Jine us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary o Sir Walter Scott. Oor special guest, Professor Gary West, taks us ahin the buiks tae gaither mair information aboot the man himsel. David Mitchell escorts us roon the landscape that wis made bi this weel-kent screiver. Claire Paterson tempts oor taste buds wi her superb recipes for Easter an Finn Nixon eiks til the mix wi tasty snippets. Dinna hud back.

Scots Radio | Episode 77 | April 2021

It’s been een o thae Spring seasons faan ye jist dinna ken fit tae pit on tae ging oot. Bit dinna fash, jist hae a sit-doon an listen tae George T Watt tellin us aa aboot the Scots Leid Association. In the rin up tae their 50th anniversary next year an the 100th publication o their Lallans magazine – there’s a lot gaan on. An if yir nae ooer busy castin cloots in May, listen tae Dave Mitchell tellin us aboot makkin the gairden mair environmentally friendly. An Finn Nixon reports on the Big Gairden Bird watch fae the RSPB.  Dinna hud back.

Scots Radio | Episode 78 | May 2021

BLESSED ARE THEY FOR A DROUTH FOR RICHT.
Oor programme guest this month is poet, writer an musician, Wullie Hershaw fae Lochgelly in Fife.  Wullie tells us aboot his book ‘The Sair Road’ that transports us intae the mining communities o the 20th century -  and his new book caad ‘Earth Bound Companions’ wi bonnie illustrations fae Les McConnell.  Aa this an mair, wi songs bi Robert Tannahill featured alang wi ither music. Jine the the team for some guid banter an anither wanner roon the wirkin warl o Scottish Culture. Dinna hud back.

Scots Radio | Episode 79 | June 2021

In this oor first in the series, Finn Nixon jines ecologist an author, Andrew Painting tae enjoy the magical environment of Mar Lodge Estate in Aiberdeenshire. Andrew has recently published his book 'Regeneration - The Rescue of a Wild Land'.  In this journey, Andrew introduces Finn to the wonders of the wild flowers and fauna.

A Sense o Place | Andrew Painting

In this next episode o the 'A Sense o Place' series Finn Nixon jines ecologist an author Andrew Painting, tae find oot fit's happenin on Mar Lodge Estate in the winter.

A Sense o Place | Re-jinin Andrew Painting

The Mither Tongue, was described as one of the best 100 Scottish books ever written. Now Newport-based author and Scots language expert Billy Kay has produced an audio version of his classic book.
We are delighted that Billy has recorded a special introduction to the book for Scots Radio.

Link to the App ‘Audible’ for downloading the book: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Scots-The-Mither-Tongue-Audiobook/B09LXPTTFY

Billy Kay | The Mither Tongue

Jine us for anither Christmas Scots Radio special - an Santa cam doon the lum an athin. Ring oot the claes!

Scots Radio | Christmas Edition | December 2021

The Year o Stories: 
It’s anither extra special episode this month. An in the year o stories, we hiv some o the best story tellers on the programme tae brighten the darker days.

We welcome oor new team member Professor Gary West fa leads us intae the magic o Celtic Mythology. Dave Mitchell taks us tae the world o Robert Louis Stevenson an Steve Byrne recommends some o the best story books on offer. We hiv banter an music that maks this gaitherin special an the days are getting langer. Fit an eese.

Scots Radio | Episode 85 | February 2022

The Scottish Disability Golf and Curling – SDGC – was started by Jim Gales 20 years ago and from 30 players based around St Andrews, it now attracts more than 1,000 members across twenty countries.
 
Frieda Morrison joined teams of PGA pros, members of SDGC and Media, at Ladybank Golf Club in Fife – and had a memorable day despite the bunkers.

In her team were SDGC Vice Captain Jim Hamill, Paul Wytrazek, Head golf Pro at Burntisland golf Club and Donald McKay, Head Pro at Wellsgreen Golf Range.

After the round, it was time to catch breath and hae the usual confab aboot the day – and find out more about the SDGC. First Jim – what kind of day did he have?

Scottish Disability Golf and Curling - Changing Lives

Rewildin an Regeneration - Respect for the Land: 
We hiv anither bumper edition this month. In the run up to their major conference Pete Cairns, Executive Director o ‘Scotland – the Big Picture’, tells us foo his organisation is rewildin an regeneratin large areas o land in Scotland.
Wendy Barrie an Bosse Dalgren also introduce us tae their new book
aboot regenerative food production - ‘Meadows – The Swedish
Farmer and the Scottish Cook’. It’s jist the conversation we needed tae hae.
An tae cap it aa aff Dave Mitchel invites us intae fit he caas Meadows o the mind! Dinna hing aboot – jine us.

Scots Radio | Episode 90 | September 2022

'Is Doric Dying?' = that's the title of the speech that local entrepreneur, Lauren Hay will be presenting at this year's TED Talk organised by TEDX Aberdeen.

A unique line up of speakers will be presenting their insights into a diverse list of topics at the Aberdeen Arts Centre on the 12th November and the event is expected to attract an audience from all over the North-East. 

Frieda Morrison spoke with Lauren about her love of Doric and her hopes for it's future.

TedX Talk - 'Is Doric Dying?'

In the Spirit o Christmas - Blythe Yule: 
Weel - we enjoy this time o the year. In this festive edition we welcome oor special guest, Cameron McNeish faa invites us intae the hills an glens o Scotland through the pages o his new buik ‘An Eye To the Hills’ – stories tae be telt like nae ither.

Dave Mitchell leads us through the widdies an gairdens in winter, Steve Byrne has anither delve intae oor seasonal customs an
traditions and for the foodies wi hiv oor favourite cook Claire Paterson tempting oor taste buds. An enjoy The Christmas story in Doric wi Shane Strachan oor National Scriever. Ring Oot the cloots. 

Aa this wi music, bit div we hae Santa this time? It’s nae easy keepin Santa oot……jine us for a special Festive edition. Dinna hing aboot.

Scots Radio | Christmas Edition | December 2022

Happy New Year: 
Jine us for anither bumper edition o Scots Radio. Enjoy the travellers tales wi oor special guest, author an storyteller, Jess Smith. An fit a journey Jess taks us on. 

Steve Byrne introduces us tae some unusual customs that involve clogs an donkeys, while Dave Mitchell taks us for a magical wanner in the winter widdies.

Aa this as weel as good food fae oor cook Claire Paterson – an music past an present tae keep yir feeeties tappin. Dinna pit aff an jine us.

Scots Radio | Episode 94 | New Year Special

WANNERIN INTAE SPRING
‘If winter come – can Spring be far behind’ – weel sometimes ay. In this Episode we try to step oot o the auld world an intae the new, wi mair travellers tales tae bump start yir wannerin spirit.

We experience journeys across the globe wi travel writer Alastair Scott an horticulturist David Mitchell.

An Gordon Hay guides us through the Doric Board’s New Year Awards an his ain amazin Doric writin an projects. An wiv music as weel. Dinna Pit Aff – Jine us.

Scots Radio | Episode 95 | Journeys

Every noo an then, the stars align to create something special.  It’s maybe fate or luck, bit fitiver – it’s happened in this episode o Scots Radio. It’s foo o magical moments wi poets, writers an troubadours. 
Wir at The Doric Film Festival wi Sheena Blackhall an Professor Peter Reid.  Oor special guest, poet Jim Mackintosh taks us through the pages o his new book ‘We are Migrant.’ Rab Wilson spiks tae Willie Johnston aboot his new book ‘Collier Laddie.’ An then we enjoy the company o songmaker Dougie Maclean, celebrating his 50 years as a troubadour. Aa this an music as weel. Fit an eese.

Scots Radio | Episode 111 | July 2024

We wanner intae a new season o mists an spicey fruits. An if yiv a thocht for Christmas then we hiv ideas for presents fae the Wigton Book Festival.
Willie Johnston introduces us tae some o the highlights fae the festival an Lesely Benzie, the winner o the Scots Poetry competition at Wigton, shares some  o the poems fae her new book Fessen.  Joyce Gilbert tells us aboot the Lost Pines Conference wi a short preview o a poem an music especially written for the event. Aa that an music as weel.  Fit an eese. Jine us.

Scots Radio | Episode 114 | November 2024

LOOK TO THE SKY

Wiv jist started tae see signs o Spring - bit wir nae in charge o the wither or the planets.  In this episode wir lookin at the sky for signs o storms an the  Celestial alignment o seven planets. Wir up in Braemar wi weather watcher Chris Booth an hear fae poet Sheena Blackhall aboot the storm that lost a bus in a blin drift. 
Dave Mitchell tells us aboot geologist, writer and folklorist Hugh Miller an Willie Johnston steps up intae the story o the Sandstone staircase wi artist Hugh Bryden and poet Hugh McMillan.  
Aa this an music wi bits o humour tae fit the company.  Jine us.


Scots Radio | Episode 117 | January 2025

BOOKS BUDS HERBS AN HEALTH

In this Episode wir enjoying the New Writers Show-case wi the Scottish Book Trust. Dave Mitchell delves deep intae the history o medicine in Scotland an Herbalist Natasha Lloyd guides us through the magical world o foraging an her new book.  Aa this an music as weel. Jist in time for Spring. Jine us.


Scots Radio | Episode 118 | April 2025

Inspiration

A programme set tae inspire ye.  It’s yir ain choice, bit faan ye hear fit fowk are daein ye micht wint tae jine in.  Wir at the ‘Far North Retreats’ wi Abbey Arkotka and Fin Moor. Inside the Belmont Cinema wi CEO Matt Buchannan.  Searchin for the licht in Dumfires wi Photographer Keith Kirk. Hairdresser Judith Taylor tells us aboot her plans tae rin doon Mount Everest. An confessions o a locked oot driver…..that bit isna inspirin tho.  
Bit jine us and enjoy the company the banter an the music.  A enjoy yir space. 


Scots Radio | Episode 119 | May 2025

Bonny Days.

Fit wye dis athin happen at eence. The Scottish Languages Bill wis passed in the Scottish Parliament an wir gettin reaction fae Dr Jamie Fairbarin. Oor Doric Film Festival raises the curtain again. Fowk gaither at Ingliston outside Edinburgh for the Heilan Show. Willie Johnston spiks tae fairmer Andrew McCornick. An Judith Taylor rins doon Everest. Aye wir busy again. Aa ess an music as weel. Jine us

Scots Radio | Episode 120 | July 2025

ABERDEEN AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY | SPIKKIN TAE THE WARL FOR THE TALL SHIPS IVENT IN AIBERDEEN

The Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society, get tae places maist fowk can only imagine. As pairt o the Tall Ships ivent an celebration in Aiberdeen, the group set up their Special Events Station on the hill, aside the Torry Licht-hoose lookin ower the North Sea. In keepin wi their expertise in radio transmission an muckle great big aerials, the members spoke tae fowk fae aa roon the warl aboot the ivint. Frieda Morrison jined this amazin group at their shed in Torry tae fin oot mair aboot the wark of the Society. John Grieve wis busy on the microphone.

The Tall Ships | Special Edition with Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society

In this new series, Frieda Morrison and poet Jim Mackintosh stravaig aroon pairts o Scotland spikkin aboot the hidden stories o the area. In this first episode they’re enjoyin the fascinatin  history o Dunkeld. 
Wi thanks for the support fae Creative Scotland an Hands Up For Trad.

Scots Radio Episode 121 | August 2025 | Stravaigin Episode 1

Stravaigin roon Cullen an Portknockie.

In ess new episode, poet Jim Mackintosh jines Frieda Morrison tae wanner aroon the fishin villages o Cullen an Portknockie, on the East coast o Scotland in Aiberdeenshire.  Enjoy the stravaig an hear aboot the hidden stories.
There’s mair than Cullen Skink tae this area. 
With thanks tae the team at the Cullen, Deskford an Portknockie Heritage Centre an the Buckie an District Fishing Heritage Centre. 

Music: Sig tune - ‘The Sweetness of Mary’ played bi Charlie Abel.
Organ music fae the Auld Kirk , Cullen. ‘Does Your Anchor Hold’ NB Association.  Farewell to the Creeks – Turriff Pipe Band. 
This programme is supported bi Creative Scotland, Hands Up For Trad an Scots Radio.


Scots Radio | Episode 122 – Stravaigin Episode 2 | September 2025

Scots language Awards an Banff Academy Book.

The line up in this episode includes a visit tae the Scots Language Awards in Dundee.  An spikkin wi some o the fowk involved -  Sheena Wellington - Ellie Beaton an Taylor Dyson. An oor special guest is een o the winners - Clare Yuille, fae the Braw Clan Theatre group.  An wi jine the pupils an staff fae Banff Academy, celebratin the publication o their new book. Launched an sorted in the company o oor National Maker, Peter Mackay.
It's aa there or there aboots.

Scots Radio | Episode 123 | October 2025

SCOTS IN EDUCATION: THE BOOK O KELLS AN THE STORY O THE SHIP THE LISBON MARU

Wir celebratin the Scots Language in Education at a Landmark event, in recognition o Scots as an official language, on a par with Gaelic an English.  Time tae set oot the plans for the future.

Wir at the Wigton Book Festival hearin aboot the Book o Kells.

And as the Nation commemorates and remembers its war heroes, we have a story of a selfless act of humanity by a fleet of Chinese fishermen that saved the lives of almost 1000 British prisoners of war.

Jine us for anither special episode wi features, fowk an music.

Scots Radio | Episode 124 | November 2025

An if iver ye winted tae jump-start  yir Christmas spirit, yiv come tae the richt place.  In this episode oor special guest is Fiona J Mackenzie – fa his jist been counted amung ‘the List’s Top 100 Arts & Culture contributors in Scotland for  2025’.  We will be spikkin aboot her new book ‘ Cadence of a Song’ – the biography of Margaret Fay Shaw.  Weel kent BBC Radio Scotland gairdener, Nicola Singleton, will be makin us a bonny Christmas wreath. An oor Dave Mitchell tells us aboot the history an legends aa tae dae wi the wreaths.

Bit afore aa that we report fae the annual Oor Vyce gaitherin in Edinburgh.  It’s aa there or there aboot.  Wiv got fun, fowk an music.  So fill yir shirray gless an jine us. 


Scots Radio | Episode 125 | December 2025

30th January 2014: And eence mair intae the studio we’ve geen – again wallochin among microphones and flexes.

The Director o the Scots Language Centre, Michael Hance tells us aboot an exciting new award. It’s caad the ‘Scots Toun Award’ an Michael is encouraging communities a roon Scotland tae get involved. There’s prizes o £6,000 and £4,000 pounds on offer – git gaan fowk!

As wis mibbe tae be expected we hid a richt delve intae the wirds an wanners o Robert Burns. Efter an affa special visit tae his birthplace an the fine hospitality o Chris Waddell, the Learning Manager fae the National Trust for Scotland, the platform wis set for us tae highlight some o the Bard’s songs and poems.

An fa better tae delve wi us – than a gairdner – the Curator o the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, David Mitchell. Davie jist his that energy an the sensitivity tae bring oot the bits that some fowk mak a lifetime o missin. An fin wir on the subject – foo mony Burns Suppers mentions the importance Burns pits on the use o the Scots Language?

Mary Blance sent us a special report fae Shetland and we’re encouraging fowk tae get in touch aboot fit’s happenin far and fa’s deein fit – in their ain bit o the Boorach.

Oor song sorter, musician and ethnologist, Steve Byrne, has been affa busy flittin this month bit he’s teen time oot tae sing and play in a special concert in Arbroath – celebrating the life and works o Angus poet Violet Jacob.

We hear fae the organiser, Lisa Simmons, aboot hoo the poet spoke o the lan and the fowk on the lan and wove in her ain observations. As Lisa said in the interview, ‘she wis aye in among the horseman’s feet fin she wis a bairn’.

An that brocht us back tae Rabbie – and notions o spring in the air – notions o ither things. Bit we’ll let ye hear foo we get on wi ither things later. An jist in case the changing licht and notions o romance taks hud – mind the words o Burns “O wad some power the giftie gie us – to see oorsel’s as ithers see us…”

Bye the noo

Episode 2

28th March 2014: Wiv got a really special programme for ye again – wir delving into the makins o’ a great film that’s set in the Fife mining communities. ‘Happy Lands’ as it’s caad, has been voted een on the best films in 2013 and it features local stories telt through local voices – it’s spectacular.
And did ye think that propaganda wis a recent invention? I wid think again if I is you – it’s been aboot for centuries and if ye think that fowk are good at it noo – look at fit they did tae Mary Queen o’ Scots in the 16th Century. Fan ye read Dr Donald Smith’s new book ‘Ballad o’ the Five Marys’ ye’ll get yer een opened. Donald is oor studio guest this month an he’s written a book that wil pit history on it’s heed by challenging athin that’s been written afore about oor Queen – and hence the Union o’ the Crowns that followed. Be warned, Donald’s story aboot the events that happened an faa did fit tae faa – micht change yir life.
An at last, I’ve found Cabrach Radio – and the Cabrach. I have been very honoured to be allowed to meet up wi the team at their headquarters and fin oot foo the programmes are aa pit thegither. I think I got an answer, bit fiiver, it wis, I hid an affa anjoyable blether wi Sandy and Pat – despite the fact the electricity went oot during the interview! I didna ask aboot their electricity supply, bit I can tell ye that Cabrach Radio his over 75,000 hits fae a’ oer the world and has geen thoosans tae charity. In the words o’ Sandy Jukit (Duguid)….stick enn.
Bye the noo
Frieda

Episode 4

1st April 2015: We hiv geen intae the land o myths, magic and legend ess month – wir nae feart. We hear aboot ‘Saltire’ the new Scots Supermannie in cosmic comics – wiv news o a spleet new play aboot the Scots Language caad ‘O is for Hoolet’ and wi find the source o the magic and the spring, oot dowsing for water aside Bennachie – Episode 16 Scots Radio.

Episode 16

Fae the twinnin atween Ashville NC an Birnam an Dunkeld, tae the Bluegrass Festival in Moniaive, we traivel the country again, hearin a aboot the different sides o oor culture and the musical connections. Gary an Lynne Knight guide us throught the neuks an cranies o Perth and the scary stories in Gary’s new book, an wir at the Pictish digs in Rhynie again for anither delve intae oor past. Episode 45 is oot an gaan aboot.

Episode 45

A guid New Year tae ane an a – an mony may ye see.’  The wirds o the auld sang still ring in the lugs o the fowk that mine watchin Andy Stewart on TV at this time o the year. 
Bit fitiver yir preference this month – dinna hing aboot, jist get stuck in. 
We hiv a special studio guest – the ootgan Director o the Scots Language Centre, Michael Hance, jines us tae ging oer some of his seventeen years at the helm.   
We’re enjoyin  the magical company in Edinbugh at the ‘Dreamin Breid an Skyrie Stanes’ gaitherin.  Fit a day that wis – fu o magical fowk and special elixers.  An wir back in the Howff at the Globe Inn, Dumfries wi the very magical Jane Broon – spikkin aboot Robert Burns an a that.  Dinna miss this moment in time.

Episode 56 | New Year Edition

Wi hae passed the Spring Equinox  - so it must be Spring.  An in this April edition o the programme wi jine the gaitherin at the James Hutton Institute in Aiberdeen tae enjoy the ‘Young Biodiversity Awards’.  We’re wi the Irish an Scots Poets as part o Neu Reekie at the Poetry Library in Edinburgh, an we experience the spectacular production o ‘Nordics In Exile’ at St Nicholas Kirk in Aiberdeen.  Aa this an enjoying the company o oor Studio Guest, folklorist and musician, Steve Byrne – spikkin aboot a new CD o Ballads fae Sir Walter Scott’s Minstrelsy o the Scottish Borders.  Jine us.

Episode 59

Episode 70 | Fit Noo

Scots Radio is a programme that spiks aboot the culture and the ongyans o fowk fa use Scots in their wirkin warl. Accordin tae the last census in Scotland, there are aroon 1.5 million Scots spikkers in this country. Ye dinna hae tae wanner far tae here it – jist ging as far North, Sooth, East an Wast as yir lugs’ll tak ye. I hope ye’ll enjoy rummelin aboot in the Episodes, and welcome tae the company that celebrates the Scots Language – and the fowk that jist spik it.

Scots Radio

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