In 2021, Davie Donaldson sought to solve the long-standing mystery of the Unknown Bairn, a young boy whose body washed up on a Scottish beach and was never claimed. Since that time, a number of Scottish Travellers have contacted him with stories of children being forcibly removed from their families. This becomes the catalyst for Davie's investigation into why this happened and whether it was sanctioned by the church and state. Along the way, the mystery that began it all re-enters Davies' life, taking him to a truth that's been hidden in the shadows for too long.
In 2021, Davie Donaldson sought to solve the long-standing mystery of the Unknown Bairn, a young boy whose body washed up on a Scottish beach and was never claimed. Since that time, a number of Scottish Travellers have contacted him with stories of children being forcibly removed from their families. This becomes the catalyst for Davie's investigation into why this happened and whether it was sanctioned by the church and state. Along the way, the mystery that began it all re-enters Davies' life, taking him to a truth that's been hidden in the shadows for too long.
Davie discovers the story of a little girl, possibly murdered in care, and is forced to question whether the Unknown Bairn could have met a similar fate.
Presenter: Davie Donaldson
Producer: Kate Bissell, BBC Scotland Productions.
Researchers: Rachael Fulton and Catrina Rose
Additional reporting: Cameron Mackay
Story consultants: Jack Kibble White and Kirsty Williams
Sound Designer: Julian Corrie
Music : Julian Corrie with additional tracks by Barry Jackson
Executive Editor: Heather Kane Darling
With thanks to Martin Conaghan for developing the initial podcast idea with BBC Scotland Productions.