How many islands can you visit in one day? Turns out, quite a few! The islands surrounding the Isle of Mull make for great island hopping on the west coast. “Island Hopping” tells the story of a day trip by boat to visit the Isles of Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles – all from our home base on the Isle of Mull. That’s 4 islands in one day! We explore the medieval ruins and moorlands of Iona, enjoy (more or less) a thrilling boat ride to the Isle of Lunga to meet puffins, and walk in the f...
Mar 31
32 min
'A Winter's Morning' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the February episode. In this story, I take you to one of my favourite regions in Scotland. We rise early for a golden sunrise at Loch Lomond, continue on to the beautiful castle ruin of Kilchurn Castle for breakfast, and explore the narrow road and dense forest of Glen Orchy. We experience what it means for winter to hold these landscapes in a tight grip, and ponder what it would be like to spend a bit more than a day her...
Feb 17
26 min
'The First Seven Years' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the January episode. In this story, we travel to Alloway, an unassuming suburb of Ayr on the southwest coast of Scotland. In 1759, Scotland's most famous poet (and in-official patron saint) was born here: Robert Burns. Inspired by these humble beginnings as the son of a tenant farmer, we follow in the poet's footsteps and discover locations and experiences that shaped his later writings. Visit my website to find t...
Jan 20
32 min
'A Celebration of Darkness' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the December episode. Today's episode is a little different. It consists of five short vignettes that celebrate winter in Scotland. Across three stories, we'll explore Scotland's wintery folklore. We'll hear about the winter goddess Beira and her grip on the seasons, I'll tell you the story of the "Nimble Men" up in the sky, and we dive into stories of the Winter Solstice. I'm also taking you with me on an early mor...
Dec 16, 2025
41 min
Join me for a conversation with Shetland-based archaeologist and crofter Chris Dyer from Garths Croft in Bressay. Chris Dyer is a professional archaeologist, military historian, crofter, drystone mason and retained firefighter who lives in Shetland. He lives at Garths Croft on the island of Bressay, one of the Shetland Islands, and offers bespoke croft and island heritage tours throughout Shetland. We chat about Shetland's fascinating history, Chris' experience with breeding native shee...
Dec 9, 2025
1 hr 6 min
'Anything But Grey' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the November episode. In this story, we head to the northeast coast and explore Scotland's third-largest city, Aberdeen. Our urban adventure begins on the waterfront, with a walk around Footdee and a sauna session by the sea. Next, our journey takes us into the beating heart of the city and to the twinkling lights of the season. Finally, we travel back in time to Old Aberdeen and discover the far end of the sandy beach fram...
Nov 18, 2025
28 min
Join me for a conversation with podcast producer Will Sadler about his work on the "Highlands Reimagined" series. Will explains his process of making a show about life in the Highlands and how his work was inspired by the young people featured on the show. We are joined by Fiona Mackenzie, manager of the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill, who commissioned the podcast series through their artist residency programme. Fiona shares her insight as a local Highlander, and even answers the age-old que...
Nov 4, 2025
1 hr 9 min
There’s nothing quite like it' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the October episode. In this story, we're immersed in Scotland's Big Tree Country as we explore the history and woodlands of Perthshire. First, we follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns and wander through the woodland surrounding the Falls of Bruar. We hear about Scotland's champion trees, the tree-planting Duke of Atholl and the role of trees during the Highland Clearances. Then we follow the waters of the Rive...
Oct 21, 2025
29 min
'The Last Days of Summer' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the September episode. In this story, we slowly watch the seasons change on an active trip to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. We start with a short hike at Loch Katrine - the birthplace of Scottish tourism. We'll hear about Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy and new ways the national park tries to make this place more accessible. We then follow the waterfall trail at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre before return...
Sep 23, 2025
30 min
Who has the power to change what life in the Highlands has to offer? “Highlands Reimagined” is a 3-part documentary series about life in the northern Highlands presented in partnership with Anya Media and Strathnaver Museum. If you haven’t listened to parts 1 and 2 yet, I highly recommend you do that first before returning here for part 3. In this final episode of “Highlands Reimagined”, “From the ground up”, producer Will Sadler weaves a tale of land ownership, community activitism and the d...
Sep 2, 2025
36 min
Load more