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 first fired in 1861 we look at why this tradition developed and some of the characters associated with it.
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 enquiring minds of Scottish inventors. Who was Alexander Bain? He invented the electric clock which was able to synchronise clocks around the world and made a major contribution to the developing telegraph industry. Yet he died in poverty and relative obscurity - a common theme. We look at how happenchance elevated some names to international recogn...
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 have so far eluded us but which we are determined to finally get around to visiting. They’re on our bucket list and we hope that you’ll add them to yours.
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 your batteries. In this week’s episode the Blethers range from culinary disasters to Mirrie Dancers. From the complexities of our public holidays in Scotland to an explanation of a literary portmanteau! The perfect opportunity to join us as you relax and draw breath.
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 what is under the tree that matters but who is gathered around it that counts. We end with the Twelve Days of Christmas given a Scottish accent by Sheena Blackhall - lots of new words to add to your vocabulary! Wishing all of our listeners a very Merry Christmas.
While many of the festivities leading up to Christmas are now universal, Scotland retains a colourful patchwork of Pagan, Christian, Celtic and contemporary customs. From fire and candle light to pantomimes and nativity plays we reflect on what makes a typical Christmas in Scotland with reminiscences from our own childhood memories. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
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 friendship. This week's episodes debates the real versus the artificial, why Christmas tree farms are springing up across Scotland and how communities across Scotland are getting creative. With the lighting up of the local tree such an important event in the community calendar it might not come as a surprise that they can generate some controversy...
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 Christmas we’re offering you the opportunity to join the conversation with our festive gifts that reprise episodes and events from the year past. Spiced chutney made from a harvest of garden apples. Scottish tablet, a favourite Scottish sweetie made to Helen’s own secret recipe. Tartan facemasks, keyrings made from Harris Tweed, ……….and of course, the m...
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 twelve disciples, he literally took his master at his word when he told him to go out and preach the word of God "to the ends of the world". We look at the man and his travels and in particular, his links with our small nation.
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 about in Fife and Perthshire while Liz travelled back to the Western Isles. Hear all about our adventures in this week’s episode.
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 estimated 10,000 war memorials across Scotland. From huge civic monuments to small plaques on railway platforms, each one remembers those mourned by the community they left behind.
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 the scientific talent available. Today STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) make significant effort to recruit more female students, but this hasn't always been the case. Excluded form universities, professional societies and professions dominated by men, women struggled for the right to make their contributions. In this week's ep...
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 the viewer to reflect more deeply and so perhaps it's not surprising the environmentally themed works designed to highlight the climate crisis are appearing around the city. From glass salmon to monumental neon works, flags and banners made from ocean plastic to giant polar bear sculptures - we take a look at how artist are making this major event. S...
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 spread across Europe during the 15th to 17th Century and in Scotland nearly 4,000 individuals, the majority of them women who were accused, tortured, tried and in some cases executed as hysteria took grip. we explore some of the factors that contributed to this environment of suspicion and blame and remember some of the women that suffered at the ...
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 reflected on the quality of poetry this small nation has produced. Moving beyond Scott, Burns and RLS we look at the 20th century contemporaries of George MacKay Brown and the rich legacy they left behind to influence today's makars. Along the way we give an insight into our personal favourites. Episode 57 is certainly full of variety!
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 spoilt, headstrong young woman with poor taste in men. Most likely a bit of both!
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 coast since at least the early 15thC. Was it down to trading or cultural links or was it links of a different kind? The soft, sandy soils between the land and the sea where nothing will grow except hardy grasses and gorse. Useless for agriculture but perfect for recreation.
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’s episode we discuss the roots of the museum and how it has evolved into the award/winning multi-disciplinary collection it is today. From over 12 million items we both select three and explain their significance - to the nation and to us personally.
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 associated with this special time of year.
In this episode the Blethers reflect on their careers in education and contest this disparaging adage which questions the competence of teachers. A lot of memories, pride and humour across all sectors of the education scene in Scotland. Listen in to this week’s episode. We may be guides now but once a teacher, always a teacher!
While the Highlands have their Games and the Borders have their Riding of the Marches , the communities of the mining towns and fishing villages of central Scotland come together for their annual Gala Day. Some claim that the origins lie in the celebrations of the crowds that gathered at the gallows to witness a “guid hanging” while in more recent times they were a day of cheer in the otherwise bleak existence of industrial communities. Today many of the traditions persist as communities pull to...
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 writing he was able to indulge his artistic passions and build a castle-in-miniature embellishing with what he called "antiquarian old-womanries". The perfect host, he loved to welcome famous people from around the world into his home. Today visitors to Abbotsford tour rooms that are virtually unchanged since his death in 1832 and gain an intimate ins...
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, his achievements and the impact he had on creating the image of Scotland that many think of today. Neither of us claim to be experts on his work... but when have we ever let that get in the way of a good blether?
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. Machines that X-rayed your feet and pneumatic tubes that sick up your cash. Hear all about it in this week's episode.
While Helen made memories with her grandchildren exploring local gems on a staycation Liz travelled further afield to the wonderful Western Isles of Lewis and Harris. From the scent of the lavender fields to the silver sand and translucent waters of Hebridean beaches - we recount our adventures. There's even a parrot and hidden treasure! Listen in to find out more.
As the delayed 2020 Olympic Games finally get underway in Tokyo we celebrate Scottish Olympian success, past and present. 55 Scottish athletes across a wide range of events are competing as part of Team GB - the largest representation ever. Meanwhile a significant proportion of the nation's population share these Olympian dreams from the comfort of their arm chairs. The highs and lows, cheers an tears we review 2021 performances and celebrate some of the Scottish success stories that have contri...
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 mainland - nearly double if you include the islands - we're spoilt for choice. Listen in as we reminisce about translucent water, singing sands and sporting playgrounds.
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 gradually returns to a "new normal". Discussions range from Airb&b to the state of our High Streets and if you'd like to know what a "scaffy wagon" is then listen in to this week's episode.
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 reminisce about what we got up to during the school holidays. Punch and Judy, Seaside Misssions and Knickerbocker Glories - remember any of these?
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 family makes her annual visit to celebrate achievements and recognise individual contributions. Meanwhile its also Wimbledon Fortnight and the nation is gripped by tennis fever. Join us as we discuss the week past.
