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Artwork for Scottish Folk

Scottish Folk

eileen budd

A podcast full of Scottish folklore, folk history and folk traditions brought to you by Scottish Storyteller and author, Eileen Budd

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 42 min
  • English
  • September 11 · 45 min

    The Home Episode

    I've been thinking a lot about home and the many different meanings and feelings that can have, so this episode is full of stories and songs and thought around this theme. There's a selkie longing for the sea, dancing trees, a lost fisherman, a fostered changeling and tales of second sight. The songs you'll hear are sung by me, accompanied and produced by Laura Gekiere, with Ian Kinnear on pipes and Helena De Cauwer on harp. If any of the stories, songs or themes from this episode sturck a chord with you, let us know in the comments! If you'd like to attend my performance at VoiceFest in Brechin, the link is here: Buy tickets – Family Event: Storyteller, Eileen Budd – Brechin CathedralIf you'd like to find us on instagram we are: @eileenbudd @vitrifrancesca and @medinktation I have some seasonal folklore books out, you can find them here:Wide Open Sea

  • May 3 · 51 min

    The Moon Episode

    The moon and its many phases has all kinds of names and lore associated with it, for this episode, I want to share with you some traditional Scottish stories where the moon plays an important role, sometimes acting as a catalyst for transformation, sometimes acting as a sympathetic witness, but always, ever present. In this episode you will hear a traditional Gaelic blessing for the new moon, a piece of 16th century music played on lute by musician Matthew Spring, transformation stories and stories of enchantment. Harp music throughout is by fantastic Helena D Cauwer, singing by the wonderful Laura Gekiere and me and Sound production has also been expertly done by Laura. The first 2 of my Seasonal Folklore booklets with St Andrews Botanic Garden are out now and you can find them at the Gardens, at a number of independent bookshops and also via the publisher directly here: Spring:https://www.wideopensea.co.uk/product/seasonal-folklore-springSummer:https://www.wideopensea.co.uk/product/seasonal-folklore-summer

  • S3 · E1
    Dec 24, 2025 · 44 min

    Yuletide Special

    This time of year is said to be a liminal time and so this episode brings you stories of creatures and spirits who flit between worlds, as well as a non Scottish story of the Snow Queen, a story I always love for this time of year. This episode has been made possible thanks to these incredible people: Playing harp : Helena De Cauwer Choir vocals : Marie Cocriamont, Roos Denaeyer, Laura Gekiere Sound editing : Laura Gekiere You can find everyone on Instagram: @vitrifrancesca @medinktation @hym.we.are @rosabutsi @eileenbudd #folklore #yule #scottish #winterstories #christmas

  • S2 · E1
    Mar 27, 2024 · 57 min

    Winter Ends Spring Begins

    Season 2 begins with some seasonal tales. Spirits of the stones, rivers and trees. Animal stories, a whiskey and weaving song and much more…

  • S1 · E22
    Oct 31, 2023 · 1 hr

    Samhain

    Some of the history, folklore and folk traditions of Samhuinn / Samhain / Halloween in Scotland

  • S1 · E21
    Oct 2, 2023 · 41 min

    Stories from a Busy Week

    An illicit still, 9 spirit maidens of Glenesk, a lost ghost found, the mountain hag, a demon in a well and many more Scottish stories recorded on the road.

  • S1 · E20
    Sep 17, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    Stories of Animals and Spirits

    Scottish folk stories of animals and elements from a time when we saw ourselves reflected in nature and connected to nature.

  • S1 · E19
    Aug 15, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min

    History Recorded in Story and Song

    Traces of Scottish history and folk belief found in bothy ballads about ploughmen and mermaids, plus; the story of a murderers ghost, tales of magical objects and much more.

  • S1 · E18
    Jul 28, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    More Traditional Tales

    Water horses, Kelpies, Ghosts, Bannocks and the Boy who spoke to birds! A collection of yet more traditional Scottish stories for you.

  • S1 · E17
    Jul 13, 2023 · 1 hr

    Some Traditional Tales

    Witches, Selkies, a vengeful Brownie, how the Caledonian Forest grew and lots more traditional Scottish folk stories, as requested by you.

  • S1 · E16
    Jul 1, 2023 · 24 min

    An Epic Tale

    This week is just one story, told from my memory, with a mermaid, a giant and a dragon in it. Lots of our stories started out as epic adventures and have been broken down into smaller stories. This is one of those

  • S1 · E15
    Jun 23, 2023 · 37 min

    Some Scottish Stories

    Eildon Hills, Selkies in Skye, a Bear tale and many other stories, as requested by you.

  • S1 · E14
    Jun 15, 2023 · 47 min

    Scottish Faeries

    A collection of Scottish faerie stories, traditions, beliefs and fragments of faeries in history, including the mysterious death of Netta Fornario on Iona.

  • S1 · E13
    Jun 7, 2023 · 41 min

    Chapbooks, Faeries and Pirates

    Some charms and curses from Scottish 18th century Scotland, Pirates in the Highlands and lots of folktales from the Borders

  • S1 · E12
    May 31, 2023 · 29 min

    Goddesses, Gods and Snakes

    Connections between female deities and snakes and wolves and pigs in Scottish folklore. Featuring a farting ogress, a sea witch, a sea god and much more.

  • S1 · E11
    May 12, 2023 · 27 min

    The Paths We Choose

    A mixture of history and folklore, stories about following a certain path. A dairymaid’s deal with the faeries, a minister martyred, the Cailleach’s Holy Grail and more…

  • S1 · E10
    Apr 26, 2023 · 27 min

    Beltane Episode

    Scottish traditions and stories of Beltane; including the Dragon of Kinnoull; the Salmon of Knowledge and the importance of sharing cake.

  • S1 · E9
    Apr 18, 2023 · 21 min

    Some Favouites

    A collection of ancient Scottish stories, some of your requested favourites and the first Fianna tale.

  • S1 · E8
    Apr 5, 2023 · 22 min

    A Few Worthies

    Why sound is so important in Scottish folk culture, how did Gaelic save lives in WWII, a Giantess on St Kilda and some other worthies from Scottish history

  • S1 · E7
    Mar 28, 2023 · 22 min

    Supernatural

    For the 7th episode it only seems right to have stories of unexplained visions, supernatural creatures and weird history from Scotland

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes