The Scottish Folklore Podcast

Scottish folklore can be very dark and in this episode Jenny uncovers some of the bloodier folktales that lurk in the lore. From grim tales for children, to cold blooded murder and ghostly guilt, these tales remind us that sometimes, rather than some supernatural beast, it is us humans who are the real monsters.

But be warned, these tales may not be suitable for little bairns or the faint of heart, pease do listen with care.

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The Autumn Equinox has just passed and harvest in Scotland is well underway. This was an incredibly important time of year, where no risk was taken that might compromise the harvest, and every tradition and superstition was followed to the T!

In this episode Jenny explores some of these traditions and superstitions, namely the Harvest Maiden and the Harvest Cailleach, before telling some tales of supernatural harvest helpers… and hinderers: fairies, the Devil, and a wizard called Auld Scary.

Listen to Bryce Whyte tell the tale of Auld Scary

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Brownies are odd little folkloric spirits who help out around the house purely because they like to. But be warned, they are as easy to please as they are to lose, and tales of their touchiness can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland!

In this episode Jenny explores some of the many tales of Brownies that can be found in Scotland, as well as what happens when Brownies go bad, before ending on the wonderful tale of The Brownie o’ Ferne-Den.

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Rannoch is a thin place, an area where the veil between our world and the Other World is said to be rather raggedy, and all sorts of strange things can pass between.

Lying in the heart of Scotland, Rannoch stretches from Schiehallion in the east to Glen Coe in the west. In this episode, Jenny explores some of the many tales that take place in the fairy mountains, ancient forests and eerie moors here. 

From fairy changelings and wolf hunts to encounters with the Devil himself and tales of the second sight, this is a place steeped in folklore, superstition and strange happenings.

Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map

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The poetry-slinging, storm-bringing Blue Men of The Minch are only found in one place in Scotland, the strait of water between the Outer Hebrides in the west and the mainland & Skye in the east. The turbulent and ever changing waters here have wrecked countless ships over the centuries, and while some may blame poor weather, or even poor captains, those in the know, understand the real culprits to be The Blue Men of The Minch. 

In this episode Jenny tells three stories of encounters with these rhyming ship wreckers, and by the end you’ll understand just why the waters of The Minch are regarded as some of the most dangerous in all of the British Isles.

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The blasted, buzzing, biting midge is the most vicious predator in all of Scotland. One alone is not much to worry about, but they rarely come alone! In this episode Jenny looks at some of the lore around the minuscule midge, including some truly awful punishments, so listeners beware!

She also tells the tale of the bloodthirsty giant Thrim, and how the midge came to Scotland, which takes us all the way from Norway to Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, and finally to the little peninsula of Applecross. 

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It’s time for a monster hunt! The Loch Ness Monster is perhaps the most famous Scot in the world, yet despite her renown she’s a very shy girl. The vast majority of sightings come from after the 1933 boom, when Nessie went global, yet the very first ever recorded sighting of her is in 565 CE, when St Columba stumbled across a group of terrified Picts on the shore of Loch Ness.

In this episode Jenny tells the tale of Columba, his mission to convert the Picts to christianity, the very first ever sighting of The Loch Ness Monster, and a lovely little kelpie tale at the end!

Visit the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register

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The Isle of Skye is home to not only some of the most enchanting views in the world, but also a whole host of fairies! 

In this episode Jenny visits some of  these fairies in their homes, first at the fairy knoll of An Sidhean just south of Broadford and then at the ancient iron age brochs of Dun Borve, Dun Garsin and Dun Taimh - each one with its own tale of the little people and their run ins with us pesky humans! 

From ancient forts to mighty castles, she then travels to Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeods, and tells the tale of one of the clan’s most prized possessions: the fairy flag of Dunvegan!

Curses, blessings, and a whole herd of coos await!

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There are many tales, and indeed tails, of dogs in Scottish folklore, and in this episode Jenny tells as many as she can in half an hour - which is a surprising amount! 

From the ominous black dogs of The Bridge of Quholmslee and Loch Ordain, to the gold guarding dogs in Helmsdale and Loch Stack, to the cu-sith, fairy dogs, of The Maidens near Loch Leven and the snowy hills of Kingussie, if you’re a fan of our furry four legged friends, there’s a story here for you!

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The Sea Mither is the Orcadian sea deity who brings the calm waters, warm weather, and bounty of spring and summer. But this is no easy feat, for first she must battle Teran, the fearsome winter god of the sea, for control of the waves. 

Teran is not her only foe, however, as the dreaded Nuckelavee, surely Scotland’s most nightmarish creature, must also be banished.

Join Jenny to hear all about the Orcadian (and Shetlandic) lore of the Sea Mither, Teran, and a poor fellow named Tammie who was unlucky enough to meet the Nuckelavee on a dark, winter night. 

Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram

Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map

Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map

Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.