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.

By The Way

The Strathaven Weaver Audio Drama

How James "Purlie" Wilson, the Strathaven Weaver, was tried on contrived charges of treason and executed on Glasgow Green at 3:00pm on 30 August, 1820.

The Strathaven Weaver

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.

Meet Chris Tait

Jill Korn writes audio drama and I add sound design whiffle dust to make her words 3D. Since our first contact in August 2020, we've made some excellent audio drama through Tweets, emails and Zooms. When we met for the first time in real life we recorded part of our chat about writing, audio drama and sound design. Eavesdrop now on how it went.

Jill Korn writes audio drama

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?

The Selkie.

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.

Galore!

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.

Sparrows in the Buddleia

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.

Don Roberto and The Four Fathers

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.

Making Noises

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.

Hill 60 on the Western Front

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.

Gunner Graham

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. 

Arranach

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.

AUOB Glasgow

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.

Dunkeld Handbell Ringers

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.

Torylinn Creamery

The By The Way podcast is about fascinating Scotland. John Boyd explores everything from the wonder of unicorns to the mysteries of haggis. The By The Way podcast is an anthology of conversations and true stories spoken through the thistle. A new season and upgraded format is due for release soon. Meantime, please enjoy the back catalogue from Arran.

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By The Way

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