10 Scottish & Scottish History Podcasts You Should Listen To
Scotland’s history is a wide-ranging landscape of horrors and delights.
But with a vast expanse to cover, it’s hard to know where to start. So where better to start than with a list of Scottish & Scottish History podcasts?
It’s a broad topic to cover so I’ve included as many different podcasts as possible to cover all the different angles and perspectives that any topic needs.
And whether you’re from Scotland, have a connection to the homeland through your ancestors, or are simply curious to learn about Scotland then I’m sure you’ll find a helpful podcast below.
1. Generally Spooky History
Episodes: 41+
Typical Episode Length: 1.5–2.5 hours
Visit Generally Spooky History website
With long-form episodes ranging in length from 1 hour up to 3.5 hours, you’ll get a deep dive into the history of Scotland with plenty of laughs along the way.
Eilidh goes in deep with the research and tells the story to Kieran who gets to listen and bring his own discussion and puns to the table giving you an informal chat format that’s engaging and interesting.
From Generally Spooky’s Bio: “Scotland’s history is full of spooky stories, ghoulish goings-on and magical mysteries.
Join Highlander husband-and-wife team, Kieran and Eilidh, as they dive into the myths and legends of their homeland once a week.
If you love learning about history, like settling in to listen to a good story, or just enjoy getting a little spooked, then this is the podcast for you. “
2. Wild For Scotland
Episodes: 35+
Typical Episode Length: 30–60 minutes
Wild for Scotland is a travel podcast telling stories about the wonderful places Scotland has to offer. They have a great episode entitled “Outdoor Swimming & Scottish Gaelic with Calum Maclean” which you should check out.
From their bio: “Wild for Scotland is an immersive travel podcast with stories by award-winning Scotland travel blogger Kathi Kamleitner (Watch Me See).
The podcast is for Scotland-lovers around the world who dream of a journey to Scotland, or look for inspiration for their upcoming trip.
The show enables you to lean back and travel to Scotland. It allows you to connect with the country through stories, indulge in a little bit of escapism and dream up future trips.
Episodes include immersive stories as well as practical tips to inspire future trips or interviews with exciting guests from all over Scotland.”
3. Stories Of Scotland
Episodes: 76+
Typical Episode Length: 30–60 minutes
Set over music, these tales from Scotland are told in an atmosphere of mystery and wonder with plenty of laughs alongside. It’s obvious why this is an award-winning podcast!
From their Bio: “Stories of Scotland is an award-winning Scottish history podcast. Join hosts Jenny and Annie as they unravel the rich tapestry of Scotland’s culture, nature and heritage. Prepared to climb into caves, cairns and chaos, Jenny and Annie travel around Scotland and investigate how stories of the past can help us make sense of modern life.
Stories of Scotland celebrates Scottish history through traditional storytelling, archival research, museum objects and wandering in nature. It is recorded in Inverness & hosted by Jenny, an environmental scientist & Annie, an archivist.”
Jenny and Annie have also worked on a second podcast Weight of Sand which is an audio drama exploring the life and lore of Isobel Gowdie
4. 1 Scot 1 Not
Episodes: 42+
Typical Episode Length: 1–1.5 hours
Scotland's stories, mysteries, and histories are told in good humour by two podcast hosts who love what they do. You’ll love the energy and the positivity that resonates from 1 Scot 1 Not.
From their Bio: Friends Lucy Brydon (the Scottish one) and Karen Campbell (the Not Scottish one) chat about all things Scotland in this weekly chat. From haunted castles and spooky stone circles to fairy lore and mythical creatures galore (and more!) join us with your wee dram and sense of humour each week as we kick back, relax and tell a Scottish tale or two with YOU!
5. The Creepy Wee Podcast
Episodes: 24+
Typical Episode Length: 30–45 minutes
The Creepy Wee Podcast has some of the best Scots accents of all the Scottish podcasts out there. Liam and Rebecca offer up plenty of laughs and of course some of the best stories from Scottish history you could hope for.
From their Bio: “The Creepy Wee Podcast is a comedy show that focuses on the dark stories, myths, and lore of Scottish history. Hosted by Rebecca and Liam, New episodes every other Wednesday!”
6. The Scottish History Podcast
Episodes: 96+
Typical Length: 15 minutes
Owen Innes brings expertise and experience to the world of Scottish history having worked as a professional tour guide in Edinburgh for two and a half years.
The shorter podcast episodes are digestible and interesting giving you a powerful glimpse into Scotland's way of life.
From their Bio: The Scottish History Podcast is a podcast dedicated to all things Scottish History by an experienced Scottish tour guide.
7. Scotland — A Scottish History Podcast
Episodes: 77+
Typical episode length: 10–15 minutes
The Scotland Podcast does just what it says on the tin, a podcast about Scotland looking at its history both ancient and more recently. A production from Be Quiet Media.
From their bio: “A unique storytelling podcast about Scottish history, the people and places who made it. Hosted by Michael Park”
8. A Scottish Podcast
Episodes: 46
Typical episode length: 15 minutes
Something a little bit different but A Scottish Podcast is a dramatized horror series telling the story of a washed-up DJ who starts a paranormal investigation. So if you’re after something more like an audiobook this could be the show for you!
From their Bio: “A Scottish Podcast’ is a serialised modern audio drama.
It chronicles the story of Lee, a washed-up former radio DJ who launches a paranormal investigation podcast.
Lee wants to see his show The Terror Files mentioned up there alongside podcasts like The Black Tapes, Limetown, and The Message. And he’ll stop at nothing to achieve it.
Aided by his jaded musician pal Dougie, the pair travel the length and breadth of the country in search of Medieval Demon Kings and Lovecraftian Gods of the Sea.
So why not join them on this unique tour of the ancient and mystical lands of Scotland?
You’ll walk through the long-forgotten catacombs under Edinburgh. Sail out to the lonely and abandoned island of St.Caillic. Visit dingy pubs, run-down industrial estates, and obscure non-league football grounds.
The show contains strong language, “adult situations” (whatever that means), and isn’t for the easily offended.
9. Love Scotland
Episodes: 44+
Typical Episode Length: 30 minutes
Hosted by non-other than Jackie Bird (if you’re Scottish, you’ll know) this is a look at Scotland on the whole. It’s not just a Scottish history podcast but a look at the places and people involved in the National Trust for Scotland.
From their Bio: “Love Scotland is a podcast series from the National Trust for Scotland.
From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, the National Trust for Scotland cares for and protects some of Scotland’s most significant places and spaces, allowing them to be enjoyed today while protecting them for future generations.
Hosted by former BBC Reporting Scotland anchor Jackie Bird, and featuring experts and enthusiasts from across the country, each episode delves deep into the detail of the Trust’s people and places to showcase how everything they do is for the love of Scotland.”
10. Scotland Starts Here
Episodes: 9
typical episode length: 30–45 minutes
An awesome Scottish podcast focusing on the south of Scotland looking not just at the history but the place and the culture itself. A great listen if you’re planning a trip to Scotland.
From their Bio: “Where else would we start? Follow host Dave to the South of Scotland. Here, he introduces you to the natural beauty, heritage and culture of the two areas. With locals sharing their stories and love for these parts, you’ll immediately feel transported to distilleries, mountain bike trails and ancient battlefields. Themed around Culture & Heritage, Food & Drink, the Outdoors, and Art & Textiles, Scotland Starts Here is the perfect introduction to the country’s hidden gems and welcoming communities. “
Final Thoughts
From Glasgow through the Isle of Skye, to the borders and up through Orkney and Shetland these are clearly the best Scottish podcasts. You can already hear the bagpipes playing and the tartan kilts blowing in the wind. If you like any of the podcasts be sure to support them by sharing them and this article on social media and if any of them have a subscription at Patreon.com then you should consider joining!
