Scottish Blethers

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.