Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

An icon of Scottish culture, Robert Burns is best known for his beautiful, moving, and humorous poetry. Born in 1759, he died just 37 years later – an early passing attributed to alcoholism. However, recent advances in medical knowledge have raised questions about the accuracy of this diagnosis. Professor David Purdie, co-author of The Burns Encyclopaedia and a doctor of medicine, has used his clinical expertise to analyse Burns’ physical symptoms. His research touches on a character assassination in the immediate aftermath of Burns’ death, the truth of his alleged alcoholism, and new theories as to what really caused the poet’s death. To find out more about the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, visit www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/robert-burns-birthplace-museum

Jackie is joined by Jonathan Grant, who after 13 years is about to retire as a ranger on three Hebridean islands. Earlier this year, when news of his resignation was announced, it was headline news around the world. Now, he has time for a proper discussion about his experiences on Mingulay, Pabay and Berneray. He reveals why he feels he became part of nature, what life is really like when you’re the only person living on an island, and how he took on the responsibilities of caring for such important places. Find out more about the Love Our Islands campaign at www.nts.org.uk/campaigns/love-our-islands. We already work very hard to protect our islands, but we still need to do more. With your help, we can protect the history and wildlife in these very special places. If you can, please donate today.

In this week’s episode, Jackie follows the story of Lady Aberdeen – a woman born into wealth who became a lifelong social reformer, healthcare advocate, and champion of the underdog. By the time she died in the 1930s, the riches were gone – but a legacy remained. Joining Jackie is Simon Welfare, the author of Fortune’s Many Houses: A Victorian Visionary, a Noble Scottish Family, and a Lost Inheritance, which charts how Lady Aberdeen and her husband used their wealth for good. The episode was recorded in the grand surroundings of Haddo House, which was presented to Lady Aberdeen on the occasion of her husband finishing his service as Governor-General of Canada in 1898. To find out more about Haddo House, visit www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/haddo-house

This week, Jackie is at Falkland Palace to learn more about the early years of James VI, one of the most influential monarchs in British history. Crowned at an early age, and separated from his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, James would go on to be the first king of the whole British Isles. But focusing on his later achievements misses out on many remarkable and life-threatening experiences endured by the young king, who was kidnapped, held hostage, and fought over by rival factions. Joining Jackie is Steven Reid, the author of The Early Life of James VI: A Long Apprenticeship, 1566–1585, which recounts the details of these extraordinary years. To find out more about Falkland Palace, head to nts.org.uk

This week, Jackie’s in Edinburgh to find about one of the city’s leading lights of the enlightenment era: Sir Henry Raeburn. His work depicted some of the key figures of that time, creating an overall portrait of how Edinburgh’s top circles would have looked during the 1700s. Now, to mark 200 years since his death, the National Trust for Scotland is holding an exhibition at The Georgian House in Charlotte Square. It’s comprised of artworks from across the Trust’s Raeburn collections, from properties including Craigievar Castle, Fyvie Castle, Alloa Tower, and Hill of Tarvit. Viccy Coltman, professor of 18th century history of arts at Edinburgh University and editor of the book Henry Raeburn: Context, Reception and Reputation, joins Jackie to discuss Raeburn’s life, his artworks, and the Edinburgh he called home. To find out more about the exhibition or for more on The Georgian House, head to nts.org.uk

As a new season of Love Scotland begins, host Jackie Bird is joined by Outlander author Diana Gabaldon to discuss her best-selling books, its TV adaptation, and how the Outlander effect has shaped global perceptions of Scotland. Outlander tells the story of a time-travelling nurse from the 20th century who falls in love with an 18th century Highland warrior. The early books span several places now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, including Culross, Falkland Palace, and Culloden. In this episode, Diana reveals the origins of the Outlander story, her visceral reactions to visiting Culloden herself, and her first thoughts on the new series of the popular TV adaptation which begins airing on 16 June. Plus, she reveals some secrets from the future of the franchise, including the next book instalment. To find out more about some of the places mentioned in this episode of Love Scotland, click here.

Six places that show Scotland's impact on the world In this week’s episode of Love Scotland – the final one of the current season – Professor Murray Pittock joins Jackie to discuss some of the Scottish places that have had the biggest influence on global history. From Culloden to Robert Burns’s birthplace, the episode charts moments of great cultural, political and military importance. Professor Murray Pittock’s book, Scotland: The Global History: 1603 to the Present, is available now. Click below to find out more about the locations covered in the episode: Culloden Robert Burns Birthplace Museum The Pineapple Staffa National Nature Reserve The Hermitage Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve Broughton House & Garden You may also be interested in previous episodes of the podcast, discussing Robert Burns, wildlife at Mar Lodge Estate, Flora MacDonald, and many more stories of Scotland’s present and past. Just scroll back on your podcast provider of choice.

Join Jonathan Faiers, a fashion professor and curator behind the V&A Dundee’s Tartan exhibition, as he uncovers the captivating history of tartan. Discover how this iconic pattern transcends its Scottish roots, playing a role in military heritage and punk culture alike. Faiers explores tartan's evolution, its emotional significance for Scots, and its surprising prominence in global fashion. From its origins to its modern adaptations, this discussion reveals why tartan remains a beloved symbol of identity and rebellion across generations.

Romans in Scotland: the Antonine wall and ‘Rome’s Afghanistan’ This week, Jackie goes for a walk at the Antonine Wall and is joined by Dr John Reid to discuss Roman-era Scotland. The wall, which stretches from Old Kilpatrick on the west coast to near Bo’ness, was around 37 miles long and marked the furthest reach of the Roman Empire in Britain. Using the nation’s rugged features to bolster its defences, the wall was the final outpost in hostile territory. In their discussion, Jackie and John talk about how Scotland was ‘Rome’s Afghanistan’ – a small, stubbornly resistant nation that saw off a superpower. John also reveals how the brutality of the Romans has been overlooked in recent years, and his theory as to how the Roman invasions impacted the nation of Scotland.