The Scottish Folklore Podcast

In each episode of The Scottish Folklore Podcast host Jenny Johnstone retells traditional Scottish folk tales from around the country, bringing age-old adventures, local lore, and strange creatures to life.

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22 episodes
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Avg 29 min
English

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#61
Sunday · 23 min
61. Harvest: Maidens, Black Magic and More
The Autumn Equinox has just passed and harvest in Scotland is well underway. This was an incredibly important time of year, where no risk was taken that might compromise the harvest, and every tradition and superstition was followed to the T! In this episode Jenny explores some of these traditions and superstitions, namely the Harvest Maiden and the Harvest Cailleach, before telling some tales of supernatural harvest helpers… and hinderers: fairies, the Devil, and a wizard called Auld Scary. Listen to Bryce Whyte tell the tale of Auld Scary Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#60
September 13 · 29 min
60. Brownies: Hairy Little Household Helpers
Brownies are odd little folkloric spirits who help out around the house purely because they like to. But be warned, they are as easy to please as they are to lose, and tales of their touchiness can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland! In this episode Jenny explores some of the many tales of Brownies that can be found in Scotland, as well as what happens when Brownies go bad, before ending on the wonderful tale of The Brownie o’ Ferne-Den. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#59
August 9 · 32 min
59. Rannoch: Changelings, Clans, and The Second Sight
Rannoch is a thin place, an area where the veil between our world and the Other World is said to be rather raggedy, and all sorts of strange things can pass between. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Rannoch stretches from Schiehallion in the east to Glen Coe in the west. In this episode, Jenny explores some of the many tales that take place in the fairy mountains, ancient forests and eerie moors here. From fairy changelings and wolf hunts to encounters with the Devil himself and tales of the second sight, this is a place steeped in folklore, superstition and strange happenings. Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#58
July 19 · 24 min
58. The Blue Men of The Minch
The poetry-slinging, storm-bringing Blue Men of The Minch are only found in one place in Scotland, the strait of water between the Outer Hebrides in the west and the mainland & Skye in the east. The turbulent and ever changing waters here have wrecked countless ships over the centuries, and while some may blame poor weather, or even poor captains, those in the know, understand the real culprits to be The Blue Men of The Minch. In this episode Jenny tells three stories of encounters with these rhyming ship wreckers, and by the end you’ll understand just why the waters of The Minch are regarded as some of the most dangerous in all of the British Isles. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#57
July 5 · 25 min
57. The Midge: Scotland’s Most Vicious Predator
The blasted, buzzing, biting midge is the most vicious predator in all of Scotland. One alone is not much to worry about, but they rarely come alone! In this episode Jenny looks at some of the lore around the minuscule midge, including some truly awful punishments, so listeners beware! She also tells the tale of the bloodthirsty giant Thrim, and how the midge came to Scotland, which takes us all the way from Norway to Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, and finally to the little peninsula of Applecross. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#56
June 14 · 31 min
56. The Loch Ness Monster and St Columba
It’s time for a monster hunt! The Loch Ness Monster is perhaps the most famous Scot in the world, yet despite her renown she’s a very shy girl. The vast majority of sightings come from after the 1933 boom, when Nessie went global, yet the very first ever recorded sighting of her is in 565 CE, when St Columba stumbled across a group of terrified Picts on the shore of Loch Ness. In this episode Jenny tells the tale of Columba, his mission to convert the Picts to christianity, the very first ever sighting of The Loch Ness Monster, and a lovely little kelpie tale at the end! Visit the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#55
May 24 · 37 min
55. The Fairy Folk of Skye
The Isle of Skye is home to not only some of the most enchanting views in the world, but also a whole host of fairies! In this episode Jenny visits some of these fairies in their homes, first at the fairy knoll of An Sidhean just south of Broadford and then at the ancient iron age brochs of Dun Borve, Dun Garsin and Dun Taimh - each one with its own tale of the little people and their run ins with us pesky humans! From ancient forts to mighty castles, she then travels to Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeods, and tells the tale of one of the clan’s most prized possessions: the fairy flag of Dunvegan! Curses, blessings, and a whole herd of coos await! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#54
May 10 · 31 min
54. Dog Tales: Folklore of our Furry Four Legged Friends
There are many tales, and indeed tails, of dogs in Scottish folklore, and in this episode Jenny tells as many as she can in half an hour - which is a surprising amount! From the ominous black dogs of The Bridge of Quholmslee and Loch Ordain, to the gold guarding dogs in Helmsdale and Loch Stack, to the cu-sith, fairy dogs, of The Maidens near Loch Leven and the snowy hills of Kingussie, if you’re a fan of our furry four legged friends, there’s a story here for you! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#53
March 22 · 23 min
53. The Sea Mither: The Battle for Spring and The Dreaded Nuckelavee
The Sea Mither is the Orcadian sea deity who brings the calm waters, warm weather, and bounty of spring and summer. But this is no easy feat, for first she must battle Teran, the fearsome winter god of the sea, for control of the waves. Teran is not her only foe, however, as the dreaded Nuckelavee, surely Scotland’s most nightmarish creature, must also be banished. Join Jenny to hear all about the Orcadian (and Shetlandic) lore of the Sea Mither, Teran, and a poor fellow named Tammie who was unlucky enough to meet the Nuckelavee on a dark, winter night. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#52
March 8 · 26 min
52. Will o’ the Wisps
Sometimes called Spunkies, other times Will o’ the Wisps, whatever the name, these fiery spirits are always up to no good. And by no good I mean straight up bog-induced murder! Will o’ the Wisps are fiery orbs that lure lost and weary travellers away from the path and out into the vast swampy moors, and in this episode Jenny tells a tale where the poor unsuspecting victim is none other than the moon herself! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#51
February 22 · 29 min
51. Corp Creadha: Scottish Voodoo Dolls and Black Magic
This episode sees Jenny exploring the mysterious and often malicious dark magic of Corp Creadha, or Clay Bodies. These are Scotland’s version of voodoo dolls, and although less well known than their famous counterparts, as the three tales in this episode tell, they are by no means any less powerful! These stories are of a heartbroken man out on a Hebridean Island, a vengeful witch from Inverness and her vendetta against the Provost, and of Mac Ian Ghiorr, a notorious cattle thief from Ardnamurchan, who causes all sorts of trouble for the Maclean’s of Duart on Mull. Each tale has a Clay Body at its heart, here’s just hoping there’s not a needle in there too! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Visit the website and view the Interactive Map Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map View the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft Interactive Map Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#50
February 8 · 26 min
50. Waterfalls: Wailing Spirits, Weird Rituals, and Suspicious Whistles
The folktales are cascading in this episode as Jenny gets drenched under the waterfall lore of Scotland! First she explores the strange and sad folklore of the wailing Caoineag, a water spirit that lives by waterfalls, and its ties to the Glen Coe Massacre of 1692. Next she looks into the healing powers of waterfalls and Saint Fillan's easing of suffering using magical stones near the village of Killin. Then it’s onto some very odd divination rituals in Trotternish, Skye, that have ancient roots in Irish culture, before ending with the tale of ‘The Silver Whistle’ which takes place in the mighty mountain of Beinn na Caillich on Skye, and sees a drover run in with the Fianna. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#49
January 25 · 34 min
49. Tam o’ Shanter
It’s Burns Night! On the 25th of January Scots all over the world come together to celebrate the life and works of the Bard himself, Rabbie Burns, and so in this episode Jenny recites his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. This wild tale takes place in Alloway, Ayrshire, where Burns was from, and follows a farmer Tam, as he drinks late into the night before heading home on his trusty steed, Meg. Unfortunately a storm is raging all around him, but the weather is the least of his concerns, for when he reaches Auld Alloway Kirk he stumbles upon a wild party of warlocks, witches, and the Devil himself! The poem is in Scots, but worry not if you don’t understand it, Jenny also recites an English translation! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#48
January 11 · 33 min
48. Omens: Good, Bad, Worse and BIRDS!
Learn how to tell the future the old fashioned way! The natural world is teeming with messages about things to come; from bats, to boats, to just about every bird there is, omens can be found throughout Scottish folklore. In this episode Jenny explores a whole host of different omens, what they mean, and in some cases, how you can avoid the grim fate they predict. Amongst these harbingers of doom she tells two tales of terrible omens, one of Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull, and one from Closeburn Castle in Dumfries. You can view these locations on this interactive map. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#47
Dec 21, 2025 · 29 min
47. Christmas Time Tales
Yuletide is for feasting, festivities, and fireside stories! In this episode Jenny tells two traditional Christmas time tales, ‘Dancing in the Fairy Knoll’ from Glen Etive and Duncan Williamson’s ‘The Hare and The Scarecrow’. Fairies flit in and out of both stories, but in very different ways, showing just how fickle and friendly they can be! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 14, 2025 · 25 min
Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release]
Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the year, and the rebirth into a new cycle of life. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#46
Dec 7, 2025 · 36 min
46. Assipattle and the Mester Stoorworm
This is one of Scotland’s greatest wonder tales - it is a story of gargantuan proportions, tremendous sacrifice, and unlikely heroes. It comes from Orkney in the far north and tells of Assipattle, a lazy layabout farm lad, and the arrival of the dreaded Mester Stoorworm, a ginormous sea-serpent that can wrap its body around the entire earth and kill everything on land with its terrible breath. But that’s all info you’re getting, as it’s best to just dive right in and enjoy! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#45
Nov 23, 2025 · 31 min
45. Origins of the Selkie Folk
Seals under the waves, humans upon the shore, selkies are some of Scotland’s most well loved folkloric beings, and for good reason too, for their beautiful eyes and gentle nature have captured our imaginations, and hearts, for centuries. In this episode Jenny dives into the world of the seal-folk, their lives both above the surface and below, their many origin stories, and the story of MacCodrum of the Seals. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#44
Nov 9, 2025 · 30 min
44. Cailleach Beira: The Ancient Hag Deity of Winter
Mountain builder, bone singer, bringer of winter, the Cailleach Beira is a Hag unto her own. Join Jenny in this episode as she tells many tales of the giant blue-faced deity who rules over the cruel, harsh winters of Scotland. From her shaping of the land, to her protective peace, to her bitter rage-filled jealousy of the beautiful maiden of spring, Bride, the Cailleach Beira rules over not just winter, but also our hearts. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#43
Oct 28, 2025 · 21 min
43. Samhain: Halloween Traditions & Tales
The veil is thinning and soon Samhain, the scariest night of the year, will be upon us. But what is it that makes this night, the 31st of October, just so spooky? In this episode Jenny explores the ancient Celtic roots of Samhain, traditional protective rituals, divination games, and tells the tale of a lass who decided to peek behind the veil to find out who her future husband would be. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram Visit the website and view the interactive map Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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