Best Annie Gilfillan Podcasts (2024)

1
Bog Bodies: Cladh Hallan to Betty Corrigall 1:03:47

3d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

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 bo…

1
Fireside Folklore: Warrior Women 38:18

27d ago38:18

38:18

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 tak…

1
Rewilding in Dundreggan 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

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 …

1
Fireside Folklore: Witch's Wrath and Kelpie's Curse 36:28

3M ago36:28

36:28

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 pow…

1
Blessed Butter: Bogs and Beyond 52:37

3M ago52:37

52:37

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 d…

1
Fireside Folklore: Ghosts of Hogmanay 26:50

4M ago26:50

26:50

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 …

1
Michael Scot: Scotland's Greatest Wizard 59:41

4M ago59:41

59:41

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 s…

1
Fireside Folklore: Pig Tales 35:41

4M ago35:41

35:41

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 …

1
Scotland in Space 50:14

5M ago50:14

50:14

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…

1
Fireside Folklore: Monsters of the Glens 29:20

5M ago29:20

29:20

Riding upon their noble steeds, Deirdre and Tickles, Jenny and Annie explore some monster-slaying stories set in medieval Scotland. First, we travel to the glens of Cassley in Sutherland, where a toxic beast has wormed its way into the landscape. Beware, if you are driving the North Coast 500 as you’ll be entering the dangerous territory of the wor…

1
Buried Alive: Scottish Folklore Between Life and Death 53:18

6M ago53:18

53:18

being buried alive, from the founding of St Columba’s Iona Abbey to the spooky sinister Lady with the Ring lore. We consider whether horses in the attic are truly the best possible way to tell if you are being haunted. This episode ties Scottish legends of being buried alive to European traditions and even goes all the way to America. Is Taphophobi…

1
Fireside Folklore: Skye's Most Haunted Duntulm Castle 44:53

6M ago44:53

44:53

Embark on a bone-chilling journey with Jenny and Annie as they explore Duntulm Castle. Perched on a cliff edge in north Skye, Duntulm Castle’s story is woven with tales of ancestral battles, clan feuds, tragic fates, and paranormal disturbances. Each crumbling wall and hidden corner of this ancient, majestic castle has a chilling story, echoing the…

1
Gory Galloway: Sawney Bean & Murder Hole 1:01:54

6M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

October means Annie and Jenny have their turnips to carve and some spooky stories to share. In this spine-tingling episode, we delve deep into the ominous shadows of Galloway's history, unraveling two of its most gruesome and enigmatic folklore tales - the malevolent legacy of Sawney Bean and the sinister mystery of the Murder Hole. As we venture b…

1
Fireside Folklore: Cursed Cows 28:55

7M ago28:55

28:55

Are you concerned about your cow companions? Do you want to protect your bovine besties from evil enchantments?Welcome to Fireside Folklore, a fun wee episode, where Annie and Jenny try to understand the mysterious phenomenon of cow cursing. After noticing cursed cows turn up in multiple episodes, Annie and Jenny try to understand why cursed cows a…

1
Sutherland Wolves: Lost Howls of the Highlands 59:53

8M ago59:53

59:53

Annie and Jenny journey to the Far North of Scotland to trace the intricate tale of this once-feared predator: the wolf. These enigmatic creatures, deeply woven into Scotland's culture and environment, have long been subjects of awe, reverence, and lament.Jenny tells the haunting tale of the Last Wolf of Sutherland. A poignant reflection on the ext…

1
Fireside Folklore: Fairy Dogs of the Cairngorms 34:12

8M ago34:12

34:12

Welcome to Fireside Folklore, an enchanting wee episode, where Annie and Jenny take us deep into the heart of the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands. We unearthing tales of the mystical fairy dogs that roam the majestic mountainous landscapes. Ensure your sheep are safe and secure, cuddle your four-legged companions, and hold a wee piece of metal…

1
Glorious Galloway: Glaciers to Gallery Graves 53:43

8M ago53:43

53:43

Unravel the secrets of the Galloway landscape in this deep dive into the geology of the marvellous mountain, the Merrick. Ever wondered how nature sculpted its majestic peaks and craggy contours? This episode journeys back millions of years, retracing the earth's steps in moulding this iconic landmark, and a funny wee boulder atop it. Jenny and Ann…

1
Fireside Folklore: Secrets of the Selkies 32:27

9M ago32:27

32:27

Jenny and Annie return with Fireside Folklore to visit the enchanting world of the mystical tales of selkies, the mythical creatures that live as seals in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land. Dive into two enthralling traditional stories that weave the magic and mystery of Scotland's coastal legends, rich with romance, betrayal, and…

1
Huntly Castle: A North Scotland Stronghold 59:04

9M ago59:04

59:04

Join Annie and Jenny as they delve into the vast history of Huntly Castle. The now ruinous Aberdeenshire castle dates back to the 12th century when William the Lion entrusted the MacDuffs with controlling the rebellious area. The motte and bailey castle, then called the Peel Strathbogie, was in the MacDuff’s hands for many tumultuous decades which …

1
John Francis Campbell: Stories as Driftwood 35:50

9M ago35:50

35:50

Join us on a journey into the world of folklorist John Francis Campbell, as Annie interviews the captivating curator, Ulrike Hogg, of the Sgeul | Story exhibition at the National Library of Scotland. This intriguing episode sheds light on the enduring preservation of storytelling, offering insight into a key figure who saved traditional stories to …

1
Fireside Folklore: Island Whisky 24:46

10M ago24:46

24:46

Join Annie and Jenny as they tell two short stories about whisky distillers on the islands of Mull and Tiree. We have a tale about smugglers and one about ghosts!For more information from our advertisers, on the UHI Culture and Heritage BA Hons course, contact ins@uhi.ac.uk or visit https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-hons-culture-and-heritage/It’s…

1
Kelp: Scotland's Seaweed Industry 49:38

10M ago49:38

49:38

Join Jenny and Annie as they don their waders and explore the kelp forests that surround Scottish shores. These astounding seaweed ecosystems are home to countless species.In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the demand for kelp soared and the landowners of Scotland had an answer. Thousands of families were moved from their ancestral lands to…

1
Fireside Folklore: Caledonian Forest and Fruit 31:06

10M ago31:06

31:06

Join Annie and Jenny in their short in-between epsiodes, Fireside Folklore: a celebration of Scottish traditional storytelling. Annie brings to life the classic legend of the Great Forests of Badenoch, narrating the tale of a Norwegian King whose envy of the Caledonian Forest led him to unleash a terrifying beast upon Scotland. Meanwhile, Jenny div…

1
Highland Games: Gatherings of Glory 1:05:03

11M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

In this thrilling episode, Annie and Jenny delve into the captivating world of the Scottish Highland Games - a cultural spectacle that showcases both the strength and skill of its competitors and the enduring tradition of Scotland.Prepare to be transported to the Highlands, where kilt-clad athletes participate in time-honoured competitions such as …

1
Fingal's Cave: Giants and Geology 54:18

11M ago54:18

54:18

Join Annie and Jenny on an adventure to one of the most iconic islands in all of Scotland: Fingal’s Cave, or known in Gaelic as An Uaimh Bhinn. Jenny flexes her geology skills as she explains the complex deep time story of how this incredible island came to form on the earth through volcanic activity. We explore the massive mythology that connects …

1
Dragon and Stoor-Worm: Ancient Monsters 55:34

12M ago55:34

55:34

Annie and Jenny delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore, unearthing the legends of Godred Crovan and the Dragon and the remarkable tale of Assipattle and the Stoor Worm. Join us as we traverse the windswept shores of ancient Scotland, where the lines between myth and history blur like the misty Highland glens.First, Annie recounts the leg…

1
Welcome to Stories of Scotland Podcast: Scottish History, Folklore and Travel 2:05

1y ago2:05

2:05

Discover the enchanting world of Scottish folklore, history, and culture through Stories of Scotland. Journey with our passionate hosts, archivist Annie and environmental scientist Jenny, as they unravel the secrets of Scotland, weaving tales of ancient battles, mystical creatures, and breathtaking landscapes. This immersive podcast transcends time…

1
Scottish American Folklore: Gold, Ghosts and Enchanted Chanters 36:54

1y ago36:54

36:54

Join Annie and Jenny as they dive into the mystical world of Scottish folklore with an American flavour. Journey across the Atlantic as we explore spellbinding traditional tales inspired by Scottish immigration to America.This enchanting episode of Stories of Scotland is guaranteed to transport you to a world of wonder and mystique, as Annie and Je…

1
Slains & Sorcery: an Aberdeenshire Witch Hunt 55:19

1y ago55:19

55:19

Content warning: this episode contains references to sex in the context of witch trials accusations, torture, execution, and suicide. Join Annie and Jenny as they explore the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597 and the characteristics of this hunt within Aberdeenshire itself. We focus on the power of Slains Castle by looking at cases undertaken withi…

1
New Slains Castle: Dracula, Smugglers & Ghosts 52:42

1y ago52:42

52:42

Join Annie and Jenny on a trip to the Aberdeenshire Coast, revisiting Old and New Slains Castles. We discover how Bram Stoker took extensive inspiration from Cruden Bay in his writing of his books: Watter’s Mou, Mystery of the Sea and Dracula. We revisit the Hays of Errol as their power in the North East of Scotland surges and wanes. Together, we u…

1
Old Slains Castle: Falcon Flight & Spanish Blanks 41:45

1y ago41:45

41:45

Join Annie and Jenny as they explore the history of Old Slains Castle. The ruins, which stand atop cliffs looking out into the cold North Sea, are the remnants of ancient power. Old Slain’s castle fell into the Hands of the Hays of Erroll after the Scottish Wars of Independence, but how the Hays of Errol had power fall into their hands is a tale of…

1
Neeps and Tatties: Burns Night Special 44:05

1y ago44:05

44:05

Welcome to the battle betwixt tatties and turnips. Who will win? Tune in to this special episode of Stories of Scotland as we celebrate Burns Night! Enjoy a night of delicious Scottish history and folklore as we explore the traditional accompaniments to haggis: turnips and potatoes. Learn all about these classic Scottish vegetables and the internat…

1
Beauly Wych Elm: A Fallen Giant 40:03

1+ y ago40:03

40:03

In despair over the death of the 800-year-old Beauly Wych Elm tree, Annie and Jenny learn about the history of this amazing tree. Jenny sensibly explores the Valliscaulian Order and the monks who would have planted this tree. Annie puts 800 years of monarchs into rhyming couplets. Jenny examines the science of Dutch Elm Disease and what it means fo…

1
Horrendous Haunted Hogmanay 32:03

1+ y ago32:03

32:03

Jenny and Annie from Stories of Scotland apologise greatly for this miserable Hogmanay episode, which commemorates New Year’s Eve with some tragic and spooky stories. You have been fairly warned, so we hope you enjoy these Hogmanay hauntings!We learn about the mythology of the Wheebin Standing Stone in Orkney (aka the Stane o Quoybone), and a creep…

1
Trows of Yuletide: Shetland’s Festive Folklore 40:28

1+ y ago40:28

40:28

Annie and Jenny explore the Shetlandic legends of the trows, wee fairy folks who become especially active during the season of Yule. We explore how Shetlanders have interacted with the trow folk over the past few centuries, and question ‘are there any trows left?’ What happens when people stop believing in trows, and where do the trows go?Why are t…

1
Linlithgow Palace: Song of the Stone 54:00

1+ y ago54:00

54:00

Join Annie as she travels to Linlithgow Palace, the jewel of Scotland’s Early Modern crown. Annie speaks to Nicki Scott, Senior Cultural Significance Advisor at Historic Environment Scotland, who describes what Linlithgow Palace would have been like several centuries past. We learn about the monarchs who lived in this spectacular palace. From the G…

1
Flow Country: Big Beautiful Bog 1:04:43

1+ y ago1:04:43

1:04:43

In this episode, Annie and Jenny go squelching out into the marvelous Flow Country. This area, in the northern Highlands of Scotland, is often overlooked in favour of the mountainous west coast, but there is so much great stuff to be discovered here! The deep peat has taken thousands of years to form and the ecology of this Blanket Bog is wonderful…

1
Greyfriars Bobby: Loyal Graveyard Guardian 46:24

1+ y ago46:24

46:24

In this episode, Annie and Jenny tell one more tale from Greyfriars Kirkyard. It’s a story of a very good boy, Greyfriars Bobby. Perhaps one of the most famous dogs in the world, the story of Greyfriars Bobby took Victorian Scotland by storm. But despite his story carrying through the decades, inspiring many books, and even a Disney film, what do w…

1
Haunting Greyfriars Kirkyard: Bloody George MacKenzie 1:13:22

1+ y ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Jenny and Annie visit Edinburgh for this Samhain special, in search of a haunted Halloween. We explore the life and legend of Bloody George MacKenzie, a notorious figure in Scottish history. What was the Covenanter’s Prison, and why do people say that spirits could still haunt it to this day? What draws so many people to this famous Scottish gravey…

1
The Falkirk Triangle: An Alien & UFO Hub in Scotland 53:37

1+ y ago53:37

53:37

In this episode, Annie and Jenny investigate some of the unexplained phenomena seen in the skies above Scotland. Since the 1990s the town of Bonnybridge has been the centre of Scotland’s UFO activity, with thousands of reported sightings leading to it being crowned ‘The Roswell of Scotland’. It is a hotspot in the greater area known as The Falkirk …

1
Promo: Scotland- A Scottish History Podcast 14:32

1+ y ago14:32

14:32

We’re delighted to bring you a sample episode from one of our friends who makes the tremendously splendid Scotland: A Scottish History Podcast. The episode featured is called Milngavie vs the Monorail - The George Bennie Railplane System. Listen here:http://link.chtbl.com/scotlandWhen we heard the Milngavie vs the Monorail episode, we were entrance…

1
Women Turned to Stone 54:39

1+ y ago54:39

54:39

In this episode, Jenny and Annie explore the curious phenomenon in Scottish folklore of the spirits of women being captured by stone. From the glorious mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail to the Maiden Stone of Drumdurno in Aberdeenshire, we investigate why there are so many stories of women turned to stone.Also, we revisit Smoo cave to hear a…

1
Ferns and Stinging Flowers of Scotland 43:40

1+ y ago43:40

43:40

Jenny and Annie explore some folklore around a couple of the most common plants of the Scottish landscape. We go out into the wilds of Scotland and have a think about the plants we’re treading on along the way. This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!You can support Stories…

1
Fairy Folks of Loch Fyne 55:27

1+ y ago55:27

55:27

Annie and Jenny look at the beautiful environment of Loch Fyne, and explore the folklore that has developed around it. We have some lighthearted fairy stories and a spooky ghost tale around the areas of Inveraray Castle and Stonefield Castle. This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive …

1
The Hercules: A History of Scottish Diaspora 1:11:03

1+ y ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Join Annie and Jenny on a trip around the world. The year is 1852, the Potato Famine and Highland Clearances are causing devastation, and hundreds of Scots board The Hercules, a ship destined for Adelaide, but struck by horrific disaster. As they leave their home in Scotland to start a new life halfway around the world, storms, disease, and sharks …

1
Promo: Weight of Sand 19:37

2y ago19:37

19:37

We’re sharing the first episode of a new podcast series we’ve just released called Weight of Sand. This is an audio drama exploring the life and lore of Isobel Gowdie. Isobel was accused of witchcraft in 1662. She lived in Auldearn in the Highlands of Scotland and her witchcraft confessions were detailed and vivid. 30 years after her trial, a nearb…

1
Granite Blessings of the Woman's Stone: Clach Bhan 36:58

2y ago36:58

36:58

Join Annie and Jenny deep in the Cairngorms, as they climb Ben Avon, but the summit isn’t the goal, instead, they take a detour to an astounding rock formation called Clach Bhan, or in English, the Women’s Stone. This rock formation overlooks the surrounding glens, and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Pregnant women from miles …

1
Myths of a Skye Mountain: Beinn na Caillich 39:54

2y ago39:54

39:54

Annie and Jenny discover how Skye’s greatest mountains are the remains of an ancient volcano. We unravel rich Scottish folklore about Beinn na Caillich: the Mountain of the Old Woman. We discuss the lore of giant women who battled across the sea with giant boulders. Learn about Saucy Mary, a lost Norwegian Princess and, a fake Norwegian Princess. I…

1
St Kilda: Life & Lore 56:09

2y ago56:09

56:09

Jenny and Annie explore the far edge of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda. We look at the wonders of climbing the stacks of St Kilda, and the seabirds that create a symphony.We see through the eyes of Evelyn Heathcote, as she spends the night in a sea cave with a group of Gaelic psalm-singing St Kildans. We examine the folklore and landscape of this uni…

1
Battle of the Braes: A Fight For Crofters' Rights 45:18

2y ago45:18

45:18

With the 140th Anniversary of the Battle of the Braes, Jenny and Annie set out to try to understand this crucial fight for land reform in Scotland. We look back to March 1882, when crofters of the Braes area of Skye tried to petition Lord MacDonald to let them have common grazing on the hill of Ben Lee. Lord MacDonald refuses this request, condemni…

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