Scotland's Stories - Graeme
@StoryScotland
Followers
16,882
Following
794
Media
762
Statuses
5,914
Scottish #storyteller , author and #travelblogger Sharing stories of #Scotland helped by a tireless labrador Scotland's Stories Book out now!!! Graeme & Molly
Scotland
Joined July 2021
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Chelsea
• 287384 Tweets
#LAMeetandGreetxENGLOT
• 133284 Tweets
Celtics
• 80853 Tweets
Pacers
• 65981 Tweets
Tatum
• 29577 Tweets
Mikael
• 24783 Tweets
Barco
• 22523 Tweets
O Vasco
• 22108 Tweets
Omar Geles
• 21844 Tweets
Gaston
• 20796 Tweets
Fortaleza
• 20354 Tweets
Herrera
• 19331 Tweets
#WWENXT
• 17453 Tweets
#Aashirwad
• 14934 Tweets
Haliburton
• 13335 Tweets
Temperley
• 12572 Tweets
#サブウェイ新サンド
• 11283 Tweets
Tyrese
• 10259 Tweets
Vallenato
• 10060 Tweets
Jアラート
• 10022 Tweets
If you didn't grow up in Scotland then you might not know that PE/Gym class in December is mostly just ceilidh dancing!
Somehow those steps still manage to appear out of a forgotten corner of the brain while drunk at a wedding 15 years later...
292
866
7K
This is a tale of two very different gravestones, both at Kilmuir in the north of Skye.
Most visitors to this graveyard are distracted by the monumental cross dedicated to Flora MacDonald, but these two deserve closer inspection.
25
379
3K
Stop driving and take a closer look at that cairn!
In 1746, after the Battle of Culloden, the government general Cumberland triumphantly sent the head of Bonnie Prince Charlie down to London and called off the hunt for the Young Pretender.
However, it wasn't actually his head.
43
471
2K
Take the long journey down Glen Lyon to discover the Tigh nam Bodach and its sacred stones.
On Samhain (Halloween), the stones are safely blocked up inside the little house. On Beltane (May 1st) they're taken out again in possibly the oldest running ritual in Britain.
#YS2022
43
253
1K
Today is St Patrick's Day, so in honour of our Irish cousins I'm going to share the location that, in my opinion, ties us together the most.
This giant lump rising out of the Great Moss is Dunadd Fort and it was the heart of the Gaelic Kingdom of Dàl Riata.
14
211
1K
Something a wee bit different and by popular demand, I've thrown the kilt on. Unfortunately, my microphone died, so I'm shouting at the camera!
This is a place I've wanted to visit for a long time, the grave of Seath Mòr Sgorfhiaclach, which means Great/Big Shaw the Bucktoothed.
40
171
1K
It looks like I'm going to be extra busy for the next year or so, because now I've got a wedding to plan! After getting Molly's blessing, Emma and I got engaged and I couldn't be happier.
Yes, I know I'm punching well above my weight here, but please, nobody let her know that!
139
35
1K
Welcome to the Calanais Stones on the Isle of Lewis, raised around 5000 years ago.
Older than the pyramids and predating Stonehenge, this is a truly awe-inspiring place, full of mystery and legend.
14
297
1K
For anybody wondering why so many
@CalMacFerries
are being cancelled today, this is the very unfun sail from Brodick to Troon that Molly and I are on right now- last ferry off the island and even the sturdy MV Alfred is being tossed about...
57
134
1K
Today is the anniversary of the Glencoe Massacre, an atrocity that still stirs emotion over 330 years later.
After the 1689 Jacobite rising, an official government pardon was offered to any clan who swore an oath to King William by the 1st of January 1692.
26
329
1K
May 1st is also known as Beltane, once an important time in Scotland.
In October I posted a video of the journey down Glen Lyon to visit Tigh nam Bodach. Every Samhain, these stones are blocked up in the wee house and every Beltane, taken back out to watch over the glen.
19
138
992
The exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor - "The Highland Rogue" make him sound like a fictional character, but he was a living, breathing man with a story that's almost impossible to untangle from legend.
Born in 1671 near Loch Katrine, he was known as Red Rob for his fiery hair.
5
98
987
This little building doesn't look like much from the outside, it's nestled amongst farm buildings at the end of a narrow road.
However, step inside the door with me and prepare to be very surprised by the inside of St Mary's Church at Grandtully.
#Scotland
31
152
936
The face of a man who drove 4 hours, took 2 ferries, drove another hour then hiked 21km to see the third biggest whirlpool in the world...and it wasn't switched on.
But that doesn't matter because Jura is a beautiful place, with 6000 deer and around 200 very friendly people.
17
30
923
Go round the back of Kilmartin Church in Argyll, step inside an old Campbell burial Isle and you’ll find something pretty incredible!
Sculpted graveslabs, dating from the 900s onwards, depicting warriors in mail, enormous claymore swords and intricate weaving knotwork.
17
170
894
On the lowest level of the Glasgow Necropolis, not far from the cathedral, you'll find this memorial to Scotland's National Hero - William Wallace.
It commemorates an event that you won't find in Braveheart, or most history books, known as the Battle of the Bell o the Braes.
18
203
895
Lots of people will send cards with lovehearts on them today, so I thought I would share something different.
This is the Tinker's Heart, high on a hill overlooking Loch Fyne in Argyll made out of quartz stones and the only permanent memorial to Scotland's Traveller community.
9
133
882
On the Isle of Lewis, not far from Calanais, stands Dun Carloway (or at least what's left of it), a 2000 year old Iron Age broch.
Don't skip this one just because ancient history isn't your thing, there's more recent stories to be found here.
14
85
864
At 104 metres across, once with 60 stones but now just 27, the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney is the largest stone circle in Scotland!
Archaeologists will tell you these were erected around 4500 years ago, but we know the truth. These stones were once alive as the Giants of Orkney!
15
113
840
This beautiful wee church is one of my favourites in all of Scotland - Cille Choirril, near Roy Bridge in Lochaber.
Restored to working order around 100 years ago, it dates back to the 15th Century, said to have been built by Allan nan Creach, a chief of Clan Cameron.
12
99
834
Smoo Cave is one of my favourite places to visit around the north coast of Scotland.
Not just for the enormous cavern or the waterfall that pours through the roof but because it's packed full of legends.
19
79
837
This has to be one of the best views in Scotland, looking out from the Ratagan Pass towards the Five Sisters of Kintail.
Legend says there were once seven sisters here, not mountains, but the lovely daughters of a Chief of Kintail.
17
88
828
Over a thousand years ago, a shadow fell across the countryside around Dundee.
Nobody knew exactly what had changed, but they could feel it in the air.
Livestock started disappearing and strange, distant noises were heard in the night.
#YS2022
#TalesOfScotland
19
134
821
The next time you're exploring the East Neuk of Fife, don't miss St Fillan's Cave in Pittenweem.
It's tucked away up the appropriately named Cove Wynd, behind an elaborate metal gate.
St Fillan was a Celtic missionary, believed to have lived in the 7thC.
12
148
801
One of the many iconic views on Skye and one of my favourite stories from the island involves these two hills that look like they've had their summits neatly sliced off.
Individually, they're known as Healabhal Mhòr and Healabhal Bheag, but together they're MacLeod's Tables.
16
86
789
The Vennel is one of Edinburgh's most popular views, but the most interesting part isn't the steps, or even the castle.
What you need to look out for is this - The Flodden Wall.
12
91
794
"Don't visit Orkney in Winter" - people said. "It's cold, dreich and everything's shut. It's just depressing."
Well, does this look depressing to you?
Admittedly, the weather can be a lottery, but I wasn't coming to Orkney to get a suntan anyway.
13
53
772
The Thistles are coming out in Scotland and a lot of people might not realise this is a symbol of Scotland!
It shows up all over the country, on our coins, on the royal coat of arms and on our national rugby shirt.
21
83
774
It's National Unicorn Day today and in case you weren't already aware, that's Scotland's National Animal!
That might come as a surprise, but if you look around, they're all over the place! Unicorns sit atop mercat crosses in Royal Burghs and they're on the Royal Coat of Arms.
14
194
777
There is something about Dunskey Castle that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Something spine chilling, dark and ominous so thank goodness Molly was there to look after me!
A nice spooky story on the run up to Halloween...
🧵
11
68
763
This stunning view looks down the long, narrow Loch Leven towards the Pap of Glencoe, just a short drive (or hike) away from the iconic Three Sisters.
It's an amazing place packed full of beautiful wildlife, rare plantlife, ancient geology and of course, fascinating folklore.
12
129
757
These distant Beech Trees are the remains of a living monument to the men that accompanied Bonnie Prince Charlie to Scotland at the start of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
They're known as the Seven Men of Moidart.
15
98
741
Welcome to a proper Winter Wonderland at the Hermitage in Perthshire.
It's s one of my favourite woodland walks, an obvious place to stop on the way up to Inverness with a picnic, although this was my first snowy visit.
Be warned, it does get very busy at peak times.
14
72
723
On this day in 1314, the opening exchanges of the Battle of Bannockburn took place, along with my favourite Robert the Bruce story.
It starts with an enormous English army led by King Edward II arriving near Bannockburn to save Stirling Castle from a Scottish seige.
#Scotland
15
135
685
If you aren't blown away by the rest of St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, you might spot a heavy, locked door in the back corner.
That leads to the Thistle Chapel, built around 100 years ago, but home to something much older - The Most Ancient & Most Noble Order Of The Thistle.
10
78
676
Roderick's brave sacrifice was crucial to the story of the 1745, but is still largely unknown apart from by those curious enough to stop and inspect his cairn!
You can find it on the A887, the road leading away from Loch Ness at Invermoriston not far from where it joins the A87.
12
47
674
This work of art is the Tay Bridge, not the big one at Dundee, but the much older one in Aberfeldy, built in 1733.
With its five arches and four prominent obelisks, the elaborate design disguises its true purpose as a crucial military construction.
10
48
669
Tucked away beside the beach in a corner of Aberdeen, you'll find the wee fishing village of Footdee.
With narrow streets around these squares of cottages, keeping their backs to the harsh North Sea, walking here is like stepping back in time. 🧵
Music: Nathan Evans - Wellerman
23
101
670
Did you know that you can find a floating pub in Scotland's Great Glen?
I stumbled upon the Eagle Barge Inn the other day and knew I had to share it - especially since it's dog friendly!
You can find it tucked away on the Caledonian Canal at the northeastern end of Loch Lochy.
20
162
677
This is one of my favourite views in Scotland, looking out from the Ratagan Pass towards the Five Sisters of Kintail (The peaks on the right hand side)
Legend says there were once seven sisters here, not mountains, but lovely daughters of a Chief of Kintail...
21
109
666
Make the long drive down Glen Lyon, then 3 hours hiking and you'll arrive at Tigh nam Bodach and its ancient, sacred stones.
Those stones can only be found between Beltane and Samhain (May 1st and Halloween), since they're safely blocked up inside the little house every winter.
11
131
669
Don't be alarmed that I'm going to show you the inside of a public loo!
The Victorian Toilets beside the ferry terminal in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute have become one of the island's most popular attractions!
17
118
659
Come for a wee walk in the woods with me in the Knapdale Forest of Argyll to the abandoned township of Kilmory Oib.
I've visited a lot of fascinating places in my time, but something about this place felt different.
10
96
647
This slice of heaven is Glencoe, but maybe not as you know it! Most visitors only see the majestic Three Sisters as they pass through the famous glen, but there's more to find here.
If you think this looks a little more Canadian than Scottish, there's a good story about that!
6
58
638
Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye is the historic seat of Clan Macleod and a secure location for their most valuable treasure.
It might just look like a faded, battered bit of cloth but this is the famous Fairy Flag and the following story is how it came to be.
9
83
638
Legend says that when Edinburgh Castle was being set up as a more modern military barracks a couple hundred years ago, an opening to a small tunnel was found.
It's not unusual to find tunnels and counter tunnels dug around castles, but nobody knew where this one went.
10
90
634
This epic picture from my sister's wedding gives me a perfect excuse to introduce myself to any new folk.
My name's Graeme and I'm the person who does all the writing, speaking, planning, driving, photography (apart from this one) and research to bring you Scotland's Stories.
30
26
634
Most visitors to Stirling focus on the castle, but walk just a little way behind it to Mote Hill and you'll find another fascinating showpiece.
This big lump of rock protected by an iron cage is the Beheading Stone.
#YS2022
#TalesOfScotland
9
83
630
This odd looking building in the Scottish Borders is Stobo Kirk, one of the oldest functioning churches in Scotland.
Dating back to the 1100s, it stands on the site of an older chapel with connections to a man called Myrddin Wyllt - you might know him better as Merlin...
7
101
634
On the banks of Loch Lomond, in the graveyard of Luss Parish Church, you'll find something a little special.
It's a Viking gravestone, known as a Hogback and it's around 900 years old. Yes, I know Viking isn't the historically accurate term, but it still sounds cool...
🧵
8
92
626
You might think that Orkney has only ancient history to share from the amount of coverage of Skara Brae or the standing stones.
Clearly, the Italian Chapel is a bit more modern, but why is it here in Scotland's northern isles and why does it look so odd?
Read on to find out...
20
82
626
Since I rarely show my face on here, I thought I'd pop up after Molly got all the attention yesterday!
These are the Standing Stones of Stenness, right at the heart of Neolithic Orkney. They're iconic, enormous and also the oldest stone circle in the British Isles.
13
30
628
Oban has some of the best sunsets I've ever seen, it's an incredible view across the bay and over the Isle of Kerrera to the mountains of Mull in the distance.
Those 3 things combined are really what have made Oban the place it is today as well!
Song: Niteworks - Fare Well Pt.3
3
70
617
In the wee East Lothian town of Prestonpans, you'll find the old Preston Cross, still standing in exactly the same place as it did 400 years ago.
It's one of the best examples of a Mercat Cross anywhere in Scotland, once the beating heart of the community.
8
56
614
The north coast of Scotland has some fantastic beaches like Ceannabeinne, but you might find more than just sunbathers there.
This area was once terrorised by a dark sorcerer called Donald Mackay, the Wizard of Reay. He had been trained by the Devil, but the pair soon fell out.
5
73
607
Have you ever wondered what it's like to clamber into a 5000 year old burial Cairn?
Probably not, because why on earth would you, but I'm here to show you anyway!
18
99
613
Have a very Merry Christmas from me and Molly!
I know I'm a day early but from Bucksfizz in the morning, through mulled wine at lunch to a few evening drams...I don't expect to be online much tomorrow!
Have a great few days!
38
18
602
Step inside the magnificent St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, take a look up, and you'll see something pretty amazing.
This heraldic ceiling is over 500 years old, a bold statement of Scotland's position in the European scene in 1520.
15
160
601
Most people have heard of the Wallace Monument just outside Stirling, but did you know there's an even older one in Ayrshire?
Sitting on the prominent Barnweil Hill in low-lying farmland, it's easily seen but still not well known!
7
66
600
If you've ever seen the film Whisky Galore, then hopefully you already know it's based on a true story!
A story of community, opportunity, ingenuity and of course whisky.
In Feb 1941, during harsh wartime rationing, the islanders of Eriskay received a welcome gift from the sea.
13
75
601
This incredible reconstructed Viking longship and house can be found on Unst, the island at the far north of Shetland.
The Vikings arrived here from Norway around the 9thC. While these burly Scandinavians were great raiders and warriors, they were also farmers and settlers.
8
96
598
On the south coast of Islay, outside a wee ruined chapel, you'll find the Kildalton Cross.
It was ornately carved in the 8th century and there aren't many in such incredible condition after 1300 years found anywhere in Scotland.
2
75
599
This might just look like an ordinary building, but pop round the back of Brechin’s Bar in Govan and look up.
The carving of a prowling cat immortalises the unlikely saviour of this riverside suburb of Glasgow.
15
89
597
This is the story of a Scottish hero many haven't heard of, though thousands walk past his name!
High up by the gate of Edinburgh Castle sits a plaque to William Kirkcaldy of Grange, "justly reputed to be one of the best soldiers and most accomplished cavaliers of his time."
10
76
585
This little war memorial on a rocky outcrop stopped me in my tracks.
You pass it on the backroad out of Pitlochry, past Moulin heading towards Bridge of Cally, but it wasn't on the map, so seemed to come out of nowhere.
15
54
584
Have you ever wondered what a 5000 year old home might have looked like?
Well, you don't need to use much imagination at Skara Brae in Orkney!
This Neolithic village was perfectly preserved by sand and turf until being uncovered by a storm in 1850!
13
130
589
This odd looking building in the Scottish Borders is Stobo Kirk, one of the oldest functioning churches in Scotland.
Dating back to the 1100s, it stands on the site of an older chapel with connections to a man called Myrddin Wyllt - you might know him better as Merlin..
#YS2022
14
74
573
These are the Fairy Pools in Skye, surely one of Scotland's most popular spots in recent years, although it would takefairy magic to get them to yourself!
The pools don't have any traditional fairy stories to go with them however, Skye has plenty of fairytales to keep you happy
9
82
580
Instead of a story today, this is for everybody else who would rather be in Lagangarbh Hut in Glencoe right now.
Writing, painting, reading, snoozing or whatever else takes your fancy. Away from the distractions of modern technology and the noise of city life.
12
63
572
This grand jumble of turrets is Glenbogle House, the ancient, ancestral home of the MacDonalds of Glenbogle.
It's a fascinating place, full of intriguing histories and quirky characters, on the banks of a deep loch, under the shadow of the mountain Ben Bogle.
15
45
570
Three stories for the price of one today, all about Eilean Donan Castle!
Thousands of people visit every year for this picturesque scene at the meeting of three lochs, but it's more than just a nice view. Eilean Donan is also a place packed full of stories.
8
99
566
#AD
- Look around Scotland and you’ll discover plenty of tales inspired by nature
With
@VisitScotland
for Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, I’m sharing a favourite, about the magical River Sligachan on the Isle of Skye
#YS2022
#TalesOfScotland
#RespectProtectEnjoy
#VisitScotland
13
67
559
Decompressing after a three day tour up to Skye and one of our stops was the ever-popular Eilean Donan Castle . One of the things I love about this place is how many stories it packs in.
Yes, it's a beautiful building in a dramatic setting, but it's so much more than that!
8
76
569
The amazing Rosslyn Chapel just south of Edinburgh is full of beautiful carvings, puzzling mysteries and intriguing stories.
There's one legend that stands out amongst the rest though - the story of the Apprentice Pillar.
8
109
567
The wait is finally over and the brand new
@PerthMuseumUK
is open to the world in one of Scotland's oldest and most important cities!
#AD
6
133
563
By the time Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan, the first shots of the 1745 Jacobite rising had already been fired, right here at Highbridge.
The ruined pillars of the old bridge loom over the River Spean like a monument to one of my favourite stories.
4
52
561
Not every folk story comes from isolated glens or lonely lochs. One of the strangest tales I know comes from Leith, just a short hop from the centre of Edinburgh!
It's about a creature called the Shelleycoat, a rare beast that haunts waterways and bogs.
6
77
553
Is this Scotland's best bench view?
Stiff competition, but this spot looking across the gorge to Castle Campbell has to be a top contender!
You'll find it on the walk/drive down the road from the castle, perched above Dollar Glen in Clackmannanshire.
15
92
555
This wee building is Ossian's Hall at the Hermitage near Dunkeld and thousands of people visit every year to get a stunning waterfall view inside.
But who was Ossian and why is it named after him?
13
43
559
The harbour at Crail is probably the most photographed in Scotland and that's not really surprising!
This little fishing village is right at the edge of the East Neuk, almost the very tip of Fife and of the oldest settlements in the county.
#VisitScotland
#WelcomeToFife
12
77
544
Lots of you will recognise the wee village of Culross in Fife. Used in plenty of Films & TV shows like Outlander, these winding cobbled streets are now a regular on social media.
Ignore the cars and you might well have time travelled back to the 17th century!
16
49
538
Glenshee translates as Glen of The Fairies so it's no surprise this place is full of magic and folklore.
The glen has been an important route through the mountains between Perthshire and Aberdeenshire for thousands of years.
This long history is most obvious at Glenshee Kirk.
6
75
545
After all the scary stories, horrible hauntings and gruesome goings on, it's time for something nice and pleasant to cleanse the palate!
This stunning view of Portree on Skye should do the trick. The name comes from the Gaelic for King's Port, although some dispute that!
4
48
544
Looming above Balquhidder and Rob Roy's Grave is Creag an Tuirc which translates as Boar Rock. It's both the traditional gathering place and the war cry of the Clan MacLaren.
The cairn in the picture is relatively modern, but the stories surrounding the hill are much older.
9
56
546
This is the Falkirk Tunnel, part of the Union Canal - an add on to the Forth-Clyde Canal.
Both allowed transport from one side of Scotland to the other without sailing all the way around.
However, this 630m tunnel through Prospect Hill wasn't part of the original plan.
16
70
540
Most visitors to Culzean Castle have no idea there are mysterious caves hiding beneath their feet!
The original name for Culzean was Cove or Co' and these caves are full of legends and mystery. Maybe a tunnel to hell, a smugglers paradise or even an entrance to the fairy kingdom
6
62
539
Molly and I are happy to announce that the first Scotland's Stories tour of the year was a roaring success!
The first day we explored Angus from mountains to sea including a peaceful loch, folk museum, historic abbey, grand castle, incredible Pictish stones and lots more.
11
30
535
It might just look like an old, disused bridge to nowhere but the Sligachan Bridge on Skye is a magical place.
More specifically, the water that flows underneath it has been enchanted by fairies.
#VisitScotland
#IsleOfSkye
#YS2022
#TalesOfScotland
#Scotland
9
53
534
This video should give you a closer look at the carvings on the Hilton of Cadboll Pictish Stone on the Tarbat Peninsula north of Inverness.
While the 1200 year old original stands in the National Museum in Edinburgh to protect it, this is an incredible replica.
14
101
537
This beauty of a castle is Loch an Eilein, literally Loch of the Island.
Now, lots of lochs have islands, but not all of them are entirely taken up by a stronghold once home to the Wolf of Badenoch!
11
69
533
Sit back and enjoy a wee trip around the Isle of Mull! This is by no means an exhaustive list, you could spend a week on Mull and still run out of time...
7
83
530
It's hard to sum up Jarlshof on Shetland in words, it's quite simply one of the most extraordinary places I've ever been.
No matter what period of history interests you, this place has you covered.
11
70
531
Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute is up there with the finest, most lavish buildings in Scotland.
You don't need me to tell you that, just look at that ceiling from the Marble Hall!
17
57
530
Hidden deep in the East Lothian woods, near the village of Gifford are the ruins of Yester Castle.
And hidden deep below that tumbled down castle, as if it was carved right out of the rock, is the mysterious Goblin Ha'.
#TalesOfScotland
#YS2022
10
52
529
The north coast of Scotland has some fantastic beaches like Ceannabeinne, but you might find more than just sunbathers or surfers there...
#VisitScotland
#Scotland
#TalesOfScotland
#YS2022
6
61
519
There are plenty of places dotted around Scotland with a connection to Mary Queen of Scots, where she slept, ate or visited.
However, nowhere else has a story like Loch Leven Castle.
#Scotland
#VisitScotland
6
60
529
Since it's Sunday, I'll tell you a short story about an old church.
This is St Mary's Kirkyard above its namesake loch in the Yarrow Valley in the Borders and it's all the proof you need that beautiful scenery isn't just found in the Highlands.
7
60
525
I've been struggling to keep up with posting stories while on tour this month, so why don't you just come along and see what I've been up to!
This is Day 1 of my tour around the Shetland Isles!
11
85
531
Duffus Castle, not far from Elgin in Moray, started life in the 12th century, with a collection of buildings protected by a circular wall.
You can walk along the old paved road to the castle here, but you'll need to be more careful than one of the previous lairds....
8
47
521