Scottish Blethers

In this episode we explore the shared culture, languages and traditions that give the Scots their strong sense of national identity. We look at some of the icons that are associated with Scotland worldwide and ask whether they are still relevant today. Here’s tae us, wha’s like us? Damn few an’ their a’ died!

As much a part of the landscape as our hills and glens, Scottish Castles come in all shapes and sizes. From the blockbuster military strongholds to the quirky fairytale creations, this week’s chat focuses on some of our favourite castles and why you should visit.

The days are getting longer (if not warmer!) and colour is appearing in the garden. The dawn chorus wakens us in the morning and eggs are everywhere! It’s Easter - a time of religious observance for some and fun traditions and feasting for others. We look at some of the traditions associated with celebrating Easter in Scotland.

From its heyday in the Victorian era, the fortunes of Dundee declined as traditional industries were lost and employment became hard to find. We look at the post-war years and the efforts that were made to find success in light engineering. While there were many successes these too were doomed to failure and towards the end of the 20th C the city once again found itself on its uppers. However, Dundee is not known as the "City of Discovery" without reason. With typical resilience and optimism the city is rediscovering itself as a cultural centre and tourist destination with its mega-million pound Waterfront Regeneration Project, including the flagship V&A museum.

Over the next two episodes we take a look at the travel destination that is on everyone's lips at the moment - Dundee. Scotland's fourth largest city has not always been on the radar of overseas visitors planning a trip to Scotland but all that is changing as Dundee becomes HOT!

In this first episode we look at how the wealth of Dundee was generated and how that wealth is still visible in some of the grand buildings still standing today. From Royal burgh to Juteopolis we look at the city's development and the impact this has had on its social history. With both of us having roots in Dundee there's plenty of anecdote!

A recent cold spell, a country walk and reports of the largest snowball fight ever to take place in Scotland - all had us looking back to days gone by. We reflect on our school days and how we made our own entertainment in an era before the arrival of social media.

There’s no doubt about it - there are some weird and wonderful place names to be found across Scotland, while the pronunciation of others can leave visitors scratching their heads in puzzlement. In this episode, we discuss how place names are very much linked to the history of our nation.

The people you meet on a walk around Edinburgh.

In this episode we introduce you to some of the characters of the city through the statues that characterise the street architecture of the New Town. From Royalty to politicians, authors , scientists….. even a few beloved four legged friends.

blow the cobwebs away than a good walk. The Blethers are both fond of slipping on our boots and heading out for a wee saunter or a more strenuous hike that will have us peching (panting) with exertion! In this episode we take you on a few of our favourite routes.

Over the 600 years since shepherds hit a stone over sandy links with their crooks, St Andrews has been at the heart of the evolution of the game of golf. Rules were developed here, champions created and equipment advanced. Just like the pilgrims before them, today’s visitors come searching. To walk the hallowed turf, surround themselves with iconic images and pit their skills against one of the ultimate challenges in the game of golf.

In the week that we celebrate the day of Scotland’s Patron Saint, we take a look at the seaside town which bears his name. How it became a pilgrimage route, a centre of religious fervour and then home to the first of our universities, we discuss how this seaside town punches above its weight in terms of global recognition - must be the icecream!

As the guiding season comes to a close, and we swap whisper systems for

microphones, guidebooks for Google, we use the first couple of episodes of our new

series to reflect on the changing face of tourism in Scotland. In Episode 1 we

consider the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy, the devastating impact

of the Covid pandemic, and the bounce back that we’re now experiencing. We

consider the challenges of success and the move towards a greener, more

sustainable tourism sector for the future. As always there will be plenty of stories and

anecdotes from our travels throughout Scotland.

In this episode we look to the mountains and in particular to the tallest of our mountains - the Munros. Catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891, we look at the man himself and why his list caused such a stir. Although he never managed to climb them all himself, his legacy lives on in the thousands of “Munro baggers” who have the satisfaction of completing this challenge.

No matter where you go in Scotland, churches are very much a part of the landscape. Built in the days when even the smallest village could expect a congregation of several hundred, many are facing an uncertain future. In this episode we chat about some of our favourites and the stories attached to them. Not only part of our landscape but part of our history.

We Scots love our puddings and pies - be they sweet or savoury! In this episode we explore the variety, differentiate between a single and a supper and even explain who Georgie Porgie was.

In this episode we reflect on the changing face of Scottish cuisine and get no further than soups! We look back at the traditional favourites from our childhood and consider how tastes have changed today. One thing they all have in common - the best of Scottish ingredients.

In this episode we continue the theme of coronations and consider whether the traditions associated with the inauguration of ancient Scottish monarchs have percolated down to the coronation of King Charles III this weekend.

As the nation's thoughts turn to the Coronation, in this episode we take a look at a symbol of our nation's identity. As the Stone heads down to Westminster Abbey to play it's part in the big day we look at some of the stories and traditions that make it such an enigma.

In this episode we look at the influence Scots have had on the development of Canada as it is today - from politics to education, business to culture. We look at the reasons why they went in such large numbers and why they retained as much of the old country as they could. We reflect on what it is like for a Scot to travel in Canada today.

The wonder of its generation according to Gustaf Eiffel. The one immediately and internationally recognised Scottish landmark according to Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland. The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoying the same status as the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China. In this episode we look at the challenges of construction and the place it enjoys in Scottish culture

The idea of a sacred journey is a feature of many of the world’s religions. In this episode we explore the revival of ancient paths across Scotland which allow you to walk in the footsteps of Medieval pilgrims and seek peace and tranquility to the rhythm of your footfall. We discuss some of the Scottish saints and why they became intercessors for mere mortals on earth.

Scottish Blethers have made it to 100 episodes and to mark the occasion we look back at other double acts to have come out of Scotland. From Fran and Anna to The Krankies, the Alexander Brothers to Jack and Victor. A walk back in time!

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. We gauge the temperature of romance in Scotland by taking a look at some statistics and surveys and come to the conclusion that a lot has changed since our “winchin” days!

Following up on our episode on Celtic Connections we give some thought to this question and explore how their influence extends well beyond music. Where did they come from? Why is their influence still so strong today on the western extremities of Europe? Described by the Romans as unwashed barbarians, these enigmatic and creative people left a legacy of art and culture that influences so much of our contemporary life. We even answer the question - Seltic or Keltic?

This year marks a special anniversary for the biggest folk, roots and world music festival - it’s 30th edition. We take a look at this special event and why it can justifiably be said that music is the beating heart of Glasgow

In this first episode we discuss our plans for the new year and give our listeners some reasons why Scotland is the place to be in 23!

The week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day is known as Twixmas.  In this episode, Liz and Helen blether about their Christmas festivities with their families and fun times they have had.  However, at this time of year, the unpredictable weather can lead to tragedy for some families. Twixmas is also the time to look forward to the New Year and new year's resolutions.

Lighthouses and the lives of the men who tended the lamp to keep others safe have captured the imagination of successive generations. Stories  are told of the hardships, particularly in war time, and of the lost cargoes and wreckage they would encounter. The most mysterious story of all is set in December 1900 when three keepers disappeared from the isolated Eilean Mor Lighthouse on the Flannan Isles. In spite of many theories no trace of the keepers has ever been found. A tragic event that encapsulates the hardship and danger associated with keeping the light burning.

The theme of light in the darkness continues as we discuss the history of these remarkable structures. Dotted around the long and perilous coastline of Scotland, these architectural gems cast a beam of light to warn ships and guide sailors and fishermen safely back to shore. By nature of this role they had to be constructed in some of our wildest and most beautiful areas and they continue to enthral visitors today. We discuss the family dynasty that built them, the challenges they faced and the hardships that lighthouses keepers endured. Everyone who has visited Scotland has a favourite lighthouse - what’s yours?

Seasonal celebrations 

After a summer where we returned to the day job we set the scene for a new series of informative chat. We reflect on guiding in a post-pandemic world and on some of the places our travels have taken us. What better day to launch a podcast that explores all things Scottish than St Andrews Day? 

This week our blethers take us to the beautiful Angus glens and a little town - or burgh - with a lot of claims to fame. From corsets to gingerbread, witches to ticking crocodiles, we chat about why a visit there is always a pleasure.

While out and about in Scotland in the days and weeks leading up to the 12th of July it’s not unusual to see - and hear - a spectacle that divides communities and opinion. The flutes and drums, marchers in dark suits or white shirts and in particular, the prevalence of the colour orange tell you that this is an Orange Walk commemorating the Battle of the Boyne. Anachronism or celebration of cultural identity? We take a look at the origin of these marches and why they are so contentious.

As two guiding worlds collide we get the rare opportunity to blether together about places and events we’ve encountered on our travels. In this episode Helen reflects on a recent visit to Blair Castle in Perthshire, home to the Dukes of Atholl. Liz on the other hand has been in Edinburgh admiring the world’s first floral clock which the public have been admiring  in West Prince’s Street Gardens since 1903.

Liz takes timeout from her Scottish season to travel with friend and fellow guide Francisco Glaria through areas less-travelled across Spain. From Madrid to Pamplona, across Castile and through the Basque Country, we reflect on the similarities between our two countries and discuss some of the cultural differences that this particular Scot experienced.

In this week’s episode Liz flies solo as she blethers about her recent tour of the Western Isles. From translucent waters over white shell beaches to going to church on Sunday, the islands each have their own distinctive characteristics and offer the opportunity to experience a way of life that has changed little over generations.

Scottish Blethers are back guiding, Liz has journeyed to the Western Isles while Helen has stayed closer to home.  In this episode Helen blethers to you about her travels to Mull and Iona, her thoughts on the magical Isle of Iona and how to dress for the unpredictable weather.

After two years of practically no guiding work Liz and Helen have both completed their first extended tours.  This week we chat about where we have been, the changes that we have to make to keep our tour members safe while covid is still about. Although it is so good to be back doing the job we love we have 'synchronised' our diaries and have planned ahead for our podcasts every two weeks over the summer.  Keep tuned in to find out where we get to and what we get up to.

This week we reflect on the past 2 years and look forward to the changes we need to embrace as the world opens up to travel once again.  We are aware that as we return to guiding our time will be more limited however we will  continue  ,hopefully, to entertain you through our blethers every two weeks.

This week we tackle the emotive and controversial subject of Scotland’s involvement in slave trade and the profits made from the labours of enslaved people. From plantation owners, merchants, lawyers and ministers to the weavers producing slave cloth, the economy of Scotland benefited disproportionately. The wealth generated  is visible today in our architecture and statues. As academic research peels back the layers it is important that we tell the story for future generations.

In last week’s episode we looked at the role of the National Trust for Scotland as custodians of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. This week it’s the turn of Historic Environment Scotland to come under the spotlight. Next time you visit one of your favourite historic attractions you will be so much better informed about the care and effort that goes into these national assets that are so much a part of Scotland’s distinctive character.

The spring weather may have been anything but predictable over the past week but one thing you can rely on with some certainty is the opening of many of Scotland’s visitor sites on the 1st of April. In this episode, we explore the role of the Trust and some of our favorite properties and wild places within its care

As Scotland basks in warm sunshine this week we look at  some of the signs that winter is on the way out and summer is just around the corner. Wildflowers, new birth and seasonal visitors  - not to mention good old fashioned country smells!

In this episode we explore the difference between a tapestry and an embroidery and consider why tapestries were such prized posessions of the rich and Royals as evidenced by collections around Scotland. Eventually they were usurped by paintings but there has been a resurgence in interest in great tapestries over recent years - or should that be embroideries?

The Reformation may have simplified rituals associated with death and burial but across Scotland many superstitions and practices persist. In this episode we discuss everything from the efforts people employed to protect their recently departed from the “body snatchers” to the burials and cremations of today.

This week, in the first of two episodes discussing Scottish traditions and superstitions, we take a look at births and marriages. The howdie or “handy woman” wasn’t just there to help with the delivery - she knew all the rituals to help keep the mother and child safe from the fairy folk!

Longlisted in the final shortlist of eight for this prestigious title, Stirling is bidding to show the judging panel just what it can offer when it comes to arts and creativity. The theme of Stirling’s bid is the passion for culture that flows through the people of the region. In this week’s episode we examine Stirling’s credentials for the title and what success would mean for this small city that is so close to the heart of our “daughter of the rock”!

A wee bonus episode as we celebrate the success of Team GB’s curling teams at the weekend. Team Muirhead brought home GB’s only gold medal in the last few hours of the games. We chat about the game and how it has developed as new technologies are introduced. Often referred to as “ chess on ice” the girls displayed both technical skill and strategy to win 10-3 in Saturday’s final. Gaun yersels!

A sad state of affairs when your Valentine’s Day date is your podcasting buddy! In this episode we get together to take a look at a few Scottish heart-throbs who have attracted more than their fair share of S.W.A.L.Ks over the years!

 Another walk down memory lane as we reflect on the changes that our main shopping thoroughfares have experienced over recent decades. The last two years of the pandemic may have had an “apocalyptic “ impact but the writing was on the wall long before that as shopping habits changed. Can the High Street rise like a phoenix out of the ashes that they have deteriorated into - faceless ghost towns at the heart of what was once a vibrant social hub.