Best Scots Abroad Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 54 - Alexander II "The King of Scots" 35:09

3d ago35:09

35:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 54. Today, we turn the pages of history to the son and heir of William I. Alexander II. As we explore the continuation of a royal lineage that profoundly shaped our nation. Born in the year 1198, during a period of relative stability, Alexander II was thrust into leadership, bearing the…

1
Episode 53 - A Lions Rest 34:46

16d ago34:46

34:46

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 53. Today, we pivot back to our political narrative, focusing on the twilight years of William I's reign. Known posthumously as William the Lion, his tenure on the Scottish throne was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Yet, through it all, his leadership ensured Scotland remained a sove…

1
Episode 52 - Crusade Home & Abroad 42:34

25d ago42:34

42:34

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 52. Today's we realign our focus with the political and historical narrative, though with a slight twist. Our spotlight turns to an epoch marked by fervor, faith, and ferocity—the Third Crusade. This chapter in history is not just a tale of battles and sieges; it's a saga of leadership,…

1
Episode 51 - Q&A Special 36:35

1M ago36:35

36:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 51. Today's focus, however, was on the eagerly anticipated Q&A session, sparked by the plethora of questions submitted by you, our listeners. Your enthusiasm and curiosity have been the driving force behind this episode, and it was my pleasure to address the wide range of topics brought…

1
Episode 50 - Living up to a Legacy 40:48

1M ago40:48

40:48

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 50. Today we revisit the profound impact of the Treaty of Falaise on Scottish sovereignty and William I's determined efforts to restore Scotland's autonomy. It outlines the strategic diplomacy that led to the signing of the Quitclaim of Canterbury in 1189, which nullified the demeaning …

1
Episode 49 - The Nobles of William I 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 49. Today, we shift the focus to the Scottish nobility under William's reign. The intricate dynamics within his council of nobles, his closest allies, and even his adversaries paint a vivid picture of Scotland during this transformative period. The Gaelic nobles, with their distinct per…

1
Episode 48 - A Lion of Scotland 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 48. Today, we shift our focus back to William's reign, a period marked by significant events and intriguing political maneuvers. Our journey begins in the year 1181, a time when the echoes of battle had barely faded, and Scotland stood at a crucial crossroads. We will explore the intric…

1
Episode 47 - A Lion Caged 46:09

3M ago46:09

46:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 47. Today, The Battle of Alnwick, a confrontation marred by strategy, bravery, and ultimately, despair for the Scots, marked a significant turning point. The defeat was not just a military setback but a blow to the Scottish morale and the prestige of their King, William. Today, we will …

1
Episode 46 - The Lion Strikes 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 46. Our focus today is on a critical juncture in William's reign: his audacious invasion of England between September 1173 and the aftermath of the Battle of Alnwick in June 1174. This period stands as a testament to William's ambition and the turbulent relationship between Scotland and…

1
Episode 45 - Lion of Justice 36:43

4M ago36:43

36:43

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 45. Today, we embark on a new chapter, turning our focus to a figure whose impact on Scottish history is nothing short of legendary. We're going to delve into the reign of William I, also popularly known as William the Lion. A king whose story is woven with the threads of valor, conflic…

1
Episode 44 - Laws, Languages and Culture in 12th Century Scotland 41:20

4M ago41:20

41:20

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 44. Our beloved Scotland, a tapestry of history and tradition, has always been a land of dynamic change and cultural confluence. During the 12th century, it was no different. The kingdom was expanding, stretching its limbs into new territories and embracing diverse influences. This was …

1
Episode 43.2 - An Early Death (Part 2) 39:49

4M ago39:49

39:49

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 43.2 (Part 2). Please note episode 43 has been split into two parts (episodes), EP 43.1 and EP 43.2. This is the second part. Part 2, make sure you have listened to the first part! In today's episode, we delve into the mid to latter years of Malcolm's rule. These years were not just a p…

1
Episode 43.1 - An Early Death (Part 1) 28:12

5M ago28:12

28:12

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 43.1 (Part 1). Please note episode 43 has been split into two parts (episodes), EP 43.1 and EP 43.2. This is the first part, Part 1. Also at the start of the episode it seems the audios a bit glitchy, it does get better and disappear. Sorry for that! In today's episode, we delve into th…

1
Episode 42 - Malcolm IV Early Reign 36:01

5M ago36:01

36:01

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 42. Today, we turn the pages of history to the early to mid-reign of Malcolm IV, known as Malcolm the Maiden. As the grandson of the revered David I, Malcolm IV had a monumental legacy to live up to. His grandfather's reign was marked by profound transformation and growth, leaving an in…

1
Episode 41 - 12/13th Century Scottish Military Tactics 30:48

5M ago30:48

30:48

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 41. Today, we turn our attention to a different yet equally fascinating aspect of Scottish history: military tactics. The 12th and 13th centuries were defining periods for Scottish warfare, marked by significant evolutions in how battles were fought. In this episode, we will delve into …

1
Episode 40 - Scotland and the European Stage 34:54

5M ago34:54

34:54

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 40. Today, we're broadening our horizon. We're stepping out of the Scottish borders and onto the grand stage of Europe during the period of 1100 to 1200 AD. It's a time of dynamic change, of kingdoms vying for power, of cultural exchanges, and of wars that shaped the continent's history…

1
Episode 39 - Life as a Scot in the Mid 12 Century 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 39. Today, we're taking a bit of a detour. Instead of discussing the reign of our next king, Malcolm IV, we're transporting ourselves into the shoes of an average Scot in the 12th century. Have you ever wondered how they started their day, what kind of food graced their tables, or the k…

1
Episode 38 - Greater Than Life 33:24

6M ago33:24

33:24

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 38. Today's episode carries a weight of finality as we prepare to bid adieu to David I. A monarch whose very essence seems intertwined with the land he ruled, David I was not just a king; he was a revolutionary force. Under his sceptre, Scotland witnessed tumultuous wars, unprecedented …

1
Episode 37 - David & his Men 34:41

6M ago34:41

34:41

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 37. In this compelling episode of "The History of Scotland," your host, Frazer, invites you on a journey back to the era of David I, exploring the powerful and influential noble families that shaped the nation's destiny. From the ambitious de Lamberton and de Leslie families of Flemish …

1
Greg Stewart 1:45:16

6M ago1:45:16

1:45:16

The latest in our series of interviews with Scottish footballers who have played outside of the UK. We talk to Greg Stewart about coming up through the Rangers the Hearts youth systems. Playing for Sygenta amateurs before playing for Cowdenbeath and Dundee in the SPFL. A move to England with Birmingham City during a tumultuous time for the cub with…

1
Episode 36 - David I & The Church 34:30

7M ago34:30

34:30

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 36. Today's episode we pivot our focus slightly. While David I's changes were sweeping, covering facets from governance to law, one area stands out for its significant transformation: the Scottish Church. The church, as we'll soon discover, was a cornerstone of medieval life. It held sw…

1
Andy Irving 1:03:19

7M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

The latest in our series of interviews with Scottish footballers who have played outside of the UK. We talk to Andy Irving just before his transfer window day transfer to West Ham United (although he is on loan back to Austria Klagenfurt for the rest of the season). We discuss coming through the Hearts youth team, moving into the first team after l…

1
Episode 35 - The Davidian Revolution 32:40

7M ago32:40

32:40

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 35. Today's episode we are shifting the lens from the public to the private and then, dramatically, back to the public but in a different way. First, we will zoom in on the family life of David I. Who stood beside this powerful man? What was the royal household like? Were his children c…

1
Episode 34 - A New King 34:21

8M ago34:21

34:21

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 34. Today's episode we're going to cover a significant swath of David I's reign, from the moment he became King of Scotland to the later years of his life, filled with battles, political maneuvering, and social changes that would lay the foundation for modern Scotland. It's a story pack…

1
Episode 33 - David I & His Early Life 29:02

8M ago29:02

29:02

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 33. Today, we begin by exploring the view chroniclers and historians have on David, then we will touch upon the early stages of his life, then over to his life at the English court in exile, then his marriage and finally becoming Prince of the Cumbrians. This episode sets the tone, intr…

1
Episode 32 - Scandinavian Scotland 29:44

8M ago29:44

29:44

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 32. Before we forge ahead to David I, there's a chapter of Scottish history that, while we've touched on it in previous episodes, merits its very own spotlight. Similar to how we did this for the “History of the Normans”. This being the era of Scandinavian Scotland. Lets go visit our no…

1
Episode 31 - The Reign of Alexander I 32:47

9M ago32:47

32:47

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 31. Yes we are back. And back with the Reign of Alexander I. In this episode we go through the full reign of Alexander I, from his birth to his death. How his rule shaped and changed Scotland. With the finale being his younger brother, David I, coming to the throne. Which is someone who…

1
Episode 30 - Scotland & The Crusades 28:38

1+ y ago28:38

28:38

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 30. Now today we are going to end our three part series discussing Scotland’s participation in the Crusades as a whole. Learning about what role the Nation of our beloved Scotland played during these calls for war in the Holy Land as well as their relationship with the Knights Templar. …

1
Episode 29 - The True story of the First Crusade 39:11

1+ y ago39:11

39:11

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 29. Now rather than dwindle on anything out of podcast related this week I want us to get straight back into the action since this episode I want to tell the story of the actual “First Crusade” from start to finish. So with that in mind and with this episode most likely being a long one…

1
Episode 28 - The People’s Crusade 33:09

1+ y ago33:09

33:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 28. Now rather than move our story swiftly to Alexander I, I have decided I want to tell the tale of the First Crusade as it's a giant moment in medieval history and a tale I really would like to tell. So please indulge me whilst I begin this tale and I promise we will return back to ou…

1
Episode 27 - The Short Reign of King Edgar 22:29

1+ y ago22:29

22:29

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 27. Today we return to our story. We last left our chronicle with Edgar coming to the throne of Scotland after his uncle and brother feuded for the throne. Ultimately ending with the surviving sons of Malcolm banding together to overthrow their Uncle for the second time running and proc…

1
Episode 26 - 11th Century Warfare 26:12

1+ y ago26:12

26:12

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 26. So, in today's episode I want us to take a step back and give a slight update on how warfare is fought in the 11th and 12th Century. Last time round we discussed how this was in the early days of the Kingdom of Alba. Where war bands and raiding parties formed the main base for the a…

1
Episode 25 - Duncan II vs Donald III 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 25. So, in today's episode, with the deaths of Malcolm III and Queen Maragret came a small family civil war between the sons of Malcolm III and his brother, the last surviving son of Duncan I. Donald III. If you remember from last time Donald headed home with a Scottish band of warriors…

1
Episode 24 - Death of a King 25:43

1+ y ago25:43

25:43

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 24. So, in today's episode it's time, well for an episode I didn't want to write as I was enjoying his reign so much, for the Death of a King, where we close the book on Malcolm III. We will find out today how he dies and what that means for Scotland going forward. Please give us a foll…

1
Episode 23 - The History of the Normans 35:04

1+ y ago35:04

35:04

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 23. So, in today's episode we tell a brief or rather a fast history of the Normans. I also will have a recommendation for further listening at the end of this episode, so if you wish to learn more about Norman History please do wait till the end. So this episode History of the Normans a…

1
Episode 22 - Malcolm and William Rufus 27:01

2y ago27:01

27:01

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 22. So, in today's episode we go back into the perspective of Malcolm III, our gracious King of Scotland (newly renamed from Alba in our narrative). We discuss how he takes the fight to the English and the reforms he does at court. Please give us a follow-on twitter at: u/TheHistoryofSc…

1
Episode 21 - Saint Margaret of Scotland 23:57

2y ago23:57

23:57

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 21. So, in today's episode Today I wanted us to go over another giant influence in our new King's life, someone who through her own experience, bloodshed, loss, helped guide Scotland with Malcolm into something great and potentially helped him save a lot of face after the whole Macbeth …

1
Episode 20 - The Fall of Macbeth & Rise of Malcolm III 25:17

2y ago25:17

25:17

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 20. So, in today's episode we start with our next King of Scotland and Macbeths killer, Malcolm Canmore (Malcom III). Next week will be about Saint Margaret of Scotland. Please give us a follow-on twitter at: u/TheHistoryofSc1 or just our Facebook group which you can find by searching H…

1
Episode 19 - The Fiction of Macbeth 25:23

2y ago25:23

25:23

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 19. So, in today's episode we learn about the Fiction of Macbeth, how was his story told in the famous plays? What themes and history is behind the famous tale. Next week we will be starting with our next King of Scotland and Macbeths killer, Malcolm Canmore (Malcom III). Please give us…

1
Episode 18 - The True Story of Macbeth 29:26

2y ago29:26

29:26

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 18. So in today's episode we tell the true story of Macbeth and discuss his glorious rule for 17 years, having control of most modern day Scotland. Next week we will look at the Fiction of Macbeth. Please leave any feedback you have for the podcast in reviews, likes and comments. Our po…

1
Episode 17 - The Reign of Duncan I 30:41

2y ago30:41

30:41

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 17. So in today's episode we start with the famous Duncan I, and discuss his very short but eventful reign that lead to one of the famous stories in the world. Next week Macbeth. Please leave any feedback you have for the podcast in reviews, likes and comments. Our podcast is on PodBean…

1
Episode 16 - Dark Ages Myth vs Reality 28:52

2y ago28:52

28:52

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 16. So in today's episode we will be taking a look at the "Dark Ages" myths and discussing the actual truth behind some of the popular lies in modern history. Next week we start with the famous Duncan I. Please leave any feedback you have for the podcast in reviews, likes and comments. …

1
Episode 15 - A look back from Pict to Alban 26:27

2y ago26:27

26:27

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 15. So in today's episode we go over the differences of Pict to 11th Century Alban through the dark ages, next week we will be taking a look at the "Dark Ages" myths and discussing the actual truth behind some of the popular lies in modern history. Please leave any feedback you have for…

1
Episode 14 - Alpínid Dynasty End 33:03

2y ago33:03

33:03

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 14. So in today's episode we are finally going to close off the Alpínid Dynasty, with the last three kings I mentioned last time, Constantine III, Kenneth III & Malcolm II. This will all ultimately lead to a new Royal Family taking over the Kingdom of Scotland. Please leave any feedback…

1
Episode 13 - A Game of Thrones 29:09

2y ago29:09

29:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 13. In this weeks episode we are going to return to our story just as Cullen comes to the throne of Scotland, discuss his reign as well as next two kings, Amlaíb and Kenneth II. Next week we come to the big finale between the infighting, with Cullen’s son coming to the throne, his name …

1
Episode 12 - A Day in the life of a Pict 28:03

2y ago28:03

28:03

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 12. In this weeks episode we will be discovering what a day in the life of a Pict is like and how the structure of the Kingdom of Alba worked in the 950s AD. We return to our story next week with the Cullen coming to the throne, ready for a family civil war... Please leave any feedback …

1
Episode 11 - 10th Century Tour - Part 2 31:12

2y ago31:12

31:12

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 11. In this episode this week's episode will be about Scandinavia & The Vikings in around Scotland, European Kingdoms & finally discussing the Pope & Christianity in and around Scotland. So sit back and relax as we go on a grand tour of Britain and Europe in the 950s AD. Next week a day…

1
Episode 10 - 10th Century Tour - Part 1 31:52

2y ago31:52

31:52

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 10. In this episode we begin our grand tour of Briton at this time in history, who were the other countries in and around the Kingdom of Alba? Part 2 next week will have us visit the Vikings, Europe and the Pope! After that a day in the life of a Pict is in the pipeline before we return…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Scots Abroad Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide