, A., 2021. The Cailleach in Place-Names and Place-Lore. Journal of Scottish Name Studies, 14.

St Kilda: Life & Lore

Jenny and Annie explore the far edge of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda. We look at the wonders of climbing the stacks of St Kilda, and the seabirds that create a symphony.
We see through the eyes of Evelyn Heathcote, as she spends the night in a sea cave with a group of Gaelic psalm-singing St Kildans. We examine the folklore and landscape of this unique and special place. 
You can support Stories of Scotland on Patreon! www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland
This is part of the Radical Mountain Women, funded by the Royal Society of Literature. Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.
A special thanks to the School of Scottish Studies Archives for letting us use these Gaelic Psalm recordings:
Salm 68, Contributor: John MacLeod, Fieldworker: Thorkild Knudsen, SA1963.44.A2, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/74853]
Salm 118, Contributor: James Smith, Fieldworker: Thorkild Knudsen, SA1964.103.B3, The School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh. [https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/75665]
References:
CANMORE, ‘St Kilda, Hirta, The Amazon’s House’, https://canmore.org.uk/site/3960/st-kilda-hirta-gleann-mor-the-amazons-house
C. Maclean, ‘Island on the Edge of the World - The Story of St Kilda’, Cannongate Publishing, 1977. 
E. J. Clegg & J. F. Cross, ‘Aspects of neonatal death in St Kilda, 1830-1930,  Journal of Biosocial Science, 1994. 
G. F. Geddes, ‘The Amazon's House, Hirta, St Kilda – A Conservation Statement’, unpublished report for the National Trust for Scotland, RCAHMS Mss 6341, 2011.
E. Heathcote, ‘A night in an Ocean cave’, World Wide Magazine, Vol 5, 1900. 
E. Heathcoat, ‘A summer Sojourn in St Kilda’,Good Words, Vol  42, 1901.
N. Heathcote, ‘Climbing in St Kilda’, Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal, Vol 6, 1901.
‘More About St Kilda Underground Houses,’ The Scotsman, 1928.
National Trust for Scotland on St Kilda, a World Heritage Site: www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/st-kilda
National Records of Scotland, ‘Stories from St Kilda’ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/learning/features/stories-from-st-kilda
P. Stride, ‘St Kilda, the neonatal tetanus tragedy of the nineteenth century and some twenty-first century answers’, Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 2008.