Deep in the caves of coastal Scotland lurked history's most terrifying family secret. For a quarter-century, travelers vanished without a trace along remote Scottish roads, leaving behind only bloodstains and unanswered questions. The truth was more horrifying than anyone could imagine.

Meet Alexander "Sawney" Bean, the patriarch of what may be history's largest cannibal clan. Operating from a hidden seaside cave, Bean and his ever-growing family of wives, children, and grandchildren allegedly ambushed over 1,000 innocent travelers, murdering them for food and profit. With 48 family members living like savage animals, they created their own twisted ecosystem of horror that went undetected for decades.

This episode of Weird History dives deep into one of Scotland's most chilling legends. We'll explore the historical evidence, examine why this story has captivated audiences for centuries, and investigate whether Sawney Bean was a real monster or an elaborate piece of anti-Scottish propaganda. From the gruesome discovery of their cave filled with human remains to the brutal justice delivered by King James I himself, this tale pushes the boundaries of human depravity.

We'll uncover the social conditions that could create such monsters, the forensic details that make experts question the story's authenticity, and the lasting impact this legend has had on Scottish folklore and horror fiction.