Scotland's History

In this podcast I look at the history of Christmas in Scotland and the traditions associated with it. The video can be found at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

Thanks for listening.

In this podcast I take a look at the history behind the Doom of Mar, a series of curses placed on the Erskine family by an abbot from Cambuskenneth Abbey, and the effect it had on Alloa Tower itself. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

Kennetpans Distillery was built in the 18th century on the banks of the River Forth between Clackmannan in Clackmannanshire and Kincardine in Fife. Some of the buildings remain but are in a ruinous condition. This is the story of the first large scale commercial distillery in the world. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

In August 1890 Mary Ann Innes died at the Newton Hotel in Kirriemuir. Her husband John Webster stood trial for her murder due to arsenic poisoning but did he really do it? You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

On Saturday 30th May 1835 Mark Devlin was hanged in Dundee. The question is who actually hanged him as the person who usually carried out these sentences was in Forfar at the time? You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

James Mackenzie was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in the early 19th century, but emigrated to Australia then New Zealand. He was accused of sheep and cattle rustling but evaded capture. He was eventually he was caught along with his dog Friday. Friday made history as she is the only dog to ever stand trial in New Zealand. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

Seven Scottish  folk tales and legends from the Highlands retold. This  is the first in a series of videos exploring Scottish myths, legends and  folklore. The video includes The Wick Fairies, The Duncansby Seal  Killer, The Ghost of Advreck, Meg, John and the Fairy, The Sailor Ghost  of Oldshoremore, The Kylesku Ghost and The Lairg Kelpie. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

On Friday 10th April 1835 a body of a middle aged woman was found on the  Black Isle in the Highlands. Her husband was accused of her murder and  became the last man to be hanged in Inverness. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth

In this podcast I explore the history of Stirling Castle. The castle has played a pivotal role in Scotland's history, from bloody battles during the Wars of Independance to the House of Stuart and the Jacobite Rebellions. It is even said to be haunted. Today it is one of the UK's top tourist attractions.

This is its story. You can watch the full video at www.youtube.com/ValerieForsyth