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Artwork for Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

National Trust for Scotland
National Trust For Scotland
Scotland
Robert Burns
Scottish History
Robert the Bruce
World War II
Battle Of Bannockburn
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Auld Lang Syne
Culloden
The Wicker Man
Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh
Glencoe Massacre
Bernat Klein
Witch Trials
Scots Language
Haddo House
St Kilda
Margaret Tudor
Hill House

Love Scotland is a fortnightly podcast series from the National Trust for Scotland.

Hosted by TV star, expert broadcaster and National Trust for Scotland president Jackie Bird, Love Scotland features big names, experts and enthusiasts from all walks of life. Each episode delves deep into the detail of Scotland’s history, its wildlife and its landscapes.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes146Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelSociety & CultureHistory

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

Latest Episodes

His name may be familiar – but how much do you really know about Andrew Carnegie? In this week’s episode, Jackie and her guest introduce you to a man who was once the richest individual on the planet, explaining both how he made his wealth and why he... more

In this week’s episode, it’s not Jackie who’s asking the questions: it’s you! Historian and author Professor Murray Pittock joins us in the studio to answer some of your burning questions spanning the Jacobite Uprisings, Nessie, and more.

Murray al... more

This week, Jackie’s stepping back in time at Alloa Tower: the ancestral seat of a family that played a pivotal role in the history of Scotland. Now surrounded by two housing estates and a supermarket, the tower has, in the past, been part of the stor... more

We were saddened to hear the news of Doug Allan’s passing. This episode, first recorded in 2023, features Doug sharing some of his favourite stories from his career. We hope you enjoy it. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

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Wildlif... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Scotland Outdoors
Scotland OutdoorsBBC Radio Scotland
Open Country
Open CountryBBC Radio 4
Hidden Heritage
Hidden HeritageHeritageXplore

Recent Guests

Murray Pittock
Professor of cultural history, University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow / National Trust for Scotland
Episode: Your questions answered!
Lord James Erskine
14th Earl of Marr, 16th Earl of Kelly, Baron of Alloa Tower
Erskine family/Alloa Tower
Episode: The storied history of Alloa Tower
Doug Allan
World-renowned wildlife cameraman
Freelance / BBC collaborations (e.g., Blue Planet, Frozen Planet)
Episode: LISTEN AGAIN: Doug Allan's Antarctica, Attenborough and a changing climate
Fraser MacDonald
Custodian of Preston Mill
Preston Mill/National Trust for Scotland
Episode: A beginner's guide to Preston Mill
Tony Rieke
Volunteer turned staff member at Preston Mill
Preston Mill/National Trust for Scotland
Episode: A beginner's guide to Preston Mill
James Clements
Writer and actor in The Burns Project
The Burns Project
Episode: Retelling the stories of Robert Burns
Cora Bissett
Director of The Burns Project
The Burns Project
Episode: Retelling the stories of Robert Burns
Lisa Rigby
Musician and composer, contributed new arrangements
Self / Edinburgh-based musician
Episode: Retelling the stories of Robert Burns
Richie Webb
Genius behind the Horrible Histories songs
Horrible Histories musical/TV
Episode: Horrible Histories: and how it has inspired new generations

Host

Jackie Bird
Host of Love Scotland, National Trust for Scotland

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 155 ratings
  • Well worth a listen.

    An entertaining, intelligent and interesting podcast about various aspects of Scottish history by the National Trust of Scotland. Jackie Bird the podcast host knows her stuff and allows the participants to share their knowledge with the audience. A thoroughly enjoyable listen. From an admirer south of the border.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    South of the Borderer
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Bagpipes

    Excellent podcast on bagpipes with Richard McLauchlan. Brings it to life with wonderful storytelling.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SWDJ1979
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Well produced and informative

    This is a very good podcast, more like a radio magazine style than just talking. Great guests, strong presenting. I’d love to know what the theme tune is … anyone?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nmrobertson
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Quality Informative show

    I love Scotland and this show. Learning about Scotlands history is fascinating for me and the clear presentation here is a joy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bougjton18
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • As if I was there…

    Listening to the National Trust for Scotland’s podcasts is like being there in person. I can hear the sounds, visualize the setting and almost feel the breeze, rain or the sun’s rays. Those important sensations combined with the deep insights into the history and heritage of Scotland make these podcasts both meaningful and highly entertaining.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    By seineeeeeeee
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Production quality and storytelling are frequently highlighted as standout strengths.
Listeners praise the host's knowledge and engaging interviewing style.
The show is valued for its vivid sense of place and well-curated guest lineup.
Guests are described as strong, making complex topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#242
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#188
France/History
Apple Podcasts
#200
Netherlands/History
Apple Podcasts
#226
Japan/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Your questions answered!
Q: What are the most pivotal moments in Scottish history that shaped today's Scotland?
Key turning points include World War I, the Reformation, and Scotland's role within the British Empire, each reshaping political structures, national identity, and global connections.
Your questions answered!
Q: Why was there a need for a book like The Shortest History of Scotland?
The book aims to present Scotland's history in a concise, yet thorough way, to help modern readers understand the major turning points and to avoid common oversights that come from long, sprawling histories.
The storied history of Alloa Tower
Q: How many staff would they have had, and where would they have lived?
Maya explains that servants would have occupied the undercroft, with estimates ranging roughly from 10 to 20 staff depending on circumstances and travel needs.
The storied history of Alloa Tower
Q: Tell me, what are we looking at?
Maya describes the Great Hall area, including the Mary Queen of Scots era replicas, and sets the scene for the room-by-room journey through the tower and its attached mansion.
LISTEN AGAIN: Doug Allan's Antarctica, Attenborough and a changing climate
Q: How has climate change impacted the polar regions you've filmed in over the years?
The poles are warming rapidly, with Arctic winters five to six degrees warmer than in the past, leading to glacier retreat and reduced ice cover, which has profound implications for wildlife and global weather patterns.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series centers on Scotland's history, wildlife, and landscapes through conversations with experts, enthusiasts, and cultural figures. Episodes blend deep-dive storytelling with accessible context, featuring authors, historians, naturalists, and regional contributors who illuminate topics from medieval politics to traditional crafts and island life. A standout is the show's ability to make heritage feel immediate through on-site hosting, archival anecdotes, and live-style performances, often tying local places to broader cultural themes. Listeners can expect well-researched history, nature education, and vivid storytelling that connects Scotland's past to its present and future.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Scotland Outdoors
2. Open Country
3. Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
4. The English Heritage Podcast
5. Hidden Heritage

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 146 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Murray Pittock
2. Lord James Erskine
3. Doug Allan
4. Fraser MacDonald
5. Tony Rieke
6. James Clements
7. Cora Bissett
8. Lisa Rigby

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