Longlisted in the final shortlist of eight for this prestigious title, Stirling is bidding to show the judging panel just what it can offer when it comes to arts and creativity. The theme of Stirling’s bid is the passion for culture that flows through the people of the region.

In this week’s episode we examine Stirling’s credentials for the title and what success would mean for this small city that is so close to the heart of our “daughter of the rock”!

A wee bonus episode as we celebrate the sucess of Team GB’s curling teams at the weekend. Team Muirhead brought home GB’s only gold medal in the last few hours of the games. We chat about the game and how it has developed as new technologies are introduced. Often referred to as “chess on ice”, the girls displayed both technical skill and strategy to win 10-3 in Saturday’s final. Gaun yersels!

A sad state of affairs when your Valentine’s Day date is your podcasting buddy! In this episode we get together to take a look at a few Scottish heart-throbs who have attracted more than their fair share of S.W.A.L.Ks over the years!

Another walk down Memory lane as we reflect on the changes that our main shopping thoroughfares have experienced over recent decades. The last two years of the pandemic may have had an apocalyptic impact but the writing was on the wall long before that as shopping habits changed.

Can the High Street rise like a phoenix out of the ashes that they have deteriorated into - faceless ghost towns at the heart of what was once a vibrant social hub ?

Today the City of Glasgow celebrates Charles Rennie Mackintosh as the genius of architecture, design and watercolour that he undoubtedly was. Visitors flock to see his creations - be they landmark buildings, icons of furniture design or renowned interiors created in partnership with his artist wife Margaret.

In the week that the report was published into the fire that devastated his masterpiece the Glasgow School of Art, we reflect on how this acclaim wasn’t always forthcoming during his own lifetime. His “modernist ideas” were not everyone’s cup of tea - no matter how elegant that cup might be !!

This week we reflect with affection on our grandmothers and the influence they had on our lives. Their warmth, their wisdom, and in particular, their remedies. Poultices, tinctures and salves .... all administered with a dose of love.

One of the city's great traditions - when visitors jump in fright ad locals check their watches. On the anniversary month in which the gun was first fired in 1861 we look at why this tradition developed and some of the characters associated with it.

On the anniversary of the death of Alexander Bain we take a look at some of the simple everyday objects of modern life that owe their origins to the enquiring minds of Scottish inventors. Who was Alexander Bain? He invented the electric clock which was able to synchronise clocks around the world and made a major contribution to the developing telegraph industry. Yet he died in poverty and relative obscurity - a common theme. We look at how happenchance elevated some names to international recognition while the story of others become a footnote in the history books.

It's New Year so its's traditional to make our resolutions for the year ahead. In this first episode of Scottish Blethers Podcast in 2022 we chat about places in Scotland that have so far eluded us but which we are determined to finally get around to visiting. They're on our bucket list and we hope that you'll add them to yours!

The lull between Christmas and New Year festivities when the pace slows down and - if you’re lucky enough to have time off work - you can recharge your batteries. In this week’s episode the Blethers range from culinary disasters to Mirrie Dancers. From the complexities of our Public Holidays in Scotland to an explanation of a literary portmanteau! The perfect opportunity to join as you relax and draw breath.

As the big day draws near we chat about our preparations. Decorating the house, getting “the messages” - even meeting Santa. In the end, it’s not what is under the tree that matters but who is gathered around it that counts. We end with the Twelve Days of Christmas given a Scottish accent by Sheena Blackhall - lots of new words to add to your vocabulary! Wishing all of our listeners a very Merry Christmas.

While many of the festivities leading up to Christmas are now universal, Scotland retains a colourful patchwork of Pagan, Christian, Celtic and contemporary customs. From fire and candle light to pantomimes and nativity plays, we reflect on what makes a typical Christmas in Scotland with reminiscences from our own childhood memories. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas !

Nothing signals the start of the Festive Season quite like a Christmas tree. An ancient symbol of life and fertility, a modern emblem of community and friendship. This week’s episode debates the real versus the artificial, why Christmas tree farms are pringing up across Scotland and how communities are getting creative. With the lighting up of the local tree such an important event in the community calendar, it might come as a surprise that they can generate some controversy!

This episode airs on November 30th which is traditionally the day on which we honour St Andrew, special protector of Scotland. One of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, he literally took his master at his word when he told him to go out and preach the Word of God “to the ends of the world”. We look at the man and his travels and in particular, his links with our small nation.

As we get out and about again, there is less time for research but more time to experience topics to blether about. This week Helen has been out and about in Fife and Perthshire while Liz travelled back to the Western Isles. Hear all about our adventures in this week’s episode.

This week we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country and we consider some of the estimated 10,000 war memorials across Scotland. From huge civic monuments to small plaques on railway platforms, each one remembers those mourned by the community they left behind.

The eyes of the world are on Scotland this week a the world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26. A work of art can prompt discussion and encourage the viewer to reflect more deeply and so perhaps it’s not surprising the environmentally themed works designed to highlight the climate crisis are appearing around the city. From glass salmon to monumental neon works, flags and banners made from ocean plastic to giant polar bear sculptures, we take a look at how artists are marking this major event. Should the participants take time away from the conference for their own quiet contemplation, they will no doubt be amazed by the wealth of public art the City of Glasgow has to offer - much of it with an environmental theme.

This week is Halloween and we are joined by Susan to reflect on the origins of many of the traditions associated with this time of year. Satanic panic spread across Europe during the 15th to 17th centuries and in Scotland, nearly 4000 individuals, the majority of them women, were accused, tortured, tried and in some of the cases executed as hysteria took grip. We explore some of the factors that contributed to this environment of suspicion and blame and remember some of the women that suffered at the hands of their accusers - including the King himself.

This week marks the centenary of one of Scotland’s best known poets - George Mackay Brown. A good opportunity to reflect on the rich oral tradition reflected in the quality of poetry this small nation has produced. Moving beyond Scott, Burns and RLS, we look at the 20th century contemporaries of George Mackay Brown and the rich legacy they left behind to influence today’s makers. Along the way we give an insight into our personal favourites. Episode 57 is certainly full of variety!

In this week’s episode we look at the life of one of the most famous characters in Scottish history. Was she a casualty of the times she lived in or a spoilt, headstrong young woman with poor taste in men. Most likely a bit of both!