Scottish Blethers Liz Lister & Helen Houston

In this episode we look at some of the features of the Scottish character that have enabled Scots to survive and prosper. We look in particular at the Scots who helped found the United States of America and who thrived as bankers, industrialists, politicians, judges, inventors and artists …… to name but a few. Emigrants celebrated their Scottish heritage in their new home and many of today’s celebrities continue to celebrate their Scottish roots.

In this episode we explore the shared culture, languages and traditions that give the Scots their strong sense of national identity. We look at some of the icons that are associated with Scotland worldwide and ask whether they are still relevant today. Here’s tae us, wha’s like us? Damn few an’ their a’ died!

As much a part of the landscape as our hills and glens, Scottish Castles come in all shapes and sizes. From the blockbuster military strongholds to the quirky fairytale creations, this week’s chat focuses on some of our favourite castles and why you should visit.

The days are getting longer (if not warmer!) and colour is appearing in the garden. The dawn chorus wakens us in the morning and eggs are everywhere! It’s Easter - a time of religious observance for some and fun traditions and feasting for others. We look at some of the traditions associated with celebrating Easter in Scotland.

From its heyday in the Victorian era, the fortunes of Dundee declined as traditional industries were lost and employment became hard to find. We look at the post-war years and the efforts that were made to find success in light engineering. While there were many successes these too were doomed to failure and towards the end of the 20th C the city once again found itself on its uppers. However, Dundee is not known as the "City of Discovery" without reason. With typical resilience and optimism the city is rediscovering itself as a cultural centre and tourist destination with its mega-million pound Waterfront Regeneration Project, including the flagship V&A museum.

Over the next two episodes we take a look at the travel destination that is on everyone's lips at the moment - Dundee. Scotland's fourth largest city has not always been on the radar of overseas visitors planning a trip to Scotland but all that is changing as Dundee becomes HOT!

In this first episode we look at how the wealth of Dundee was generated and how that wealth is still visible in some of the grand buildings still standing today. From Royal burgh to Juteopolis we look at the city's development and the impact this has had on its social history. With both of us having roots in Dundee there's plenty of anecdote!