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 Outlander. We continue the theme in this episode and look at other iconic films and series that have chosen Scotland as their backdrop. From Marvel to Bollywood it seems as if producers just can’t get enough of our big skies and mysterious glens.
Apr 08, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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 in a 17th C time warp, due to a great storm that caused its residents to abandon it. Rescued and restored by the National Trust for Scotland, a walk through the village now provides an insight into its religious origins and the trades and technologies through which it prospered.
Mar 11, 2025•49 min
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 transporting mail and passengers and how it developed so that the journey became more important than the destination. Initially the preserve of the rich and famous it has evolved to become accessible to all. Scotland has capitalised on this demand and cruise passengers now make a major contribution to the economy - but success doesn’t come without its ch...
Feb 14, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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 talk about these settlements which were first established by David I back in the 12th C. As a result of the trading rights they enjoyed, they prospered and grew and many remain as important towns today. They can often be recognised by their market cross with its unicorn or “puggy” on top. Listen in to this week’s episode to find out more!
Jan 28, 2025•41 min
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 differs from their well-kent Scottish way of life. While losing your way on a Sunday stroll in Scotland may lead to a longer detour home, with no Right to Roam in England, it may lead to a criminal conviction for trespass!
Jan 14, 2025•35 min
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 not just Santa but also Father Christmas and try to work out who’s who! Happy Christmas.
Dec 25, 2024•42 min
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 past 6 six months and the various things we have been up to. It is great to be back and thank you for sticking with us.
Dec 24, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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 Scots who helped found the United States of America and who thrived as bankers, industrialists, politicians, judges, inventors and artists …… to name but a few. Emigrants celebrated their Scottish heritage in their new home and many of today’s celebrities continue to celebrate their Scottish roots.
May 21, 2024•28 min
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 of the icons that are associated with Scotland worldwide and ask whether they are still relevant today. Here’s tae us, wha’s like us? Damn few an’ their a’ died!
May 02, 2024•40 min
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 the quirky fairytale creations, this week’s chat focuses on some of our favourite castles and why you should visit.
Apr 16, 2024•35 min
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! It’s Easter - a time of religious observance for some and fun traditions and feasting for others. We look at some of the traditions associated with celebrating Easter in Scotland.
Mar 29, 2024•42 min
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 at the post-war years and the efforts that were made to find success in light engineering. While there were many successes these too were doomed to failure and towards the end of the 20th C the city once again found itself on its uppers. However, Dundee is not known as the "City of Discovery" without reason. With typical resilience and optimism the...
Mar 12, 2024•42 min
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 largest city has not always been on the radar of overseas visitors planning a trip to Scotland but all that is changing as Dundee becomes HOT! In this first episode we look at how the wealth of Dundee was generated and how that wealth is still visible in some of the grand buildings still standing today. From Royal burgh to Juteopolis we look at the city's devel...
Mar 05, 2024•36 min
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. We reflect on our school days and how we made our own entertainment in an era before the arrival of social media.
Feb 20, 2024•43 min
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 visitors scratching their heads in puzzlement. In this episode, we discuss how place names are very much linked to the history of our nation.
Jan 30, 2024•43 min
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 characterise the street architecture of the New Town. From Royalty to politicians, authors , scientists….. even a few beloved four legged friends.
Jan 09, 2024•43 min
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 that will have us peching (panting) with exertion! In this episode we take you on a few of our favourite routes.
Dec 28, 2023•52 min
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 golf. Rules were developed here, champions created and equipment advanced. Just like the pilgrims before them, today’s visitors come searching. To walk the hallowed turf, surround themselves with iconic images and pit their skills against one of the ultimate challenges in the game of golf.
Dec 13, 2023•45 min
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 pilgrimage route, a centre of religious fervour and then home to the first of our universities, we discuss how this seaside town punches above its weight in terms of global recognition - must be the icecream!
Nov 28, 2023•38 min
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 new series to reflect on the changing face of tourism in Scotland. In Episode 1 we consider the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy, the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic, and the bounce back that we’re now experiencing. We consider the challenges of success and the move towards a greener, more sustainable tourism sector for the f...
Nov 01, 2023•46 min
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 at the man himself and why his list caused such a stir. Although he never managed to climb them all himself, his legacy lives on in the thousands of “Munro baggers” who have the satisfaction of completing this challenge.
Jul 27, 2023•43 min
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 congregation of several hundred, many are facing an uncertain future. In this episode we chat about some of our favourites and the stories attached to them. Not only part of our landscape but part of our history.
Jul 11, 2023•42 min
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 and even explain who Georgie Porgie was.
Jun 11, 2023•39 min
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 childhood and consider how tastes have changed today. One thing they all have in common - the best of Scottish ingredients.
May 23, 2023•32 min
In this episode we continue the theme of coronations and consider whether the traditions associated with the inauguration of ancient Scottish monarchs have percolated down to the coronation of King Charles III this weekend.
May 09, 2023•37 min
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 to Westminster Abbey to play it's part in the big day we look at some of the stories and traditions that make it such an enigma.
May 03, 2023•45 min
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. We look at the reasons why they went in such large numbers and why they retained as much of the old country as they could. We reflect on what it is like for a Scot to travel in Canada today.
Apr 11, 2023•51 min
The wonder of its generation according to Gustaf Eiffel. The one immediately and internationally recognised Scottish landmark according to Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland. The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoying the same status as the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China. In this episode we look at the challenges of construction and the place it enjoys in Scottish culture
Mar 28, 2023•41 min
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 which allow you to walk in the footsteps of Medieval pilgrims and seek peace and tranquility to the rhythm of your footfall. We discuss some of the Scottish saints and why they became intercessors for mere mortals on earth.
Mar 14, 2023•35 min
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 Anna to The Krankies, the Alexander Brothers to Jack and Victor. A walk back in time!
Feb 28, 2023•38 min