Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

National Trust for Scotland

Love Scotland is a fortnightly podcast series from the National Trust for Scotland.

Hosted by TV star, expert broadcaster and National Trust for Scotland president Jackie Bird, Love Scotland features big names, experts and enthusiasts from all walks of life. Each episode delves deep into the detail of Scotland’s history, its wildlife and its landscapes.

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21 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes21

Newest first

Wednesday · 42 min
LISTEN AGAIN: The Afterlife of Mary, Queen of Scots
This summer, we’ve been celebrating the best of Scottish books and authors. In the final instalment, we’re turning our attention to the nation’s rich world of non-fiction. This episode, first released in 2024, looks at the fascinating legacy of Scotland’s most recognised queen. -- Arguably the most famous monarch in Scottish history, Mary, Queen of Scots remains a figure of global intrigue more than 400 years after her death. One question, then: why? In a previous episode of Love Scotland, Jackie explored the life and times of Mary. Today, she’s on a mission to find out why Mary’s story and legacy have been pored over in such detail for centuries. Joining Jackie in the studio is Professor Steven Reid of the University of Glasgow, who is also the author of The Afterlife of Mary, Queen of Scots. Together, they unpick the posthumous interest in Mary, the many different perceptions of her legacy, and how Mary’s death has been used throughout history to further different groups’ objectives. For more information on Falkland Palace, click here.
July 22 · 41 min
LISTEN AGAIN: Diana Gabaldon and the story of Outlander
This summer, we’re celebrating the best of Scottish books and authors. To mark the occasion, we’re re-releasing a gem from a previous season of Love Scotland featuring Outlander author Diana Gabaldon. -- Jackie Bird is joined by author Diana Gabaldon to discuss her best-selling books, its TV adaptation, and how the Outlander effect has shaped global perceptions of Scotland. Outlander tells the story of a time-travelling nurse from the 20th century who falls in love with an 18th century Highland warrior. The early books span several places now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, including Culross, Falkland Palace, and Culloden. In this episode, Diana reveals the origins of the Outlander story, her visceral reactions to visiting Culloden herself, and her first thoughts on the new series of the popular TV adaptation which begins airing on 16 June. Plus, she reveals some secrets from the future of the franchise, including the next book instalment. To find out more about some of the places mentioned in this episode of Love Scotland, click here.
July 8 · 38 min
LISTEN AGAIN: The real story of Whisky Galore
This summer, we’re celebrating the best of Scottish books and authors. To mark the occasion, we’re re-releasing a gem from a previous season of Love Scotland that discusses the history of an incident made famous by Compton Mackenzie’s 1947 classic Whisky Galore. -- In 1941, cargo ship the SS Politician ran aground near Eriskay, an island in the Hebrides. On board? Some 22,000 cases of whisky. What followed has been immortalised on page and screen in Whisky Galore, a retelling of how local islanders made the most of the unexpected arrival of so much alcohol, and how the authorities tried to stop them. But what really happened? Jackie Bird is joined by journalist Roger Hutchinson, author of Polly, The True Story Behind Whisky Galore, to discover the truth about SS Politician and its valuable cargo. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. For more information on Canna House collection, click here.
June 24 · 32 min
Denise Mina: tales of historic fact and fiction
This week, Jackie is kickstarting a summer of reading-related episodes with one of Scotland’s most beloved writers, Denise Mina. The Scottish author, active for 30 years and the writer of multiple award-winning and best-selling books, is in the studio to talk about juggling facts and fiction in historical works. Her 2021 book, Rizzio, revolves around the murder of David Rizzio, Mary, Queen of Scots’ secretary. It tells the story, based on true events, through a contemporary lens, and Denise explains how her wider writing experience led her to this project. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
June 10 · 32 min
Inside the Trust's Plan for Nature
This week, Jackie is at Ben Lomond to dig into another strand of the National Trust for Scotland’s work: its Plan for Nature. Joined by the Trust’s head of nature conservation, Jeff Waddell, Jackie discovers some of the nature conservation work being done across the country, including at Mar Lodge, Canna and St Kilda. And, while surrounded by a cloud of midges, Jeff shares some of the success stories from recent years, including increased populations of corncrakes. You’ll also hear how the Trust talks about the wildlife it conserves, how new technology is helping with the Trust’s work, and what goes on behind-the-scenes to care for Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife. To find out more about Ben Lomond, click here. To take part in the Scottish Animal World Cup, visit the Trust’s Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. A winner will be crowned on 19 July. Find out more about the Trust’s Plan for Nature progress by clicking here.
May 27 · 41 min
Henry VIII and Scotland
Arguably one of the best known monarchs of all, Henry VIII casts a long shadow through British history books. But, what influence did Henry have on Scotland? That’s the focus of this week’s episode, in which Jackie and her guest explore the complex and dramatic relationship between Henry and the kingdom that lay to the north. Author Dr Steven Veerapen talks us through the politics and religious influences that shaped Henry VIII’s rule and its impact on Scotland, and how an Auld Alliance prevented war from breaking out. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
May 13 · 45 min
A beginner's guide to Andrew Carnegie
His name may be familiar – but how much do you really know about Andrew Carnegie? In this week’s episode, Jackie and her guest introduce you to a man who was once the richest individual on the planet, explaining both how he made his wealth and why he started to give it away. Whether you’re familiar with his origins in Scotland or know only of some of his achievements in the US, this episode will introduce you to a fascinating entrepreneur of the past. Joining Jackie is author, biographer and historian David Nasaw, and we take a trip to the Trust’s own Weaver’s Cottage to discover what life would have been like for Andrew and his family. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
April 29 · 38 min
Your questions answered!
In this week’s episode, it’s not Jackie who’s asking the questions: it’s you! Historian and author Professor Murray Pittock joins us in the studio to answer some of your burning questions spanning the Jacobite Uprisings, Nessie, and more. Murray also discusses his new book, The Shortest History of Scotland, which covers the full gamut of the nation’s past and present in just over 200 pages. To get involved in future episodes like this, send us your questions on Scottish history via email to nts.editor(@)thinkpublishing.co.uk, or as a comment or review on this episode. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
April 15 · 38 min
The storied history of Alloa Tower
This week, Jackie’s stepping back in time at Alloa Tower: the ancestral seat of a family that played a pivotal role in the history of Scotland. Now surrounded by two housing estates and a supermarket, the tower has, in the past, been part of the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Jacobite Uprisings, and James VI. Join her as she meets the Trust team at Alloa Tower and unpicks some of these interconnected tales, and how a fortified tower came to house opulent 18th century interiors. Find out more about Alloa Tower here. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
April 9 · 38 min
LISTEN AGAIN: Doug Allan's Antarctica, Attenborough and a changing climate
We were saddened to hear the news of Doug Allan’s passing. This episode, first recorded in 2023, features Doug sharing some of his favourite stories from his career. We hope you enjoy it. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. - Wildlife cameraman Doug Allan became world-renowned with film credits for some of the most influential documentaries ever made and a trophy cabinet full of BAFTAs and Emmys. He contributed to David Attenborough’s Blue Planet and Frozen Planet, and spent more time than nearly anyone else diving into the world’s iciest oceans in search of wildlife. In this episode of Love Scotland, he sat down with Jackie to discuss an eventful career, including a dangerously close encounter with a walrus. He also revealed his eyewitness account of how a changing climate is affecting underwater wildlife, and some of his favourite experiences shooting in Scotland’s wild places.
April 1 · 33 min
A beginner's guide to Preston Mill
Join Jackie on a trip to this 16th century watermill in East Lothian, made famous to modern audiences through its appearance in Outlander. Jackie meets the Trust team responsible for the day-to-day running of the mill and uncovers the layers of its past. Preston Mill was being used commercially as recently as 1959, when it was the last to operate in the region. Its Dutch-style conical roof makes it stand out from other Scottish mills, and as a mill has existed on the site since the 18th century, there’s a deep sense of history here. Find out more about Preston Mill here. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
March 18 · 33 min
Retelling the stories of Robert Burns
Even now, artists and creatives take inspiration from the works of Robert Burns some 230 years after his death. Last year, theatremaker James Clements explored the Trust’s Burns collection and brought it to life in a new production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His show, The Burns Project, sold out for its entire run and is now touring the US. It uses the bard’s letters, poems and personal items to tell the story of Burns in an intimate setting. Jackie chats to James about his creative process, the enduring legacy of Burns, and what he learned along the way. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
March 4 · 32 min
Horrible Histories: and how it has inspired new generations
For many history enthusiasts today, it all began with Horrible Histories. Whether the book series or subsequent TV adaptation – or, indeed, stage shows and films – the huge franchise has sparked many a love of the past through its gruesome, entertaining and, most importantly, accurate storytelling and songs. Today, Jackie sits down with two of the brains behind Horrible Histories to learn more about how they’ve managed to capture the imaginations of several generations of children and young people, the process of bringing book to the stage, and some of their favourite Scottish characters to appear. Horrible Histories – The Concert is touring now, including stops in Edinburgh and Glasgow. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
February 18 · 31 min
A beginner's guide to birdsong
Can you tell your blackbirds from your blue tits? Do you know the difference between a collared dove and a wood pigeon? This week, Jackie is here to help you improve your understanding of British birdsong. Alongside naturalist and influencer Lucy Lapwing, Jackie explores the sounds of Greenbank Garden in Glasgow. Discover some top tips for memorising which calls come from which bird, and get Lucy’s advice for expanding your knowledge as the dawn chorus ramps up once again. For information on Greenbank Garden, click here. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
February 4 · 42 min
Mary, Queen of Scots: the captive years
The life of Mary, Queen of Scots has long fascinated historians and history-lovers alike. This week, Jackie sits down with studio guest Rosemary Goring to discuss the 19-year period of Mary’s life spent in captivity. Together, they discuss the circumstances surrounding Mary’s imprisonment, the political reasons behind her enduring captivity, and the tragedy of this nearly two-decade-long period. Rosemary Goring is the author of several books, including Exile: The Captive Years of Mary, Queen of Scots. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Scroll down this feed for previous instalments covering the life of Mary and her son, James VI.
January 21 · 39 min
A beginner's guide to the Burns Supper
Whether you’ve never been to an former Burns Supper or you’re a long-time aficionado who knows the Address to a Haggis by heart, there’s always something new to learn about Robert Burns and his work. With Burns Night just a few days away, Jackie is joined by two of Scotland’s most prominent Burns experts to dissect the ceremonial aspects of the celebration, the history of its traditions, and the true meaning of his poetry. Professor Gerry Carruthers is the Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glsagow, while Chris Waddell is the Learning Manager of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is run by the National Trust for Scotland. You can find out more about the museum here. Or you can explore the Trust’s Burns Collection here. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Nov 28, 2025 · 28 min
LISTEN AGAIN: Traditional festive displays at Castle Fraser
This episode was first released in 2022. As we enter December, we’re revisiting a podcast all about how the National Trust for Scotland creates and installs authentic decorations in its places. Listen in as Jackie meets Dr Jo Riley from Castle Fraser, who led a Trust research project into traditional decorations and how they have changed over time. From garlands to gifts, candles to clementines, Jo has examined exactly how previous residents in homes like Castle Fraser would have celebrated. Jackie and Jo discuss the pagan roots of the festive season, why mistletoe didn’t always mean romance, and who it was that first brough yule logs to Scottish shores. Find out more about Dr Jo Riley’s research by clicking here. You can also get the latest visitor information on Castle Fraser, and all of our properties, on the National Trust for Scotland website. Love Scotland will return in the New Year. Please remember to follow, rate and review the podcast on your podcast platform of choice.
Nov 14, 2025 · 31 min
The life and legacy of Bernat Klein
Earlier this year, a coalition of leading Scottish heritage and design organisations – including the National Trust for Scotland – joined together to secure the future of the Bernat Klein Studio. This building was used by textile designer Bernat Klein, who was perhaps best known for his international collections for Chanel and Dior. To understand more about the man behind the studio, and the building’s future, Jackie speaks with Alison Harley, Chair of the Bernat Klein Foundation, and author Shelley Klein, Bernat’s daughter. The full restoration of the Bernat Klein Studio will be carried out by the project coalition, led by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), in partnership with the Bernat Klein Foundation and the National Trust for Scotland. Visit bernatkleinstudio.org.uk to learn more, support the project and receive updates. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Oct 31, 2025 · 31 min
Craftlands: stories of traditional skills
This week, Jackie is on the trail of spittle-makers, quarrel-pickers, yowlers and the other traditional craftspeople whose skills have vanished from mainstream life. Alongside academic, broadcaster and author James Fox, Jackie unpicks stories of handmade crafts and the social history behind their disappearance. James’s book, Craftland, documents many of these arts and trades right across Britain. It’s available online and in book shops now. You can find more about the places in the National Trust for Scotland’s care with links to industry here. To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Oct 17, 2025 · 45 min
James VI and the witch trials
This episode contains descriptions of violence that may not be suitable for all listeners. In this week’s episode, Jackie is joined by historian Steven Veerapen to discuss the role James VI played in Scotland’s witch trials. Between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries, an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people – most of whom were women – were tried for witchcraft, with around 1,500 executed as a result of the trials. King James VI played a leading role in the trials, writing a detailed dissertation on the subject of witchcraft that encouraged and endorsed the practice of witch hunting. You can read our 2021 study into the connections between Trust places and the witch trials here. To hear more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.