Scottish Blethers

Series 4 Episode 7 - Screen Tourism in Scotland

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our last episode we chatted about the tiny Fife burgh of Culross and how it has come to the world’s attention as a location for the filming of Ou...

Series 4 Episode 6 | Culross

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following on from our previous episode on Royal Burghs we take a visit to one close to home. Spelt Culross but pronounced Coo-Ross, this burgh stands ...

Series 4 Episode 5 | Crusing

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we take to the high seas as we explore the growing demand for luxury cruising. We look at the origins of the cruise industry in transp...

Series 4 Episode 4 - Royal Burgos

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Burgh. It’s the word that never fails to trip up visitors to Scotland. Is it pronounced BURG, or maybe BURROW? No - it’s BURRA. In this episode we...

Series 4 Episode 3 | It’s Different in Scotland

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prompted by a recent visit to the counties of Southern England, Liz and Helen reflect on their experience of life in England and the ways in which it ...

Series 4 Episode 2 | Sanat in Scotland

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are very excited - just one more sleep till Santa comes. But who is Santa? In this episode we talk about the myths, legends and facts surrounding n...

Series 4 Episode 1 | We're Back

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scottish Blethers have had a very busy and different few months but we are back now to our podcasting ‘glory’! In this episode we chat about the p...

Series 3 Episode 13 | Scots in America

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we look at some of the features of the Scottish character that have enabled Scots to survive and prosper. We look in particular at the...

Series 3 Episode 12 | Scottish Icons and identity

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we explore the shared culture, languages and traditions that give the Scots their strong sense of national identity. We look at some o...

Series 3 Episode 11 | Scottish Castles

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As much a part of the landscape as our hills and glens, Scottish Castles come in all shapes and sizes. From the blockbuster military strongholds to th...

Series 3 Episode 10 | Easter in Scotland

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The days are getting longer (if not warmer!) and colour is appearing in the garden. The dawn chorus wakens us in the morning and eggs are everywhere! ...

Series 3 Episode 9 | Dundee Part Two - Post WWII - Decline and Reinvention

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From its heyday in the Victorian era, the fortunes of Dundee declined as traditional industries were lost and employment became hard to find. We look ...

Series 3 Episode 8 | Dundee Part One - The Rise of Dundee up to WWII

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the next two episodes we take a look at the travel destination that is on everyone's lips at the moment - Dundee. Scotland's fourth large...

Series 3 Episode 7 | It was Different in Our Day

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent cold spell, a country walk and reports of the largest snowball fight ever to take place in Scotland - all had us looking back to days gone by...

Series 3 Episode 6 | Scottish Place Names

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no doubt about it - there are some weird and wonderful place names to be found across Scotland, while the pronunciation of others can leave ...

Series 3 Episode 5 | Statues

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The people you meet on a walk around Edinburgh. In this episode we introduce you to some of the characters of the city through the statues that charac...

Series 3 Episode 4 | Favourite Walks

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

blow the cobwebs away than a good walk. The Blethers are both fond of slipping on our boots and heading out for a wee saunter or a more strenuous hike...

Series 3 Episode 3 | St Andrews - home of golf

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the 600 years since shepherds hit a stone over sandy links with their crooks, St Andrews has been at the heart of the evolution of the game of go...

Series 3 Episode 2 | St Andrews

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the week that we celebrate the day of Scotland’s Patron Saint, we take a look at the seaside town which bears his name. How it became a pilgrimag...

Series 3 Episode 1 | Wish you were here? Tourism in Scotland

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the guiding season comes to a close, and we swap whisper systems for microphones, guidebooks for Google, we use the first couple of episodes of our...

Sereis 2 Episode 19 | Scotland’s Munros

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we look to the mountains and in particular to the tallest of our mountains - the Munros. Catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891, we look...

Series 2 Episode 18| Scottish Churches

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No matter where you go in Scotland, churches are very much a part of the landscape. Built in the days when even the smallest village could expect a co...

Series 2 Episode 17 | Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We Scots love our puddings and pies - be they sweet or savoury! In this episode we explore the variety, differentiate between a single and a supper an...

Series 2 Episode 16 | Is Cullen Skink the new Mince and Tatties?

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we reflect on the changing face of Scottish cuisine and get no further than soups! We look back at the traditional favourites from our...

Series 2 Episode 15 | Coronations - Past and Present

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we continue the theme of coronations and consider whether the traditions associated with the inauguration of ancient Scottish monarchs...

Series 2 Episode 14| Stone of Destiny

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the nation's thoughts turn to the Coronation, in this episode we take a look at a symbol of our nation's identity. As the Stone heads down ...

Series 2 Episode 13 | Scots in Canada

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we look at the influence Scots have had on the development of Canada as it is today - from politics to education, business to culture....

Series 2 Episode 12 | The Forth Bridge

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The wonder of its generation according to Gustaf Eiffel. The one immediately and internationally recognised Scottish landmark according to Collins Enc...

Series 2 Episode 11 | Pilgrim Routes in Scotland

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of a sacred journey is a feature of many of the world’s religions. In this episode we explore the revival of ancient paths across Scotland ...

Series 2 Episode 10 | 100 today!!

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scottish Blethers have made it to 100 episodes and to mark the occasion we look back at other double acts to have come out of Scotland. From Fran and ...

Series 2 Episode 9 | Love is in the Air

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. We gauge the temperature of romance in Scotland by taking a look at some statistics and surveys and c...

Series 2 Episode 8 | Who Were the Celts?

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following up on our episode on Celtic Connections we give some thought to this question and explore how their influence extends well beyond music. Whe...

Series 2 Episode 7 | Celtic Connections

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This year marks a special anniversary for the biggest folk, roots and world music festival - it’s 30th edition. We take a look at this special event...

Series 2 Episode 6 | Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023!

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode we discuss our plans for the new year and give our listeners some reasons why Scotland is the place to be in&nbsp...

Series 2 Episode 5 | Twixmas Blethers

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day is known as Twixmas.  In this episode, Liz and Helen blether about their Christmas festivities ...

Series 2 Episode 4 | Stories associated with Scottish Lighthouses

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lighthouses and the lives of the men who tended the lamp to keep others safe have captured the imagination of successive generations. Stories  ar...

Series 2 Episode 3 | Scottish Lighthouses

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The theme of light in the darkness continues as we discuss the history of these remarkable structures. Dotted around the long and perilous coastline o...

Series 2 Episode 2 | Scotland sparkles

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seasonal celebrations 

Season 2 Episode 1 | The Blethers are Back

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a summer where we returned to the day job we set the scene for a new series of informative chat. We reflect on guiding in a post-pandemic world ...

Episode 90 | Kirriemuir - the wee red toonie.

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week our blethers take us to the beautiful Angus glens and a little town - or burgh - with a lot of claims to fame. From corsets to gingerbread, ...

Episode 89 | Marching Season

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Episode 88 | Together again!

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 epis...

Episode 87 | Reflexiones españolas

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz takes timeout from her Scottish season to travel with friend and fellow guide Francisco Glaria through areas less-travelled across Spain. From Mad...

Episode 86 | Make your way to Stornoway

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Episode 85 | There's a hole in my shoe

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scottish Blethers are back guiding, Liz has journeyed to the Western Isles while Helen has stayed closer to home.  In this episode Helen blethers...

Episode 84| Back to work

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ha...

Episode 83 | Reflections

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Episode 82 | It Wisnae Us

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 81 | Historic Environment Scotland

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 we...

Episode 80 | National Trust for Scotland

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 79 | “Spring is sprung”

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Scotland basks in warm sunshine this week we look at  some of the signs that winter is on the way out and summer is just around the corner. Wi...

Episode 78 | Great Tapestries of Scotland

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we explore the difference between a tapestry and an embroidery and consider why tapestries were such prized posessions of the rich and...

Episode 77 | Dispatches

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Reformation may have simplified rituals associated with death and burial but across Scotland many superstitions and practices persist. In this epi...

Episode 76 | Hatches, Matches and Dispatches.

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in the first of two episodes discussing Scottish traditions and superstitions, we take a look at births and marriages. The howdie or “han...

Episode | 75 Stirling - UK City of Culture 2025?

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Longlisted in the final shortlist of eight for this prestigious title, Stirling is bidding to show the judging panel just what it can offer when it co...

Episode 74b | Gold!

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A wee bonus episode as we celebrate the success of Team GB’s curling teams at the weekend. Team Muirhead brought home GB’s only gold medal in the ...

Episode 74 | Valentine’s Day

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A sad state of affairs when your Valentine’s Day date is your podcasting buddy! In this episode we get together to take a look at a few Scottish hea...

Episode 73 | The Changing Face of our High Street

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Another walk down memory lane as we reflect on the changes that our main shopping thoroughfares have experienced over recent decades. The last t...

Episode 72 | Charles Rennie Mackintosh - Father of Glasgow Style

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today the city of Glasgow celebrates CRM as the genius of architecture, design and watercolour that he undoubtedly was. Visitors flock to see his crea...

Episode 71 | Granny Knew Best.

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we reflect with affection on our grandmothers and the influence they had on our lives. Their warmth. Their wisdom. In particular, their reme...

Episode 70 | Edinburgh's One O'Clock gun

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the city's great traditions - when visitors jump in fright and locals check their watches. On the anniversary of the date on which the gun was ...

Episode 69 | Inventions Scots Gave The World

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the anniversary of the death of Alexander Bain we take a look at some of the simple everyday objects of modern life that owe their origins to the e...

Episode 68 | Places We Resolve to Visit in 2022

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s New Year so it’s traditional to make our resolutions for the year ahead. In this first episode of 2022 we chat about places in Scotland that ...

Episode 67 | Twixmas

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The lull between Christmas and New Year festivities when the pace slows down and - if you’re lucky enough to have time off work - you can recharge y...

Episode 66 | Four More Sleeps

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the big day draws near we chat about our preparations. Decorating the house, getting "the messages" in - even meeting Santa. In the end, it's not w...

Episode 65 | Scottish Christmas Traditions

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While many of the festivities leading up to Christmas are now universal, Scotland retains a colourful patchwork of Pagan, Christian, Celtic and contem...

Episode 64 | Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing signals the start of the festive season quite like a Christmas Tree. An ancient symbol of life and fertility, a modern emblem of community and...

Bonus Episode | A Box of Blethers

04 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Those of you who follow the Scottish Blethers Podcast will already be aware that to blether in Scotland means to talk or chat with friends. This Chris...

Episode 63 | St Andrew; Patron Saint of Scotland

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode airs on November 30th which is traditionally the day on which we honour St Andrew, special protector of Scotland. One of Jesus Christ's t...

Episode 62 | Miscellany of Blethers

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we get out and about again there is less time for research but more time to experience topics to blether about. This week Helen has been out and ab...

Episode 61 | We Will Remember Them

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the week of Armistice Sunday in which we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country, we consider some of the estima...

Episode 60 | Women Hold up Half the Sky

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of a global pandemic and facing the challenges of potentially catastrophic climate change, we need to cast the net wide to harness all th...

Episode 59 | Glasgow Public Art

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The eyes of the world are on Scotland this week as the world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26. A work of art can prompt discussion and encourage th...

Episode 58 | Witchcraft

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week is Halloween and we are joined by Susan to reflect on the origins of many of the traditions associated with this time of year. Satanic panic...

Episode 57 | Favourite Scottish Poetry

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks the centenary of one of Scotland's best known poets - George MacKay Brown. A good opportunity to reflect on the rich oral tradition re...

Episode 56 | Mary Queen of Scots

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we look at the life of one of the most famous characters in Scottish history. Was she a casualty of the times she lived on or a...

Episode 55 | Scotland: Home of Golf?

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we explore this small nation's claims to the title. Records show that the game has been payed in the villages along the East co...

Episode 54 | National Museum of Scotland

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This national treasure is loved by locals and visitors alike making it Scotland’s top attraction in 2019 with over 2 million visitors. In this week’...

Episode 53 | Harvest Thanksgiving

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the days shorten and the farmers are busy gathering their crops in from the fields, we take a look at what is grown in Scotland and the traditions ...

Episode 52 | Those who can’t do, teach

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode the Blethers reflect on their careers in education and contest this disparaging adage which questions the competence of teachers. A lo...

Episode 51 | Gala Days - Fun for all the family

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While the Highlands have their Games and the Borders have their Riding of the Marches , the communities of  the mining towns and fishing villages...

Episode 50 | Abbotsford - "a romance in architecture"

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we continue the Sir Walter Scott theme as we chat about his beloved home on the banks of the River Tweed. With money pouring in from his wri...

Episode 49 | Celebrating 250 years of Sir Walter Scott.

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

August marks the birth of one of Scotland's most successful writers and in this week's episode we blether about his life, his influences, his work, hi...

Episode 48 | School's Back

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As pupils across Scotland prepare to return to school. Susan joins us to look back at what it was like getting ready for the return in our day. Machin...

Episode 47 | Where did you get to for your holidays?

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While Helen made memories with her grandchildren exploring local gems on a staycation Liz travelled further afield to the wonderful Western Isles of L...

Episode 46 | Scottish Olympians

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the delayed 2020 Olympic Games finally get underway in Tokyo we celebrate Scottish Olympian success, past and present. 55 Scottish athletes across ...

Episode 45 | Life's a Beach

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we continue with the summer vibe and take you on a tour of some of our favourite Scottish beaches. With over 6,000 miles of coastline on the...

Episode 44 | Together Again

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the Blethers team are back to full strength as Susan joins us for an update. We chat about our own individual experiences as Scotland gradua...

Episode 43 |Memories of Scottish Summer Holidays

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Royal Week and Wimbledon Fortnight may be past but the summer theme continues. In this week's episode we rake a wee daunder  down memory lane and...

Episode 42 | Tennis and Tours

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's July. It's Summer. One of the highlights of the social calendar in Scotland is Holyrood Week where the Queen accompanied by members of the Royal ...

Episode 41 | Fitba' and Other Sports

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the week that Scotland were knocked out of the European Football Champions we look at the importance of Glasgow Green as an open space in the city ...

Episode 40 |Icons and Ice Cream

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week our blethers feature The Kelpies - an iconic piece of public art and one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. We explore their roots in my...

Episode 39 | Scotland's National Parks

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week join us in Scotland's National Parks as we enjoy the richness of the landscape which is home to such a variety of Scotland's flora and fauna...

Episode 38 | West Coast Wanderings

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We love it when a friend or colleagues joins us in our Blethers to add a bit of banter. This week we are joined by our good friend Graeme Strachan who...

Episode 37 | Royal Palaces and Puffins

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take you on a visit to the Fife village of Falkland and explore its links with sporting Royals and Johnny Cash. Spotting puffins is on ev...

Episode 36 | Working Women

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we visit Juteopolis – the name given to Dundee in the 19th Century when the city’s landscape and economic activity were dominated ...

Episode 35 | Minging cheese and Chateau Ecosse

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If last week's episode on elections to the Scottish Parliament was enough to drive you to drink then in this week's episode we have the perfect remedy...

Episode 34 | Casting Our Vote

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are inspired by the recent elections to the Scottish Parliament to reflect on the road travelled by the Scots to arrive where we ar...

Episode 33 | Scotland and Spain Linked by Far More Than Package Holidays

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are joined by our good friend and Spanish tour guide Fran Glaria to explore connections, past and present, between our countries. F...

Episode 32 | Pioneering Scots who led the way in global explorations

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the week that marked Earth Day and John Muir Day we chose to explore the topic of Scottish explorers. For a small country, Scotland has had more th...