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Description

Everyone knows the history of Scotland: the romance of the highlands with Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Northern Isles with their Pictish and Viking heritage, Dundee with Jute and Jam, Glasgow and its shipyards and Edinburgh and the New Town Enlightenment. But what of the Borders? A published historian and archivist, Mary, and her friend, Doug, explore the less well-trodden paths of Scottish history and folklore as they shine a light on some of the best kept secrets of times past and present in the Scottish Borders. Join them as they chat and natter about the chequered history of the Borders region and reveal that, despite the best efforts of Hollywood, not all of the dramatic, historical intrigue and derring-do took place in the Scottish Highlands.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Borders Bletherings podcast

17th century, part 2

2026/09/20

Join Mary and Doug as they explore the parallels between the 17th and 21st centuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Contradictions of the Seventeenth Century

2026/08/23

Mary and Doug discuss the century of cannons and muskets but also omens and witches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Percy Calder

2026/08/02

Mary and Doug blether about Dr Percy Calder and his work on Tuberculin milk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A History of Witches

2026/07/05

A history of Scottish witches - Mary and Doug blether about the two men instrumental in the persecution of witches in the 17th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wars of Independence

2026/06/08

Join Mary and Doug as they discuss the Scottish Wars of Independence and how it affected the Scottish Borders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Balliol

2026/05/10

Join Mary and Doug as they blether about how his rule affected the Scottish Borders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Great Depression

2026/04/12

Mary and Doug blether about the Great Depression and how it affected the Scottish Borders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somerled

2026/03/09

Mary and Doug discuss the 12th century Lord of the Isles and how his defeat at the battle of Renfrew affected the Scottish Borders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willie Scott, the Border Shepherd

2026/02/15

Mary and Doug are joined by folk musician Tom Bonnar to discuss the life and work of Willie Scott the Border Shepherd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Murder at the Bishop's Palace

2026/01/12

Mary and Doug discuss when the waters of the Gala ran red with the blood of the men of Wedale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Somerville

2025/12/15

Mary and Doug blether about the amazing life of Mary Somerville the scientist, mathematician, polymath and the Rose of Jedburgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gladstone

2025/12/02

Doug and Mary discuss the first modern political campaign and why it took place in Stow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manderston

2025/11/01

Mary and Doug blether about the case of Lady Manderston of Duns - a witch? or a wicked wife? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Clark

2025/10/26

Mary and Doug blether about Jim Clark the racing driver champion from Duns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicknames

2025/10/13

Join Mary and Doug as they blether about some of the nicknames that Border towns have Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices