Scottish Folk

The moon and its many phases has all kinds of names and lore associated with it, for this episode, I want to share with you some traditional Scottish stories where the moon plays an important role, sometimes acting as a catalyst for transformation, sometimes acting as a sympathetic witness, but always, ever present. In this episode you will hear a traditional Gaelic blessing for the new moon, a piece of 16th century music played on lute by musician Matthew Spring, transformation stories and stories of enchantment.  Harp music throughout is by fantastic Helena D Cauwer, singing by the wonderful Laura Gekiere and me and Sound production has also been expertly done by Laura.The first 2 of my Seasonal Folklore booklets with St Andrews Botanic Garden are out now and you can find them at the Gardens, at a number of independent bookshops and also via the publisher directly here: Spring:https://www.wideopensea.co.uk/product/seasonal-folklore-springSummer:https://www.wideopensea.co.uk/product/seasonal-folklore-summer

This time of year is said to be a liminal time and so this episode brings you stories of creatures and spirits who flit between worlds, as well as a non Scottish story of the Snow Queen, a story I always love for this time of year.This episode has been made possible thanks to these incredible people:Playing harp : Helena De CauwerChoir vocals : Marie Cocriamont, Roos Denaeyer, Laura Gekiere Sound editing : Laura Gekiere You can find everyone on Instagram: @vitrifrancesca @medinktation @hym.we.are @rosabutsi @eileenbudd#folklore #yule #scottish #winterstories #christmas

Season 2 begins with some seasonal tales. Spirits of the stones, rivers and trees. Animal stories, a whiskey and weaving song and much more…

Some of the history, folklore and folk traditions of Samhuinn / Samhain / Halloween in Scotland

An illicit still, 9 spirit maidens of Glenesk, a lost ghost found, the mountain hag, a demon in a well and many more Scottish stories recorded on the road.

Scottish folk stories of animals and elements from a time when we saw ourselves reflected in nature and connected to nature.

Traces of Scottish history and folk belief found in bothy ballads about ploughmen and mermaids, plus; the story of a murderers ghost, tales of magical objects and much more.

Water horses, Kelpies, Ghosts, Bannocks and the Boy who spoke to birds! A collection of yet more traditional Scottish stories for you.

Witches, Selkies, a vengeful Brownie, how the Caledonian Forest grew and lots more traditional Scottish folk stories, as requested by you.

This week is just one story, told from my memory, with a mermaid, a giant and a dragon in it. Lots of our stories started out as epic adventures and have been broken down into smaller stories. This is one of those

Eildon Hills, Selkies in Skye, a Bear tale and many other stories, as requested by you.

A collection of Scottish faerie stories, traditions, beliefs and fragments of faeries in history, including the mysterious death of Netta Fornario on Iona.

Some charms and curses from Scottish 18th century Scotland, Pirates in the Highlands and lots of folktales from the Borders

Connections between female deities and snakes and wolves and pigs in Scottish folklore. Featuring a farting ogress, a sea witch, a sea god and much more.

A mixture of history and folklore, stories about following a certain path. A dairymaid’s deal with the faeries, a minister martyred, the Cailleach’s Holy Grail and more…

Scottish traditions and stories of Beltane; including the Dragon of Kinnoull; the Salmon of Knowledge and the importance of sharing cake.

A collection of ancient Scottish stories, some of your requested favourites and the first Fianna tale.

Why sound is so important in Scottish folk culture, how did Gaelic save lives in WWII, a Giantess on St Kilda and some other worthies from Scottish history

For the 7th episode it only seems right to have stories of unexplained visions, supernatural creatures and weird history from Scotland

A collection of stories passed to me that I’m passing to you, including an origin tale, a fierce water spirit, faithful hounds, Scottish ancestral folk tradition and nature spirits.

A true mystery from history. In 1938 two gamekeepers found the headless body of a man dressed in a business suit on the South East slopes of Ben Avon, one of the most isolated and remote locations of the Cairngorms.

Stories from Scottish history about illicit stills, smugglers and going legit. Also a wee folktale from Balloch and the Scottish love story that started the Japanese whisky industry.

The Hermit of Kinpurnie, Ferreting, A 19th century notorious poacher, an accidental Bronze Age find and evasive women poachers.

A wee collection of stories about found poems, ouija boards, cursed arrows and what it meant to be a wayward woman in 17th Century Scotland

The very 1st episode of The Scottish Folk Podcast, featuring ancient legends of warriors, mystical islands & a Dundee love charmer called Spunky Janet.