Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Scottish Folklore Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60. Brownies: Hairy Little Household Helpers | 13 sept. 2026 | 00:29:30 | |
Brownies are odd little folkloric spirits who help out around the house purely because they like to. But be warned, they are as easy to please as they are to lose, and tales of their touchiness can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland! In this episode Jenny explores some of the many tales of Brownies that can be found in Scotland, as well as what happens when Brownies go bad, before ending on the wonderful tale of The Brownie o’ Ferne-Den. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 59. Rannoch: Changelings, Clans, and The Second Sight | 09 août 2026 | 00:32:58 | |
Rannoch is a thin place, an area where the veil between our world and the Other World is said to be rather raggedy, and all sorts of strange things can pass between. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Rannoch stretches from Schiehallion in the east to Glen Coe in the west. In this episode, Jenny explores some of the many tales that take place in the fairy mountains, ancient forests and eerie moors here. From fairy changelings and wolf hunts to encounters with the Devil himself and tales of the second sight, this is a place steeped in folklore, superstition and strange happenings. Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 58. The Blue Men of The Minch | 19 juil. 2026 | 00:24:21 | |
The poetry-slinging, storm-bringing Blue Men of The Minch are only found in one place in Scotland, the strait of water between the Outer Hebrides in the west and the mainland & Skye in the east. The turbulent and ever changing waters here have wrecked countless ships over the centuries, and while some may blame poor weather, or even poor captains, those in the know, understand the real culprits to be The Blue Men of The Minch. In this episode Jenny tells three stories of encounters with these rhyming ship wreckers, and by the end you’ll understand just why the waters of The Minch are regarded as some of the most dangerous in all of the British Isles. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 57. The Midge: Scotland’s Most Vicious Predator | 05 juil. 2026 | 00:25:56 | |
The blasted, buzzing, biting midge is the most vicious predator in all of Scotland. One alone is not much to worry about, but they rarely come alone! In this episode Jenny looks at some of the lore around the minuscule midge, including some truly awful punishments, so listeners beware! She also tells the tale of the bloodthirsty giant Thrim, and how the midge came to Scotland, which takes us all the way from Norway to Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, and finally to the little peninsula of Applecross. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 56. The Loch Ness Monster and St Columba | 14 juin 2026 | 00:31:10 | |
It’s time for a monster hunt! The Loch Ness Monster is perhaps the most famous Scot in the world, yet despite her renown she’s a very shy girl. The vast majority of sightings come from after the 1933 boom, when Nessie went global, yet the very first ever recorded sighting of her is in 565 CE, when St Columba stumbled across a group of terrified Picts on the shore of Loch Ness. In this episode Jenny tells the tale of Columba, his mission to convert the Picts to christianity, the very first ever sighting of The Loch Ness Monster, and a lovely little kelpie tale at the end! Visit the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 55. The Fairy Folk of Skye | 24 mai 2026 | 00:37:42 | |
The Isle of Skye is home to not only some of the most enchanting views in the world, but also a whole host of fairies! In this episode Jenny visits some of these fairies in their homes, first at the fairy knoll of An Sidhean just south of Broadford and then at the ancient iron age brochs of Dun Borve, Dun Garsin and Dun Taimh - each one with its own tale of the little people and their run ins with us pesky humans! From ancient forts to mighty castles, she then travels to Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeods, and tells the tale of one of the clan’s most prized possessions: the fairy flag of Dunvegan! Curses, blessings, and a whole herd of coos await! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 54. Dog Tales: Folklore of our Furry Four Legged Friends | 10 mai 2026 | 00:31:52 | |
There are many tales, and indeed tails, of dogs in Scottish folklore, and in this episode Jenny tells as many as she can in half an hour - which is a surprising amount! From the ominous black dogs of The Bridge of Quholmslee and Loch Ordain, to the gold guarding dogs in Helmsdale and Loch Stack, to the cu-sith, fairy dogs, of The Maidens near Loch Leven and the snowy hills of Kingussie, if you’re a fan of our furry four legged friends, there’s a story here for you! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 53. The Sea Mither: The Battle for Spring and The Dreaded Nuckelavee | 22 mars 2026 | 00:23:08 | |
The Sea Mither is the Orcadian sea deity who brings the calm waters, warm weather, and bounty of spring and summer. But this is no easy feat, for first she must battle Teran, the fearsome winter god of the sea, for control of the waves. Teran is not her only foe, however, as the dreaded Nuckelavee, surely Scotland’s most nightmarish creature, must also be banished. Join Jenny to hear all about the Orcadian (and Shetlandic) lore of the Sea Mither, Teran, and a poor fellow named Tammie who was unlucky enough to meet the Nuckelavee on a dark, winter night. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 52. Will o’ the Wisps | 08 mars 2026 | 00:26:43 | |
Sometimes called Spunkies, other times Will o’ the Wisps, whatever the name, these fiery spirits are always up to no good. And by no good I mean straight up bog-induced murder! Will o’ the Wisps are fiery orbs that lure lost and weary travellers away from the path and out into the vast swampy moors, and in this episode Jenny tells a tale where the poor unsuspecting victim is none other than the moon herself! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 51. Corp Creadha: Scottish Voodoo Dolls and Black Magic | 22 févr. 2026 | 00:29:16 | |
This episode sees Jenny exploring the mysterious and often malicious dark magic of Corp Creadha, or Clay Bodies. These are Scotland’s version of voodoo dolls, and although less well known than their famous counterparts, as the three tales in this episode tell, they are by no means any less powerful! These stories are of a heartbroken man out on a Hebridean Island, a vengeful witch from Inverness and her vendetta against the Provost, and of Mac Ian Ghiorr, a notorious cattle thief from Ardnamurchan, who causes all sorts of trouble for the Maclean’s of Duart on Mull. Each tale has a Clay Body at its heart, here’s just hoping there’s not a needle in there too! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Visit the website and view the Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map View the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft Interactive Map Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 50. Waterfalls: Wailing Spirits, Weird Rituals, and Suspicious Whistles | 08 févr. 2026 | 00:26:02 | |
The folktales are cascading in this episode as Jenny gets drenched under the waterfall lore of Scotland! First she explores the strange and sad folklore of the wailing Caoineag, a water spirit that lives by waterfalls, and its ties to the Glen Coe Massacre of 1692. Next she looks into the healing powers of waterfalls and Saint Fillan's easing of suffering using magical stones near the village of Killin. Then it’s onto some very odd divination rituals in Trotternish, Skye, that have ancient roots in Irish culture, before ending with the tale of ‘The Silver Whistle’ which takes place in the mighty mountain of Beinn na Caillich on Skye, and sees a drover run in with the Fianna. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 49. Tam o’ Shanter | 25 janv. 2026 | 00:34:53 | |
It’s Burns Night! On the 25th of January Scots all over the world come together to celebrate the life and works of the Bard himself, Rabbie Burns, and so in this episode Jenny recites his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. This wild tale takes place in Alloway, Ayrshire, where Burns was from, and follows a farmer Tam, as he drinks late into the night before heading home on his trusty steed, Meg. Unfortunately a storm is raging all around him, but the weather is the least of his concerns, for when he reaches Auld Alloway Kirk he stumbles upon a wild party of warlocks, witches, and the Devil himself! The poem is in Scots, but worry not if you don’t understand it, Jenny also recites an English translation! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 48. Omens: Good, Bad, Worse and BIRDS! | 11 janv. 2026 | 00:33:43 | |
Learn how to tell the future the old fashioned way! The natural world is teeming with messages about things to come; from bats, to boats, to just about every bird there is, omens can be found throughout Scottish folklore. In this episode Jenny explores a whole host of different omens, what they mean, and in some cases, how you can avoid the grim fate they predict. Amongst these harbingers of doom she tells two tales of terrible omens, one of Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull, and one from Closeburn Castle in Dumfries. You can view these locations on this interactive map. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 47. Christmas Time Tales | 21 déc. 2025 | 00:29:56 | |
Yuletide is for feasting, festivities, and fireside stories! In this episode Jenny tells two traditional Christmas time tales, ‘Dancing in the Fairy Knoll’ from Glen Etive and Duncan Williamson’s ‘The Hare and The Scarecrow’. Fairies flit in and out of both stories, but in very different ways, showing just how fickle and friendly they can be! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release] | 14 déc. 2025 | 00:25:10 | |
Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the year, and the rebirth into a new cycle of life. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 46. Assipattle and the Mester Stoorworm | 07 déc. 2025 | 00:36:36 | |
This is one of Scotland’s greatest wonder tales - it is a story of gargantuan proportions, tremendous sacrifice, and unlikely heroes. It comes from Orkney in the far north and tells of Assipattle, a lazy layabout farm lad, and the arrival of the dreaded Mester Stoorworm, a ginormous sea-serpent that can wrap its body around the entire earth and kill everything on land with its terrible breath. But that’s all info you’re getting, as it’s best to just dive right in and enjoy! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 45. Origins of the Selkie Folk | 23 nov. 2025 | 00:31:47 | |
Seals under the waves, humans upon the shore, selkies are some of Scotland’s most well loved folkloric beings, and for good reason too, for their beautiful eyes and gentle nature have captured our imaginations, and hearts, for centuries. In this episode Jenny dives into the world of the seal-folk, their lives both above the surface and below, their many origin stories, and the story of MacCodrum of the Seals. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 44. Cailleach Beira: The Ancient Hag Deity of Winter | 09 nov. 2025 | 00:30:39 | |
Mountain builder, bone singer, bringer of winter, the Cailleach Beira is a Hag unto her own. Join Jenny in this episode as she tells many tales of the giant blue-faced deity who rules over the cruel, harsh winters of Scotland. From her shaping of the land, to her protective peace, to her bitter rage-filled jealousy of the beautiful maiden of spring, Bride, the Cailleach Beira rules over not just winter, but also our hearts. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 43. Samhain: Halloween Traditions & Tales | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:21:38 | |
The veil is thinning and soon Samhain, the scariest night of the year, will be upon us. But what is it that makes this night, the 31st of October, just so spooky? In this episode Jenny explores the ancient Celtic roots of Samhain, traditional protective rituals, divination games, and tells the tale of a lass who decided to peek behind the veil to find out who her future husband would be. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 42. Return From the Dead: Witches, Warlocks, and The Water of Life | 19 oct. 2025 | 00:27:40 | |
What happens when death is not final? In Scottish folklore people returning from the dead is not only rare, but also, as we find out in this episode, absolutely terrifying. The three tales Jenny tells make up a spooky sandwich of scary stories: the first, ‘A Dead Wife Among the Fairies’ comes from North Ronaldsay on Orkney, the second, ‘The Water or Life’ comes from the shores of Loch Fyne, and the third, ‘Wizard Rising After Death’ comes from the remote hills of Ross-shire. But beware, these tales are not for the faint of heart, so listen at your own peril! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 41. Doppelgangers & The Second Sight | 12 oct. 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
In Scotland, to see your doppelganger is not good news. First off, it probably means you have the second sight, or, as the Gaelic puts it, dà shealladh, ‘the two sights’, which is no easy burden to bear. Secondly, it means you’re most likely gonna die soon. In Scottish folklore, these uncanny supernatural doubles are called fetches, or taibhse, and eerie tales that swirl around their appearances can be found all over the country. In this episode, Jenny tells of fetches in Skye, Lewis, and Galloway, as well as the Aberdeenshire tale 'Thrummy Cap: A Legend of the Castle of Fiddes.' Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 40. Wild Weddings | 28 sept. 2025 | 00:24:44 | |
Let’s tie the knot! In this episode Jenny explores some old customs and superstitions surrounding the big day, and tells two tales all about wild weddings in Scottish folklore: The Shepherd Fiddler and The Earl of Mar’s Daughter. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 39. Caves of Gold: Monsters, Mermaids & Hidden Treasure | 21 sept. 2025 | 00:23:08 | |
Treasure is said to lie in the depths of many a Scottish cave, and so in this episode Jenny goes in search of gold! On her journey under the earth she visits Shetland, Skye, Thurso, and Arran uncovering tales of viking kings, brave bagpipers, betrayed mermaids, and fickle fairies. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 38. The Goodwife of Auchtermuchty | 07 sept. 2025 | 00:15:16 | |
Ye-olde gender roles don’t stand a chance in this age-old tale! The Goodwife of Auchtermuchty is a poem that was first written down in the 16th century, but is likely much older, and it tells of a husband and wife mixing things up for a day! Read the original poem in old Scots as well as translation into English here Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 37. Beautiful Bready Bannocks! | 31 août 2025 | 00:27:30 | |
Bannocks are a traditional type of bread that was a staple of the Scottish diet for centuries, and because of this they roll right on through Scottish culture and folklore. In this episode Jenny explores some of the lore and tradition around ritual bannocks, which were baked on important days of the year, as well as their use in divination, healing, and protecting those udders! She also tells two traditional tales that have mischievous wee bannocks: ‘The Fox and the Little Bannock’, and ‘The Good Housewife and her Night Helpers’. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 36. Harvest Time Tales: Greed, Ghosts and Guns | 24 août 2025 | 00:23:08 | |
Harvest time was an incredibly important time of year for the hardworking folk of Scotland, it started on the 1st of August with Lughnasadh or Lammas celebrations, and ran through to Samhain at the end of October. Although a time of back-breaking work, the folk were rewarded with the bounty of the fertile earth, and so naturally there are many folktales all about, or around, the harvest! In this episode Jenny tells two of these harvest time tales, ‘The Lady’s Loaf Field’ and ‘The Spòg Bhuidhe’. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 35. Whuppity Stoorie: Scotland’s Cruelest Fairy? | 10 août 2025 | 00:18:04 | |
Whuppity Stoorie is a classic Scottish folktale from down in the Debatable Lands, the area around what is now Scotland’s border with England. The tale tells of the Goodwife of Kittlerumpit and her run in with a fairy like no other. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 34. Loch Assynt: Mermaids, Black Magic, and More | 03 août 2025 | 00:29:10 | |
Assynt is one of Scotland’s most spectacular spots, but it’s not just the landscape that will take your breath away. The land here is steeped in lore, and the shores of Loch Assynt are not only home to the crumbling ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House, but also many ancient stories filled with fire, betrayal, murder and the devil himself. Listen in to hear Jenny tell the tales of The Mermaid of Assynt and The Lady of Ardvreck Castle, as well as covering some clan history of the MacLeods and Mackenzies. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 33. The Shellycoat: Mischievous or Malicious? | 27 juil. 2025 | 00:24:44 | |
As supernatural Scottish creatures go, The Shellycoat is one of the lesser known of the bunch, but don’t let this bothersome Bogle fool you, for although often cited as harmless, as we’ll find out in this episode, The Shellycoat is anything but! In this episode Jenny explores the lore of The Shellycoat and tells two tales of Shellycoats, one from The Borders and one from Leith in Edinburgh. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 32. Deirdire of the Sorrows - Part 2 | 13 juil. 2025 | 00:27:18 | |
Jenny is back with Part 2 of Deirdire of the Sorrows, an ancient Gaelic tale that has been told in both Ireland and Scotland for countless years. This half sees Deirdire, Naoise, and his two brothers living as fugitives in Scotland. But all good things must come to an end, and all prophecies must be fulfilled… In Ireland, the story of Deirdre is part of the Ulster Cycle of mythology, but the version that I am telling comes from a fellow named John Macneil, who told it from his home on the Isle of Barra in 1867. The story of Deirdire was told in Gaelic and taken down by Alexander Carmichael, who later translated it into English and published both versions in 1905. This is the most comprehensive Scottish version of this story on record, and while it differs in some ways from the Irish telling, it’s no less of a cracker! You can read Alexander Carmichael’s original Gaelic and English translation of it here Many thanks to Caoimhe Keohane of Wild Anam for helping with the many Irish Gaelic pronunciations in this tale! This an Irish version of the story of Deirdire of the Sorrows Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31. Deirdire of the Sorrows - Part 1 | 06 juil. 2025 | 00:22:13 | |
This is an ancient Gaelic tale that has been told in both Ireland and Scotland for countless years. In Ireland, the story of Deirdre is part of the Ulster Cycle of mythology, but the version that I am telling comes from a fellow named John Macneil, who told it from his home on the Isle of Barra in 1867. The story of Deirdire was told in Gaelic and taken down by Alexander Carmichael, who later translated it into English and published both versions in 1905. This is the most comprehensive Scottish version of this story on record, and while it differs in some ways from the Irish telling, it’s no less of a cracker! You can read Alexander Carmichael’s original Gaelic transcription and English translation here Many thanks to Caoimhe Keohane of Wild Anam for helping with the many Irish Gaelic pronunciations in this tale! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30. Robert the Bruce: Wee Beasties and Big Battles | 29 juin 2025 | 00:28:41 | |
The man, the myth, the legend. Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland’s most iconic figures, and for good reason too. As King, he led Scotland to a monumental victory against the English at The Battle of Bannockburn, paving the way for independence. From itsy-bitsy spiders to superhuman feats of endurance and skill, the stories that survive about Bruce paint a picture of a tenacious hero. But behind the legends lie a ruthless leader who took chances when they appeared and used force when they didn’t, but above all, he never ever gave up. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 29. St Mungo: Glasgow's Patron Saint | 22 juin 2025 | 00:26:47 | |
Join Jenny as she dives into the folklore behind Glasgow’s rather odd coat of arms and its remarkable patron saint, St. Mungo. Although a religious figure, the stories of St. Mungo and his mother, St. Thenew, are steeped in folklore, mythology, and magical happenings - much of which is handily condensed into this little rhyme: The tree that never grew, The bird that never flew, The fish that never swam, The bell that never rang Every school child in Glasgow learnt this rhyme and the stories behind it, and now, thanks to this episode, you can too! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28. Dragon Tales | 08 juin 2025 | 00:19:28 | |
Scottish dragons aren’t quite like the dragons found in the rest of the world, they don’t breath fire, can’t fly, and don’t even have any limbs, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous or terrifying! (Ok well, maybe a tad). In this episode Jenny tells two tales of dragons found in Scotland, the first is of Martin’s Stane just north of Dundee, and the second is called Eilean Fraoch, which is the name of a small island in Loch Awe, which was once home to a dastardly dragon. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27. The Well at the World's End | 01 juin 2025 | 00:20:15 | |
Fancy kissing a frog? How about marrying one? The Frog Prince is a common theme found in folk tales throughout Europe, and ‘The Well at the World’s End’ is Scotland’s take on this age-old classic. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon View the Interactive Map of Folklore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 26. Standing Stone Stories | 25 mai 2025 | 00:20:21 | |
Lone standing stones are scattered all over the Scottish landscape, and although we will unfortunately never know why they were originally raised or what their meanings were, in this vacuum of understanding, local folklore arises and new stories are wrapped around these ancient stones. Listen in to hear the lore swirling around Granny Kempock in Gourock, The Brahan seer’s links to the Clach an t-Seasaidh near Muir of Ord, the tragic story of the Clachan Ceann Ile on Islay, and the angry Njugal and the Asta Standing Stone in Shetland. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25. The Wind: Witches and Wonder | 18 mai 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
There’s no escaping the wind in Scotland, especially if you live on an island or high up in the mountains. In this episode Jenny tells three tales all about the wind that take place in these places. The first two, The Boy Who Climbed The Snap and How a witch saved the Papa Stour come from Shetland and have both wind and witches, while the third, The Wind and the Dying Woman, comes from Angus and tells a very different tale about the West Wind. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24. The Unicorn: Scotland’s National Animal | 11 mai 2025 | 00:23:27 | |
The majestic unicorn’s reputation has been somewhat sparkle-ified over the last few decades, but this hasn’t always been the case! There was once a time when the unicorn symbolised far more than a whimsical horse with a horn, and in this episode we find out how it came to be, what it truly represents, and why it’s the perfect pick for Scotland’s national animal. So listen in and enjoy as Jenny tells the tale of ‘The Coming of the Unicorn’ to Scotland, as well as exploring Skye’s very own take on the Unicorn, the Biasd na Srogaig. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23. Green Ladies: Spooky & Sad Spectres | 27 avr. 2025 | 00:20:14 | |
An incredible number of Scottish Castles are haunted by the ghost of a Green Lady. These spooky spectres of women dressed in green robes linger on long after death in the tower rooms, gloomy passageways, and great halls of these castles. But who were these women when alive, and what has tied their souls to this earthly plane for all eternity? In this episode Jenny tells the stories of four Green Lady ghosts that haunt four different castles: Rothesay Castle, The Castle of Mey, Crathes Castle, and Skipness Castle. But beware, this is not a jolly episode, there’s murder, suicide, and lots of death, so please do listen with care. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 22. Pesky Pirates | 20 avr. 2025 | 00:16:35 | |
Pirates were a very real threat to the many communities that lived on the Scottish islands and coastlines, and so naturally there are plenty of folktales about them! In this episode Jenny tells three of these tales: The Drowned Bells of the Abbey, Deaf John, and the tale of Mac Ean Yeer. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 21. The Two Sisters and the Curse | 13 avr. 2025 | 00:11:17 | |
This is a tale of broken promises, broken hearts, bitter curses, and a whole lot of harvesting. It comes from the south end of the Isle of Mull, and will have you questioning whether spilling the tea is worth it in the long run! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map of folklore Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20. The Goat that Told Lies | 06 avr. 2025 | 00:20:52 | |
Storytelling was at the heart of Traveller life, and this traditional Traveller tale was a favourite of Duncan Williamson, a masterful storyteller whose voice has kept countless old stories alive. And no doubt, once you hear it too, you’ll understand why. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19. Changelings | 30 mars 2025 | 00:25:39 | |
Changelings are some of Scotland’s most unsettling folklore, for what could be more disturbing than an innocent bairn being stolen by a malicious fairy and a changeling, a wrinkled and wailing fairy baby, left in its place. In this episode Jenny explores the lore surrounding these strange replacements for stolen bairns, and tells two tales of changelings: A Fairy Changeling, and Wee Johnny in the Cradle. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18. Legends of the Cairngorms | 23 mars 2025 | 00:29:04 | |
In this episode, Jenny explores the origin stories of three families that come from Braemar in the Cairngorms: the Wolf McDonalds, the McHardys, and the Farquharsons These tales, which are of both the Cairngorms and the whole world alike, are packed with wolves, monsters, kings, elopements, fairies and a terrible French accent, so saddle up and enjoy the ride! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17. The Devil at Bennachie Burn | 16 mars 2025 | 00:22:48 | |
This terrific Traveller tale follows a young lass named Peggy as a mysterious stranger tries to woo her by the banks of Bennachie Burn, and while Peggy is already betrothed to a long-legged cattle herd named Sammy Smith, their love will soon be given a run for its money! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16. The Devil's in the Landscape | 09 mars 2025 | 00:22:58 | |
The Devil can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland and in this episode Jenny crawls into these nooks and squeezes through the crannies in search of the stories that ‘Ol Sandy has left behind. From The Devil’s Pulpit and The Whangie north of Glasgow to out past Arbroath where the Devil’s head and eyes haunt the ragged coastline, this is a journey of terrifying tales, and not quite so terrifying geology! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 15. Rashiecoat: Scotland's Cinderella | 23 févr. 2025 | 00:28:32 | |
In this episode Jenny tells the classic Scottish folk tale of Rashiecoat. This is Scotland’s version of Cinderella, and while there are similarities, it is no Disney fairytale! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive Episode Map and Story Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14. Through the Mist | 16 févr. 2025 | 00:27:49 | |
In Scottish folklore mist swirls in the liminal space between this world and the parallel Otherworld, where fairies, spirits, and monsters exist just beyond our boundaries of perception. But when the mist descends, for better or worse, we humans can pass through the veil and into the otherworld. In this episode Jenny tells two eerie tales of those who passed through the mist, and what they found on the other side… The first is called ‘Baking in Creag Hàstain’ and comes from Balemore on the island of North Uist. The second is called ‘The Blue Cap’ and comes from Kintyre. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13. Thieves: Tales of Cunning and Curses | 09 févr. 2025 | 00:23:52 | |
Thieves play many roles in Scottish folklore, and while for the most part they are the worst of the worst, this isn’t always the case! In this episode Jenny tells the tales of two thieves, firstly, ‘The Troublesome Son’, from Glenluce in the Borders, and secondly, ‘An Gille Dubh’ from Argyll. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12. Fin Folk: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous | 02 févr. 2025 | 00:27:39 | |
The Fin Folk are a strange race of sea-people that live off the coasts of Orkney and Shetland. They are tall, dark, mysterious… and covered in big flappy fins. In this episode Jenny explores how the Fin Folk live, the vanishing island they call home, and their (very much unreciprocated) desire to marry humans. She also tells the tale of ‘The Farmer of Evie’, a traditional Orcadian folktale about how the mysterious isle of Eynhallow came to rest between Evie and Rousay. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||