The Scottish Folklore Podcast
Host Jenny Johnstone retells traditional Scottish folk tales from around the country, bringing age-old adventures, local lore, and strange creatures to life. Each episode explores a different story, drawing from Scotland's rich oral tradition. The podcast aims to preserve and share these captivating narratives with a modern audience.
Episodes
55. The Fairy Folk of Skye
The Isle of Skye is home to not only some of the most enchanting views in the world, but also a whole host of fairies! In this episode Jenny visits some of these fairies in their homes, first at the fairy knoll of An Sidhean just south of Broadford and then at the ancient iron age brochs of Dun Borve, Dun Garsin and Dun Taimh - each one with its own tale of the little people and their r
54. Dog Tales: Folklore of our Furry Four Legged Friends
There are many tales, and indeed tails, of dogs in Scottish folklore, and in this episode Jenny tells as many as she can in half an hour - which is a surprising amount! From the ominous black dogs of The Bridge of Quholmslee and Loch Ordain, to the gold guarding dogs in Helmsdale and Loch Stack, to the cu-sith, fairy dogs, of The Maidens near Loch Leven and the snowy hills of Kingussie, if yo
53. The Sea Mither: The Battle for Spring and The Dreaded Nuckelavee
The Sea Mither is the Orcadian sea deity who brings the calm waters, warm weather, and bounty of spring and summer. But this is no easy feat, for first she must battle Teran, the fearsome winter god of the sea, for control of the waves. Teran is not her only foe, however, as the dreaded Nuckelavee, surely Scotland’s most nightmarish creature, must also be banished.Join Jenny to hear all about
52. Will o’ the Wisps
Sometimes called Spunkies, other times Will o’ the Wisps, whatever the name, these fiery spirits are always up to no good. And by no good I mean straight up bog-induced murder! Will o’ the Wisps are fiery orbs that lure lost and weary travellers away from the path and out into the vast swampy moors, and in this episode Jenny tells a tale where the poor unsuspecting victim is none other than the mo
51. Corp Creadha: Scottish Voodoo Dolls and Black Magic
This episode sees Jenny exploring the mysterious and often malicious dark magic of Corp Creadha, or Clay Bodies. These are Scotland’s version of voodoo dolls, and although less well known than their famous counterparts, as the three tales in this episode tell, they are by no means any less powerful!These stories are of a heartbroken man out on a Hebridean Island, a vengeful witch from Inverness an
50. Waterfalls: Wailing Spirits, Weird Rituals, and Suspicious Whistles
The folktales are cascading in this episode as Jenny gets drenched under the waterfall lore of Scotland!First she explores the strange and sad folklore of the wailing Caoineag, a water spirit that lives by waterfalls, and its ties to the Glen Coe Massacre of 1692. Next she looks into the healing powers of waterfalls and Saint Fillan's easing of suffering using magical stones near the village of Ki
49. Tam o’ Shanter
It’s Burns Night! On the 25th of January Scots all over the world come together to celebrate the life and works of the Bard himself, Rabbie Burns, and so in this episode Jenny recites his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. This wild tale takes place in Alloway, Ayrshire, where Burns was from, and follows a farmer Tam, as he drinks late into the night before heading home on his trusty steed, Meg. Unfortunat
48. Omens: Good, Bad, Worse and BIRDS!
Learn how to tell the future the old fashioned way! The natural world is teeming with messages about things to come; from bats, to boats, to just about every bird there is, omens can be found throughout Scottish folklore. In this episode Jenny explores a whole host of different omens, what they mean, and in some cases, how you can avoid the grim fate they predict. Amongst these harbingers of
47. Christmas Time Tales
Yuletide is for feasting, festivities, and fireside stories! In this episode Jenny tells two traditional Christmas time tales, ‘Dancing in the Fairy Knoll’ from Glen Etive and Duncan Williamson’s ‘The Hare and The Scarecrow’. Fairies flit in and out of both stories, but in very different ways, showing just how fickle and friendly they can be!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVi
Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release]
Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the y
46. Assipattle and the Mester Stoorworm
This is one of Scotland’s greatest wonder tales - it is a story of gargantuan proportions, tremendous sacrifice, and unlikely heroes. It comes from Orkney in the far north and tells of Assipattle, a lazy layabout farm lad, and the arrival of the dreaded Mester Stoorworm, a ginormous sea-serpent that can wrap its body around the entire earth and kill everything on land with its terrible breath. But
45. Origins of the Selkie Folk
Seals under the waves, humans upon the shore, selkies are some of Scotland’s most well loved folkloric beings, and for good reason too, for their beautiful eyes and gentle nature have captured our imaginations, and hearts, for centuries. In this episode Jenny dives into the world of the seal-folk, their lives both above the surface and below, their many origin stories, and the story of MacCod
44. Cailleach Beira: The Ancient Hag Deity of Winter
Mountain builder, bone singer, bringer of winter, the Cailleach Beira is a Hag unto her own. Join Jenny in this episode as she tells many tales of the giant blue-faced deity who rules over the cruel, harsh winters of Scotland. From her shaping of the land, to her protective peace, to her bitter rage-filled jealousy of the beautiful maiden of spring, Bride, the Cailleach Beira rules over not just w
43. Samhain: Halloween Traditions & Tales
The veil is thinning and soon Samhain, the scariest night of the year, will be upon us. But what is it that makes this night, the 31st of October, just so spooky? In this episode Jenny explores the ancient Celtic roots of Samhain, traditional protective rituals, divination games, and tells the tale of a lass who decided to peek behind the veil to find out who her future husband would be. 
42. Return From the Dead: Witches, Warlocks, and The Water of Life
What happens when death is not final? In Scottish folklore people returning from the dead is not only rare, but also, as we find out in this episode, absolutely terrifying. The three tales Jenny tells make up a spooky sandwich of scary stories: the first, ‘A Dead Wife Among the Fairies’ comes from North Ronaldsay on Orkney, the second, ‘The Water or Life’ comes from the shores of Loch Fy
41. Doppelgangers & The Second Sight
In Scotland, to see your doppelganger is not good news. First off, it probably means you have the second sight, or, as the Gaelic puts it, dà shealladh, ‘the two sights’, which is no easy burden to bear. Secondly, it means you’re most likely gonna die soon.In Scottish folklore, these uncanny supernatural doubles are called fetches, or taibhse, and eerie tales that swirl around their appearances ca
40. Wild Weddings
Let’s tie the knot! In this episode Jenny explores some old customs and superstitions surrounding the big day, and tells two tales all about wild weddings in Scottish folklore: The Shepherd Fiddler and The Earl of Mar’s Daughter.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast.
39. Caves of Gold: Monsters, Mermaids & Hidden Treasure
Treasure is said to lie in the depths of many a Scottish cave, and so in this episode Jenny goes in search of gold! On her journey under the earth she visits Shetland, Skye, Thurso, and Arran uncovering tales of viking kings, brave bagpipers, betrayed mermaids, and fickle fairies.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she mak
38. The Goodwife of Auchtermuchty
Ye-olde gender roles don’t stand a chance in this age-old tale! The Goodwife of Auchtermuchty is a poem that was first written down in the 16th century, but is likely much older, and it tells of a husband and wife mixing things up for a day!Read the original poem in old Scots as well as translation into English hereSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the PatreonFollow The Scottish Folkl
37. Beautiful Bready Bannocks!
Bannocks are a traditional type of bread that was a staple of the Scottish diet for centuries, and because of this they roll right on through Scottish culture and folklore. In this episode Jenny explores some of the lore and tradition around ritual bannocks, which were baked on important days of the year, as well as their use in divination, healing, and protecting those udders!She also tells two t
36. Harvest Time Tales: Greed, Ghosts and Guns
Harvest time was an incredibly important time of year for the hardworking folk of Scotland, it started on the 1st of August with Lughnasadh or Lammas celebrations, and ran through to Samhain at the end of October.Although a time of back-breaking work, the folk were rewarded with the bounty of the fertile earth, and so naturally there are many folktales all about, or around, the harvest! In th
35. Whuppity Stoorie: Scotland’s Cruelest Fairy?
Whuppity Stoorie is a classic Scottish folktale from down in the Debatable Lands, the area around what is now Scotland’s border with England. The tale tells of the Goodwife of Kittlerumpit and her run in with a fairy like no other.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast
34. Loch Assynt: Mermaids, Black Magic, and More
Assynt is one of Scotland’s most spectacular spots, but it’s not just the landscape that will take your breath away. The land here is steeped in lore, and the shores of Loch Assynt are not only home to the crumbling ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House, but also many ancient stories filled with fire, betrayal, murder and the devil himself. Listen in to hear Jenny tell the tales of The Mer
33. The Shellycoat: Mischievous or Malicious?
As supernatural Scottish creatures go, The Shellycoat is one of the lesser known of the bunch, but don’t let this bothersome Bogle fool you, for although often cited as harmless, as we’ll find out in this episode, The Shellycoat is anything but!In this episode Jenny explores the lore of The Shellycoat and tells two tales of Shellycoats, one from The Borders and one from Leith in Edinburgh. Fo
32. Deirdire of the Sorrows - Part 2
Jenny is back with Part 2 of Deirdire of the Sorrows, an ancient Gaelic tale that has been told in both Ireland and Scotland for countless years. This half sees Deirdire, Naoise, and his two brothers living as fugitives in Scotland. But all good things must come to an end, and all prophecies must be fulfilled…In Ireland, the story of Deirdre is part of the Ulster Cycle of mythology, but the versio
31. Deirdire of the Sorrows - Part 1
This is an ancient Gaelic tale that has been told in both Ireland and Scotland for countless years. In Ireland, the story of Deirdre is part of the Ulster Cycle of mythology, but the version that I am telling comes from a fellow named John Macneil, who told it from his home on the Isle of Barra in 1867. The story of Deirdire was told in Gaelic and taken down by Alexander Carmichael, who later tran
30. Robert the Bruce: Wee Beasties and Big Battles
The man, the myth, the legend. Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland’s most iconic figures, and for good reason too. As King, he led Scotland to a monumental victory against the English at The Battle of Bannockburn, paving the way for independence. From itsy-bitsy spiders to superhuman feats of endurance and skill, the stories that survive about Bruce paint a picture of a tenacious hero. But be
29. St Mungo: Glasgow's Patron Saint
Join Jenny as she dives into the folklore behind Glasgow’s rather odd coat of arms and its remarkable patron saint, St. Mungo. Although a religious figure, the stories of St. Mungo and his mother, St. Thenew, are steeped in folklore, mythology, and magical happenings - much of which is handily condensed into this little rhyme:The tree that never grew, The bird that never flew, The fish t
28. Dragon Tales
Scottish dragons aren’t quite like the dragons found in the rest of the world, they don’t breath fire, can’t fly, and don’t even have any limbs, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous or terrifying! (Ok well, maybe a tad).In this episode Jenny tells two tales of dragons found in Scotland, the first is of Martin’s Stane just north of Dundee, and the second is called Eilean Fraoch, which is t
27. The Well at the World's End
Fancy kissing a frog? How about marrying one? The Frog Prince is a common theme found in folk tales throughout Europe, and ‘The Well at the World’s End’ is Scotland’s take on this age-old classic.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the PatreonView the Interactive Map of Folklore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26. Standing Stone Stories
Lone standing stones are scattered all over the Scottish landscape, and although we will unfortunately never know why they were originally raised or what their meanings were, in this vacuum of understanding, local folklore arises and new stories are wrapped around these ancient stones.Listen in to hear the lore swirling around Granny Kempock in Gourock, The Brahan seer’s links to the Clach an t-Se
25. The Wind: Witches and Wonder
There’s no escaping the wind in Scotland, especially if you live on an island or high up in the mountains. In this episode Jenny tells three tales all about the wind that take place in these places. The first two, The Boy Who Climbed The Snap and How a witch saved the Papa Stour come from Shetland and have both wind and witches, while the third, The Wind and the Dying Woman, comes from Angus and t
24. The Unicorn: Scotland’s National Animal
The majestic unicorn’s reputation has been somewhat sparkle-ified over the last few decades, but this hasn’t always been the case! There was once a time when the unicorn symbolised far more than a whimsical horse with a horn, and in this episode we find out how it came to be, what it truly represents, and why it’s the perfect pick for Scotland’s national animal.So listen in and enjoy as Jenny tell
23. Green Ladies: Spooky & Sad Spectres
An incredible number of Scottish Castles are haunted by the ghost of a Green Lady. These spooky spectres of women dressed in green robes linger on long after death in the tower rooms, gloomy passageways, and great halls of these castles. But who were these women when alive, and what has tied their souls to this earthly plane for all eternity?In this episode Jenny tells the stories of four Green La
22. Pesky Pirates
Pirates were a very real threat to the many communities that lived on the Scottish islands and coastlines, and so naturally there are plenty of folktales about them!In this episode Jenny tells three of these tales: The Drowned Bells of the Abbey, Deaf John, and the tale of Mac Ean Yeer.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as s
21. The Two Sisters and the Curse
This is a tale of broken promises, broken hearts, bitter curses, and a whole lot of harvesting. It comes from the south end of the Isle of Mull, and will have you questioning whether spilling the tea is worth it in the long run!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive map of folkloreSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted
20. The Goat that Told Lies
Storytelling was at the heart of Traveller life, and this traditional Traveller tale was a favourite of Duncan Williamson, a masterful storyteller whose voice has kept countless old stories alive. And no doubt, once you hear it too, you’ll understand why.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the
19. Changelings
Changelings are some of Scotland’s most unsettling folklore, for what could be more disturbing than an innocent bairn being stolen by a malicious fairy and a changeling, a wrinkled and wailing fairy baby, left in its place.In this episode Jenny explores the lore surrounding these strange replacements for stolen bairns, and tells two tales of changelings: A Fairy Changeling, and Wee Johnny in the C
18. Legends of the Cairngorms
In this episode, Jenny explores the origin stories of three families that come from Braemar in the Cairngorms: the Wolf McDonalds, the McHardys, and the FarquharsonsThese tales, which are of both the Cairngorms and the whole world alike, are packed with wolves, monsters, kings, elopements, fairies and a terrible French accent, so saddle up and enjoy the ride!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on
17. The Devil at Bennachie Burn
This terrific Traveller tale follows a young lass named Peggy as a mysterious stranger tries to woo her by the banks of Bennachie Burn, and while Peggy is already betrothed to a long-legged cattle herd named Sammy Smith, their love will soon be given a run for its money!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the sho
16. The Devil's in the Landscape
The Devil can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland and in this episode Jenny crawls into these nooks and squeezes through the crannies in search of the stories that ‘Ol Sandy has left behind. From The Devil’s Pulpit and The Whangie north of Glasgow to out past Arbroath where the Devil’s head and eyes haunt the ragged coastline, this is a journey of terrifying tales, and not quite so
15. Rashiecoat: Scotland's Cinderella
In this episode Jenny tells the classic Scottish folk tale of Rashiecoat. This is Scotland’s version of Cinderella, and while there are similarities, it is no Disney fairytale! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive Episode Map and Story MapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
14. Through the Mist
In Scottish folklore mist swirls in the liminal space between this world and the parallel Otherworld, where fairies, spirits, and monsters exist just beyond our boundaries of perception. But when the mist descends, for better or worse, we humans can pass through the veil and into the otherworld.In this episode Jenny tells two eerie tales of those who passed through the mist, and what they found on
13. Thieves: Tales of Cunning and Curses
Thieves play many roles in Scottish folklore, and while for the most part they are the worst of the worst, this isn’t always the case!In this episode Jenny tells the tales of two thieves, firstly, ‘The Troublesome Son’, from Glenluce in the Borders, and secondly, ‘An Gille Dubh’ from Argyll. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive mapSuppor
12. Fin Folk: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous
The Fin Folk are a strange race of sea-people that live off the coasts of Orkney and Shetland. They are tall, dark, mysterious… and covered in big flappy fins. In this episode Jenny explores how the Fin Folk live, the vanishing island they call home, and their (very much unreciprocated) desire to marry humans. She also tells the tale of ‘The Farmer of Evie’, a traditional Orcadian folktale ab
11. To a Mouse: Superstitions and Folklore Surrounding Mice
Inspired by Robert Burns’ Poem ‘To a Mouse’ Jenny dives into the superstitions and folklore surrounding mice in Scotland. Read ‘To a Mouse’ hereRead ‘Drumming Tunes’, an article on Mice and Rat Satires hereFollow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
10. Tip to Toe: Stories from Scotland’s Farthest Reaches
Travel the length of Scotland with these folk tales from the very tippy-toppy of the country to the very tippy-toey.In the far north, Jenny tells the tale of two giants on Unst and how the tiny island of Out Stack, the most northerly point in all of Scotland, came to be.And in the far south, on The Mull of Galloway, a coven of witches don’t realise their own power at Carrickcarlin point, and the l
9. Folk Tales from the Forest
The forests of Scotland are filled with folklore and in this episode Jenny tells two tales from amongst the trees. The first is of the lonesome Ghillie Dhu, a gentle forest fairy and master of disguise. The second story is called The Lass who Couldn’t be Frightened, and funnily enough, is about a lass that couldn’t be frightened!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website an
8. Kelpies & Water Horses
Kelpies are some of the most dangerous creatures in all of Scottish folklore, and in this episode Jenny tells two tales that show just how malevolent they can be. The first, Tarbh na Leòid, is about a handsome and cunning Water Horse on Heisker, also known as the Monach Islands. The second, The Bride and the Water Kelpie, tells the tale of a Kelpie taking revenge upon a young lass. Follow The
7. Wee Ghosties
Scotland is steeped in ghost stories, and in this episode Jenny tells two of these tales, The Searching Woman of Lewis and The Weeping Lass at the Dancing Place. Both have very sad women, but the ghosts could not be more different, be sure to listen with the lights on!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show
6. Scottish Yuletide & Hogmanay Traditions
Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the y
5. The Land of Green Mountains - Part 2
The epic adventure continues in this episode as Ian must now serve his new master, the King of The Land of Green Mountains, and fulfil his increasingly outrageous demands else he be put to death! This episode is part two of The Land of Green Mountains, listen to part one before diving into this!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website to view the interactive map and
4. The Land of Green Mountains - Part 1
After rebelling against The Lord of the Isles, Ronald Boo’e and his wife Morag flee to the legendary Land of Green Mountains, out by the edge of the world. This episode is part one of the epic adventure that follows!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.co
3. Weird Witchcraft
The bubbling cauldron of Scottish folklore is brimming with tales of witches and witchcraft, and while all these stories are filled with strange supernatural happenings, some are more strange than others. Listen in and join Jenny as she wades into some of the weirder tales of witchcraft that she’s found, including folklore of Macleans of Duart, bearded babies, and some real squelchy revenge.&
2. Giants of Scotland
There was once an ancient race of Giants that roamed the hills and glens of Scotland, and although they are now long gone, their stories have survived. In this episode of the Scottish Folklore Podcast Jenny tells two tremendous traditional Scottish folk tales called The Giant of Morvern and The Lonely Giant. You can see how the land and lore of this episode intertwine by exploring the in
1. Thomas the Rhymer
Journey back to the 13th century and down to the Scottish borders for perhaps the most well known fairy tale in all of Scotland, that of Thomas the Rhymer.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram.Visit the website and view the interactive map.Many thanks to Glen Robertson for his wonderful lute playing, you can find him on Instagram @GCRMusician. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
Trailer - The Scottish Folklore Podcast
Welcome to the Scottish Folklore Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
