Unearthed

As millions around the world stop to remember the horrors and bravery of the two world wars, this episode of Unearthed looks at a part of the story often overlooked - how were Scottish veterans treated after The Great War? On January 31st, 1919, months after the Armistice, workers congregated on George Square in central Glasgow to protest and strike against working hours. But what did this have to do with the war? And what really happened for the events that unfolded to be known forever as "Bloody Friday"?

In this episode:

• Dr Gordon Barclay, author and military historian
• Dr Louise Heren, author and social historian specialising in Scottish history
• Dr William Knox, Scottish Labour historian
• Ian Cumming, CEO of Erskine military charity

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There was once a man in Edinburgh who was held to a great regard, but upon his deathbed he admitted to sins that would shock 17th century Scotland, that continue to shock us today. This man was Major Thomas Weir, known to most as the Wizard of West Bow. Continuing with the ghostly theme of Halloween, this episode looks at the truth behind this man, and the legend created after his execution. What can we learn from the ghosts of the past? Well, it turns out a lot. Who was Thomas Weir? How did he fall from grace? And more importantly, why is no one talking about Jean?

Interviews with:

• Bestselling Scottish author of The Fanatic, James Robertson
• Dr Louise Yeoman, BBC Sounds podcasts Witch Hunt and Time Travels
• Sue Proudlove and Tony Wilkes, managers at the Quaker Meeting House in Edinburgh
• Euan MacInnes, tour guide and author of Edinburgh for Everyone

This episode contains content that is not suitable for children. There are also discussions around violent sexual crimes. If you are affected by the nature of the episode, below are some links if you need them.

Rape Crisis Scotland - O8088 010302

Samaritans Helpline - 116 123

NHS Directory

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In 1960, a poltergeist arrived in town. To the residents of Sauchie, a seemingly normal 11-year-old girl would move from Donegal in Ireland to live a seemingly normal life - attending brownies clubs, going to school, being a child. But all of that was to change on the night of November 22nd, when what started as mysterious banging sounds, turned into a story that would ensnare the whole town in wonder and fear. But, ghost's don't exist, right? In this Halloween episode of Unearthed I take time off from all the serious stuff to investigate the most recorded case of ghostly activity in Scotland, The Sauchie Poltergeist.

Interviews with:

• Malcolm Robinson, Britiain's leading paranormal investigator, author, and founder for Strange Phenomenon Investigations
• Dr Stephen Kelly, professor and psychologist at Strathclyde University
• Jack Taylor, retired foreign correspondent and journalist
• Dr Martha McGill, historian and author of "Ghosts in Enlightenment Scotland"

Support Unearthed for as little as £3 a month and get access to my side-series Superstitions by subscribing to podcast Patreon

Support: patreon.com/Unearthed

Network: https://www.thebiglight.com/unearthed

Read more: www.unearthedpocast.co.uk

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Born in Munich as Sigmund Neuberger in 1871, The Great Lafayette lies under a graveyard outside of Edinburgh in Scotland. A man who was best friends with Houdini, perfected some of the most impressive magic tricks of his day, and for that rose to global stardom. The tragedy of his death shocked the world yet today he remains largely forgotten, save for his towering tombstone in Piershill Cemetery to he and his beloved dog. Join me in this season two premiere as I explore this incredible man and the tragedy that ultimately sealed his fate. Who was the Great Lafayette? What happened on the fateful night of May 9th, 1911? And why has his story been almost forgotten?

Let's find out.

Interviews with:

• Kevin Quantum, Scottish magician and semi-finalist on this year's Britain's Got Talent
• Louise Andrée, Scottish magician and member of the London Magic Circle
• Gordon Rutter, teacher and co-author of "The Death and Life of the Great Lafayette"
• Dr Luke Bisby, Chair of Fire and Structures and Head of Research Institute at Edinburgh University
• Brian Ferguson, Arts Correspondent for The Scotsman

Support this show by joining the Unearthed Patreon

Part of The Big Light podcast network

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Season two of Unearthed is coming next week! Ten more incredible episodes to take a new look at Scottish history through the voices of those who know, who care, and who are still alive to tell the tale. Coming October 21st, Unearthed Season Two goes even further to track down some of the best voices from across Scotland and beyond. Only on The Big Light.

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Available in future only to Patreons, visit www.patreon.com/Unearthed to join up!

You find yourself alone in the Scottish wilderness as night descends. By a river you see a woman washing clothes, so you run to her for help - unaware that you are just about to come face to face with one of Scotland's most terrifying fairies, Bean Nighe. Also known as the Washerwoman, Bean Nighe can grant you wishes, tell you your fate, and even help you kill your enemies, just make sure its not your clothes she's washing.

This is Unearthed: Superstitions, a side series to accompany the main Unearthed show. Twice a month I provide mini episodes that delve into the weirder and darker side of Scottish history solely for my patrons on Patreon. This week's episode is free, but after this you'll need to sign up for as little as £3 a month to hear more.

Go to www.patreon.com/Unearthed to sign up to my Patreon and help keep Scottish history alive.

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In 1976, a man from Dunbar launched an expedition in Ecuador like none other. Stan Hall, a Scottish engineer, fascinated by missing history and lost treasure, manages to encourage over 100 scientists, military personnel, and explorers from all over the world to descend into the Tayos caves in Ecuador - with hopes of finding an ancient treasure. How did Stan pull off the biggest cave expedition and treasure hunt to date? And how did a man from Dunbar manage to convince the world's most famous explorer of all time, Neil Armstrong, to go with him? What was Stan Hall's gold? Let's find out!

Interviews with:

• Eileen Hall, daughter of Stan Hall continuing on his work
• Cathleen Hall, Stan's second daughter
• Dr Theofilos Toulkeridis, one of Ecuador's top geologists and cave mapper.
• Ashley Cowie, Scottish explorer, TV presenter and treasure hunter, living in Columbia.
• Stan Hall, recorded in 2007, given with permission from Eileen.

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In the 1780s a farmer would make a discovery that would change the world forever. As the Scottish Enlightenment brought new science and ideas to the forefront, one man seems to be forgotten by time. A man who arguably made the biggest discovery of all time. That man was James Hutton whose radical theory would change the way we see our planet, and ourselves. Because James Hutton was the first person to attempt to prove that the planet was older than the Bible told us.

Interviews in this episode:

• Professor Iain Stewart, President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and TV presenter (BBC Men of Rock)
• Denise Walton, Ecologist, and organic farmer at Peelham Farms
• Professor Colin Campbell, CEO of The James Hutton Institute
• Dr Rachel Walcott, Curator of the Earth Systems section at National Museums Scotland
• Dr Hermione Cockburn, Scientific Director at Dynamic Earth, and TV presenter (BBC Coast)

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/unearthed

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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In May 1692 a man was found dead at the top of a sacred hill. His name was Robert Kirk, the minister of Aberfoyle, who had spent the last years of his young life studying the fairy world. Kirk's book "The Secret Commonwealth" would be the best preserved document of ancient Scottish fairy belief. But after his death rumours began that Kirk had not died, but the fairies had kidnapped him and taken him to the fairy realm. But how much of Kirk's legacy is legend, and what does he mean for us today?

Interviews with

• Award winning Gaelic folk musician Julie Fowlis
• Professor of history, Dr Lizanne Henderson
• Professor of History and Gaelic Culture, Dr Domhnall Ullieam Stiubhart
• The Rev Dr Emsley Nimmo, from St Margaret's Church in Aberdeen
• Local Aberfoyle writer John MacDonald
• and my own partner in crime, Erin Burden

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/unearthed

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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Margaret Dickson would swing from the gallows on the 2nd of September, 1724. But d'on't think that would stop her. Maggie Dickson is one of Edinburgh's greatest legends. In this week's episode I take apart a local legend, to find out exactly where legend meets truth...but how did Maggie come back from the dead? What can her story possible mean for us today? Find out this week on Unearthed - Scotland's newest and fastest growing history podcast!

Interviews with -

• Dr Anne-Marie Kilday, PhD historian in Criminal History from Oxford Brookes University
• Alison Butler, author of "The Hanging of Margaret Dickson"
• Laura Doak, PhD researcher and academic, current thesis titled: 'On Street and Scaffold: Political Culture in Restoration Scotland, c.1679-1685'

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/unearthed

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.