Scottish Murders

The episode revisits a dramatic night in Rothes, Scotland, on 26 May, 1905, when a routine police patrol turned violent. The quiet town was rocked after Constable William Baron was shot at close range while responding to a domestic disturbance at the home of James Craigie, a man with a troubled past marked by violence and resentment toward Constable Baron. The incident left Constable Baron gravely...

In this special episode of Scottish Murders, Dawn and her husband Peter recount the tragic and gripping case of Darryl Fitch, who was murdered in 2015. As they travel to Glasgow to participate in a Peninsula TV documentary about the case, they discuss the timeline, investigation, and trial that followed Darryl’s death. The episode offers a detailed, reflective look at the complexities of the murde...

In this episode of Scotland Today, Dawn revisits one of Scotland’s most chilling unsolved gangland double murders: the deaths of John Nisbet and William Lindsay in October 1999. This detailed retelling covers the timeline of the case, from the last known movements of the victims and the forensic investigation, to suspects and the lingering impact on the victims’ families and the wider community. T...

In this episode, investigative journalist Hazel Martin and documentary director Stephen Bennett discuss with Dawn their BBC documentary "The Man in the Mask," which examines the 1994 murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood in Orkney, the island’s first murder in 25 years. The BBC three part documentary explores the brutal crime, the extensive investigation that initially focused on 15-year-old Michael Ross,...

In this episode of Scottish Murders, Dawn covers the perplexing, unsolved 1913 murder of Mary Spear Gunn at Portencross. Drawing on Stephen Brown’s meticulously researched book, "Who Killed Mary Gunn?", the story explores Mary’s life, her relationships, and the fateful night she was gunned down in the remote North Bank Cottage. Dawn walks listeners through the night’s chilling events, police inves...

Trigger Warning: This episode covers crimes against children and suicide, so listener discretion is advised. In this episode of "Scotland Today," Dawn explores the haunting case of Ellen Hannah, who, on the 31st March 1896, tragically took the lives of her three youngest children in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, before attempting to end her own. With sensitivity and care, Dawn highlights Ellen’s struggle...

Journey through tragedy, courage, and the enduring impact of violence with Dawn as she explores two Scottish cases that left lasting scars on families and communities. This episode is a sobering reflection on justice, loss, and the heroes who stand against chaos. 🔎 3 key takeaways: The Ripple Effects of Violence: The murder of Michelle Wenden in 2004 didn’t just end a life—it uprooted a family an...

Travel back to March 1945 as we revisit a moment in Greenock’s history that is as gripping as it is unsettling. This debut 'Scotland Today' episode shines a light on crime, justice, and enduring mystery—through the lens of the Wolf of Greenock case. Watch Full Video on YouTube  3 Key Takeaways: A Dockside Murder Grips a Nation: The episode plunges listeners into a chilling December night in 1944,...

In this episode Dawn unravels the tragic death of Irene Martin, a beloved Scottish police officer. Listeners are taken through Irene’s life, her relationships, and the chilling events surrounding that fateful November morning in 1993, when her body was discovered after a fire in her Dundee flat. As the investigation unfolds, secrets, motives, and emotional testimonies emerge, painting a complex pi...

Welcome to the final instalment of our Kay Wyllie and Nancy Nichol case. In this episode, Dawn unpacks the aftermath following the conviction of murderer, Andrew Cameron, and explores the profound impact this had on the Cameron family. In this episode, Dawn explores what happened after Andrew Cameron’s appeal failed, revealing insights about his family, especially his mother Marion, whose fierce l...

In this episode, Dawn picks up the story as the jury returns its verdict in the sensational double murder trial of Andrew Cameron for the murders of Kay Wyllie and Nancy Nichol. The episode covers the aftermath of the verdict, exploring public outrage, the perspectives of the victims’ families, and the legal battles that ensued—including dramatic appeals and new evidence that threatened to rewrite...

In this episode, we continue the story by stepping inside the courtroom of the 1985 murder trial, as 19-year-old Andrew Cameron stands accused of brutally murdering Kay Wyllie and Nancy Nichol.  You'll hear how the trial unfolded, with dramatic courtroom clashes, emotional testimonies from family and friends, and expert insight from pathologists and fingerprint specialists. Dawn guides us through...

Welcome to another episode of Scottish Murders. This week, Dawn takes us back to Ayrshire in the 1980s to explore the tragic murders of Kay Wylie and Nancy Nichol. In part one, Dawn details the dramatic upheaval of the Wylie family as they move from South Africa to Scotland, hoping for a new beginning, only to be struck by tragedy when their daughter Kay disappears and is later found murdered. The...

In this episode of Scottish Murders, host Dawn explores the unresolved case of James Craik, a 49-year-old man found dead in his Huntly, Aberdeenshire flat on 12th March 1997. The episode pieces together the key facts surrounding James's tragic death, including the police investigation, the search for a mystery woman last seen with him, and the impact on his devastated family. Despite extensive pol...

Subscribe and Watch on YouTube at Scottish Murders YouTube Welcome back to another Scotland Then, where we journey through intriguing and sometimes shocking stories from Scotland’s past as reported in newspapers. In this episode, Dawn takes us to April and June of 1983, a time marked by notorious crimes, prison scandals, and unexpected accidents. We’ll hear of the master key controversy at Dungave...

Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire stands as one of Scotland's largest tower houses, concealing centuries of dark secrets within its 1450s core. Beyond the colourful walled gardens lies a fortress of hidden passages, including the laird's lug—a secret spy room for eavesdropping on the great hall below. The castle harbours chilling tales: the Green Lady, murdered and dragged down the round tower stairc...

Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes...

Dawn, host of Scottish Murders, explores a chilling case that unfolds in two parts. The episodes focus on John Cant Smith, a man whose extensive criminal history raised questions about the justice system. Dawn recounts John Cant Smith's attempted abduction of Dr. Frances Smith in 2006, a time when his prior convictions for murder and rape were disclosed. Dawn also discusses the lenient sentencing...

This episode of Scotland Then explores newspaper stories from March 1967, focusing on the time around Pat McAdam's disappearance. It covers a range of events, including a man trapped in clay for eight hours, a nuclear emergency false alarm, child abuse cases, and education challenges in Glasgow. Dawn also shares TV programming from the era, featuring shows like Coronation Street and Tomorrow's Wor...

This episode covers the final developments in Pat McAdam's disappearance case. It details the 2004 breakthrough leading to Thomas Ross Young's arrest, subsequent legal challenges, and the ultimate decision not to indict him. It explores the impact of the Angus Sinclair trial on historical cases and discusses the frustrations of Pat's family. It also examines the controversy surrounding psychic inv...

Trigger Warning: This episode covers the topic of rape and domestic abuse, so listener discretion is advised. This episode of Scottish Murders focuses on Thomas Ross Young, a serial rapist and murderer active in Scotland during the 1960s and 70s. Dawn recounts Thomas’ troubled childhood, his violent marriage, and his escalating criminal behaviour. As a long-distance lorry driver, Thomas preyed on...

This episode of Scottish Murders explores the ongoing investigation into Pat McAdam's 1967 disappearance. Host Dawn recounts journalist Frank Ryan's efforts to keep the case alive, including his collaboration with Dutch clairvoyant Gerard Croiset. Despite Gerard’s detailed visions, no concrete evidence was found. The episode also covers the discovery of an unidentified woman's body near where Pat...

This episode explores the disappearance of 17-year-old Pat McAdam in February 1967. It recounts Pat's last known movements, from a night out in Glasgow to hitchhiking home with a friend. The case takes a dark turn when Pat vanishes after being dropped off by a lorry driver. The episode examines the extensive police investigation, including nationwide searches and public appeals. It also introduces...

This episode of Scotland Then explores newspaper stories from August and September 1981, focusing on events around the time of Aileen Printie’s murder. Dawn shares a vivid article about the Edinburgh Fringe, discusses a forensic scientist's discredited evidence leading to a wrongful conviction, and recounts a tragic case of a young girl's death during routine medical tests. The episode also covers...

This episode of Scotland Then explores various news stories from 1970, including a clairvoyant's involvement in a missing person case, rising hooliganism in St. Andrews, and several criminal cases resulting in prison sentences. We examine the disappearance of Pat McAdam, discuss street violence and vandalism that led to the suspension of town hall dances, and recount notable crimes such as home in...