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Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
Alison Fraser
36 episodes
6 hours ago
If you could design your perfect day in Scotland what would it look like? Where would you be? What would you do? What food, drink and music would you enjoy? My name is Alison Fraser and I’m on a quest to find the best places to visit Scotland, from the eyes of the people who have experienced them for themselves. Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live. Use this show to help plan your Scottish itinerary, whether you love islands, cities, history, myths, legends, wildlife or fine foods, you will get holiday tips galore.
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All content for Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland is the property of Alison Fraser and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
If you could design your perfect day in Scotland what would it look like? Where would you be? What would you do? What food, drink and music would you enjoy? My name is Alison Fraser and I’m on a quest to find the best places to visit Scotland, from the eyes of the people who have experienced them for themselves. Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live. Use this show to help plan your Scottish itinerary, whether you love islands, cities, history, myths, legends, wildlife or fine foods, you will get holiday tips galore.
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Places & Travel
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/36)
Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E11 Literary traveller Constance Ray (Lewis, Cruden Bay, Slains Castle and Bram Stoker's Dracula, Edinburgh's literary connections)

My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by literary travel writer Constance Ray.


Constance is from the US but is living in Germany. She did undergraduate studies in English literature and had the opportunity to study in London for a semester. 


She’s currently based in Europe where she started her literary travel blog. She says she believes literature is one of the best ways to have an authentic cultural experience of places. 


Literary travel is a trip to places given value by a literary figure or a literary work and events centered around literature.


Constance’s links:

https://www.awellreadwanderer.com/

https://awellreadwanderer.ck.page/signup 


Places Constance took us:

 

Isle of Lewis https://www.isle-of-lewis.com/ 

Hebridean Way https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/hebrideanway 

Calanais Stones https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/calanais-standing-stones/ 

Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/cruden-bay-p2564811 

Slains Castle https://www.visitabdn.com/listing/slains-castle 

Greyfriars Kirkyard https://greyfriarskirk.com/visit/kirkyard/ 

Arthurs Seat https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/holyrood-park-and-arthurs-seat-p914341 

Literary Pub Crawl https://www.edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk/ 


Food and drink:

Kilmarnock Arms https://www.kilmarnockarms.com/ 

Afternoon Tea https://everythingedinburgh.com/afternoon-tea-in-edinburgh/ 

Haggis https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/edinburgh/articles/top-10-places-to-have-haggis-in-edinburgh 


Books:

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 

Sunset Song by Louis Grassic Gibbon

Robert Burns poetry

Robert Louis Stevenson’s poetry


Music:

Franz Ferdinand https://franzferdinand.com/ 

The View https://www.theviewofficial.com/ 

Skippinish https://www.skipinnish.com/ 

Paulo Nutini New Shoes https://youtu.be/hmbUNF1Q4R8?si=CeQLC7wnH3KrElPK 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 


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11 months ago
44 minutes 26 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E10 Chemistry professor and musician Colin Campbell (Surgeon's Hall, Loch Rannoch, Wemyss Bay, Isle of Bute, Arisaig, Skye, Harris)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and in this episode I’m joined by Professor Colin Campbell. Colin is a professor at the University of Edinburgh where he is head of organic chemistry in the School of Chemistry. 


Colin is also a musician currently producing an album inspired by one of his favourite places in Scotland, which you will hear more about.


Colin’s links:

University profile: https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/professor-colin-campbell 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colincampbell63/


Places Colin took us:


Surgeons Hall Museums, Edinburgh: https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/ 

Loch Oschin Youth Hostel up in the, in the, in the middle of Rannoch Moor.

https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/loch-ossian/

Loch Rannoch https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/loch-rannoch-p2569791 

Glen Lyon and the Bridge of Balgie https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/bridge-of-balgie.shtml 

Fortingall Yew https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/fortingall-yew-p2568631  

Wemyss Bay https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/wemyssbay/wemyssbay/index.html 

Isle of Bute: https://www.visitbute.com/ 

Arisaig https://www.arisaiginfo.org.uk/

Five Sisters of Kintail walk https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/Fivesisters.shtm

Loch Bracadale, Isle of Skye: https://scottishseakayaking.co.uk/trips/skye-raasay/loch-bracadale-wiay-island/ 

Macleod’s Maidens walk https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/macleodsmaidens.shtml

Skyeskyns tannery https://www.skyeskyns.co.uk/ 

Scarasta Beach, Harris https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/traigh-scarista-p523441 


Food and drink:

Glen Lyon Post Office: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083019656442 

The West End Cafe Rothesay https://www.facebook.com/p/The-West-End-Cafe-Rothesay-100083017428207/ 

Loch Bay https://www.lochbay-restaurant.co.uk/ 


Colin’s playlist: 

Inner Meet Me by The Beta Band

Movin' On Up by Primal Scream

Everything Flows by Teenage Fan Club

Angie by Bert Jansch

To Sir With Love by Lulu

Make My Heart Fly by The Proclaimers

Driftwood by Travis

Ghosts by Lau

Thunderstruck by Gordon Duncan: https://youtu.be/_EwDlUHoDFo?si=9mSpLI7-C7ApOV02

Sea of Okhotsk by Treeacherous Orchestra

An Eagle in Your Mind by Boards of Canada

Crossing the Minch on bagpipes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjlk7KYdGLA 

Theid mi dhachaidh 'chrò Chinn t-sàile (I will go home to Kintail)  ⁠https://youtu.be/mUZDTQNghTI?si=07B-O1Z7BPU2C0b2⁠ 

Trainspotting scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCtPBFHKSNg

Local Hero: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085859/  


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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11 months ago
59 minutes 39 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E9 Exploring the rich history of The Machars - bookshop owner Jayne Baldwin on Wigtown and its surrounds

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 

My name is Alison Fraser and in this episode I’m joined by Jayne Baldwin, a bookseller, writer and publisher who lives in Dumfries and Galloway.

Jayne originally trained and worked as a journalist. She now brings those skills, researching and a nose for a good story, to her non fiction books. She says she’s fascinated by social history and although not an historian, she tries to give a voice to those people that have been overlooked or ignored.  

Jayne carries that over to this podcast in which you will learn more about the place Jayne calls home.


Jayne’s links:

https://foggietoddlebooks.co.uk/

https://www.amazon.com/Books-Jayne-Baldwin/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AJayne+Baldwin 


Places Jayne took us:

Torhouse Stone Circle: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/torhouse-stone-circle/

Wigtown: https://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk/ 

The Machars: www.themachars.co.uk

Bladnoch Distillery: https://uk.bladnoch.com/ 

Port William: https://portwilliam.com/ 

Ring of Bright Water statue: https://themachars.co.uk/?Monreith 

Barhobble Church: https://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Dumfries-Galloway/churches/barhobble.htm 

Isle of Whithorn: http://isleofwhithorn.com/   

Cruggleton Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruggleton_Castle 

Garlieston: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlieston 


Food and drink:

ReadingLasses (books by and about women and seriously good cake) https://www.facebook.com/readinglasses17 

Five Kingdoms Brewery: https://www.fivekingdomsbrewery.com/ 

The Harbour Inn, Garlieston: https://the-harbour-inn.co.uk/

The Hive in Garlieston https://www.facebook.com/thehivecoffeeshopgarlieston/ 

Jura Whisky: https://www.jurawhisky.com/en/ 

 

Books: 

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1912014696?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_nz 

Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell 

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1910065099?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_nz 


Music:

The Proclaimers

The Bluebells: Young at Heart 

Deacon Blue: Dignity

The Associates

The Bookshop Band https://www.thebookshopband.co.uk/ 


Our Scotland season 3 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eCdQdEKOJbMtNQvScvVc3?si=RtsKCeDBQJy9qkL4_CkmKA


Mary Queen of Scots’ visit to St Ninian’s: https://www.whithorn.com/mary-queen-of-scots-visit-to-whithorn/ 

Mulberry Harbour Project in Garlieston: https://mulberryharbour.info/ 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 


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11 months ago
51 minutes 13 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E8 Crime writer Wendy Jones (Surgeons Hall, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stirling Castle and Dundee)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by crime fiction author Wendy Jones


As well as being the author of the DI Shona McKenzie mysteries Wendy is the President of the Scottish Association of Writers, and a writing and marketing coach helping writers and authors realise their literary dreams. 


Wendy is going to take us on an adventure around Scotland - and with a bonus side trip. 


Wendy’s links:

https://www.wendyhjones.com/ 


Places Wendy’s took us:

Surgeons Hall Museums, Edinburgh: https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/ 

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: https://edinburgh.org/neighbourhoods/the-royal-mile/ 

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle collection: http://www.acdfriends.org/ 

The Writers’ Museum: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum  

Stirling Museum: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/ 

Dundee: https://www.dundee.com/ 


Food and drink:

Haggis, neeps and tatties.

Bombay Joes in Broughty Ferry, Dundee: https://bombayjoes.uk/ 

Taza in Dundee: https://www.taza.co.uk/ 


Books:

Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory: https://www.philippagregory.com/books/three-sisters-three-queens 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 

https://thebookhousebroughtyferry.co.uk/ 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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11 months ago
39 minutes 58 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E7 Writer AJ Merron on falling in love with Scotland (Edinburgh, Inverclyde, Loch Fleet, South Rona, Harris)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by writer James Merron, aka AJ Merron. James lives in Edinburgh but is originally from Lancashire. 


James describes himself as a hopeless romantic at heart who tends to live in a fantasy world of his own making. 


He writes poetry, has a YouTube channel of video essays delivered like letters of the romantics era, and a podcast where arts, media and philosophy collide. 


He’s currently working on plans for a creative retreat in a Highlands castle and researching the history of female monsters and demons for a fictionals book.


James’s links:


Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ajmerron_writes 

Instagram: instragram.com/ajmerron_writes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajmerron_writes 

Website: ajmerron.co.uk 


Places James took us:

 

Edinburgh Waverley Station https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/iconic-infrastructure/the-history-of-edinburgh-waverly-station/ 

Greenock, Gourock, Inverclyde https://discoverinverclyde.com/ 

Loch Fleet https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/loch-fleet-national-nature-reserve 

South Rona https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Rona 

Shiant Isles https://www.shiantisles.net/ 

North Harris Eagle Observatory https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/north-harris-eagle-observatory-p530121 

Huisinis https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/huisinis-beach-p523511 


Food and drink:


The Cove, Gourock https://thecovegourock.co.uk/ 

Eteaket https://www.eteaket.co.uk 


Music:


Nina Nesbitt: https://ninanesbittmusic.com/

Seals singing: https://youtu.be/WYlLPyIeapg?si=MtFDUinWQOFGMW49 


Machair


Machair is a Gaelic word meaning fertile low lying grassy plain. This is the name given to one of the rarest habitats in Europe which only occurs on exposed western coasts of Scotland and Ireland. There are Machair habitats on the western shores throughout the islands.


Here sand, largely made up of crushed shells, is regularly blown ashore by Atlantic gales. 


Over time the calcium rich shell sand and traditional Outer Hebrides crofting land practices have led to the development of a mosaic of fertile Scottish grassland habitats renowned for their Outer Hebrides wildflowers, Western Isles birds and insect life.

https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/wildlife/machair 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 


You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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11 months ago
53 minutes 4 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E6 Eoin Smith takes us on a magical tour (Aviemore, John Henry Anderson's grave, Applecross, Kincraig, Fringe Festival, The Tunnels)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by Eoin Smith. Eoin is a multi-award-winning magician and author based in Aberdeen.


As a magician, Eoin's performances have taken him across Scotland to five-star hotels, comedy and cabaret clubs, and beyond – including the stage of the 500-seater Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen.


As a writer, Eoin has had short stories and humour writing published around the world, including by Popshot, Two Fifty One and SANS. Press. He has also had features published by the likes of The Guardian, Q and Magic Magazine.


Eoin is also an Explorer Scout Leader, and has been volunteering to provide 14-18 year olds with incredible experiences across Scotland for over 15 years.


Eoin’s links:

https://linktr.ee/eoin.smith 


Places Eoin took us:

 

Aviemore https://www.alltrails.com/scotland/highlands/aviemore 

St Nicholas Kirkyard, Aberdeen, the grave of magician John Henry Anderson

http://www.openspacetrust.org.uk/?p=646 

Road to Applecross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTN46Rv6DVs 

Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/  

Edinburgh Fringe Festival https://www.edfringe.com/ 

The Tunnels, Aberdeen https://www.facebook.com/tunnelsaberdeen/ 


Food and drink:

Butteries from The Bread Guy https://thebreadguysbakery.co.uk/ 

Harry Gow bakery https://www.harrygow.co.uk/ 

Restaurant Martin Wishart https://restaurantmartinwishart.co.uk/ 


Music:

Little Kicks https://www.thelittlekicks.co.uk/ 

Frightened Rabbit https://www.frightenedrabbit.com/ 

Eoin’s playlist: 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3bHExnyMo9IigA3ovmQXI4?si=40447c9d72294ebc 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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1 year ago
57 minutes 13 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E5 Lindsay Bruce talks family holidays, thin spaces and a Scottish Cup Final (Millport, Harris, Motherwell)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by Lindsay Bruce, a features and obituaries writer for the Press and Journal, one of Scotland's oldest newspapers. 


Lindsay is a mum of two and describes herself as an avid Irn-bru drinker and crazy dog lady. 


During the pandemic Lindsay was treated for cancer and it was after that she and her family moved to Scotland, it had been 20 years since she had last lived there.


Lindsay’s links:

Press & Journal author profile:  https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/author/lindsaybruce/


Just Such A Time https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Such-Time-Reconnecting-God-given/dp/1908393750


Lindsay’s story about her Papa’s letter to her Gran after the birth of her father

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6495817/aberdeen-fathers-day-letter-makes-me-love-my-papa-more/


Places Lindsay took us:

 

Isle of Cumbrae: https://millport.org/ 

Harris: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/islands/lewis-harris 

Motherwell https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/motherwell-p237201

Motherwell FC https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/ 


Food and drink:

Chapman’s Pies: http://jameschapmanbutchers.co.uk/shops-hours/


Music:

The Proclaimers - Sunshine on Leith soundtrack https://open.spotify.com/album/7sfXW3fw4RHGldmx0HeLP8 

Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid https://open.spotify.com/track/1kBTjMOQcmrI5tW94GpdYG 

Celtic Christian music: https://open.spotify.com/album/6IRrCtHJN0Wf7Amb0WjS6N 


Scunnered: https://www.scotslanguage.com/articles/view/id/5115/type 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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1 year ago
47 minutes 53 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E4 Writer Patti Callahan takes us timehopping (Edinburgh, Inverness)

Welcome to Our Scotland, the podcast where we take 24 hours in Scotland, add in teleportation, time travel and anything else we please to conjure up the day of our dreams. 


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places and my guests are people just like me.


In this episode I’m joined by Seattle-based writer Patti Callahan.


Patti has been a student, hairstylist, cocktail waitress, corporate professional, and small business owner. She’s also an expert multitasker who has pursued a lifelong love of travel, completed her MBA, and raised two sons. Patti maintains a blog on Medium - @novelsandtravels - and lives in the Pacific Northwest with dreams of an apartment in Europe to use as a home base for wandering the world. 


You’re going to hear a tale of two cities where Patti would love to spend her perfect Scottish day.


Patti’s links:

Blog: https://novelsandtravels.medium.com/ 

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patti-Callahan/author/B006QB1ZXI?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/novelsandtravels 

Places Patti took us:

Edinburgh: https://everythingedinburgh.com/ 

Writers Museum: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum 

Grassmarket: https://edinburgh.org/neighbourhoods/grassmarket/ 

Inverness: https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/ 

Culloden House: https://www.cullodenhouse.co.uk/ 

Culloden Battlefield: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden/ 

Music: 

Loreena McKennitt: https://loreenamckennitt.com/ 

Our Scotland Season 3 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eCdQdEKOJbMtNQvScvVc3?si=k9r6TsvkQsmiVgfmwaD-qw


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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1 year ago
42 minutes 31 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E3 Professor Donna Heddle and great Scottish stories (Fife, Papa Westray, Iona, Lochindorb, Elderslie, St Margaret's Chapel, St Magnus Cathedral)

If you had just 24 hours in Scotland where would you go? Add in teleportation, time travel and even the magic of pausing time you can conjure up the day of your dreams.


That is what Our Scotland is all about, highlighting the places and people that are memorable.


My name is Alison Fraser and I love all things Scotland, the people, the food, the music and the places.


In this episode I’m joined by Professor Donna Heddle who is going to take us on a historic 24 hours around Scotland and share some fascinating stories with us, some you may know, and some you might not.


Professor Donna Heddle is the Director of the Institute for Northern Studies at University of the Highlands and Islands. 


Based on the UHI Orkney campus, her research interests include Scottish and Northern isles cultural history, small island studies, Scottish language and literature, and Old Norse. 


Donna’s links:

Links to papers and talks https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/research-enterprise/cultural/institute-for-northern-studies/staff/donna-heddle/ 

UHI Profile https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/persons/donna-heddle 

Email: donna.heddle@uhi.ac.uk


Places Donna took us:

Cluny in Fife https://www.welcometofife.com/ 

Papa Westray, Orkney https://www.orkney.com/explore/papa-westray 

Iona http://www.welcometoiona.com/visiting-iona/

Lochindorb Castle https://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/LOCHINDORB.HTM

Elderslie https://paisley.is/visit/wallace-monument/ 

St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh Castle https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/highlights/st-margarets-chapel 

Leith for seafood https://www.timeout.com/edinburgh/restaurants/edinburghs-best-seafood-restaurants 

Milnes Bar, Rose St, Edinburgh https://www.belhaven.co.uk/pubs/midlothian/milnes-bar 

St Magnus Cathedral https://www.stmagnus.org/ 

Torvhaug Bar https://www.kirkwallbid.co.uk/business/torvhaug 


Stories she mentioned:

Wolf of Badenoch https://hiddenscotland.com/journal/the-wolf-of-badenoch-and-the-burning-of-elgin-cathedral 

Archie the Grimm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Douglas,_3rd_Earl_of_Douglas 

Bell the Cat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Douglas,_5th_Earl_of_Angus

Robert Henderson, Testament of Cresseid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Testament_of_Cresseid 

Neil Gunn, Highland River http://www.neilgunn.org.uk/works/forewords/highlandriver.html

Anon, Sir Patrick Spens https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/sir-patrick-spens/ 

Hugh McDiarmid, The Bonnie Broukit Bairn https://www.poemist.com/hugh-macdiarmid/the-bonnie-broukit-bairn 

Rögnvald Kali Kolsson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B6gnvald_Kali_Kolsson 


Music:

Simple Minds https://www.simpleminds.com/2024/01/27/global-tour-2024/ 

Runrig - Loch Lomond (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzQ1pNfbe3Q 

Dougie McLean - Caledonia https://www.dougiemaclean.com/ 

Flower of Scotland as sung by the Tartan Army https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClLLJc16Rzk 

The Proclaimers https://the.proclaimers.co.uk/ 

Johnny Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOpafs_mwpo 

ACDC - Problem Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOpafs_mwpo 

If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 


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1 year ago
1 hour 1 minute 37 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E2 Travel influencer James Campbell takes us on an epic adventure (Dumfries, Loch Goil, Sango Bay, St Kilda, Skye, Loch Fyne)

If you had just 24 hours in Scotland where would you go? Add in teleportation, time travel and even the magic of pausing time you can conjure up the day of your dreams.


That is what Our Scotland is all about, highlighting the places and people that are memorable.


My name is Alison Fraser and I’m on a quest to discover as much of Scotland as possible,


In this episode I’m joined by James Campbell, a travel influencer from Glasgow.


It’s a bit longer than normal as James has filled his day with so much, we are definitely bending time here!


James’s links:

Instagram: Discover-Scotland

Youtube Channel

Places James took us:

Castle Creavie

James’s video from Castle Creavie

Sango Bay

Atholl Arms, Dunkeld

Learn more about John Coe and Aquarius

The Kitchin


Music:

Beluga Lagoon

Gerry Cinnamon

Have Mercy Las Vegas


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

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1 year ago
1 hour 1 minute 29 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S3E1 Scottish travel blogger Gemma Armit says Hiya Scotland (Aberdour, Glencoe Lochan, Stac Pollaidh, Applecross Inn, Cairngorms, Signet Library, Isle of Skye)

If you had just 24 hours in Scotland where would you go?

Add in teleportation, time travel and even the magic of pausing time you can conjure up the day of your dreams.

That is what Our Scotland is all about, highlighting the places and people that are memorable with a fantasy 24 hours.

My name is Alison Fraser and I’m on a quest to discover as much of Scotland as possible.


In this episode I’m joined by award-winning travel blogger Gemma Armit from Everything Edinburgh, Two Scots Abroad and Hiya Scotland.

Everything Edinburgh, is a a digital resource for locals and visitors and is hyper-focused on areas, things to do, accommodation, food, and activities by season.

Hiya Scotland is a Scotland wide travel planning blog where you can get personal recommendations and join Gemma’s community to plan your trips.



Aberdour Silver Sands, Fife

Kingsbarns sauna

Hel’s Kitchen, Rosyth

Glencoe Lochan

Stac Pollaidh (Stack Polly) at Ullapool

Applecross Inn for langoustines

Ski-ing in the Cairngorms

Afternoon tea at the Signet Library, Edinburgh

Live music at either Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh or Barrowlands, Glasgow

Stargazing at Carbost, Isle of Skye


Music:

Paolo NutiniBelle And Sebastian

Barry Can't Swim


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 


You can email alison@alisonfraser.co or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/

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1 year ago
46 minutes 49 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E10 Laurie Goodlad's pick of the Shetlands

This past season has taken us from Orkney to Glasgow, Edinburgh to the north coast, around the highlands and islands and many places in between. 

This is our final episode for season two and joining me to share their perfect day is Laurie Goodlad. 

Laurie has written for the Lonely Planet and featured on travel shows, blogs and tourism campaigns. 

Laurie is on instagram as Shetland with Laurie, and that will give you a clue as to where we will be.


Laurie’s links:

Shetland With Laurie

https://shetlandwithlaurie.com/

Buy the Guidebook

https://shetlandwithlaurie.com/guidebook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shetlandwithlaurie/ Links to places Laurie mentioned:


Hermaness

Jarlshoff

Mousa Broch

Eshaness

Rowin Foula Doon by the North Ness Boys


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can find me on instagram at ourscotlandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/  or email alison@alisonfraser.co

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1 year ago
47 minutes 16 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E9 From New Zealand to Skye with Sonja Bolger

Joining Alison Fraser on Our Scotland in this episode is Sonja Bolger.

Ten years ago Sonja, who is a New Zealander, moved to Edinburgh on her overseas experience.

She now lives on the Isle of Skye with her husband and two children.

Sonja blogs about her adventures and she also runs the Scottish Scran facebook community and website. 

As well as hearing about Sonja’s perfect day in Scotland you will hear some Skye visiting tips.


Sonja's links:

www.migratingmiss.com - original travel website and where you can find all her Scotland content

www.scottishscran.com - recipe/food site

www.facebook.com/migratingmiss - social for MM

https://www.facebook.com/groups/isleofskyetravel - their Isle of Skye Facebook Group


Sonja's day:

Rose Leaf https://www.roseleaf.co.uk/ 

Dark Skies https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/dark-skies 

Andy Murray’s hotel: https://www.cromlix.com/ 


If you want to share your ideal 24 hours in Scotland with me, or suggest a future guest, please do get in touch. 

You can find me on instagram at ourscotlandpodcast or email alison@alisonfraser.co


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1 year ago
42 minutes 1 second

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E8 Gary Campbell on crofting and how it's unique and innovative (Unst, Yell, Isle of Bernaray, Barra(

Joining Alison in this episode is Gary Campbell, chief executive of the Crofting Commission. 

As well as hearing some of the places that Gary has been able to experience and enjoy through his work you’ll also find out more about crofting itself.

Gary’s previous work includes 11 years with the University of Highlands and Islands and 30 years as a chartered accountant with EY where he travelled across Scotland advising commercial businesses.


Crofting Commission: https://crofting.scotland.gov.uk/ 

Scottish Crofting Federation: https://www.crofting.org/

National Farmers’ Union, Scotland: https://www.nfus.org.uk/ 


Some of the places and businesses Gary mentioned: 

SaxaVord Spaceport: https://saxavord.com/

Unst: https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/areas/unst

Isle of Bernaray: http://www.isleofberneray.com/ 

Birlinn Yarn Company: https://birlinnyarn.co.uk/ 

Barra: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/barra-p238701 

Isle of Barra Distillery: https://isleofbarradistillers.com/ 


Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.


Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourscotlandpodcast/ 

email alison@alisonfraser.co

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1 year ago
50 minutes 6 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E7 Gareth Davies of Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours (Dean Village, Sandwood Bay in the Highlands, Royal Mile)

Joining Alison is Edinburgh tour guide Gareth Davies from Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours. Gareth operates tours in and around Edinburgh, taking in the main sites and the lesser known. Gareth moved to Edinburgh for university in 1998, but as you’ll hear, has never left. Thank you Gareth for sharing what would make your perfect Scottish day. Gareth’s links:  Website: https://www.edinburghexpert.com/  Gareth took us around Edinburgh, including Dean Village and the Royal Mile, as well as out to Sandwood Bay in the Highlands. Dean Village: https://www.chasingthelongroad.com/scotland/dean-village-edinburgh/  Sandwood Bay: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/sandwood-bay-p2570711  Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.

Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast


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1 year ago
41 minutes 17 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E6 Tide Lines' Robert Robertson (Fort William, Glasgow, Barrowlands, Stirling, Ross of Mull)

Joining Alison is Tide Lines' front man Robert Robertson.

Robert is a gold medal winner at the Royal National Mod, Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival and a former member of the band Skippinish. 

We chatted on the back of Tide Lines trio of sold-out gigs at Glasgow’s Barrowlands venue, and just before a stripped back tour of Scotland. 


Robert’s links: 

Website: https://www.tidelinesband.com/  

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSX39m6HKC8pSzNrUkedNDQ 

Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal festival: https://festival.bruichladdich.com/ 


Robert took us to the following places:

Lochaber: https://discoverhighlandsandislands.scot/en/visitor/region/lochaber 

Partick: https://www.glasgowworld.com/best-in/partick-back-in-time-over-100-years-of-glasgows-west-end-history-heritage-in-27-pictures-4508683 

Ross of Mull: https://visitmullandiona.co.uk/guides/ross-of-mull/ 


Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.

Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Email: scottishatheartpodcast@gmail.com

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1 year ago
36 minutes 23 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E5 From Orkney to Glasgow with trad musician Graham Rorie (Old Man of Hoy, Lochinver, Glasgow, Crathes, Stromness, Orkney Folk Festival)

Joining Alison to share their perfect Scottish day is Orcadian fiddle and mandolin player Graham Rorie.

Graham is an award-winning folk musician based in Glasgow. 

Nominated for ‘Musician of The Year’ at the 2023 Scots Trad Music Awards and a finalist in the 2021 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Graham has been making a name for himself as a performer, composer, session musician and producer since he graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Traditional Music Degree.


Graham’s links: 

Website: https://www.grahamrorie.com/ 

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoi-Y9FRbL2BSuoexDf8BlQ 

Gnoss: https://gnossmusic.com/ 


Graham took us to the following:

Old Man of Hoy: https://hoyorkney.com/attractions/hoy-geography/old-man-of-hoy/ 

Lochinver Larder: https://www.lochinverlarder.com/ 

Old Fruitmarket: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/arts-music-and-culture/venues/old-fruitmarket 


Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.


Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Email: scottishatheartpodcast@gmail.com

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1 year ago
35 minutes 42 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E4 Scottish History Podcast's Owen Innes (Orkney, including Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar plus Cairnpapple, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe)

Scottish History Podcast host Owen Innes has been interested in history since he was a youngster and for the last eight years has been working as a tour guide bringing history to life.

His podcast means he can share his love of Scottish History with more than just the folk on his bus trips.

You’re going to hear about his first history trips, the history at your doorstep and more, as we discover where Owen would spend his ideal 24 hours in Scotland.

Owen’s links: 

https://scothistorypod.com/

Orkney travel books: https://amzn.to/3THrBqI 

Skara Brae books: https://amzn.to/3THrBqI 

Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.


Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Email: scottishatheartpodcast@gmail.com


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1 year ago
40 minutes 25 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E3 Trad musician Gary Innes (Mànran) takes us to Isle of Arran

In this episode we are going to hear from musician and radio presenter Gary Innes.

Gary has been performing and composing music for over two decades. Born in the village of Spean Bridge in the North of Scotland, Gary is one of the founding members of award-winning Scottish super-group Mànran,

Gary is also host of longest running radio show on BBC Radio Scotland – the world renowned Take the Floor, and an ex-Scottish Shinty captain and internationalist.


Gary’s links: 

Website: https://www.garyinnes.com/

Mànran: https://manran.co.uk/

Take The Floor: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07y72yv

 

Gary’s perfect day

Where: Lamlash, Isle of Arran

Food and drink: Cullen Skink, Speyside single malts, such as Glenlivet and Macallan

Music: Runrig and Capercaillie


Read up on Arran here.

Books on traditional Scottish music


Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.


Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Email: scottishatheartpodcast@gmail.com


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1 year ago
32 minutes 3 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
S2E2 Paige Daley and the Loch Ness Monster

Paige Daley is the registrar of the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register and the owner of the Loch Ness Monster Fan Club TikTok account.

The Loch Ness Monster, otherwise known as Nessie, is a topic that has been talked about for as long as I can remember. 

Growing up I watched a cartoon series called the Family Ness and a family holiday to visit cousins in Inverness wasn’t complete without a visit to Loch Ness to go look for Nessie.

Whether you believe in Nessie or not, I think you’re going to learn a lot about the mystery from Paige. 


Paige’s links: 

Loch Ness register 

Loch Ness Fan Club TikTok 


Other Loch Ness links:

Webcams

Family Ness

Nessie books and merch 

Visit Scotland: Loch Ness


Paige’s perfect day

Where: Loch Ness, starting at Dores Beach, visit Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle and finish at Fort Augustus

Food and drink: Haggis, coffee and cake at Dores Beach

Music: Peat & Diesel, Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris also got a mention


Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live or how often they’ve visited.

Our Scotland facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourscotlandpodcast 

Email: scottishatheartpodcast@gmail.com

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1 year ago
28 minutes 45 seconds

Our Scotland: A Fantasy 24 Hours in Scotland
If you could design your perfect day in Scotland what would it look like? Where would you be? What would you do? What food, drink and music would you enjoy? My name is Alison Fraser and I’m on a quest to find the best places to visit Scotland, from the eyes of the people who have experienced them for themselves. Our Scotland is a podcast about Scotland for people who love the country, regardless of where they live. Use this show to help plan your Scottish itinerary, whether you love islands, cities, history, myths, legends, wildlife or fine foods, you will get holiday tips galore.