Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release]

Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release]

Author: The Scottish Folklore Podcast December 14, 2025 Duration: 25:10

Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the year, and the rebirth into a new cycle of life. 


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Step into the misty glens and ancient castles of Scotland with The Scottish Folklore Podcast. Your guide, Jenny Johnstone, has a voice made for storytelling, drawing you directly into the heart of each narrative she shares. This isn't just a recitation of old stories; it's an immersion into the landscapes and mindsets that created them. You'll hear tales of selkies shedding their skins on rocky shores, encounters with the otherworldly inhabitants of the sidhe, and the clever exploits of legendary heroes whose names echo through the Highlands. Each episode is a journey to a specific place, uncovering the local lore that has been whispered for generations. The podcast weaves together threads from history, culture, and pure imaginative fiction, revealing how these stories served as both entertainment and a way to explain the mysterious world. It’s about the feeling of a peat fire on a dark night and the sense that magic might just be lingering in the next valley over. By focusing on one tale at a time, Jenny gives each story the space to breathe, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the character, tension, and wonder embedded in these traditional narratives. For anyone curious about the roots of Scottish culture or simply in love with a well-told tale, this podcast offers a direct and captivating connection to a rich oral heritage.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

The Scottish Folklore Podcast
Podcast Episodes
4. The Land of Green Mountains - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
After rebelling against The Lord of the Isles, Ronald Boo’e and his wife Morag flee to the legendary Land of Green Mountains, out by the edge of the world. This episode is part one of the epic adventure that follows!Foll…
3. Weird Witchcraft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
The bubbling cauldron of Scottish folklore is brimming with tales of witches and witchcraft, and while all these stories are filled with strange supernatural happenings, some are more strange than others. Listen in and j…
2. Giants of Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:56
There was once an ancient race of Giants that roamed the hills and glens of Scotland, and although they are now long gone, their stories have survived. In this episode of the Scottish Folklore Podcast Jenny tells two tre…
1. Thomas the Rhymer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Journey back to the 13th century and down to the Scottish borders for perhaps the most well known fairy tale in all of Scotland, that of Thomas the Rhymer.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram.Visit the websi…