100,000 Welcomes

Scotland is rich with history. History that goes back a very long way. In this episode, we’ll be going back 6000 years with Alan Steele, tour guide at Kilmartin Glen – a site of great archaeological importance in the West of Scotland. We’ll discuss the prehistoric civilisations that once lived there and what remains of them today. There’s a lot to discuss as Kilmartin Glen has over 800 points of interest within an area of just 6 miles. So let’s head back in time with presenter Grant Stott as we hear some more incredible Tour Guide Tales from Kilmartin Glen.

Want to know more about the gory and ghostly past of Edinburgh? In this edition of Tour Guide Tales, Grant speaks to Tania Dron, just one of the tour guides for Mercat Tours in Scotland’s capital. From jealousy-fuelled murder and dismembered ghosts, to witch trials and cheating death at the gallows, you’ll never feel the same when walking through Edinburgh’s streets again.

*Please be aware that this episode will occasionally feature more macabre themes of torture and death and listener discretion is advised.*

This week, Grant speaks to Stuart Rich of the Scottish Maritime Museum. With two sites at Irvine and Dumbarton, the Scottish Maritime Museum helps preserve the rich story of a cornerstone of Scotland’s industrial past, it’s maritime and ship building history. We’ll hear what life was like for families working in the often-unforgiving shipyards, the impact of the industry to 20th century Scotland, and some amazing stories behind just some of the boats in the Museum’s care.

In this episode, Grant speaks to Mo Tracey from Blair Castle. From royal kidnappings and Queen Victoria's private army to Scotland's final siege, we hear all about how this fairytale castle has been a fascinating place of interest over the last eight hundred years, and why its history is such a draw for people from all over the world - including some rather famous names.

In our second edition of Tour Guide Tales, we hear the tale of the Guardian of Scotland, Sir William Wallace. Speaking to Ken Thomson of the National Wallace Monument, Grant finds out the story behind one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions, as well as the national heroes, both old and new, it seeks to commemorate.

Ever wanted to know the real history behind Outlander's iconic filming locations? In our first episode of Tour Guide Tales, Grant speaks to Emma Chalmers and Anne Daly from Mary's Meanders. Their tour takes fans of the hit TV show, Outlander to some of the show's most famous places. Tune in to hear about the real Scottish history of these incredible sites, and the amazing stories connected to them.

The Three Canny Heilan Coos by VisitScotland

Let's delve into the glorious region of Dumfries & Galloway. Neil chats to Duncan, the owner of adventure playground Laggan Outdoor and Elizabeth Tindall, a dark skies expert who shares stargazing secrets from the Galloway Forest Park. And, have you ever experienced the joy of foraging for your dinner?

In this episode we explore Scotland's role in the world of film and television. Neil goes to famous Scottish film locations, including Bo'Ness and Doune Castle. He is joined by film producer, Gillian Berrie, who talks about the filming of Outlaw King, and we catch up with VisitScotland's resident film expert, Jenni Steele.

We head to Glasgow to find out more about the foodie haven that is the area of Finnieston. Neil chats to various chefs and industry influencers about the rejuvenation of Scottish seafood, as well as whisky, street food and vegetarian and vegan delights.