Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

Even now, artists and creatives take inspiration from the works of Robert Burns some 230 years after his death. Last year, theatremaker James Clements explored the Trust’s Burns collection and brought it to life in a new production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

His show, The Burns Project, sold out for its entire run and is now touring the US. It uses the bard’s letters, poems and personal items to tell the story of Burns in an intimate setting. Jackie chats to James about his creative process, the enduring legacy of Burns, and what he learned along the way.

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For many history enthusiasts today, it all began with Horrible Histories. Whether the book series or subsequent TV adaptation – or, indeed, stage shows and films – the huge franchise has sparked many a love of the past through its gruesome, entertaining and, most importantly, accurate storytelling and songs.

Today, Jackie sits down with two of the brains behind Horrible Histories to learn more about how they’ve managed to capture the imaginations of several generations of children and young people, the process of bringing book to the stage, and some of their favourite Scottish characters to appear.

Horrible Histories – The Concert is touring now, including stops in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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Can you tell your blackbirds from your blue tits? Do you know the difference between a collared dove and a wood pigeon? This week, Jackie is here to help you improve your understanding of British birdsong.

Alongside naturalist and influencer Lucy Lapwing, Jackie explores the sounds of Greenbank Garden in Glasgow. Discover some top tips for memorising which calls come from which bird, and get Lucy’s advice for expanding your knowledge as the dawn chorus ramps up once again.

For information on Greenbank Garden, click here.

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The life of Mary, Queen of Scots has long fascinated historians and history-lovers alike. This week, Jackie sits down with studio guest Rosemary Goring to discuss the 19-year period of Mary’s life spent in captivity.

Together, they discuss the circumstances surrounding Mary’s imprisonment, the political reasons behind her enduring captivity, and the tragedy of this nearly two-decade-long period.

Rosemary Goring is the author of several books, including Exile: The Captive Years of Mary, Queen of Scots.

To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Scroll down this feed for previous instalments covering the life of Mary and her son, James VI.

Whether you’ve never been to an former Burns Supper or you’re a long-time aficionado who knows the Address to a Haggis by heart, there’s always something new to learn about Robert Burns and his work.

With Burns Night just a few days away, Jackie is joined by two of Scotland’s most prominent Burns experts to dissect the ceremonial aspects of the celebration, the history of its traditions, and the true meaning of his poetry.

Professor Gerry Carruthers is the Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glsagow, while Chris Waddell is the Learning Manager of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is run by the National Trust for Scotland.

You can find out more about the museum here. Or you can explore the Trust’s Burns Collection here.

To enjoy more episodes of Love Scotland, please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.