February
VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
February
February is a rich month for events in Scotland’s history and members of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association can now tell you some of the amazing stories behind them.
Keep coming back to this page as we will be adding new stories regularly and we don’t want you to miss out.
Alexander Selkirk - the Real Robinson Crusoe
On the 2nd of February 1709, Alexander Selkirk was rescued from the uninhabited island of Juan Fernandez, 400 miles off the coast of Chile, after over four years there completely alone.
But how did this Scots lad from Lower Largo in Fife end up a castaway on a south-sea deserted island? Join Blue Badge guide William Kinnaird as he tells the story of the real Robinson Crusoe.
The Stewart Earls of Orkney
Chris Matthews tells the story of the Stewart Earls of Orkney. Patrick Stewart, Early of Orkney and cousin of King James VI was executed on 6 February 1615.
The Glencoe Massacre
Glencoe based guide, Andrew Baxter, explains the story of one of the most infamous episodes in Scottish history. The story of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 still stains the beauty of this scenic glen today and remains an emotional tale for people with Highland connections around the world.
Robert Burns
This month millions of people around the world will be celebrating the birth of the poet and song writer Robert Burns on January 25 and Blue Badge Guide Jim Leslie tells his story in a special video.
John Logie Baird
On January 26, 1926, Scots born John Logie Baird demonstrated television for the first time in London and Stewart Noble reveals how that came about.
Burke Hare and Knox - Murder Behind Closed Doors
On January 28, 1829, the notorious murderer William Burke was hanged in front of as many as 25,000 people in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket. His fellow murderer William Hare had given evidence against him on condition of not being charged and was freed. Blue Badge guide Alasdair Northrop tells the story of Burke and Hare and how they killed at least 16 people and sold their bodies to the anatomist Robert Knox.
Up Helly Aa
January is also when the famous Up Helly Aa event takes place on Shetland and Green Badge guide Robyn Johnson has written a story about the Vikings and the Far North.
Live Virtual Tours
Every Monday Blue Badge guides Joe Harrower and Mike Turpie are out telling stories on a live Facebook broadcast. To find out more visit their Facebook Page below, Piping Scot Tours.
Scottish Blethers Podcast
Blue Badge Guides Helen Houston, Liz Lister and Susan Brown also tell stories in their weekly Scottish Blethers podcast which can be found on all major podcast platforms:
