11 episodes
Weight of Sand Carrying Stream
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- Fiction
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5.0 • 27 Ratings
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The Weight of Sand explores the life and legend of Isobel Gowdie, a woman accused of witchcraft in the Highlands of Scotland.
In the folklore of Isobel Gowdie, we discover the tragic tale of the village of the Culbin, buried under sand to become the 'Sahara of Scotland.'
This time travelling show unravels the nuances of social life upon a small piece of the Moray Coast in the North of Scotland. We examine witch trials, testimonies, storms, mythology and the empty holes of history…
And question what fills the space when the archival records do not tell the story.
From the makers of Stories of Scotland. Funded by Northword.
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1- Sin Curdles
Annie takes her first trip back to Auldearn Tolbooth in 1662 to meet Isobel Gowdie, one of the most well-known women accused of witchcraft in the Scottish Witch Hunts. Her testimonies of witchcraft have influenced folklore for centuries.
But, does Isobel herself believe in witchcraft?
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword. -
2- Ebb & Flow
Annie meets with Janet Braidhead, a woman accused of witchcraft in Auldearn in 1662. Janet shares her knowledge of the blessings and the curses in the Moray Coast.
Janet explains what it means to come hame with the cyarlin: to haul in an empty net... yet to have the knowing of a witch.
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword. -
3- Candles to Fairies
In Annie’s second interview with Isobel Gowide, we discuss the Land of the Fairies. It’s perhaps not the Fairy Land we would picture nowadays, but rather a blend of Highland mythology, witchcraft lore, and Early Modern superstitions.
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword. -
4- Flint Arrows
Annie interviews a reluctant Isobel Gowdie, who is insistent on discovering why folklore emerges that she cursed the lands of the Culbin.
Thinking about the legends surrounding the Culbin, Annie reflects on a legendary artefact that was said to protect Isobel. Isobel questions who gets to be remembered in history and why.
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword. -
5- Dancing Dunes
Annie joins a group of Victorian tourists to take a trip to the Culbin Dunes of 1897. This little crew approaches this edge of the Moray Coast by train. Meanwhile, they blether about the legends of smugglers, sands and skeletons.
How much do we need to know this place to understand the people?
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword. -
6- A History of the Province of Moray
It’s 1897 and a little group of tourists are en route to visit the sands of the Culbin, a desert-like landscape in the North of Scotland. Enthusiastic tour guide Wee Hamish reads from an old book as we approach the Culbin by ferry.
From the makers of Stories of Scotland and funded by Northword.
Customer Reviews
Absolutely fantastic story adventure
If you found this through the Stories of Scotland podcast then you’re no stranger to the wonderful story telling of Annie and Jenny. If you found this another way go look up Stories of Scotland! I loved this series and Annie’s longing to understand Isobel as a person and the time she lived in that cast her as a witch in her community and blamed small grievances and environmental disaster on her. Annie’s time traveling need to understand the past is probably similar to what many in the Scottish diaspora feel and why Annie’s and Jenny’s work resonates so deeply. Our family stories have been lost through the generations of assimilation into a new land, but the longing of a long ago home still lives in us. Bravo ladies! Slàinte mhath!
Enchanting and captivating
The narrators bring history to life in a way that immediately captured my attention. The soothing music and lovely voices made the story very calming to listen to. I hope to find more stories by Jenny and Annie!
Magical story
Lovely way to tell a complicated and interesting story