Scottish Blethers

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. Wildflowers, new birth and seasonal visitors  - not to mention good old fashioned country smells!

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 Royals as evidenced by collections around Scotland. Eventually they were usurped by paintings but there has been a resurgence in interest in great tapestries over recent years - or should that be embroideries?

The Reformation may have simplified rituals associated with death and burial but across Scotland many superstitions and practices persist. In this episode we discuss everything from the efforts people employed to protect their recently departed from the “body snatchers” to the burials and cremations of today.

This week, in the first of two episodes discussing Scottish traditions and superstitions, we take a look at births and marriages. The howdie or “handy woman” wasn’t just there to help with the delivery - she knew all the rituals to help keep the mother and child safe from the fairy folk!

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 comes to arts and creativity. The theme of Stirling’s bid is the passion for culture that flows through the people of the region. In this week’s episode we examine Stirling’s credentials for the title and what success would mean for this small city tha...

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 last few hours of the games. We chat about the game and how it has developed as new technologies are introduced. Often referred to as “ chess on ice” the girls displayed both technical skill and strategy to win 10-3 in Saturday’s final. Gaun yersels!

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 heart-throbs who have attracted more than their fair share of S.W.A.L.Ks over the years!

 Another walk down memory lane as we reflect on the changes that our main shopping thoroughfares have experienced over recent decades. The last two years of the pandemic may have had an “apocalyptic “ impact but the writing was on the wall long before that as shopping habits changed. Can the High Street rise like a phoenix out of the ashes that they have deteriorated into - faceless ghost tow...

Today the city of Glasgow celebrates CRM as the genius of architecture, design and watercolour that he undoubtedly was. Visitors flock to see his creations - be they landmark buildings, icons of furniture design or renowned interiors created in partnership with his artist wife Margaret. In the week that the report was published into the fire that devastated his masterpiece the Glasgow School of Ar...

This week we reflect with affection on our grandmothers and the influence they had on our lives. Their warmth. Their wisdom. In particular, their remedies. Poultices, tinctures and salves ……. all administered with a dose of love.

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...

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 an...

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 Merr...

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 eve...

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 He...

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 profes...

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...

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 contrib...

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 g...