In the wilds of 1800s Scotland, one man stood alone against those who sought to subvert the law by smuggling and distilling their own, tax-free booze. Using violence, guile, violence and a hardiness that is rare in a human being (plus violence), Malcolm Gillespie became a hero to some, a curse to others and a criminal to all. 

Join Jim and Violet as we look at the incredibly tough - and violent, don't forget - life of this Exciseman who worked tirelessly to keep Scotland above board. Unless you're a horse. 

Plus, Violet's letter this episode is a treatise on the etymology of a bicycle or almost no reason, as well as a genuinely touching ode to a dog. 

Resources used in this episode:

www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk

https://www.historyscotland.com/articles/features/the-life-of-scottish-smuggler-and-exciseman-malcolm-gillespie