Take another trip to Scotland's Borders in the concluding episode of our series exploring this beautiful region of Scotland! Visit border towns like Selkirk, Jedburgh, Kelso, and Eyemouth. Find out where William Wallace was named Guardian of Scotland and learn more about the Battle of Flodden, one of Scotland's bloodiest conflicts. We'll also visit Berwick-Upon-Tweed, whose colorful history is symbolic of its place between two nations. All this plus music from Isla St. Clair, Manran, Rachel Newt...
Oct 18, 2012•28 min
Discover the majesty of Scotland's Borders in part two of our series! On this episode, we pay a visit to Abbotsford House, the inspiring home of Sir Walter Scott. We'll also take a closer look at the beautifully preserved ruins of Melrose Abbey and the charming town of Melrose that lies around it. Then on to Galashiels and the Yarrow Valley, where you'll meet two more of the border region's famous sons, poet and writer James Hogg and explorer Mungo Park. All this plus music from newcomer Panda S...
Sep 30, 2012•29 min
An introduction to Scotland's Borders on this episode of Simply Scottish, the first in a series. From sweeping valleys and heather-clad moorlands to emerald forests and rocky coastline, the Borders is a land of contrasting beauty. Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott loved this part of Scotland and paid homage to it in a number of his poems and novels. Learn more about Scott's life and work and discovery the majesty of the Borders region. Enjoy music by Kilmarnock Edition, Sharon King, Innes Watson,...
Sep 16, 2012•27 min
What's in a name? On this episode of Simply Scottish, discover the history behind the name Caledonia. Did you know the Romans never conquered Scotland despite numerous attempts? They just couldn't subdue the Caledonii, a fierce Pictish tribe occupying the wild lands of Caledonia. Learn their story and find out the many different ways the name is used today, from football teams to exotic islands. Plus, enjoy a short conversation with my three-year old daughter Caledonia! All this plus some great ...
Sep 04, 2012•27 min
A conversation with the artist and storyteller behind Disney/Pixar's animated film Brave on this episode of Simply Scottish! Discover the inspiration behind Chapman's idea of a Scottish fairytale and how she helped bring the movie to life! With 1998's The Prince of Egypt, Chapman broke new ground in Hollywood as the first female director of a major animated motion picture. She's worked on several Disney films, from The Little Mermaid to The Lion King. She helped establish Dreamworks Animation, a...
Aug 21, 2012•30 min
The Father of America's National Parks is the subject of this episode! Enjoy an intimate look at John Muir, born and raised in Dunbar, whose passion for and undying commitment to the natural world caused millions to look at nature in a new light. Discover one of the animal stories Muir loved as a child in Scotland. Find out about the work accident that changed his life. Learn why he turned down a professorship at Harvard University. And see how you can continue the work of John Muir today. All t...
Aug 09, 2012•28 min
Learn things you never knew about tartan on this episode of Simply Scottish! Did you know America's FBI has its own tartan? Or that there was once a time when Highlanders were put in prison for wearing their plaid? Find out which tartan has been to the moon and back and discover more of the history, significance, and global appeal of tartan! All this plus great music from Salsa Celtica, Andy Stewart, Giveway, and others!
Jul 08, 2012•29 min
What's a wulver? Find out in part 3 of our series on Scottish Myths & Legends, in celebration of the Disney/Pixar movie Brave! Learn more about Scotland's famous coronation stone, the Stone of Destiny. Can it be traced all the way back to Biblical times? Was it brought to Scotland by Scoti, an Egyptian princess? We'll also discuss the life of 13th century laird and prophet Thomas the Rhymer, and we'll take a closer look at those ghostly lights known as Will o' the wisps. All this plus new mu...
Jun 30, 2012•26 min
More of Scotland's myths and legends in part two of our series celebrating the Disney/Pixar animated movie Brave! Did you know a spider may have been responsible for Scotland securing its independence from Edward I of England? Find out how as we explore a famous legend of Robert the Bruce. And was King Arthur and Camelot actually based on Scottish history? We'll look at where the historical evidence points on this week's show. We'll also journey to the Hebrides for a visit to Scotland's Stonehen...
Jun 22, 2012•30 min
Join us as we celebrate the release of Disney/Pixar's animated movie Brave with a look at Scotland's folklore, myths, and legends. In part one of a series, find out about the mythological creatures that inhabit Scottish lochs and rivers, including the kelpie, the selkie, and loch monsters like Nessie. We'll also look at the translations of Scottish poet James MacPherson, who gathered together fragments of Scotland's ancient folklore in the 18th century. You'll hear the Scottish Gaelic song by Ju...
Jun 15, 2012•26 min
Enjoy more verse from Scotland’s poets in part two of our Scottish Poetry & Song series. Hear selections from Scottish National Poet Liz Lochhead, appointed Scots Makar for 2011-2016. We’ll also share work from Alasdair Paterson and Christian Milne. Our poetic journey will take us into that glorious space of learning and inspiration we call the library. We’ll get a teacher’s perspective on kids who are considered troublemakers and we’ll get a glimpse into the difficult but rewarding life of ...
Jun 08, 2012•28 min
Highland gatherings with games, piping, and dancing have been a Scottish clan tradition for centuries. On this episode of Simply Scottish, the first part of an ongoing series on Sport in Scotland, learn more about the history of highland games within Scotland and beyond. Discover the connection between highland games and the modern Olympic Games. You'll also enjoy new music from Dean Owens, the Paul McKenna Band, Runrig, and the City of Washington Pipe Band!
Jun 01, 2012•29 min
From milkman to megastar, Scottish actor Sean Connery is the subject of the latest episode in our series profiling Famous Scots. We discuss some of his best films, as well as the ones he never appeared in! Did you know Connery almost had a career as a professional footballer? Find out how and hear a great selection of music from Julie Fowlis, The Proclaimers, Florie Brown, and more, plus a rare recording of a Sean Connery impersonation that you'll only hear on Simply Scottish!
May 24, 2012•26 min
Visit landmarks of Scotland’s history on this episode of Simply Scottish. Discover the work of Historic Scotland as we journey to two of the top historic attractions in Scotland today – the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace and the breathtaking prehistoric village of Skara Brae, a World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Western Europe. All this plus great music from Blair Douglas, Dougie Maclean, Old Blind Dogs, and more!
May 18, 2012•24 min
Scots have made significant contributions throughout the history of medicine and health. On this episode of Simply Scottish, we look at the achievements of three pioneers in particular – Joseph Lister and his revolutionary use of antiseptic, Elsie Inglis and her dedication to women’s health and war-time medical aid, and Alexander Fleming with his life-changing discovery of penicillin. You’ll also enjoy great Scottish and Celtic music from Runrig, Niamh Parsons, The Clumsy Lovers, and more. This ...
May 09, 2012•23 min
Profiles of Scottish-Americans who made significant contributions to a young United States on this episode of Simply Scottish. Learn more about Tam Blake, the first recorded Scot in the New World, Founding Father John Witherspoon, Navy captain John Paul Jones, and naturalist John Muir. We'll also look at the history and significance of National Tartan Day in the U.S. and Canada. Enjoy music from Karen Casey & John Doyle, Capercaillie, Natalie MacMaster, and more.
Apr 07, 2012•28 min
Enjoy poems from Scotland's writers past and present on this episode of Simply Scottish, with selections from Robert Louis Stevenson, Edwin Morgan, Iain Crichton Smith, Kathleen Jamie, and others. Embark on a journey from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from a child's bed to a lonely moor. Along the way, listen to music from Alasdair Fraser, Fiona MacKenzie, Runrig, and others.
Mar 31, 2012•25 min
The story and song of Scottish singer-songwriter Maeve O'Boyle is featured on this episode of Simply Scottish. Born and bred in Glasgow of Irish parents, O'Boyle began singing at an early age, eventually gaining mainstream attention at Celtic Connections in 2006. An acclaimed debut album followed in 2009, and O'Boyle is now working on her follow-up. She spoke to Simply Scottish about her musical roots, creating a first album, and what she likes to do outside of music. You'll also hear some great...
Mar 22, 2012•31 min
Explore the close ties between Ireland and Scotland on the second of a two-part series on the common bonds of these two prominent Celtic nations. Discover the shared Celtic culture of Ireland and Scotland with examples from politics, sport, the arts, food and drink, and more. You'll also enjoy a great selection of Celtic music from Liz Carrol, Niamh Parsons, Jean-Yves Le Pape, and others!
Mar 15, 2012•28 min
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, this episode kicks off a two-part series exploring the connections between Ireland and Scotland, two Celtic countries whose histories and cultures are interwoven. Learn about the six Celtic nations and their ancestors from continental Europe. Hear musical examples of Irish and Scottish Gaelic, and discover what is being done today to preserve cultural and linguistic traditions. All this plus great Irish and Scottish music from the Chieftains, Capercaillie, Ma...
Mar 09, 2012•25 min
A castle, a palace, a cathedral, and more! Explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile on this episode of Simply Scottish! The magnificent St. Giles Cathedral has been a focal point of Edinburgh's faithful for hundreds of years. Learn some surprising facts about the High Kirk of the capital city. And what do you get when you combine the vision of a world-class architect with Scotland's landscape, history, and culture? Learn about one of Edinburgh's most distinct buildings, the Scottish Parliament. All this p...
Mar 02, 2012•27 min
"All children, except one, grow up." So begins the classic story of Peter Pan. On this episode of Simply Scottish, discover the story behind the story as we look at the life of 19th century Scottish author James Matthew Barrie. Fact and fiction merge together in a tale of personal tragedy and triumph. Hear a selection from Peter Pan, as well as some great Scottish music from the Trashcan Sinatras, Patrick Street, Emma Christian, Leahy, and more!
Feb 23, 2012•23 min
The Scottish roots of Gospel music and the Clan Houston are explored on this tribute to singer Whitney Houston. Hear an example of the Gaelic psalm singing style that evolved into the “call and response” technique found in gospel music. Learn how the Houston clan made their mark on America, and hear contrasting examples of the song Whitney sang in her first public performance. All this plus music from Capercaillie, John Richardson, Paul Machlis. and more.
Feb 16, 2012•27 min
Discover the artistic vision and creativity of renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artistic muse Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh. Part of the Glasgow Style that influenced art movements throughout Europe, the Mackintosh's collaborative output is still admired and cherished today. Enjoy a great selection of Glasgow-themed music that celebrates this remarkable couple, including songs from Mike Katz, Blair Douglas, and Deacon Blue.
Feb 09, 2012•26 min
Scotland’s sweets and most popular drinks are the subject of this episode, our third in a series exploring Scottish cuisine. Learn about the sweet treats the Scots savor, including boilings, tablet, macaroons, and other goodies. You’ll also hear from Andrew McDiarmid Sr. about three of Scotland’s most enduring drinks – tea, IRN-BRU, and whisky. Hear music from Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Niamh Parsons, Runrig, the Old Blind Dogs, and more.
Feb 02, 2012•35 min
Scotland's most famous poet, Rabbie Burns is celebrated the world over for his Scots and English language poetry. More than just a writer, Burns is part of our social consciousness today and embodies the ideas we continue to hold dear, including the equality of humankind, liberty, and brotherhood. Tune in to learn more about Burns' life, loves, and legacy. Listen to stirring arrangements of Burns' songs from Eddi Reader, George Duff, Phil Coulter, Mae McKenna, Alan Reid & Sylvia Barnes. Visi...
Jan 26, 2012•29 min
Scottish innovation and creativity have benefited the world in many ways. On this episode of Simply Scottish, we look at just three of Scotland's contributions - the inimitable Lulu, the best-selling King James Bible, and the pedal-driven bicycle. Did you know Lulu was barely into her teenage years when she started singing publicly? Or that it took a team of several dozen translators seven years to produce their new English translation of the Bible under King James? And if people considered earl...
Jan 19, 2012•23 min
A rags to riches story that typifies the American Dream...tune in as we explore the life of Andrew Carnegie on this episode of Simply Scottish, part of an ongoing series on famous Scots and their contributions to the world. Learn about Carnegie's humble childhood in Scotland and how a combination of hard work, ingenuity, and providence would help him achieve unparalleled success as a businessman and philanthropist during America's industrial age.
Jan 12, 2012•26 min
What do people in Scotland eat today? What's a Scotch pie? Do restaurants in Scotland serve traditional or modern dishes? Why is shortbread called "short" bread? Tune in to this episode of Simply Scottish, the 2nd in a series exploring Scottish cuisine. Enjoy music from Capercaillie, Phil Cunningham, the Bluebells, and more!
Jan 05, 2012•22 min
On this episode of Simply Scottish, find out how people in Scotland ring in the New Year! Learn all about Hogmanay - traditions, key events, and more. We'll also take a closer look at Edinburgh Castle, the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland. Hear music from Dougie Maclean, The Band of the Black Watch, Leahy, and others, all on this episode of Simply Scottish. For a full episode playlist and links to previous episodes, visit www.simplyscottish.com ....
Dec 30, 2011•24 min
