10 podcasts for lovers of all things Scottish
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This month marks the launch of the Scottish At Heart podcast, a podcast for anyone who feels Scottish At Heart.
It’s by no means the first podcast about Scotland, in fact there are many podcasts with Scottish connections that have been on my playlist this past year or so.
If you love the music, a wee dram of whisky, enjoy gazing at the scenery, or swoon at the accent, I hope you find a podcast that you will enjoy.
You may read that some podcast hosts are to be guests on my show and that is simply because of the value they provide to their listeners. I know you will enjoy their stories.
1 Scottish At Heart
Of course I’m going to put this one at the top of my list. The first three episodes are released on November 30.
Scottish At Heart brings together everything I love about Scotland, I have Scottish genetics, I love a lot of Scottish music, the history, scenery, folk stories, Irn Bru and square sausage.
You will hear conversations with people who are Scottish, have Scottish ancestry or are involved with the culture and heritage in some shape or form.
And if you love Scotland you can join the Scottish At Heart Clan. Find out more here.
2 Generally Spooky History
There’s a lot more to Scottish history than Culloden and Braveheart as I have discovered from listening to Eilidh and Kieran MacRae.
Eilidh is the researcher and she tells the episode’s story to her husband Kieran, who asks the questions that listeners at home may have.
These episodes are packed with detail and highly entertaining. This podcast is produced in seasons and there are six seasons to date. Expect to hear from Eilidh on a future episode.
3 Wild For Scotland
This is a travel podcast with a difference. Host Kathi Kamleitner takes listeners on an immersive experience with the sounds of her travels in listeners’ ears, from the crashing of the waves through to native birds.
Kathi chose to make Scotland her home, as you will hear in episode 1 of Scottish At Heart, and she has explored many of its hidden gems.
Her podcast is also divided into seasons, she’s covered islands, road trips, people’s stories and her most recent season is about Scottish water, from snorkelling through to peat bogs.
Kathi is on episode one of Scottish At Heart.
4 Carmichael Clan Radio
Host Scott Carmichael is involved with the Carmichael Clan USA and started this podcast to record stories of its older members for posterity.
It’s now evolved into a podcast featuring Carmichael clan members around the world as well as other stories relating to Scotland. This is a great podcast for people outside of Scotland who want to dip their toes into the heritage, and especially if you are descended from the Carmichael clan.
I interviewed Scott for Scottish At Heart and you can hear his story on episode 6.
5 The Whisky Sisters
I don’t drink whisky but I enjoy learning about it for when I am next in Scotland and have an opportunity for a tasting.
Jennifer Rose and Inka Larissa share news from the whisky industry as well as profile a different distillery and whisky each week with detailed tasting notes.
They also have guests who are involved in the whisky scene, though one of my favourites was a recent episode with “The Godfather of Rock” Tom Russell. From that interview I learned to taste whisky with an expert and not just down the hatch.
6 Stories of Scotland
If you like to be entertained with stories of history and folklore then this is a great podcast for just that. Annie and Jenny have a great presenting style, they’re hilarious to listen to and it’s clear they are great friends equally passionate in keeping stories alive.
Over on their website you can view a map of their stories, so if you’re planning a trip you can learn more about folklore and history for locations in mind.
7 Witches of Scotland
Witches of Scotland isn’t just a podcast, it’s a campaign for justice; for a legal pardon, an apology and national monument for the thousands of people – mostly women - that were convicted of witchcraft and executed between 1563 and 1736 in Scotland.
When accused of witchcraft, people were locked up awaiting trial and tortured to confess. Torture in Scotland was usually by way of sleep deprivation – keeping people awake until they confessed.
This is a podcast rich in stories and interviews with people who have dedicated their careers to this topic.
Start with episode one, Where Are The Women.
8 The Big Rab Show
This one qualifies for this list as The Big Rab Show reflects everything from the bagpiping world - and everyone knows Scotland is the home of the bagpipes.
Rab brings together news and updates about the pipes and drums, including coverage from the Pipe Band World Championships.
I started listening to this podcast when I started learning the pipes as I felt it would help me get immersed more in the culture and it has definitely delivered.
9 63 Percent Scottish
When I was working on Scottish At Heart the first episode for this podcast dropped and instead of feeling annoyed that Eamon had got his show out before me it made me feel that I was on the right path.
It was confirmation that this type of podcast was in demand and I could get mine out with my own voice.
I jokingly told friends that I’m 67 percent Scottish. Eamon’s podcast is like a beginner’s guide to Scotland. His guests so far have been a great introduction to listeners who may have discovered that they too have Scottish ancestry and what should they learn now that they know that.
10 Love Scotland
I found this podcast when I was going through my Outlander phase and did a search for Diana Gabaldon. But don’t let that put you off. Love Scotland is produced by the National Trust of Scotland and hosted by the consummate broadcasting professional Jackie Bird.
Episodes will take you to National Trust of Scotland properties and tell you captivating stories
This is the show I would love to be a part of, could you imagine being paid to explore Scotland and talk about it?
So those are just 10, there are many more! What podcast have I missed out that you think belongs on this list?
Email me to tell me about it. Now go here and give Scottish At Heart a subscribe ready for the first episodes to drop.
