Introduction

Immersing yourself in thought-provoking art and literature starts here. Transport yourself to Moat Brae, the home where Peter Pan author JM Barrie used to play as a child, then on to Dumfries to take a tour of The Robert Burns Centre. Turn the page to Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott before heading to Kirkcudbright, a shining light for Scottish artists of past and present in the South of Scotland. Our final chapter takes you to Wigtown, home of the famous Wigtown Book Festival, full of its eclectic mix of independent bookshops. You’ll be inspired the second you tap play. So, don’t forget to visit www.scotlandstartshere.com

Family adventures start here. We begin in complete darkness, star gazing at Kirroughtree Forest, part of the Galloway Dark Skies Park, in the heart of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. We then explore the adrenaline packed activities and family adventures available in our great outdoors. From zip-lining during the night or day at Go Ape in the Glentress Forest, to our world-famous mountain biking tracks, there’s plenty to get the heart-rate going. After all that adrenaline, we escape to the exotic plants, palm trees and ferns of Logan Botanic Gardens. And relax. All you have to do is tap play to transport yourself to Scotland’s playground in the South of Scotland – and don’t forget to visit www.scotlandstartshere.com

Clans, castle strongholds and ancient ancestral seats start here. Become a Border Reiver at Caerlaverock Castle. Attack the Maxwell Clan in their triangular fortress and put their intricately carved defences to the test. Then call in on the world-class Clan Armstrong Centre, lovingly restored at the imposing Gilnockie Tower. Spend time with Scouse storyteller Steve - whose life was transformed after his ancestral voyage to Sorbie Tower. And join him on his quest to return the site to former glory. Finally - rejoice in song as Wullie Beattie performs the Ballad of Johnnie Armstrong.You’ll be roaming the South of Scotland the second you tap play. Listen and find yourself at Scotland’s first lines of defence - and visit scotlandstartshere.com

There’s a huge movement towards agritourism, and a craving for authentic and sustainable food and drink experiences. Well, it just so happens that the very best of them start here in the South. Journey with us and you might be tempted to rustle up something delicious and local at Kirkcudbright’s Station House Cookery School, or meet the next generation of alchemists at the Crafty Distillery. Kitchen Coos and Ewes will introduce you to our resident four-legged friends, while Jacksons at Jedburgh is a working farm with an emphasis on fun and education. The heritage and stories of the countryside are waiting to be heard. You’ll have your wellies on the second you tap play. Listen and enjoy a little Southern comfort - and visit www.scotlandstartshere.com.

Farm-to-fork experiences and taste sensations start here. Whether it's a trip out in the pristine Berwickshire Marine Reserve to reel in your own fresh fish supper, an evening of exquisite locally-sourced fine dining, or a tour of old and brand-spanking new distilleries and breweries, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders are perfect for foodies. Our destination is burgeoning with sustainably-sourced fish, meat, and game. Did we mention the fresh fruit and veg, cheese, craft ales, and artisan gins and whiskies? We’re even home to a world-renowned chocolatier. What a menu. You'll be salivating the second you tap play. Listen and transport yourself to Scotland's breadbasket - and visit www.scotlandstartshere.com

Heritage, culture and high fashion start hereFollow in the footsteps of celebrated fashion designers to the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, and discover why it’s a global centre of textile manufacture and high fashion. You might not arrive on Concorde like Vivienne Westwood and Donna Karan used to, but you can sample the same luxury and impeccable craftsmanship at our mills and visitor centres. In this episode, we’ll also showcase a unique opportunity to spend time at the home and studio of a globally renowned Midlothian artist. Guess who? It all starts the moment you press play.Listen now - and visit www.scotlandstartshere.com for more.

Adventure starts here. The Scottish Borders and Midlothian are essential destinations for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether it's the peaks, glens and reservoirs of the Pentland Hills, or the world-renowned Tweed Valley trails - that are perfect for exploring, on foot, horse, or mountain bike. There are rivers, cliff walks, snorkelling, and kayaking - all less than an hour from Edinburgh by road or rail. Episode 2 of Scotland Starts Here introduces you to the people who know all about adventure. It starts here. Get your heart racing the moment you tap play. Listen now - and visit www.scotlandstartshere.com for more.

History starts here. Episode 1 of Scotland Starts Here takes us back to the days of the wild and bloodthirsty Border Reivers, to William Wallace, and Mary, Queen of Scots. We'll whisk you away on a tour of hidden towers, majestic monuments and battle sites. You’ll discover why the famous Bear Gates at Traquair House have been kept locked for hundreds of years. You'll also visit the Midlothian abbey where Scotland's Declaration of Independence was drafted in 1320. We’ll even canter alongside the jaw-dropping Common Ridings, one of Europe's greatest equestrian spectacles. This is where history starts. Where Scotland starts. And it all begins the moment you tap play. Subscribe and listen now - and start planning your trip at www.scotlandstartshere.com

We're here to let you in on one of the UK's best kept secrets. The Scotland Starts Here podcasts will introduce you to the natural beauty, heritage, and culture of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. We hope to inspire you to plan your next holiday or day-trip. Visit www.scotlandstartshere.com for much more!