The Scottish Folklore Podcast - The Scottish Folklore Podcast

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24. The Unicorn: Scotland’s National Animal May 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

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23. Green Ladies: Spooky & Sad Spectres Apr 27, 2025

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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.

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22. Pesky Pirates Apr 20, 2025

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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.

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21. The Two Sisters and the Curse Apr 13, 2025

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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!

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20. The Goat that Told Lies Apr 06, 2025

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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.

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19. Changelings Mar 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

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18. Legends of the Cairngorms Mar 23, 2025

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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!

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17. The Devil at Bennachie Burn Mar 16, 2025

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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!

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16. The Devil's in the Landscape Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

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!

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15. Rashiecoat: Scotland's Cinderella Feb 23, 2025

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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!

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