
Dr Allan Kennedy
Lecturer in Scottish history at the University of Dundee and author of Serious Crime in Late Seventeenth-Century Scotland; provides expert analysis of crime and justice in 17th-century Scotland.
Best podcasts with Dr Allan Kennedy
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Feb 13, 2025 • 35min
Glencoe Massacre: Hell in the Scottish Highlands
Dr. Allan Kennedy, a historian specializing in 17th-century Scotland, and Lucy Doogan of the National Trust for Scotland discuss the harrowing Glencoe Massacre of 1692. They delve into the complex political tensions that led to the slaughter of Clan MacDonald, exploring Alistair MacDonald's ill-fated oath of allegiance and the broader cultural implications of this atrocity. Vivid descriptions of the landscape and personal reflections from descendants enhance this tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the profound scars it left on Scottish identity.

Oct 12, 2025 • 51min
Bandits & blasphemers: crime in 17th century Scotland
Allan Kennedy, a Scottish history lecturer and author, dives into the gritty world of 17th-century Scotland, revealing how crime reflected societal values. He explains the unique legal landscape shaped by Presbyterianism and discusses the motivations behind common crimes like homicide and robbery. Kennedy contrasts the public perception of criminals with the realities drawn from court records and highlights notorious cases like that of Thomas Aikenhead. He also addresses the specific challenges faced by women, often prosecuted for witchcraft and infanticide.


