‘The Lady of the Lake” and tourism | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

''To a Mouse'' contextualised | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

A performance of "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns, followed by an analysis by Professor Gerad Carruthers.

A View of Scotland/ Love Poem' by Liz Lochhead | Intermediate English: Poetry

Liz Lochhead reads her poem 'A View of Scotland/ Love Poem'.

Ballad collecting | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

Scott's first literary success was a collection of ballads he had archived from his upbringing and which now has become an ...

Building Abbotsford | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

With his fame and riches, Scott built a mansion from scratch which is unheard of for a writer of that era.

Burns addressing politics | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

The 1790's was a turbulent time for politics and Burns was wary to shroud his leanings in his work, committing to...

Burns and adultery | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

Seemingly Burns' wife Jean Armour was aware of Burns' extra-marital affairs as he wrote in code about his exploits.

Burns and depression | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

Modern scholars agree that Burns was treated for "melancholia" and discuss how profound an affect this would have had ...

Burns as a ''fornicator'' | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

After getting a farmgirl pregnant, Burns was made to do penance in front of the church congregation, much to his ...

Burns, ''The Merry Muses'' and sexuality | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

Burns' "The Merry Muses of Caledonia" is a collection of bawdy songs that scholars say were actual...

Burns, fatherhood and family | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

Despite the law and church being against his illegitimate child, he proclaimed that all that mattered was his ...

Burns, racism and the slave trade | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

Burns considered going to work in the slave trade, which was at odds with his later documented abolitioni...

Context of ''Tam o' Shanter'' | Inside the Mind of Robert Burns

"Tam o' Shanter" was a way for Burns to face his demons and is a true echoing of his thoughts.

Historical fiction and Scott | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

Scott was a pioneer of historical fiction and as such a yearly prize is awarded in his name. Kirsty Walk discuss...

How Scott wrote | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

Being an aristocrat, it was frowned upon to be writing novels, so Scott would often work anonymously and even review his own ...

Jackie Kay on Scottishness and her influences | Beyond Burns

Jackie Kay considers her influences and the influence she has had on others.

Jackie Kay reads 'Old Tongue' | Blethering Scots

Jackie Kay discusses her love of the Scots language and reads her poem 'Old Tongue'.

Jackie Kay's role as the Makar | Beyond Burns

Jackie Kay talks about being the Scots Makar, the National Poet for Scotland

Liz Lochhead's groundbreaking poetic voice | Beyond Burns

Liz Lochhead and her poetry considered in terms of class and feminism.

Loch Ness: They Created a Monster

The unbelievable story behind the Loch Ness Monster, and how the search for it has attracted people from across the world for decades.

Origins | In Search of Sir Walter Scott

After contracting polio, Scott was sent away to the Borders where he was subject to the song and folklore which would later be his in...