Wild for Scotland Podcast

How many islands can you visit in one day? Turns out, quite a few! The islands surrounding the Isle of Mull make for great island hopping on the west coast. “Island Hopping” tells the story of a day trip by boat to visit the Isles of Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles – all from our home base on the Isle of Mull. That’s 4 islands in one day! We explore the medieval ruins and moorlands of Iona, e...

'A Winter's Morning' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the February episode. In this story, I take you to one of my favourite regions in Scotland. We rise early for a golden sunrise at Loch Lomond, continue on to the beautiful castle ruin of Kilchurn Castle for breakfast, and explore the narrow road and dense forest of Glen Orchy. We experience what it means for win...

'The First Seven Years' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the January episode. In this story, we travel to Alloway, an unassuming suburb of Ayr on the southwest coast of Scotland. In 1759, Scotland's most famous poet (and in-official patron saint) was born here: Robert Burns. Inspired by these humble beginnings as the son of a tenant farmer, we follow in the poet&ap...

'A Celebration of Darkness' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the December episode. Today's episode is a little different. It consists of five short vignettes that celebrate winter in Scotland. Across three stories, we'll explore Scotland's wintery folklore. We'll hear about the winter goddess Beira and her grip on the seasons, I'll tell you the...

Join me for a conversation with Shetland-based archaeologist and crofter Chris Dyer from Garths Croft in Bressay. Chris Dyer is a professional archaeologist, military historian, crofter, drystone mason and retained firefighter who lives in Shetland. He lives at Garths Croft on the island of Bressay, one of the Shetland Islands, and offers bespoke croft and island heritage tours throughout Shetland...

'Anything But Grey' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the November episode. In this story, we head to the northeast coast and explore Scotland's third-largest city, Aberdeen. Our urban adventure begins on the waterfront, with a walk around Footdee and a sauna session by the sea. Next, our journey takes us into the beating heart of the city and to the twinkling light...

Join me for a conversation with podcast producer Will Sadler about his work on the "Highlands Reimagined" series. Will explains his process of making a show about life in the Highlands and how his work was inspired by the young people featured on the show. We are joined by Fiona Mackenzie , manager of the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill, who commissioned the podcast series through their...

There’s nothing quite like it' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the October episode. In this story, we're immersed in Scotland's Big Tree Country as we explore the history and woodlands of Perthshire. First, we follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns and wander through the woodland surrounding the Falls of Bruar. We hear about Scotland's champion trees, the tr...

'The Last Days of Summer' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the September episode. In this story, we slowly watch the seasons change on an active trip to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. We start with a short hike at Loch Katrine - the birthplace of Scottish tourism. We'll hear about Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy and new ways the national park tries to mak...

Who has the power to change what life in the Highlands has to offer? “Highlands Reimagined” is a 3-part documentary series about life in the northern Highlands presented in partnership with Anya Media and Strathnaver Museum. If you haven’t listened to parts 1 and 2 yet, I highly recommend you do that first before returning here for part 3. In this final episode of “Highlands Reimagined”, “From the...

What do you do, when you want to live in the village you grew up in, but there are no houses for sale or for rent, and the only jobs available are seasonal or temporary roles? “Highlands Reimagined” is a 3-part documentary series about life in the northern Highlands presented in partnership with Anya Media and Strathnaver Museum. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, I highly recommend you do tha...

What makes the far north of the Scottish Highlands a place where young people want to stay?  "Highlands Reimagined” is a 3-part documentary series about life in the northern Highlands presented in partnership with Anya Media and Strathnaver Museum. Find out more here .  In this first episode, “Not just a pretty place”, producer Will Sadler explores the history of population changes in Mackay...

If you’re an avid listener of Wild for Scotland, I think you’d agree that Scotland is more than just a pretty landscape. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Anya Media and Strathnaver Museum to bring you Highlands Reimagined, a brand-new documentary series produced by Will Sadler. Keep listening to hear the trailer! We will share all three episodes on this podcast feed, and you’ll hear from Will as...

'Edged in Stone' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the August episode. In this story, we're heading north to Sutherland. Our journey begins near Culloden Battlefield, leads north past Inverness and the Cromarty Firth, and makes stops in Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle. Along the way, we dive into the history of witch trials in Scotland, we learn more about the Sutherlan...

'Through the Haar' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the July episode. In this story, I take you with me on the ferry from Tingwall to Rousay, the fifth largest island in Orkney! We start with a mystical journey through thick morning fog called haar, before picking up bike and exploring the island. We visit several Neolithic chambered cairns and a Bronze Age broch. Along...

'Waiting for the Sun' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the June episode. In this story, I'm taking you with me to Mainland Shetland and two little islands off the east and west coasts. Our journey begins with a boat trip from Lerwick to the cliffs of Noss. The island is a nature reserve and we're here to spot the incredible seabirds that call Noss their home....

'Frozen in Time' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the May episode. In this story, we travel to the southwest of Scotland and spend a few days exploring the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere at the height of Spring. We wander through one of Scotland's most picturesque bluebell forests and listen to the birds of the woodland. We're staying at a tranquil s...

Let's pour ourselves a dram and follow the Malt Whisky Trail! We'll go on a whisky-infused walking tour around Dufftown and learn what else there is to do in the Speyside - beyond the distilleries. This is a newly remastered version of a Wild for Scotland classic,  but even if you have heard to this story before, it's worth listening again! The story features newly done soundscapes...

'Sleep Came Early' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the April episode. Join me for a journey to Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde and let's explore Scotland in April, the month of "hanami" and a sleepy Cailleach. In this story, we travel to the Victorian seaside resort of Helensburgh, we'll dive into the backstory of this coastal town and its illustr...

Let's go on a Highland Safari in the Cairngorms National Park and spend time exploring the Snow Roads! ‘The Birds and the Trees’ is a story about a scenic road trip through the Cairngorms, Scottish "wilderness" and what’s left of it... This is a newly remastered version of a Wild for Scotland classic,  but even if you have heard to this story before, it's worth listening again!...

'The Land Awakens' is part of the series A Year in Scotland . This is the March episode. Join me for a journey to Stonehaven on the Aberdeenshire Coast and let's explore Scotland in March, a season of change and awakening. In this story, we'll explore Stonehaven and its surroundings. We'll wander along the coast to discover a historic harbour, moving stories and haunting r...

This is Wild for Scotland, a show with immersive travel stories from Scotland. Wild for Scotland helps you connect with Scotland, its people, wildlife, landscapes and histories. In each episode, I take you on a journey to a different place in Scotland. I either whisk you away on an inspiring adventure, or introduce you to passionate locals and their stories. Apart from stories and interviews, I al...

In the past, I have featured countless women's stories on Wild for Scotland, from women sharing their own stories and expertise, to important figures from Scottish history I encountered on my travels. Many of my episodes would not have been possible without their input and stories.  This episode aims to celebrate their contributions to my show, but also to Scottish history, culture and societ...

'Paradise' is a story about a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland, along a famous road trip route: the North Coast 500. Join me for a boat trip to the bird island Handa, a paradise for nesting seabirds and nature lovers alike. I wrote this story a few years ago - several months before I started this podcast. It was during the pandemic, and I longed for those days when I could simp...

Let's go to the pub and listen to some music! Join me for two conversations with Irish tin whistle player Maggie Wallace and Trad music session host Callum Forsyth about all things traditional music in Glasgow. In these conversations, we cover: The commonalities & differences between Irish and Scottish Trad music scenes What it's like to learn an instrument as an adult Why Glasgow is...