Historic Scotland Podcast

With Senior Cultural Resources Advisor Rachel Pickering, Professor Jon Henderson and Ranger and Visitor Services Manager Martin Gray. From the heights of Holyrood Park, we explore thousands of years of history in Holyrood Park – from Iron Age hillforts to royal hunting grounds – meet the archaeologists who are reshaping our understanding of the park’s past and reflect on the challenges of managing archaeology in a green space that sits within one of the busiest cities in the world. Discover Scotland’s past up close at places like Holyrood Park by becoming a member of Historic Scotland. Membership gives you free entry to many of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys and cathedrals, along with free admission to daytime events and members-only activities. You also get discounts in cafés and shops, a free quarterly magazine, a members’ guide to help plan visits, and access to exclusive podcast content and collectibles like history hunt cards. Membership supports conservation work that helps protect Scotland’s heritage for future generations. To become a member, sign up here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/membership/

With Properties Historian Dr Morvern French and Professor Julian Goodare. In the first episode of series two, Sarah travels to East Lothian to discover a dark chapter in Dirleton Castle’s history. As witch trials in Scotland escalated during the 16th and 17th centuries, Dirleton and the wider region became embroiled in false accusations, interrogations and executions – with women being disproportionately targeted. Sarah brings their stories into the light and reflects on the castle’s changing role, from a site of fear and cruelty to a place of beauty and commemoration. If you’re inspired to learn more about Scotland’s rich past and explore historic sites like Dirleton Castle in person, consider becoming a member of Historic Scotland. Membership gives you free entry to many of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys and cathedrals, along with free admission to daytime events and members-only activities. You also get discounts in cafés and shops, a free quarterly magazine, a members’ guide to help plan visits, and access to exclusive podcast content and collectibles like history hunt cards. Membership supports conservation work that helps protect Scotland’s heritage for future generations. To become a member, sign up here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/membership/

Welcome to the Historic Scotland Podcast, a journey through some of Scotland's most iconic sites and their enchanting stories. Join your host, Scottish actor and storyteller Sarah MacGillivray as she goes behind-the-scenes to reveal untold histories and intriguing traces of our nation’s past. Discover Dirleton Castle’s role in Scotland’s witch trials, untangle history from legend on the shores of Loch Ness and delve into the rich archaeology of Holyrood Park and Caerlaverock Castle.