Fireside Folklore: Nuckelavee, Scotland's Scariest Demon

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   Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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 languages got intertwined with tales of wizardry, reflecting the medieval mindset. 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.

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 bodies in a folklore context. 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.

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 understanding of the solar system. Somerville's work in translating complex mathematical theories into accessible language is highlighted, alongside her role in predicting the existence of Neptune and her advocacy for women's suffrage.We also explore Scottish folklore related to the stars, especially that of the Far North of Scotland. We look at how ancient Scots used celestial phenomena to predict weather and navigate the seas. The episode emphasizes the deep-rooted connection between Scottish culture and the night sky.From Spaceports to satellites, what is Scotland’s future in the stars?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.