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Unique Scotland

Unique Scotland

John Harbour 55 Episodes Sep 3, 2026

Unique Scotland is a travel and culture podcast hosted by John Harbour, an expert guide from Exclusive Scottish Visits. Each episode explores Scotland's landscapes, people, and history, from the Borders and Lowlands to the Highlands and Islands. Listeners are taken on virtual tours featuring mountains, beaches, clans, customs, and traditions. The show also covers the role of clans in the Clan Wars and regularly adds new episodes.

Episodes

Scotland's Outer Hebrides - via the isle of Skye - not the easiest of places to get to, espeically when ferries are cancelled....
Scotland's Outer Hebrides - via the isle of Skye - not the easiest of places to get to, espeically when ferries are cancelled.... Sep 3, 2026 46:00 The Hebrides – Inner and Outer – Episode 1: John introduces the first episode of his Unique Scotland podcast on his Outer Hebrides trip as the beginning of a family adventure. Travelling with Pam, their Spaniel Minnie, and friends Irina and Philip and their two boys, Nicholas and Lucas, the journey had been meticulously planned for months. The intention was to travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow Airp
Weaving in Scotland - Harris Tweed is at the centre of this amazing weaving story and the great brand NIKE takes centre stage!
Weaving in Scotland - Harris Tweed is at the centre of this amazing weaving story and the great brand NIKE takes centre stage! Jul 2, 2026 59:40 Weaving in Scotland In this episode of 'Unique Scotland', John Harbour explores the history and cultural significance of weaving in Scotland, inspired by his previous interview with Clare Campbell of the Highland tartan mill, Prickly Thistle. The podcast traces Scotland's textile heritage from its earliest beginnings through industrialisation and into the modern era. He talks about the survival of
TARTAN - Clare Campbell of Prickly Thistle: From Accountancy to Artisan – Incredible revival of Scottish Heritage Through Tartan and Century-Old Looms
TARTAN - Clare Campbell of Prickly Thistle: From Accountancy to Artisan – Incredible revival of Scottish Heritage Through Tartan and Century-Old Looms Apr 28, 2026 54:03 Clare Campbell, a trailblazing Highlander renowned for her innovation in the weaving and designer clothes industry, is driven by a deep passion for authenticity and identity. Clare's remarkable journey began in 1978, when she was born in Inverness, the Highland capital of Scotland. With two younger brothers, Clare drew inspiration from her mother, who has always been a guiding light in her life.
Scottish TARTAN - Episode 1 - The threads of Scottish identity - Scotland's journey
Scottish TARTAN - Episode 1 - The threads of Scottish identity - Scotland's journey Mar 29, 2026 35:22 The threads of Scotland's identity, Tartan's journey I'm sorry to say that Tartan was not invented in Scotland. Gasp, horror, but this is just a reality that we will have to live with. In fact, when you've listened to this Podcast, you'll realise that this Iconic symbol of Scotland is so important to this country because of what Scotland did to this chequered cloth rather than inventing it. Scotla
Clans of Scotland - their Rise, Fall and Rise Again - Episode 2
Clans of Scotland - their Rise, Fall and Rise Again - Episode 2 Mar 11, 2026 31:52 This episode of Unique Scotland examines the journey of Scottish clans from their origins and rise, through dramatic decline, to their modern revival. The podcast traces the clans' history from ancient times, highlighting their resilience, feuds, and adaptation to changing political landscapes. It explores the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the Jacobite risings, and the catastrophic Battle of Cullode
Clans of Scotland - their rise and fall - Episode 1 - From the bloody battle of Coire na Creiche to the crushing of the Lords of the Isle ......
Clans of Scotland - their rise and fall - Episode 1 - From the bloody battle of Coire na Creiche to the crushing of the Lords of the Isle ...... Feb 6, 2026 38:25 In this episode of Unique Scotland, John Harbour explores the origins and evolution of the Scottish clan system, tracing its roots from the painted Picts and the Gaels of Dál Riata, through Viking invasions, to the formation of Alba (early Scotland). The clans emerged as tightly-knit communities bound by kinship, loyalty, and mutual protection, thriving in Scotland's rugged landscapes. Clans were
Scotland - Christmas and New Year Traditions - For centuries, New Year (Hogmanay) has been revered over Christmas celebrations
Scotland - Christmas and New Year Traditions - For centuries, New Year (Hogmanay) has been revered over Christmas celebrations Dec 23, 2025 11:53 Imagine Scotland locked in winter's grip: snow whispering across cobbled streets, hearth fires glowing against the dark, families drawn close for warmth. While much of the world fixes its gaze on Christmas Day, Scotland's true winter soul once beat loudest on another night entirely — Hogmanay, New Year's Eve. Ancient, fierce, and alive with ritual, Hogmanay was not simply a celebration. It was sur
Letter from Scotland - November 2025 - A warm, humorous, and atmospheric tour through Scotland's latest news
Letter from Scotland - November 2025 - A warm, humorous, and atmospheric tour through Scotland's latest news Nov 25, 2025 37:42 This November 2025 edition of Letter from Scotland offers a warm, humorous, and vividly atmospheric tour through the country's latest news, landscapes, and quirks. Host John Robert Mackay Harbour begins by setting the scene of a classic Scottish November—rain in all its forms, fading heather, unpredictable light, and a blend of melancholy and mischief that marks the season. From there, the episode
Glasgow - Shipbuilding on the Clyde - ghosts of the past, appear in this riveting story of Glasgow's River Clyde, once the beating heart of global shipbuilding.
Glasgow - Shipbuilding on the Clyde - ghosts of the past, appear in this riveting story of Glasgow's River Clyde, once the beating heart of global shipbuilding. Oct 18, 2025 54:44 This special episode delves into the rich maritime legacy of Glasgow's River Clyde, once a global powerhouse of shipbuilding. From the early 19th to the mid-20th century, the Clyde's shipyards were at the forefront of industrial innovation and naval craftsmanship, producing thousands of vessels that left an indelible mark on world history. This prolific output earned Glasgow the prestigious title
A SCOTSMAN IN NEW YORK - Screeching Police sirens mixed with Scottish bagpipes sort of sums up New York's Tartan Week where thousands of Scots descended upon the city 'that never sleeps'
A SCOTSMAN IN NEW YORK - Screeching Police sirens mixed with Scottish bagpipes sort of sums up New York's Tartan Week where thousands of Scots descended upon the city 'that never sleeps' May 25, 2025 46:20 Scotsman in New York NEW YORK is, undoubtedly, one of the most exciting cities in the world and I can't believe that I have just visited for the first time. Thankfully I have now been to see this amazing metropolis for myself and this Podcast shares that experience with you. From screeching Police sirens to bellowing bagpipes, this was an adventure worth waiting for. It is only a few weeks since I
Glasgow City - Episode 3 - Kylie Minogue clearly loves Glasgow - I wonder if she rides the Clockwork Orange when she's in town
Glasgow City - Episode 3 - Kylie Minogue clearly loves Glasgow - I wonder if she rides the Clockwork Orange when she's in town Apr 15, 2025 40:57 In this third Episode on Glasgow city, we have just come to the end of University Avenue, arriving at Byers Road, a favourite place for University Students to eat and drink. What is the scandal surrounding the Tennant Pub? And what does a Clockwork Orange have to do with Glasgow's underground railway system, the third oldest in the world. I'll be mentioning the conversion of 19th century Town Hous
Glasgow City - Episode 2 - Did Madeleine Smith poison her lover. Just one of teh stories as we tour this wonderful city
Glasgow City - Episode 2 - Did Madeleine Smith poison her lover. Just one of teh stories as we tour this wonderful city Mar 11, 2025 40:29 In this second Episode of Glasgow we leave Glasgow Green and travel from the East, along the river Clyde and past the Clutha bar that suffered such a tragedy a few years ago. We pass through the centre, traversing St Vincent Street to see some fabulous buildings including a Greek and Egyptian styled church reflecting the eclectic architecture of Glasgow. The street names reflect famous people and

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