Unearthed

In 1590 Scotland, a storm was brewing. After a royal fleet is sunk, fingers begin pointing at local women and men who are believed to have made a pact with the Devil. This would be Scotland's first major witchcraft panic. At its epicentre a woman called Agnes Sampson would be convicted for conspiracy with the devil. Agnes would become one of Scotland's most famous witches, but who was Agnes really? A wicked witch cursing the King, or someone too intelligent for her own good? In this episode I dissect the story behind one of Scotland's most ruthless witch hunts to find the life and lessons around the story of Agnes Sampson, the Elder Witch.

Interviews with:

• Dr Louise Yeoman, PhD historian, broadcaster, and host on BBC Scotland's "Witch Hunt" podcast
• Dr Julian Goodare, PhD historian from Edinburgh University
• David Berry, ex-councillor and tour guide operator from North Berwick
• Cllr Kate Stewart, Fife Councillor and campaigner for a national Scottish witch memoria

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

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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Last week I discussed Scotland's role in the slave trade with prominent black voices including historians, activists, professionals, and entertainers. This week, I revisit some of those people, and more, as we delve into how Scotland's role in the slave trade has affected people living in Scotland today. Scotland is not a racist country, but that does that mean racism doesn't exist here?

Featuring:

- Sir Geoff Palmer, Professor

- Bruce Fummey, Comedian

- Dr Peggy Brunache, Historian

- Stewart Kyasimirie - Film Director

- Bayile Adeoti - Social Entrepreneur and Pastor

- Laura Lovemore - Actress

- Graham Campbell - Glasgow City Councillor

- Lisa Williams - Historian and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association

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.

In the centre of Edinburgh stands a 150 foot high monument to a man known as the "Uncrowned King of Scotland". Melville monument is erected to memorialise Henry Dundas, the 1st Viscount of Melville - a man whose deliberate actions postponed the abolition of slavery and sent a further 500,000 people to their death in enslavement camps, politely known as plantations. What is Scotland's history of slavery? In this hour long special, we face the uncomfortable truth. 

Part ONE of TWO.

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

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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On a cold November night in 1809 a woman arrived in Edinburgh huddling to her mother for warmth. Margaret Ann Bulkley was taking her first steps towards a life that would revolutionise the world as we knew it. Over the next three years, Margaret would change her identity, rewrite her life story, and spearhead her way through a career, becoming Dr James Barry. As war raged across Europe, and the British Empire expanded across the seas, Dr Barry fought through some of the most horrifying adversities to make the world a better place for all of us.

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

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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George Mackenzie - infamous for the Covenanter's Prison and tarred with the reputation as a man who built the "first concentration camp". Today his spirit is said to roam Greyfriars Kirkyard and attack those who wander there. Many experience burns, scratches, and in one case, even death. But who was Bloody Mackenzie? Was he truly an evil man? And does his ghost really wander around in search of revenge? 

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

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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Harry Potter fans flock to Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh to hunt down the tombstones that bear the names of their favourite characters. But one of them has a great story to tell. William Topaz McGonagall is more than just a name...he is a legend all of his own. Who is William McGonagall? Why should we care? And where exactly is he now?

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

Follow the show on Twitter: @Unearthed_Pod

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History is great. Legends are great. Journalism is great. But what if journalism remembered history a little more? What if legends were investigated by journalists? What if history was forced to tell the truth? Welcome to Unearthed, Scotland’s only history podcast where we delve into the secrets behind ancient tales, legends, and stories, to find out what actually happened, and what they mean for today’s ever complicated world

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.