Historic Scotland Podcast

With Regional Collections Manager, Jill van Millingen and volunteer John Simpson. On a rocky craig in the Scottish Borders stands Smailholm Tower, a medieval stronghold in a landscape with a strong tradition of balladry – poems capturing the lives and legends of the area. Collections Manager Jill and volunteer guide John explain how this brooding place fired the imagination of a young Walter Scott, and how his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border in turn inspired a set of costumed dolls by the late artist Anne Carrick. If you’re inspired to experience places like Smailholm Tower for yourself, consider becoming a member of Historic Scotland. Membership gives you free entry to many of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys and cathedrals, along with free admission to daytime events and members-only activities. You’ll also enjoy discounts in cafés and shops, a quarterly magazine, a members’ guide to help plan visits, and access to exclusive podcast content and collectibles. By becoming a member, you help support vital conservation work that protects Scotland’s heritage and collections for future generations. To become a member, sign up here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/membership/

With Joshua Graham Engagement Visitor at Urquhart Castle, Charlie Hockin Sales Executive at The Loch Ness Centre, and Moira Unwin Marketing Manager at The Loch Ness Centre. Sarah heads north to the shores of Loch Ness and the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle in Scotland’s Great Glen to discover how legend and history co-exist at one of our most famous heritage sites. As the castle’s guides reveal the castle’s strategic importance and a fierce past filled with clan struggles and warfare, Sarah also ponders the origins and enduring myth of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster – with help from some Nessie experts at the Loch Ness Centre. If you’re inspired to learn more about Scotland’s rich past and explore historic sites like Urquhart Castle in person, consider becoming a member of Historic Scotland. Membership gives you free entry to many of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys and cathedrals, along with free admission to daytime events and members-only activities. You also get discounts in cafés and shops, a free quarterly magazine, a members’ guide to help plan visits, and access to exclusive podcast content and collectibles like history hunt cards. Membership supports conservation work that helps protect Scotland’s heritage for future generations. To become a member, sign up here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/membership/

With Properties Historian Dr Morvern French and Professor Julian Goodare. In the first episode of series two, Sarah travels to East Lothian to discover a dark chapter in Dirleton Castle’s history. As witch trials in Scotland escalated during the 16th and 17th centuries, Dirleton and the wider region became embroiled in false accusations, interrogations and executions – with women being disproportionately targeted. Sarah brings their stories into the light and reflects on the castle’s changing role, from a site of fear and cruelty to a place of beauty and commemoration. If you’re inspired to learn more about Scotland’s rich past and explore historic sites like Dirleton Castle in person, consider becoming a member of Historic Scotland. Membership gives you free entry to many of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys and cathedrals, along with free admission to daytime events and members-only activities. You also get discounts in cafés and shops, a free quarterly magazine, a members’ guide to help plan visits, and access to exclusive podcast content and collectibles like history hunt cards. Membership supports conservation work that helps protect Scotland’s heritage for future generations. To become a member, sign up here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/membership/