By the Way

James "Purlie" Wilson, the Strathaven Weaver, was a local leader of the Radical Movement seeking social reform in early 19th century Scotland. He was tried on contrived charges of treason and executed on Glasgow Green on 30 August, 1820. His ghost returns 40 years later to confront a doctor with his own demons.

James "Purlie" Wilson, the Strathaven Weaver, was a local leader of the Radical Movement seeking social reform in early 19th century Scotland. He was tried on contrived charges of treason and executed on Glasgow Green at 3:00pm on 30 August, 1820. He returns 40 years later to confront a doctor with his own demons.

Chris Tait is a unique writer, poet and storyteller from the Shetland Isles. Chris tells the story of how Asperger's Syndrome influences her writing and about the journey from her island home to poetry and storytelling performances across Scotland and beyond.

The Selkie is a mythical sea creature of Scottish folklore. In the sea a Selkie is a seal, but when they occasionally come onshore they take the form of a beautiful woman. Men should be wary in case they are beguiled and end broken-hearted when a Selkie they meet returns to the sea. I've joined the thousands before me who have hung their story on the Selkie legend. What surprise awaits my Selkie when she falls for a special man she meets on land?

I've collaborated with Jill Korn to produce Galore! an audio drama inspired by the events in Compton Mackenzie's 1947 book, "Whisky Galore" and the film made two years later. The story is inspired by the events in Compton Mackenzie’s 1947 book, “Whisky Galore” and the film, made two years later.

The delight of hearing hundreds of wee speugs (sparrows) feasting, squabbling, socialising or whatever it was they were doing in the middle of a buddleia bush at the side of the River Ericht lifted my heart. I hope yours too.

I’m proud to claim Don Roberto among my relations. Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham founded the Scottish National Party as he was a passionate advocate of independence for Scotland. His memorial is carved with the words “Famous author, traveller and horseman. Patriotic Scot and citizen of the world. He was a master of life - a king among men.” I really wish I’d met him.

They say the pictures are better on radio. That's why I'm making noises. I'm putting more sounds into By The Way stories. It's all about helping to create the environment where the dialogue takes place and to immerse my listener in the story. I know it's an indulgence, but here's how I put together 14 seconds of audio to convey the horror of a gas attack during the Great War.

Hill 60 on the Western Front near Ypres is the site during WW1 of the largest non-nuclear explosion ever. Gunner Graham was positioned about a mile away at Manor Farm during the first three months of 1918. This is the story of the Hill, Extra Information I couldn't include in the Gunner Graham episode.

Gunner Graham was an extraordinary soldier in the Royal Garrison Artillery during WW1. Just turned 20 years old, he was decorated in 1918 for gallantry with the Military Medal, which represents a level of valour in combat only surpassed by that for the Victoria Cross. As an enlisted man Gunner Graham didn't qualify for the Military Cross, which was reserved for officers at the time.  Listen to the story of his medal and how he overcame the endemic discrimination of the establishment.

Angus Adamson is an Arranach. He was born and brought-up on Arran. We recorded a conversation the last week I lived there and it was a delight to hear the story of his connection to the island, its people and how he’s served the community in one way or another all his working days. Angus has been a mechanic, a fire-fighter and a Church of Scotland Minister. There are only two characters in this story. You’ll hear only two voices - Angus and the island of Arran. Angus and I spoke in his front room, but the island speaks through the sounds of wild-track I’ve recorded in the environment over the years. 

Over 80 thousand people endured a downpour of biblical proportions when they attended the AUOB (All Under One Banner) procession in Glasgow on Saturday, 11 January. It's testament to their strength of feeling that so many walked happily from Kelvingrove to Glasgow Green to show their support for Scotland's right to choose its own destiny. This is a completely partisan collection of soundbites from the day.

It was a bleak day when I sought shelter in Dunkeld Cathedral only to come across the Dunkeld Handbell Ringers. The team play there every other Thursday afternoon during the summer season. I met some of the group before a practice session just across the river Tay in Birnam.

Not only did Torylinn Creamery make outstanding cheese it also used milk from Arran's dairy cows. Now the creamery has been closed the jobs of those who worked there have gone, jobs have gone on farms and the very milk production of the island is collapsing and a great cheese is lost. Angus Adamson sees the effects first hand.

I've known Crofter's, as it is now, through many incarnations and proprietors. Today's custodians are father and daughter team Dónal and Ealána Boyle. As their business has evolved they've embraced modern principles caring for their staff, sourcing local and sustainable produce and presenting musicians with personality. They believe they've got a winning formula.

Mike Bailey is a guitarist, singer and songwriter. He talks about what it’s like to be a musician and how he feels about Arran - his home.

Graham brought another supercar to Arran for the weekend. As he said it's got a proper engine - 5.2 litres, V10, naturally aspirated 631hp. Checkout Drive Canada, the story of Graham's road trip two ways across the continent.

Exploring Corrie, one of Arran's most picturesque villages on the East coast of the island I discover more about Corrie Capers. Back in the 1970s, 80, and 90s Corrie Capers was a week long celebration of mischief, exuberant games and partying. Today there's loads of cultural and historic connections to be made in Corrie

Many of our favourite foods and drinks start with fermentation. Microscopic organisms transform our food and scientific studies confirm what folklore has always known: Fermented foods help people stay healthy.

My interview with Michael Russell MSP and a report from the Scottish Cabinet public meeting on Arran on 27 August 2018 chaired by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

The story of serial road tripper and car enthusiast Graham Chappell's plans to drive the length of the Trans Canada Highway with his dad. Graham's first car-delivery trip at the age of 22 is followed by years driving the south-west states of America to culminate in the drive of a lifetime across the Trans-Canada Highway from St. John's to Vancouver and...

We've come to regard some foods as totems of our culinary heritage. We may regard them with reverence. We may hold them in contempt. I explore Scotland's guilty food secrets and ask how to deal with the adverse effects.

Music and song are a lifelong, fundamental part of Tim Pomeroy’s life. It’s from this perspective that he gives a remarkably frank assessment of the part music and song play in his art and his life.

Tim Pomeroy, one of the UK's foremost sculptors, lives and works on the Isle of Arran.  I've re-edited this episode where Tim talks freely and honestly about his work, his inspirations and his ambitions.

The erudite George Grassie bakes wonderful loaves at the Blackwater Bakehouse he owns on the Isle of Arran. We’ve often talked about food, travel and people and now I’ve been able to record our chat about bread – the good, the bad and the ugly.