Shows
Haddingtonshire HistoriesBlack History Special: A Conversation with Scotland’s Professor Sir Geoff PalmerFor Black History Month, here is an exclusive interview with Prof. Sir Geoff Palmer, scientist, historian, and human rights activist. Sir Geoff talks about the history of slavery in the West Indies, some East Lothian connections, empire and colonialism, as well as Robert Burns. Listen out for a few notes at the end.2022-10-181h 54
Haddingtonshire HistoriesThe Siege of Haddington: History, Heritage & ArchaeologyOur host speaks with Dr Jon Cooper, project coordinator of Haddington History Society’s Siege of Haddington Research Group. Dr Cooper explains the history of the Siege, it’s significance to Haddington and East Lothian specifically, as well as Scotland as a whole, and outlines the objectives and activities conducted by the research group.2022-08-2945 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesCrime & Punishment in East LothianIn this episode, our host has an informal conversation with two guests on the topic of historical crimes, mostly focusing on East Lothian.
The guests are Donna Duff, Senior Librarian of East Lothian Libraries’ Digital & Adult Services, who has done in-depth research on the subject of historical crimes in relation to family history. Joining the chat is Debbie Chalmers-Turnbull, Visitor Services Officer for the John Gray Centre Museum, as well as Prestongrange Museum. Debbie has also done extensive research on crime histories and is an active member of the true crime community, internationally.
The chat rev...2022-07-251h 57
Haddingtonshire HistoriesLines of History: The 1722 Tranent-Cockenzie WaggonwayIn this episode, we find out a little bit about the remarkable Tranent-Cockenzie Waggonway, which celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2022. This waggonway is possibly the first railway in Scotland. Our host chats with Ed Bethune, chairman of the 1722 Waggonway Heritage Project, and Dr Aaron Allen of Edinburgh University, about the project and the publication of the journal of William Dickson, who helped build the railway.2022-05-3053 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesPowerful PrestongrangeIn this episode, we find out about the displays and objects at Prestongrange Museum, which illustrate the role that Prestonpans played in the industrial heritage of East Lothian. Visitor Services Officers for the Museum speak about the history behind the displays, their experiences and fascinating stories too.2022-04-2326 min
Haddingtonshire Histories“There’s Something About Mary…Queen of Scots”We kick-off Season 2 with a chat on one of the most famous and controversial characters in Scottish history. Dr Amy Blakeway of St Andrews University shares her research based findings and opinions on some key questions relating to Mary, Queen of Scots - her early life, her relationship with Elizabeth 1, her dealings with the Earl of Bothwell, and her connection to East Lothian and the Rough Wooing. Dr Blakeway also speaks about her favourite depiction of Mary.2022-03-0759 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesThe East Lothian Witchcraft Trilogy Part 3 - PrestonpansIn this final episode and Season 1 finale, author and local historian Annemarie Allan speaks about her research findings on the witchcraft persecutions that specifically occurred in Prestonpans. Annemarie also shares her thoughts on the significance of the witchcraft scenario to women’s history today.2021-11-1546 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesThe East Lothian Witchcraft Trilogy Part 2In this continuing episode, David McKenzie Robertson, speaks about the processes of accusation and punishment of those persecuted for witchcraft in East Lothian. David also highlights some of the more fascinating findings in his research.2021-11-0840 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesThe East Lothian Witchcraft Trilogy Part 1Scotland is known for its high rates of witchcraft prosecution in the 16th & 17th centuries, with almost 4000 documented cases and possibly as many as 2500 executions. East Lothian was at the epicentre of the persecution of individuals at this time. Our host speaks with local author and historian Mr David McKenzie Robertson who has researched and published extensively on the subject of witchcraft in East Lothian. In this part, David speaks about the witch panic and highlights some of the more prominent cases in East Lothian/Haddingtonshire.2021-11-0137 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesJohnnie & the JacobitesDr. Arran Paul Johnston, writer, historian and Director at the Scottish Battlefields Trust speaks to our host about his exhibition, “Hey Johnnie Cope!”, the Battle of Prestonpans (1745), Prince Charlie, all things Jacobites, and even the ‘Outlander’ TV series!2021-09-2034 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesNight At The Museum - Claire’s FavouritesDr Claire Pannell, the Collections Officer at East Lothian Museum Service, chats about her favourite items in the collection. Claire also explains how museum items are stored and looked after, and mentions some of the other interesting museums in East Lothian.2021-07-1829 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesFamily History - Fascinating FindsIn this episode, the podcast host and two previous Local History Officers at the John Gray Centre reminisce about some of the more fascinating cases and stories that they have dealt with when helping customers with family history research.2021-06-0554 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesThe Inns and Oots of DunbarThe Old Statistical Accounts of Dunbar, recorded in 1791, mentions 46 licensed ale-houses. This episode covers some fascinating information about Dunbar’s old inns and ale-houses including the history behind their names, the activities of some inn-keepers, and other curious details.2021-05-0936 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesWho Is John Gray?This introductory chat focuses on why the John Gray Centre in Haddington is named after Scottish minister and historical figure John Gray.2021-04-1120 min
Haddingtonshire HistoriesHaddingtonshire HistoriesA brief description of East Lothian Libraries & Museums history podcast, launching in April 2021.2021-03-2200 min