History Scotland - Hidden Histories Podcast

Neil travels to Cabrach, described as 'a remote, sparsely populated upland area between the Cairngorms and the Moray Firth in the old county of Banffshire' which was once a 'thriving hub of an illicit whisky industry', and discovers more about the regeneration project to develop a working historical distillery and heritage centre and hears incredible stories of illicit whisky distilling and smuggling. www.historyscotland.com

In Dufftown there lies a hidden history gem in local guest house, Tannochbrae. Discover more about the guest house in the latest episode of the History Scotland podcast.Tannochbrae is a place perhaps best associated with the fictional village introduced to us through A.J. Cronin’s short stories, Dr Finlay’s casebook. It was described as “a snug little village on the lochside”. Dufftown’s own Tannochbrae can be considered equally snug, welcoming and hospitable. Tannochbrae Guest House in Dufftown also has a medical theme to it, as Neil found out when he met with owners James and Louise. Whilst staying at Tannochbrae Neil asked James about the history of his Victorian villa guesthouse which retains many of the charms of the era. 

In this special podcast episode to mark the centenary of the Treaty of Versailles, Neil travels to the Palace of Versailles, just outside Paris, and reflects on the Scottish connections with this famous peace treaty, which finally brought an end to the hostilities that had shaken Europe in the previous years.

Neil visits Portlethen Library, just south of Aberdeen, and chats to Fred Stewart who boasts a wealth of knowledge about the local area.

In the 40th episode, Neil visits Auldearn Battlefield, the beautiful Eilean Donan castle and attends the McLennan clan gathering in Inverness.

We speak to Matthew Jarron, Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee, and explore some of the hidden gems in the museum collections.

We take a visit to Dundee, first stopping off at the 120-year-old Malmaison Hotel (formerly Tay Hotel) in the city, and speak to GM Roula Samaha about the history, future and location of the building, just metres from the city's rejuvenated waterfront and the V&A Dundee.

Neil's travels around Moray take in the historic Dowans Hotel in the latest episode in the History Scotland podcast. Find out more about the magazine at www.historyscotland.com

We take a tour around Moray with Jim Royan, one of the area's leading heritage experts, before joining the celebrations as the ancient Scottish custom of Burning the Clavie takes place (to mark New Year's Eve in the Julian Calendar).

We speak to Ian Inglis, who has recently opened the Military Museum Scotland at the Linburn Centre, the home of the Scottish War Blinded in Wilkieston, West Lothian.

We speak to writer-director and producer Brendan Foley, who has recently written a book on the historic Archerfield Estate, situated between Gullane and North Berwick in picturesque East Lothian.

We take a trip down sporting memory lane at the Heart of Midlothian Museum, situated in the Gorgie Stand at Edinburgh's Tynecastle Park.

We take a trip to Inveraray Jail, a 19th-century prison and courthouse and now a popular living museum. Read more about Scottish history and heritage at www.historyscotland.com

We take a guided tour around the historic Mount Stuart House and Gardens, located on the beautiful island of Bute. Read more about Scottish history and heritage at www.historyscotland.com

Our first stop in Argyll and Bute sees Neil visit a Victorian attraction with a difference, and meet the owners of the historic Glen Burn Hotel, Find out more about History Scotland at www.historyscotland.com

We take a step back into the 18th century into a typical weaver’s cottage, as we enjoy a guided tour around Sma' Shot Cottages, Paisley. Find out more about Scotland and its past at www.historyscotland.com

We look at the history of the Grand Central Hotel before taking a visit to the Paisley Thread Mill Museum, as our tour of Paisley continues. Find out more about Scottish history and heritage at www.historyscotland.com

Neil visits historic Paisley Abbey on the first of his podcasts from the area, as the city prepares its bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

History Scotland Podcast - Episode 26 - Braemar Gathering by History Scotland - www.historyscotland.com

We visit the Scottish Crannog Centre, an ancient loch-dwelling on Loch Tay in Perthshire. Find out more about History Scotland magazine at www.historyscotland.com