Scottish Blethers

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