Unique Scotland

SCOTTISH BORDERS – PART 2

So many people who rush to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland miss the amazing beauty of the Lowlands, and the Borders area of Scotland in particular.

This Podcast takes up where we left off in Part 1 and we start at the incredible Jedburgh abbey with a walk around the town to see the Old Castle jail before heading off to Mary Queen of Scott’s house where you’ll hear of her ill health after visiting her lover, Bothwell. Then we’ll drive to another lovely ruin at Melrose and I’ll let you know a little more about the lives of the monks who lived in these places to give you an insight into Monastic life. And what does Melrose Abbey have to do with the heart of our greatest king,  Robert the Bruce? We’ll also look at the towns of Selkirk and Galashiels that have so much to offer and we will then head over to have a look at Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott the most celebrated Scottish author of his generation. Before we end, I’ll tell you about the Border Reivers, renegades and outlaws, who controlled the Border area for hundreds of year.

You will also hear from previous Guests, the Wood family, and an incredible chance meeting with a close relative they never knew existed. This will have quite an effect on you.

You will also hear from another of my guests, the celebrated American author Mary Anne Edwards, who writes the Detective series ‘Charlie McClung’ and it was apt that we finished our tour at Abbotsford House where Mary Ann could study Sir Walter Scott, our own celebrated author. You can find her 'Charlie McClung' series of books on Amazon.

In this Podcast, we are going to travel from Edinburgh down to the Borders passing through some medieval villages on route. We will be travelling on roads built by the Romans in the 1st and 2nd   centurie and we’ll be looking at some scintillating castles and other fascinating buildings on our way. You will hear of true Thomas or Thomas the Rhymer whose prophesies were uncannily accurate and also of Maiden Lilliard, the warrior lady who had her legs chopped off during the battle of Ancrum and continued to fight against those who had killed her lover. We will also look into the ruined Border Abbeys at Dryburgh and Kelso and take a look at Roxburgh castle ruins where James 2nd of Scotland was killed by one of his own cannons. The ruins stand in the grounds of the fabulous Floors castle, home to the Duke of Roxburgh. And as dramatic historical events have ebbed and flowed, the gentle waters of the river Tweed, which gave its name to the famous Tweed fabric, continues to meander throughout the Border region although most of the woollen mills have now closed.  If you wish to contribute a small sum towards the creation of my Podcasts, please go to.

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Let me take you on a tour down one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, popping into all the Places that tourists tend not to go, the alleyways or Closes as we call them in Scotland. It gives a fascinating insight into medieval Edinburgh with murder, ghosts, crime and disease emanating from every crevice of the ancient stone walls that remain today.

I’ll touch upon the reason for Old Edinburgh being so tightly packed together and why it was so easy for disease to spread. Fortunately we still have one of the 16th Century buildings standing on the Royal Mile, Gledstanes land, beautifully restored by the National Trust for Scotland and wedged between two famous closes, James Court and Lady Stair’s Close. We will hear from Will Evans, one of the managers at the property.

You will hear about the more famous characters of Edinburgh such as Adam Smith, David Hume and Patrick Gedes as well as the infamous characters such as Deacon Brodie. With over 80 Closes to choose from, I will give you a flavour of life in a few of them from both a rich and a poor person’s perspective. Old Edinburgh is a place where hundreds of witches were burned to death, only a stone’s throw from one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city.

We will be heading back, in some cases, to the 16th century, venturing into the darker recesses of Old Edinburgh where, I think, even angels might fear to tread. Come and join me on this journey into Edinburgh city’s past and meet some of the characters that lived there in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Political Scandals in the Scottish Government, attempted fraud and an escaped Macaque monkey in the Highlands makes up todays letter from Scotland in this May edition. But it is not all monkey business, there are serious issues and you will hear of  Donald Trump’s office replying to Exclusive Scottish Visits’ suggestion to ease the importation of Haggis to America. Unique Scotland still awaits a response from President Biden. You will hear about the tiny Scottish island that ordered more easter eggs than the whole population and is it possible that Dunvegan castle that has stood on it’s rocky precipice on the Isle of Skye for over 800 years is starting to fall into the sea? And from Monsters to Water Beasts, why is Scotland producing so many. And, you will hear how NASA is being approached to help in the search for Nessie. All this and much more.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

EDINBURGH CASTLE is an almost impregnable fortress perched upon an extinct volcano, right in the middle of Scotland’s Capital city, Edinburgh.

This podcast is the third in a four part series where I’ve already covered the Old and the New Towns and, in this Podcast, I will be taking you on a tour with me to the top of Edinburgh Castle, an incredible fortification that has been subject to 23 sieges in its 1000 year history, the most besieged castle in Europe. I'm also pleased to be joined by Lieutenant Colonel David Jack, the Royal Scots Regimental Secretary who will explain the connection between the Royal Scots infantry regiment and the Castle.

In this Podcast you will travel back in time to the first fortification built around 4,000 years ago then right up until the present day.

I’ll be explaining why a fortification was first built on this extinct volcano and why it has remained a fortress to this day. You will hear how it all began and then, fast forwarding you will hear about the part the Castle played in the Wars of Independence as well as the Jacobite rebellion resulting in the building of the Argyll Battery of guns to defend against these supporters of James VII. And the one o’clock gun – why is it fired every day to shake Edinburgh to its roots, and we will look inside the military prison and who the inmates were. And all that before we arrive at Crown square with the Royal Palace, now housing the Crown Jewels of Scotland or using their correct title, the Honours of Scotland. I’ll also be telling you about St Mary’s chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh and how it has survived the ravages of time from Robert the Bruce in the 14th Century up until the modern day. And who is the Grey Lady ghost who enjoys frightening tourists from time to time….. All will be revealed.

This Podcast is the 2nd in a 4 Part series on Edinburgh city. Ghosts, witches and skeletons all revealed while building Edinburgh’s New Town would have been the Newspaper Headlines in 1780. And it is strange that the people of Edinburgh still use the name, ‘the New Town’ when it was built so long ago!

This is a story which follows on from my previous Podcast on the Old Town which had become overcrowded, filthy and disease ridden and something had to give. Effectively, the rich moved out and many would have left Scotland altogether had it not been for the foresight of the City Fathers who acknowledged a need for a new start beyond the city walls of the Old Town.

You will hear about the draining of the Norloch, the cesspit where most of Edinburgh’s Old Town detritus was deposited and the macabre findings by men who worked on the project. You will tour the Streets of the New Town with me and hear of the prestigious buildings and the prestigious individuals who inhabited those fabulous Georgian dwellings, such as Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.

You will also hear from Sheonah Martin, the Manager at the Georgian House, who kindly agreed to be interviewed and to give us an insight into 1780s Edinburgh living and how the young ladies of the day met their husbands to be. And thankyou to the National Trust for Scotland for looking after so much of Scotland's heritage.

This Podcast is the first in a 4 Part series on Edinburgh City, the Capital of Scotland. It will look at Edinburgh from its early beginnings right up to today with stories of gentlemen  by day and thieves by night. It will highlight some of the most prominent buildings on the Royal Mile and, when talking about St Giles Cathedral, you will hear a desperate story of some of the inhabitants who were buried in the old Graveyard.

Who was Deacon Brodie and why was Robert Louis Stevenson so intrigued by this man. Who was Rizzio, secretary to Mary Queen of Scots and who was Clarinda whose romantic, yet mournful song is still so well known today.

Would you walk down an alleyway with the possibility of the contents of a chamber pot (toilet) being emptied on your head? It happened in the Old Town - find out why!

LETTER FROM SCOTLAND  is a light-hearted look at what makes the news in Scotland. It is an insight as to what makes this 'wee' country with a big heart tick. Some of the news is political commentary and other news is local gossip without taking it all too seriously.

In today's LETTER FROM SCOTLAND, you will discover how Scotland's national dish, the Haggis, could impact the forthcoming US Presidential elections. And what has TONG, a tiny Hebridean island, got to do with the ex-President Trump? Political chat is about the Covid enquiry and also reports on a slight disagreement (spat) between Mr Trump and Ms Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister 2014 - 2023. Everyone loves a good juicy scandal and, if you read between the lines, you might just find one here! You'll hear about an escaped Japanese Macaque monkey who brightened up the lives of some Highlanders (and the Paprazzi) and can you believe that a 2 year old Scottish boy climbed to Everest BAsgte Camp? And, what is making the people of Mull tremble? You will also learn about the word 'Shenanigans' where this Podcast will bring it into use.

It's all here, in this tongue-in-cheek look at Scotland today. Sit down with a cup of tea for half an hour and listen to what is bothering us Scots and see if it helps you not take yourself too seriously.

The final episode of our epic 516 miles journey along the famous North Coast 500 route from Inverness to the north of Scotland on the east coast and returning to Inverness down the fabulously scenic west coast. We visited the Corrishalloch gorge near Ullapool in episode 5 and stopped overnight at Dundonnell in a quaint B&B. This final route takes us from Dundonnell along another wonderfully scenic route through Poolewe, Gairloch, Sheildaig, Applecross, Achnasheen and Beauly to mention just a few of the beauty spots we pass through. We also travel down the Bealach na Ba, a treacherous winding mountain road with hairpin bends and steep descents. The views, however, are amazing and this experience follows us all the way.

There are amazing stories on our journey from 2nd World War collection points for the Russian convoys to amazing tropical planted gardens in a most inhospitable part of the world in winter. There's scenery, fabulous beaches, towering mountains and deep lochs. There is so much to cover and we will just scratch the surface sufficiently for you, perhaps, to come and see it for yourself.

Let me, John Harbour, transport you on a wonderful journey and, hopefully, you will be able to experience it yourself one day. If you cannot come to Scotland, for whatever reason, then sit back, relax and let your imagination wander on this, the final leg, of the North Coast 500.

In this Podcast, John Harbour from Exclusive Scottish Visits welcomes in the New Year with a preview of his forthcoming final episod of the North Coast 500 (Part 6). We also get a sneak preview of his new releases for this year. He was delighted to meet some visitors to Scotland who planned their visits on the back of his audio and there is an interview with Caroline Tucci and Bob her husband when they met in Edinburgh.

Most travellers arrive in Edinburgh, the Capital city of Scotland, on thier travels to this fine country. You will be delighted to know that John's next 3 episodes of 2024 will be on Edinburgh. With much more to come, this will be an exciting year to be following John. Please Subscribe now on his Podcast Website page - www.exclusivescottishvisits.co.uk Look forward to you joining me on my wonderful adventures around Scotland.

Scotland’s North Coast 500 was opened in 2015 and this 516 mile route has become a very popular travel destination. This, Part 5, of our tour will take us from Durness in North West Sutherland down through an extraordinary Geopark where geologists from all over the world come to visit. We will drive on to Laxford bridge and onto a ‘destitution’ road. We’ll cross the incredible Kylesku bridge before heading to the Assynt and Coigach are.

We will pass through the town of Scourie and hear about General Mackay and his part in the Jacobite uprising. At Kylesku bridge you will hear of the wonderful memorial to the midget submariners who trained in this area during the war. We will drive around the northern part of the Assynt and Coigach area taking in the amazing mountains of Quinag, Suilven and Canisp. The ‘Cnoc and Lochan’ landscape (mountain and small lochs) is breath-taking. From there we will visit the 16th Century Ardrek castle and Calda House that was mysteriously burned down 10 years after its construction.

We will drive on to Ullapool, the gateway to the Outer Hebrides before dropping down to see two superb 19th century tropical gardens and then visit the Corrishalloch Gorge which is an outstanding natural 1 mile gorge with crashing waterfalls.

Come and join me on another Unique Scotland adventure and see some super photos on my website at www.exclusivescottishvisit.co.uk 

Scotland’s North Coast 500 was opened in 2015 and this 516 mile route has become a popular travel destination. This, Part 4, of our tour will take us from Bettyhill in Caithness to Durness on the north western corner of Scotland. This is Mackay Country. At Bettyhill we will hear of the renovation of the Strathnaver Museum and the Clan Mackay artefacts held within. We will pass through the town of Tongue and take a walk up to the old Castle Varich, the Mackay stronghold for hundreds of years. We will cross the Kyle of Tongue and drive around loch Eriboll which, for centuries, has been used as a safe anchorage from the often stormy seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. Tales of Viking massacres and German U-Boats will be told. We then head west to Durness, dropping into Smoo Cave on the way, a wonder to behold. At Durness we will find out why there is a memorial garden to John Lennon, one of the famous Beatles and why is one of his songs dedicated to this area? The north coast is a really beautiful rugged coastline with fabulous sandy beaches and spectacular views to the far north. Come and join me on another Unique Scotland adventure!

Scotland’s North Coast 500 was opened in 2015 and this 516 mile route has become a popular travel destination. This, Part 3, of our tour will take us from Wick on the east coast of northern Scotland to Bettyhill in Caithness. We will pass through the ancient Viking town of Wick and onto John ‘O Groats, one end of the longest distances between two inhabited points on the mainland of Britain. Enjoy the view over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney islands beyond.

We will then head West along the top of Scotland and call in to see the fabulous Castle of Mey, the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s home. We will stop for a picnic at Dunnett Head, the most northerly point on the British Mainland and walk the 300 feet cliffs to see the nesting birdlife among the rocks. We then pass through the town of Thurso whilst also enjoying the fabulous white sandy beaches of the North Coast before arriving at Bettyhill where we find the old Strathnaver church now housing a super Museum and is also home to the Mackay Clan display.

Scotland’s North Coast 500 was opened in 2015 and this 516 mile route has become a popular travel destination. This, Part 2, of our tour will take us from Dornoch to Wick on the east coast of northern Scotland. You will cross Loch Fleet and see an old Thomas Telford bridge (early 1800s) which has an incredible sluice gate system to allow the river to exit but stops the sea water from entering the river Fleet. You will visit the attractive seaside town of Golspie and, as lovely as it is, the Golspie Inn was witness to the iniquities of the Highland Clearances. Soon after Golspie you will see the ‘Mannie’, a monument to the 1st Duke of Sutherland and why some would like to see it knocked down. The Mannie stands on a hill overlooking the fabulous caste Dunrobin which we will visit on our travels.

We will pass through Brora with its wonderful sandy beach and links golf course before going on to see a 2000 year old Broch at Ousdale. Soon afterwards we will visit Dunbeath which holds the secrets of King George VI’s younger brother, the Duke of Kent, who died in mysterious circumstances when his plane crashed into a hill some 3 miles from the town. Of course, George VI was the king who replaced Edward VII when he abdicated to marry Wallace Simpson. We’ll retire for the evening in the Wick area and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in an exquisite Victorian Villa. So exciting…..

Scotland’s North Coast 500 was opened in 2015 and is one of Britain's best coastal touring routes. Just over 500 miles long, this route provides some stunning scenery from Inverness (Capitol of the Highlandsd) up to John 'O Groats in the far north, along the north coast of Scotland and down the west coast returning to Inverness. You will enjoy stunning coastal scenery, towering mountains and deep blue watered lochs. We will visit castles, palaces and neolithic sites along the way. You will hear about the history of the area and clan battles that raged in the 16 and 17th centuries.

This, Part 1 (of 6 parts) is a virtual tour that will take us from Inverness to Dornoch on the east coast of northern Scotland. We will cross the Kessock bridge and the Black Isle to Tain, the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland. A visit to Glenmorangie distillery may tempt some before crossing the Cromarty Firth with its wonderful wildlife and superb views. On our way north there is another Firth to cross at Dornoch and we will be passing a fabulous Indian inspired monument built in the late 18th century before arriving at Invergordon. You will be told the extraordinary tale of a Royal Naval mutiny that still reverberates down the decades. Dornoch is a lovely village with a castle and a famous Cathedral at its centre. Why were witches being burned here in the 18th Century and what was Madonna doing here in 2000? Join me on this wonderful tour to find out.

It is a mixed bag this week and this newsletter starts off with reports on the COVID situation in the UK and Scotland in particular, including the political ramifications on the different priorities of the Devolved Governments that make up the UK. Exciting news as this Newsletter was being recorded that a working Vaccine has been found with 90% efficacy. Fantastic news for the travel industry and for those who have been locked down for too long. This Newsletter also mentions the Outlander series and the possibility of fans to work alongside Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe (Jamie and Claire). Shock, Horror! Could it be possible that Meghan Markle could become the next President of the United States of America (after Biden or Trump – Mr Trump hasn’t conceded as this goes online) and  that her Royal husband Harry becomes the First Gentleman? All this and a few other stories from the Scottish Media.

In this episode, you will travel from Gruinard House and Gardens and follow the coastal road hugging the sea loch Ewe and loch Gairloch before returning to Inverness, via Loch Maree, on this last leg of our journey. The Island of Gruinard on Loch Ewe has a dark secret to unlock while the loch itself has an amazing past connection with the ill fated PQ Russian convoys. The glorious INVEREWE Gardens returns some semblance of peace and normality to the area.

As you arrive in Altbea, there is a hidden scandal to discover and a local girl tells of the shenanigans of an absentee hotelier.

You will stroll along the wonderful Gairloch beach, miles of golden sand with views to die for. The return to Inverness also has much to offer and you will be returned to your starting point of 3 Podcasts before. Enjoy!

Touring from Inverness to the Gairloch on Scotland's rugged west coast is an absolute delight. This is the third part of Inverness tours. In this Podcast, we leave the city and head north over the Kessock Bridge onto the Black Isle then west towards Loch Ewe, passing amazing sights such as the Corrieshalloch Gorge. We pass a man made lake, now part of a hydro scheme and hear how a lost world has re-appeared due to the dry weather in the Highlands. We will walk the white sandy beach of Gruinard Bay and hear about Gruidard House and Gardens. And why was Gruinard island so dangerous and is it really safe today?

Inverness part 1 gave you an overview of the area and history of the town. In this Podcast Inverness part 2, you will walk the streets of Inverness to hear about the prominent historic buildings and be told of some of the stories behind these iconic structures. From St Columba in the 6th Century to Lord Lovat (Simon Fraser) executed after the Battle of Culloden in the 18th Century – as they say if the walls could talk. There is, however, enough historical evidence to give you a real feel for what went on within the walls of these fascinating buildings and, as you walk down the old medieval streets, you will get a real sense of what it would have been like to live in those times.

Today Inverness is a thriving city but you never get a feeling of being overwhelmed. It is charming in itself with the river Ness flowing right through the middle and it is a delight to walk around and take in the sights - come an join me on this meandering podcast.

Inverness dates back to the 6th Century and is chronicled in the Biography of St Columba by Adomnan his scribe. The first reference to the Loch Ness Monster is recorded here when St Columba was asked by the locals to rid the loch of a terrible monster that was terrorising the fishermen and those living by the lochside. But there is so much more to Inverness and its surrounds and you can hear all about it in this three part series from Inverness to Gairloch.

If you love Scotland or are simply intrigued by this small independently  minded, bagpipe blowing, haggis eating, caber tossing, tartan kilted nation then you will be interested in the news and views of it's people, the media and its politicians.

Letter from Scotland gives the thinking man and woman a local perspective of what makes this tiny country tick. Scotland, with its population of 5 1/2 million which is only a quarter the size of the New York City metro area, has an incredible impact on the world and has had from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This monthly letter is open to all people with even the slightest connection to Scotland and, to those with no connection, enjoy it too

Stirling castle was an extremely important Royal residence for hundreds of years. Close by, in the small town of Doune, is an equally impressive castle, Doune castle, with its own bloody history. This castle has shot to fame recently because of the popular Outlander series where Jamie and Claire first met. Monty Python lovers will also enjoy the story of Doune where the filming took place. This Podcast journeys from the Trossachs, through Dunblane and talks of the Battle of Sheriffmuir. We also pass by the Wallace Monument and onto Stirling castle where Robert the Bruce's statue stands tall and proud looking south to his own famous battleground, Bannockburn

The Trossachs is a naturally beautiful part of lowland Scotland and, to some extent, mirrors the beauty of the Highlands with it lochs, glens and mountains. But it is some of the stories connected with this part of the world that draw thousands of visitors each year. The stories of fairies and a book written by a clergyman who truly believed in their existence, and strange happenings just after the book was published. Hear about Rob Roy, Scotland's vagabond, and the famous Loch Katrine brought to life by the epic poem by Sir Walter Scott, Lady of the Lake.

This Podcast takes us from the Isle of Skye to the mainland where we land at Mallaig, a small fishing port. The port is home to the Mallaig train station and became famous for the filming of the Harry Potter train, the Hogwarts Express, and you can travel on the very same steam train that travels between Mallaig and Fort William. I will be dropping my guests at the train station and making my way along the parallel road to meet them at their destination. They will cross the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, the very same place that Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745. He escaped from a spot not far from their after his disastrous defeat at Culloden. So much to see and do on the way!

When a Scottish Politician calls a world leader a delusional bully with dangerous conspiracy theories, who could he be talking about. Just one of the topics to listen to on this roundup of what is affecting Scotland today - from Covid to Politics to the Royal Family and much more with a tale of human kindness to end with a special plea to Mr Turmp!

Master of the Quaich and entry to the Whisky Hall of Fame is bestowed upon only the best of the best and Charles Maclean fits that category. With 18 books under his belt, founding member of the Whisky magazine, Whisky correspondent for Scottish Field and host of a Whisky TV channel, it was a delight to interview this true whisky connoisseur who did not hold back during our discussion. He divulged his favourite whisky and it surprised me!  As a prelude to the interview, I look at different whiskies around the world and also the whisky regions of Scotland that Charles comments upon later. But the gem of the Podcast is the full and frank discussion on the whisky industry today and Charles' take on where the industry is heading.

To find that some distilleries are producing No Age Statement (NAS) bottles of whisky is rather disturbing especially after years of being told that one must "look out for the number - know your age - know your Whisky". This will be discussed after a look at how cool spring water is turned into the amber nectar known as the Single Malt whisky. You will also learn to read a label and come to understand the difference between a Single Malt and a Blended whisky. There is also a story of one man's conversion to a whisky that he thought was awful. It is a fun tour of today's Scottish whisky industry - enjoy!

This is the first of a three Part Series, walking you through the magical world of Whisky. This episode will focus on the history of the Amber Nectar, from where it originated, to the fabulous distilleries all over Scotland. It was not an easy journey and you can find out here how the beaurocracy was overcome and how the great whisky houses of today were formed.

In addition we have the great pleasure of a Whisky expert and Keeper of the Quaich, Ronnie Berry joining us on this Podcast. Ronnie is a well known Whisky ambassador who has conducted Whisky tastings all over the world. Ronnie's business can be found on his website SCOTTISH WHISKY TOURS.

From Loch Snizort you will travel up to the Waternish Ridge and stop by a Fairy Bridge with tales of a Macleod Clan Chief who married a Fairy. Incredible as this may seem, when the Fairy had to return to the underworld, she left him a Flag with mysterious powers that could call upon extra clansmen if ever the Clan was in trouble in battle. This Flag is on display in Dunvegan castle today! The trip up Waternish will bring you to Trumpan Church, an eerie place reflecting a terrible tragedy and, nearby, the site of the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke. From there you will drive on to Dunvegan and take in the splendid Dunvegan Castle before taking time to visit Talisker distillery. On the tour you will visit the magical Fairy Pools with the Cullin mountains as a backdrop. Much to see and hear so enjoy this final part 3 tour of the Isle of Skye

Letter from Scotland is a no holds barred commentary on topical news items affecting Scotland . It you an insight into what is going on in Scotland and around the rest of the UK in the Media. It brings you up to date with the issues of the day, both local and national including the more controversial issues affecting Scotland's Politics. It is short and sharp and will give you a good taste for the items making the news

In travelling around the north of Skye, you will be standing in some of most stunning scenery in Scotland. The Trotternish ridge  is breath-taking and as you visit the high cliff at Kilt Rock, you will also hear of prehistoric monster fossils found on a beach nearby.

You will visit the Skye museum of Island Life and hear how people lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Nearby is the resting place of Flora Macdonald, a Scottish heroine, who is well remembered for her part in saving the Jacobite leader Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie. There are ruined castles and ghost stories and all set in the most picturesque landscape.

From Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye, or the Misty Isle as it is known, will take you on an atmospheric journey from the best known loch in the world to the best known island. Your tour will take you from Loch Ness past Glen Moriston and into Glen Shiel where you will hear about the famous battle of 1719 and the part that Spaniards played.

You will visit the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan, and call into the wonderful garden of Attadale near to Loch Carron. As you cross onto Skye, you will hear about Saucy Mary, a Norwegian Princess and visit her resting place at the top of a mountain. You will experience shimmering lochs, high mountain passes and wonderful scenery as well as the story of where the Scottish liqueur Drambuie came from - and much more!

The Customs and Traditions of Scotland cover a large range of activities and clothing as well as music and strange eating habits. Kilts, bagpipes, tossing the caber and eating haggis are just some of the extraordinary Customs and Traditions of Scotland, a small but wonderful country with more sheep than people! If you want to know why an enormous kilted Scotsman would want to throw a tree trunk across a field, then do listen. What exactly is a haggis and how can you catch one? Where does the Scots Tartan originate? It is all here in this Podcast.

You will hear some traditional Scottish music and discover the origins of the Highland Games as well as the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo. There's much, much more so do listen in to be tickled pink about this proud but strange race - the Scots

If you do not believe in the Loch Ness Monster, then perhaps this podcast will change your mind - perhaps not - but you'll have great fun hearing about it. This podcast takes you on a tour from Inverness, past Loch Ness sitting in the Great Glen and on through some of the most picturesque towns and villages of Scotland. It is the third part of a Tour Trilogy that will see you travel all the way from Edinburgh to Inverness and back, calling into some of the most iconic places of Scotland.

The Great Glen sits on a geological fault with 4 lochs leading from Inverness down to Fort William. You will pass through the town of Fort Augustus and go on to Glencoe (of Glencoe massacre fame) and hear that sad and terrible tale. Then Loch Lomond, Glasgow and back to Edinburgh. It is difficult to describe how beautiful the sights are that you will see, but this podcast will go some way to bring Scotland to you.

This Podcast takes you on a tour from St Andrews to Inverness through some of the most picturesque towns in Scotland. It is the second part of a tour trilogy that will see you travel all the way from Edinburgh to Inverness and back, calling into some of the most iconic places of Scotland. You will be standing on the most famous bridge in the world before leaving St Andrews and, photos taken, you will head north across the Tay Bridge through Dundee up to the beautiful Cathedral town of Dunkeld before heading north again into the Cairngorms National Park. You will arrive in Inverness and, after an evening relaxing, you will visit the famous battlefield of Culloden and also a 4000 year old site that gave Diana Gabaldon her inspiration for the Outlander series.

This Podcast takes you on a tour from Edinburgh to Inverness. It is the first part of a Tour Trilogy that will see you travel all the way from Edinburgh to Inverness and back, calling into some of the most iconic places in Scotland. This first part takes you from Edinburgh to St Andrews. You will be starting on the outskirts of the city of Edinburgh and on making you way in to the medieval centre, you will hear the story of how Edinburgh formed and what it looks like today. The castle takes centre stage and you will be given an introduction to this enormous fortress sitting on top of an extinct volcano.

You will hear about the New town, an incredibly beautiful Georgian construction of 1770 and on leaving Edinburgh to head north you will hear about the new Queensferry crossing bridge just opened in 2018. You will travel through the Kingdom of Fife arriving at the home of Golf, St Andrews and learn about the amazing St Andrews Cathedral and why this was such an important place in the Middle Ages. Kate and William’s University gets a mention and, obviously, you will learn about the Old Course and the home of golf. A great start to your first mini tour of Scotland.

Scotland, this small nation of 5 million people is an incredible success story. No invader has ever defeated the Scots and, in more peaceful times, these people have shown to the world what an incredible nation of inventors, mathematicians, designers they are. This Podcast talks about the Scottish People, where they originate from, what are their historic roots and what has shaped their lives over thousands of years and also, what shapes their lives today. The Scots have always been a fierce proud race and this Podcast will give you an insight into where this total self-belief came from and why Scotland makes Britain Great.

Scotland the Country will give you an insight into this small but amazing country that you’ve probably never had before. You’ll be told of it’s earliest beginnings, how the land formed millions of years ago and how the land took the shape that we see today. It will tell you about the different parts of Scotland and how the landscape has shaped the lives of the people who live there and also why people live in the places that they do.

Scotland’s beauty comes from the photogenic mountainous west coast with heather glens and deep lochs bordering the fierce Atlantic Ocean. On the east coast there are more rounded hills with salmon laden rivers leading down to the relatively benign North Sea that has kept fishermen busy for thousands of years… and all this in a Podcast – now you have to listen.

John Harbour explains what you can expect from the Unique Scotland podcast series.

An introduction to this small but beautiful country. The people, the places, the customs and a carefully researched tour through this proud nation; with John as your expert, trusted guide.

Subscribe now and receive each episode as it's released.