Tales From Wyrd Scotland is a podcast exploring the wyrd, wonderful world of Scotland's supernatural, quirky and frankly terrifying past. Told in the manner of a fireside tale/radio drama, carefully crafted sound design and eldritch, ethereal music work along side masterful narration to weave eerie tales to chill even the darkest heart. Created by Nick Cole-Hamilton, Gordon Stewart and Barbara Buchanan.

Tales From Wyrd Scotland

Album recorded between 2023 and 2024, largely using modular elements.

All music written, recorded and produced by Nick Cole-Hamilton except track 8, Harbour, written and recorded in collaboration with with Sloki. Album artwork by Nick Cole-Hamilton

NikNak - To Speak of Rope in a Hanged Man's Home

Episode 8 - An exploration of the life and death of Lady Janet Douglas of Glamis. Known latterly, to those who have seen her, as The Grey Lady. 

This episode was written and read by Barbara Buchanan.

It was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 8 - The Life And Death Of Lady Janet Douglas of Glamis

Episode 9 - Culloden. This episode explores the Jacobite uprising of 1745, an attempt to regain the throne for the Stuart family, which culminated in the battle of Culloden in 1746. We examine the historical trajectory of this ill-fated rebellion, and consider the shades of the past, which still echo today on and near that bloody field.

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stewart, check out his blog at www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

This episode features Barbara Buchanan as Violet Tweedale.

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

Episode thumbnail image from: History of the Clan MacLean from its first settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the present period - courtesy of the National Library of Scotland:
https://digital.nls.uk/histories-of-scottish-families/archive/94804574#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=223&xywh=-59%2C202%2C2499%2C5242

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 9 - Culloden

Episode 10 - exploring the rise of Spiritualism, focusing particularly on two famous Scottish mediums, Daniel Hume, and Helen Duncan, who was one of the last people to be tried under the Witchcraft Act in the UK.

This episode was written and narrated by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 10 - "Is There Anybody There?" Spiritualism and Scottish Mediums

Episode 11 - in which, alongside an immensely famous Scotsman, we cross the veil and the border, to investigate the surprising story of the Cottingley Fairies.

This episode was written and narrated by Barbara Buchanan. 

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 11 - The Casebook Of The Photogenic Fairies

Episode 12 - Yellow Eyes 1979.

In which Gordon Stewart travels back in time to explore a very peculiar haunting on Edinburgh's Regent Terrace.

This episode was written by Gordon Stewart, based on a story by Bill Gibbons.

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 12 - Yellow Eyes, 1979

Episode 13 - Waiting In The Wings: The Ghosts In Scotland's Theatres

In which Barbara Buchanan dims the house lights and calls forth the spirits which linger on the stages and in the stalls of Scotland's theatres.

This episode was written by Barbara Buchanan and featured Gordon Stewart,

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 13 - Waiting In The Wings: The Ghosts In Scotland's Theatres

Episode 14 - The Gorbals Vampire, in which Gordon steps from behind the tombstones to explore a very peculiar Scottish Vampire story.

Content warning - Please note that this episode contains depictions of violence, and the use of accompanying sound effects, that some people may find disturbing.

This tale is told by Gordon Stewart, check out his blog: http://www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

The episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 14 - The Gorbals Vampire

Episode 15 - Samhain - Guisers, Dookin' And Bogles

Barbara Buchanan lights her neep lantern to illuminate the shadows around this darkest of festivals. We explore traditions around Halloween, encountering spirits, bogles and a ghostly hen along the way.

This episode was written by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 15 - Samhain - Guisers, Dookin' And Bogles

The Point is a story written and told by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was recorded produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The image used for this episode's thumbnail is William Daniel's Eddystone Lighthouse in a Storm

You may notice that this episode of TFWS differs from others
in that it is a work of fiction. as a little experiment we decided to write our own wyrd stories for the end of the year so expect one or two more episodes of this ilk before we return to exploring Scotland's wyrd past, present and futures in the new year

In the interim please be sure to check out our twitter account: https://twitter.com/TalesWyrd

And be sure to recommend the podcast to any likeminded wyrdos you know.

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a you better run media production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 16 - The Point, A Story For A Winter's Night

Episode 18, featuring Callum Sutherland.

Callum is a researcher at the University of Glasgow who reached out to us via our twitter account to ask if we'd be interested in talking to him about his research on the urban wyrd and more generally the Scottish wyrd. We were delighted to chat with him and this episode is a somewhat trimmed down version of that conversation. We cover quite a lot of ground here including the works of Mark Fisher, what the wyrd means to Callum and to us, the Scottish character, media representations, Edinburgh vs Glasgow and much much more.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

Follow Callum on twitter at: www.https://twitter.com/concretebodach

and while you're at it follow us on twitter at: www.https://twitter.com/TalesWyrd

This is a you better run media production.

Episode art is from a photograph taken by Callum Sutherland, reproduced and altered with his permission.

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

Join us again soon for more Tales From Wyrd Scotland.

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 18 - Psychogeoraphy And The Scottish Wyrd (Feat @Concretebodach)

Episode 19 - The Ringcroft Poltergeist, An Infestation Of Evil

Barbara Buchanan explores the terrifying account of a poltergeist which plagued a family in Auchencairn in 1695. The account was documented by the Reverend Alexander Telfair and attested to by all those involved. Such detail is an uncommon and fascinating insight into a truly bizarre haunting.

This episode was written by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 19 - The Ringcroft Poltergeist, An Infestation Of Evil

Episode 20 - Something In The Air - The Haunting Of Montrose Airfield

Barbara Buchanan looks back on the storied history of Montrose Airfield, remembering those who lost their lives there and who's spirits seem to linger on...

This episode was written by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 20 - Something In The Air - The Haunting Of Montrose Airfield

Episode 21 - Vanished Lands - Ghost Towns, Lost Islands And Places That Never Were.

Gordon Stewart explores towns engulfed by sand, lone mythic islands in the Atlantic, and a town which never was.

This episode was written, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

Sources used in the episode: 

Shetland Islands Climate and Settlement Project - https://www.bates.edu/history/faculty/gerald-bigelow/shetland-islands-climate-and-settlement-project/

Culbin Stories: http://www.culbinstories.com/

Otta F. Swire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otta_F_Swire

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 21 - Vanished Lands

Episode 22 - Feartie, a Winter's Fable

When there is no witness, when guilt cannot be proven, our only punishment is that which remains, that which haunts us.

Barbara Buchanan narrates a dark fable which she has written for the dark season.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 22 - Feartie, A Winters Fable

Episode 23 - Rites and Mysteries.

We're back! Nick Cole-Hamilton recounts his experience with a supposedly haunted book...

This episode was written, read, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 23 - Rites And Mysteries, A Haunted Book Tale

Episode 24 - The Deil's Days

When making a deal with the Devil you must always check the small print, lest you get more than you bargained for.

Barbara Buchanan tells a dark tale which she has written for these long yuletide nights.

This episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 24 - The Deil's Days

Episode 25 - The Dark Lady of Littledean

In which Gordon Stewart explores the dark history of the little remembered Littledean tower in the Scottish Borderlands.

This episode was written and narrated by Gordon Stewart.

It was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

For more wyrdness, follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 25 - The Dark Lady Of Littledean

NikNak - Gone Home

NikNak - Rope Swing

NikNak - For Safekeeping

NikNak - The Child The Father Of The Man

NikNak - Glory Fades

Episode 26 - Hallowe'en Live! Treacle Scones & Tumshie Lanterns (part one)

Our first ever live show! From the historic village of Stow in the Scottish Borders, hosted graciously and generously in the Station House by Stow Community Trust: https://stowhub.co.uk/

This episode was written and narrated by Barbara Buchanan and Gordon Stewart.

With live improvised soundtrack by Nick Cole-Hamilton

Live audio mixing and engineering by Giorgios Mikrogiannakis.

Part two coming tomorrow!

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production.

For more wyrdness, follow us on Mastodon: https://mastodon.scot/@TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 26 - Hallowe'en Live! Treacle Scones & Tumshie Lanterns (part 1)

Episode 26 - Hallowe'en Live! Treacle Scones & Tumshie Lanterns (part two)

The second part of our first ever live show! From the historic village of Stow in the Scottish Borders, hosted graciously and generously in the Station House by Stow Community Trust: https://stowhub.co.uk/

This episode was written and narrated by Barbara Buchanan and Gordon Stewart.

With live improvised soundtrack by Nick Cole-Hamilton

Live audio mixing and engineering by Giorgios Mikrogiannakis.

Part two coming tomorrow!

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production.

For more wyrdness, follow us on Mastodon: https://mastodon.scot/@TalesWyrd

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 26b - Hallowe'en Live! Treacle Scones & Tumshie Lanterns (part 2)

The Grey Paw was written and told by Barbara Buchanan.

This episode was recorded produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton.

You can find us now on Mastodon, BlueSky and Facebook, using the handle @TalesWyrd

And be sure to recommend the podcast to any likeminded wyrdos you know.

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a you better run media production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 27 - The Grey Paw

Episode 28 - The Stones of Scotland

In which Gordon Stewart explores the history, myth and murky past of the stones of Scotland. Tales of fairies, giants and rumours of human sacrifice abound. 

You can find us now on Mastodon, BlueSky and Facebook, using the handle @TalesWyrd

And be sure to recommend the podcast to any likeminded wyrdos you know!

Recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton, with editing from Giorgos Mikrogiannakis.

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a you better run media production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 28 - The Stones of Scotland

All music by Jake Lake (Nick Cole-Hamilton) and Jonas Rae.

Desire's Black Heart

Jake Lake & Jonas Rae - Desire's Black Heart

A piece recorded by Jake Lake (Nick Cole-Hamilton) and Jonas Rae in one sitting, using modular, sampled and physical instruments. The pieces utilises the 'Frippertronics' approach to looping in order to swell and decay walls of texture. Artwork by Douglas Carter.

Jake Lake & Jonas Rae - Deep Harvest

Episode 29 - The Sutor of Selkirk

Read by Gordon Stewart and featuring Tony Broonford as The Stranger. You may know Tony from his excellent Edinburgh based social media content. He's a fountain of curious tidbits about the city, and an all round lovely fella. Give him a follow!

This episode was recorded by Nick Cole-Hamilon with editing and phenomenal sound design by Giorgios Mikrogiannakis.

The only authorial attribution we could find for this story was to 'one of the authors of the odd volume'. The internet speculative fiction database has lists numerous publications which the story has appeared in. The evening standard second book of strange stories lists its publication date as 1839, and its author as unknown. As far and we can discovered the story is in the public domain, however if anyone has any further information on this, please get in touch. 

You can find us now on Mastodon, BlueSky and Facebook, using the handle @TalesWyrd

And be sure to recommend the podcast to any likeminded wyrdos you know!

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a you better run media production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland Episode | Episode 29 - The Sutor of Selkirk (featuring Tony Broonford)

Episode 1  - The tale of the life and death of James Pringle, and the haunting of Buckholm Tower.

Content warning - Please note that this episode contains depictions of violence, and the use of accompanying sound effects, that some people may find disturbing.

This tale is told by Gordon Stewart and was adapted from a story on his blog: https://borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

The episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The reading of this episode was recorded in Armchair Books, 72-74 Westport Edinburgh, with permission of the owners - www.armchairbooks.co.uk

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://andrewcowan.co/

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 1 - The Haunting Of Buckholm Tower

Episode 2 - The Light of the Seven Hunters

This episode explores the disappearances of James Ducat, Thomas Marshall, and Donald McArthur from the Eilean Mor lighthouse in the year 1900.

This tale is told by Gordon Stewart, check out his blog at: www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

The episode was written, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The reading of this episode was recorded in Armchair Books, 72-74 Westport Edinburgh, with permission of the owners - www.armchairbooks.co.uk

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 2 - The Light Of The Seven Hunters

Episode 3 - concerning strange lights in the sky and strange encounters with unknown entities from all over Scotland.

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stuart, check out his blog at https://borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by me, Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The additional voice acting in this episode was provided by Tony Broonford and Jessica Henderson.

Check out Tony's Youtube channel, the Broonfords for hilarious and insightful Edinburgh based shenanigans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_N2kq3CCeQmLTlkStO8kSQ

Jess is an amazingly talented composer, you can check out her creations at https://soundcloud.com/arrowtothekneeproductions

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://www.andrewcowan.co/

The image of Dechmont Law is by Taras Young.

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 3 - Aliens Attack! Dechmont Law And The Falkirk Triangle

Episode 4 (Part One) is the first half of our exploration of an A-Z of Scottish folklore, where we encounter Witches, Water-Bulls, the Wizard of the West Bow, and much, much more...

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stuart, check out his blog at www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

This episode features Tony Broonford. Check out his new podcast, Scottish Memories: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1160720?fbclid=IwAR3xCQRTPkf3qe9jvHL25B1FaGKT14gCAUwhOq74Nj0bzSv976MamdmttJo 

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: www.andrewcowan.co/

The image for this episode's thumbnail is taken from a Gaelic book of mythological verse, held by the National Library of Scotland: https://digital.nls.uk/gaelic-manuscripts-of-scotland/archive/77025518#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&xywh=0%2C-1050%2C2499%2C5243

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 4 - An A-Z Of Scottish Folklore (Part One)

Episode 5 (Part two) is the second half of our exploration of an A-Z of Scottish folklore, where this time we encounter: Zombie Monks;  the Finfolk - amphibious water-dwelling sorcerers; the cù-sìth, a self-illuminating Faerie Hound, and much, much more...

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stuart, check out his blog at www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

This episode features additional instrumentation from Jonas Rae.

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://www.andrewcowan.co/

The image for this episode's thumbnail is taken from a Gaelic book of mythological verse, held by the National Library of Scotland: https://digital.nls.uk/gaelic-manuscripts-of-scotland/archive/77025518#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&xywh=-872%2C0%2C4242%2C3144

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 5 - An A-Z Of Scottish Folklore (Part Two)

Episode 6, A Bleak Midwinter. A exploration of the origins of traditions on the shortest days of the year, and a dark tale for the dark season; the story of the Tay Bridge Disaster.

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stewart, check out his blog at www.borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

This episode was produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://www.andrewcowan.co/

This is a You Better Run Media Production

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 6 - A Bleak Midwinter

Episode 7 - The month of February marks LGBT+ History Month in Scotland, and elsewhere.  And so, we take a short detour away from our more usual wyrd history… to an LGBT+ history of Scotland.  Listeners are advised that the commentary includes some content and language which they may find uncomfortable listening, reflecting attitudes and practices of earlier times.  No offence or distress is intended. 

This is a safe place, for all, and we submit this episode with respect, for all.

Regular listeners will be aware that this episode is somewhat different in form as well as content from previous episodes. Usually we like to employ our own sounds and compositions, however for this episode it felt appropriate to source music which reflected the time periods being spoken about, and to generally avoid emotive or creepy sound effects.

Therefore, we'd like to acknowledge the pieces of music used and their performers. We would also like to to say that as far as possible we've tried to use music from the public domain, or which permits reuse. If we've erred here please let us know and we will be more than happy to make appropriate changes.

This episode featured:

Masculine women, feminine men, written by Jimmy Monaco and Edgar Lesie, performed by Frank Harris AKA Irving Kaufman.

It featured multiple early and renaissance classical guitar pieces by Jon Sayles, which can be found at http://www.jsayles.com/familypages/EarlyMusic.htm
it really is amazing the collection he's put together.

There was selections from the Sonata of Scots Tunes by James Oswald, performed by Concerto Caledonia and David McGuinness.

It featured Love Your Spell is Everywhere performed by Ben Selvin and his orchestra.

And also Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes by Alfred Newman and His orchestra

And finally it featured Sun Disco by Cow&Lake, of which Andrew Cowan, who designed the Tales from Wyrd Scotland logo, was Cow, and Nick Cole-Hamilton was Lake.

This episode was written and read by Gordon Stewart check out his blog: http://borderlandscotland.wordpress.com/

The episode was recorded, produced and radiophonically designed by Nick Cole-Hamilton: http://www.youbetterrun.media

The Tales From Wyrd Scotland logo was designed by Andrew Cowan: http://andrewcowan.co/

Tales From Wyrd Scotland | Episode 7 - "A Little Light In The Fedora" An LGBT+ History Of Scotland

Weird noises from Nick Cole-Hamilton/NikNak/Jake Lake and co-conspirators.

You Better Run Records

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