Rousay Tales

Kolekto

Welcome to Rousay Tales. This podcast series from Orkney, Scotland, will take you around the island of Rousay, exploring life in the past and present. We’ve used the resources of Orkney Library and Archive, Rousay Remembered and the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute, together with contemporary recordings, to bring you this series of themed episodes. Rich in archaeology, Rousay is often called the ‘Egypt of the north’. Listen to stories from the archives, islanders and archaeologists woven with discoveries, folklore and places of intrigue. Find out about the houses for the living and the dead, crafts and making, fishing, and farming. Rousay Tales will transport you to this special island. For more information and extra content visit https://archaeologyorkney.com/rousay-tales/

Last refreshed: May 9th, 2026 at 3:42 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Making

In this final episode we’ll be finding out about some of the creative folk in Rousay. The island has been a creative place for millennia and we hear about the Neolithic makers and their grooved ware pottery and Bronze Age soapstone carvers. Turn the beautiful Westness brooch-pin over in your hands and discover why Rousay played a part in the opening of the Pier Arts Centre. And be sure to keep rhythm with the music of the island. We hope the music of Rousay remains with you after this, our final...

Jun 07, 2024•19 min•Ep. 6

Believing

In this episode we’ll be finding out about the superstitions, folklore and religion in Rousay. Hogboons, trows and fairies come alive in this episode to bring us luck or misfortune. A standing stone walks and a hidden island appears. And remember to make sure it's the dead you are burying. Contributors in order of appearance: Narrator: James Grieve 2024 Chris Gee 2024 Ernest Marwick 1966 Tom Sinclair 1966 Edda Mainland n.d. Mrs Clouston 1989 Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon 2024 Muriel Marwick 2023 Alistair...

May 31, 2024•19 min•Ep. 5

Farming

In this episode we’ll be finding out about farming in Rousay from 5,000 years ago until today. Hear about Neolithic granaries, Norse animal husbandry and the demise of the egg industry. Join the seaweed gatherers and celebrate the harvest at the agricultural show. Contributors in order of appearance: Narrator: Prof Ingrid Mainland 2024 Ernest Marwick 1966 Tom Sinclair 1966 Dan Lee 2024 Eddie Firth 2023 Angus Findlater n.d. Bill Grieve n.d. Alistair Marwick 2023 Athol Grieve 2023 Ellen Grieve 202...

May 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 4

Fishing

In this episode we’ll be finding out about fishing in Rousay. Discover the diet of Rousay's Vikings, meet some whalers and follow the herring boats. We'll set some creels and drop in on the fish factory and trace the importance of fishing to the islanders past and present. Contributors in order of appearance: Narrator: James Grieve 2024 Ernest Marwick 1966 Mrs Wylie 1966 Dr Jennifer Harland 2024 Tom Sinclair 1966 Athol Grieve 2023 Ellen Grieve 2023 Ken Ross 1988-91 Hugh Mainland 1988-91 Angus Fi...

May 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 3

Travelling

In this episode we’ll be finding out about travelling, on land, and sea. Walk Rousay's circular road with a well-travelled postman, a well-known artist and the fastest man on the island. Hear about shipwrecks and bounties of tea. Hide from the press gangs and travel the peat tracks before you step aboard the steamer and marvel at the arrival of the ro-ro ferry. Contributors in order of appearance: Narrator: Prof Ingrid Mainland 2024 Dr Jennifer Harland 2024 Athol Grieve 2023 Ellen Grieve 2023 Al...

May 10, 2024•24 min•Ep. 2

Dwelling

In this episode we’ll be finding out about the houses of the living and the dead. We travel back to Neolithic settlements and meet some of the people involved in digging Rousay's many tombs. Forward through time to brochs, disappearing Norse sites and the only large-scale clearance in Orkney. Visit Trumland and a house with indelible blood stains and call in on Rousay's longest living inhabitant. Contributors in order of appearance: Narrator: James Grieve 2024 Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon 2024 James Yor...

Apr 22, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1

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