The Cruelty
BBC Radio ScotlandIn 2021, Davie Donaldson sought to solve the long-standing mystery of the Unknown Bairn, a young boy whose body washed up on a Scottish beach and was never claimed. Since that time, a number of Scottish Travellers have contacted him with stories of children being forcibly removed from their families. This becomes the catalyst for Davie's investigation into why this happened and whether it was sanc... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 19 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | True Crime | ||||
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Latest Episodes
Davie returns to the Unknown Bairn’s grave to address unfinished business with the family who found the boy’s body. And does a leaked report commissioned by the Scottish Government, offer hope of some form of restitution for the failures of church an... more
Davie visits Strathmartine Hospital, a now derelict facility, where removed Traveller and non -Traveller children were sent and often never left. Davie needs to find out: what went on behind those walls?
Davie receives a text message that changes so much of what he thought he knew about the Unknown Bairn and the boy he believed him to be. As a new investigation gets underway, a different story emerges.
Bella is a young Scottish Traveller. Through the generations, her family has been broken apart by social services. She explains to Davie how she’s fought to keep her daughter from being taken into care and, in the process, been forced to cut herself ... more
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Reviews
- Absolutely Heartbreaking But the Best I’ve Heard in Years
I haven’t listened to season 2 but season 1 was a seriously incredible podcast. I wasn’t sure this would be for me - it’s such a sad personal tale but the scope increased as it went and it became about so much more. So many wronged people.
The final episode had me in tears and I’m a fairly stoic stiff-upper-lip kind of guy. Davie Donaldson has created something amazing here, and underlined some horrible truths about how we treat those we don’t (or don’t wish to) understand.
Apple Podcasts5LeChiffreOBrien
Canadaa month ago - The Cruelity
This has been a revelation in the context of knowing how the authorities in Canada, how it treated its indigenous people. Dukabours, any one who was othered. The camps for other communities stripped of their every belonging during world wars. I did not know of the reign of terror during in Canada is known as the 60’s scoop, was visited on by the same thinking to the Travellers community. Very interesting podcast. Certainly was worth the listen.
Apple Podcasts5flatlander northCanada2 months ago - Exceptional journalism
I listened to season one a few years ago which stayed with me. When I saw a season two I listened to all 8 parts. I wasn’t expecting it to be even better than the first season as so often they’re not but it’s addictive listening and something not many people know about but should. This is the BBC at its best. It’s a high end production with proper journalism.
Apple Podcasts5lunabellasam
United Kingdom3 months ago - Incredible Podcast
This is one of the most important and powerful podcasts I’ve ever heard. I binged series 1 and 2 over a weekend. I don’t normally stick with podcasts to the end but I’ll listen to this one again. It was more like a film and should win awards. Well done to the BBC for making something like this.
Apple Podcasts5Will09909United Kingdom3 months ago - Lost Voices
Davie Donaldson is exactly the right person to tackle this difficult topic.
What I loved the most about this sad, and at times harrowing story was the respect and care given to all those affected.
The horrors faced by the traveller families was not something I was aware of. I was extremely moved by the poem at the end of the series cements the importance of hearing everyone’s entire story. The pinnacle of what this medium can do at its best.
Brilliant work that is important for everyone t... more
Apple Podcasts5Bex 5673United Kingdom3 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #112 |  Norway/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #167 |  Ireland/True Crime |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cruelty
What is The Cruelty about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The content offers a powerful exploration of the historical and cultural traumas faced by the Scottish Traveller community, intertwining personal narratives with broader sociopolitical themes. Key episodes recount the harrowing experiences of individuals from the community, such as the forced separation of children from their families by social services and the insidious legacy of eugenics. The inquiry into the tragic story of the Unknown Bairn serves as a focal point, leading to broader discussions on discrimination, identity, and systemic injustices that persist today and highlighting the often misunderstood lives of Travellers. Distinct for its blend of investigative journalism and compassionate storytelling, this series aims to illumina... more
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Which podcasts are similar to The Cruelty?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Cruelty:
1. Answers for Claudia
2. The Lab Detective | Tortoise Investigates
3. First Conviction
4. Crime Next Door
5. Hands Tied
How many episodes of The Cruelty are there?
The Cruelty launched 3 years ago and published 19 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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