Caledonian Crime with Tay Munroe

Tay Munroe
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Telling the tales of the darkest Scottish crimes. From old to new, we cover the crimes that shook Scotland.

  1. Sep 22

    Her Beaming Smile: Remembering Alesha MacPhail

    She was six years old. She loved writing, performing, and pasta. She wanted to be a YouTube star. She fell asleep watching Peppa Pig. Alesha MacPhail was three days into her summer holiday on the Isle of Bute when she was taken from her bed on 2 July 2018. Today's episode is not really about what happened to her. It's about who she was — and about the extraordinary family she left behind, who have spent every year since making sure the world remembers her name for the right reasons. Sources & Further Reading • Wikipedia — Murder of Alesha MacPhail • BBC News — multiple articles on the trial, conviction, and sentencing (2018–2019) • ITV News — Alesha MacPhail family campaign reporting (December 2019) • Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser — Alesha's legacy and family reporting (2019, 2020) • Daily Record — Georgina Lochrane interview (October 2019) • Irish Times / ITV — funeral coverage (July 2018)   Support If this episode has raised anything difficult for you, please reach out for support. • Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24hrs) • Cruse Bereavement Scotland: 0845 600 2227 • FAMS (Families and Friends Against Murder and Suicide): fams.org.uk   Connect Follow Caledonian Crime on TikTok and Instagram @caledoniancrime If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review — it helps Caledonian Crime reach more listeners. Content note: this episode covers the murder of a six-year-old child. It does not include graphic details of the crime. It is handled throughout with care and respect for Alesha and her family.

  2. Aug 24

    The Day Glasgow Fought Back: 2007 Airport Attack

    On 30 June 2007, a burning Jeep packed with gas canisters was driven at the doors of Glasgow Airport — twenty-four hours after two car bombs were found in central London. This week, Tay unpacks the four minutes that followed: the security bollards that stopped a catastrophe, the trial that followed, and the seven ordinary Glaswegians and Paisley locals — a baggage handler, a taxi driver, a retired firefighter among them — who ran towards the danger instead of away from it. A story about how close this came to being so much worse, and the strangers who made sure it wasn’t. Episode bullet points: The failed London car bomb plot of 29 June 2007 and its direct link to Glasgow A minute-by-minute breakdown of the attack at Terminal 1 The seven responders — John Smeaton, Michael Kerr, Alex McIlveen, Stephen Clarkson, Henry Lambie, PC Stewart Ferguson, and Michael MacDonald Who Bilal Abdullah and Kafeel Ahmed were, and what drove them The Woolwich Crown Court trial and sentencing What happened to the seven heroes in the years since, including a tribute to Stephen Clarkson Content note: This episode discusses terrorism, violence, and injury. Listener discretion advised. Support resources are listed in the episode description below. Hashtags: #TrueCrime #ScottishTrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #GlasgowAirport #CaledonianCrime #ScottishHistory #TrueCrimeCommunity Support line (pin in notes): Victim Support Scotland — 0800 160 1985 *music by leberch from pixabay

  3. Jul 29

    The Templeton Woods Murders- Carol Lannen and Elizabeth McCabe

    On the north-western edge of Dundee lies Templeton Woods — and within eleven months, two young women were found there, strangled, barely 150 yards apart. Carol Lannen, 18, a new mother, was found in March 1979. Elizabeth McCabe, 20, a nursery nurse, was found in February 1980, one day before her 21st birthday. This extended, victim-first episode tells their stories — who they were, and what those who loved them remember — and asks why, more than four decades on, no one has ever been brought to justice. Content & Sensitivity Note This episode discusses the murder of two young women, including strangulation and the disposal of remains. It references historic press language about one victim that her family has always disputed. Listener discretion advised. Support resources are listed at the end of these notes and read aloud in the episode. The Victims Carol Lannen — 18 — The youngest of five children; experienced time in care and a difficult early home life. — A young mother to a baby son who was just three months old at the time of her death. — Labelled a sex worker in period reporting — an account her family has always firmly rejected, describing her instead as a young mum in a relationship and planning to marry. — Last seen in Dundee city centre on the night of 20 March 1979; found in Templeton Woods the next afternoon. Elizabeth McCabe — 20 — The eldest of four children from a close, loving family in Lochee. — A trainee nursery nurse who adored children; remembered as shy, gentle and home-loving. — Had recently begun college and, for the first time, discovered a love of nights out and dancing. — Last seen leaving a city-centre club in the early hours of 11 February 1980; found 16 days later, the day before her 21st birthday. Key Facts at a Glance Location Templeton Woods, north-western edge of Dundee Victim 1 Carol Lannen, 18 — found 21 March 1979 Victim 2 Elizabeth McCabe, 20 — found 26 February 1980 Cause of death Strangulation (both) Proximity Bodies found roughly 150 yards apart Key Lannen detail Belongings found c. 85 miles north, by the River Don, Aberdeenshire Press nickname The “disco killer” 2007 trial One man tried for the McCabe murder; found not guilty (acquitted) Current status Both unsolved; open and under periodic review by Police Scotland *music by leberch from pixabay

  4. Jul 18

    Jodi Jones part 2 - Luke Mitchell

    Part 2: Luke Mitchell was 14 when his girlfriend, 14-year-old Jodi Jones, was murdered near Dalkeith in June 2003. This episode covers the trial, conviction, and the fight over his freedom that’s still playing out today. Mitchell stood trial at the High Court in Edinburgh in late 2004. On 21 January 2005, aged 16, he was found guilty and sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years. The judge called it “a truly evil murder.” He has always denied involvement and has lost every appeal since — in 2008, 2011, and beyond, including a bid to have his case referred to the UK Supreme Court. Channel 5’s 2021 documentary Murder in a Small Town reignited public interest, and a campaign — now backed by a 25,000+ signature petition — continues to argue he was wrongly convicted. Mitchell became eligible for parole in April 2024. The Parole Board refused release, citing an inability to fully assess risk. He took the Parole Board to judicial review, winning the right to a hearing in January 2025 — but in February 2025, the Court of Session ruled against him, and the original refusal stood. A fresh parole hearing was postponed in April 2025, and his mother launched a legal fundraising appeal in September 2025. Jodi’s family have been consistent: they oppose his release and say they fear for other women if he’s freed. This is a case that’s still moving. We’ll flag anywhere the facts are contested, and update if anything changes before this goes live. Contains discussion of the murder of a child. Listener discretion advised. Sources: BBC, STV News, Scottish Daily Express, Wikipedia (Murder of Jodi Jones), and reporting from the Luke Mitchell Campaign (presented as advocacy, not neutral fact). #CaledonianCrime #TrueCrime #Scotland #JodiJones #LukeMitchell *music by leberch from pixabay

  5. Jul 17

    Jodi Jones - The Wee Mentor (part 1)

    Caledonian Crime with Tay Munroe Episode: The Murder of Jodi Jones — Part 1 Case: Jodi Jones Location: Easthouses, Midlothian, Scotland Date of crime: 30 June 2003 Episode Summary On the afternoon of 30 June 2003, 14-year-old Jodi Jones set off on her usual walk along Roan’s Dyke path to meet her boyfriend, Luke Mitchell. She never arrived. Her body was found later that evening — the discovery would trigger one of the most contested murder investigations in modern Scottish criminal history. In Part 1, we cover Jodi’s life, the timeline of that afternoon, the discovery of her body, and the early police investigation before the case turned toward her boyfriend as a suspect. Key Topics Covered Who Jodi Jones was — family, school, community The timeline of 30 June 2003 The search and discovery Initial forensic and crime scene details Early investigative lines before a suspect emerged Community and media response in Dalkeith/Easthouses A Note on This Case Luke Mitchell was convicted of Jodi’s murder in 2005 and remains in prison. His conviction has been the subject of an ongoing innocence campaign, appeals, and public debate. In line with our editorial standards, we present the Crown case, the defence position, and post- conviction developments factually and separately, and we do not present contested claims as settled fact. Sub judice considerations are noted where relevant to any live appeal activity. Sources & Fact-Check Register Trial proceedings and appeal court judgments (High Court of Justiciary) Contemporary press coverage (2003–2005) Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service statements [Add specific book/documentary sources used in your script] All claims in this episode are checked against at least one primary or court-record source. Disputed claims are flagged as disputed. Support Resources If this episode has raised difficult feelings, support is available: Victim Support Scotland — 0800 160 1985 Samaritans — 116 123 (free, 24/7) Follow Caledonian Crime linktr.ee/caledoniancrime Spotify & Apple Podcasts TikTok & Instagram: @caledoniancrime Part 2 continues with the investigation, arrest, and trial. *music by leberch from pixabay

  6. Jul 9

    The disappearance of Arlene Fraser

    In this episode of Caledonian Crime, Tay Munroe covers the disappearance of Arlene Fraser — a case that has never fully closed, and a family that has never stopped searching for answers. On the morning of Tuesday 28 April 1998, 33-year-old Arlene Fraser stood at the door of her bungalow in New Elgin in her dressing gown and waved her two young children off to school. A neighbour saw her checking the washing line shortly after. She was never seen again. What made the case so extraordinary — and so difficult — was the complete absence of physical evidence. No body. No crime scene. No forensics. No witnesses. No trace of Arlene Fraser from that morning to this day. What police did have was a husband with a violent history, a motive, and an alibi that his own detective described as almost too perfect. In this episode we cover: • Who Arlene Fraser was — devoted mother, daughter, and sister • The reality of her marriage to Nat Fraser and the violence she endured • The morning she vanished and what the house told investigators • The five-year investigation and the £2 million inquiry that followed • The 2003 trial — no body, no forensics, a turned Crown witness, and a conviction • The appeal, the UK Supreme Court, and the 2012 retrial • What Suzanne's Law means for Arlene's family — and for Scotland • Why, 27 years on, her body has still never been found Content note: this episode covers domestic violence, coercive control, and the murder of a mother. It is handled with care and respect throughout. Everything in this episode has been fact-checked. Sources are listed below. Sources & Further Reading • BBC News — Nat Fraser trial, appeal, and retrial reporting (2003–2012) • Press & Journal — Timeline: The Story of Arlene Fraser (pressandjournal.co.uk, February 2026) • STV News — Documentary to explore disappearance of Arlene Fraser (January 2026) • Grampian Online / Northern Scot — Murder Case BBC documentary coverage (February 2026) • Wikipedia — Murder of Arlene Fraser • BBC Scotland — Murder Case: The Hunt for Arlene Fraser's Killer (documentary, aired 24 February 2026) • BBC — Families demand change to parole rules for missing body murders Content / Trigger Warnings This episode contains detailed discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, the murder of a mother, and the ongoing distress experienced by a family who do not know where their loved one's remains are. Listener discretion is advised. Connect Follow Caledonian Crime on TikTok and Instagram @caledoniancrime If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review — it helps Caledonian Crime reach more listeners. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, please contact Refuge Scotland: 0800 027 1234 (free, 24hrs). *music by Leberch from pixabay

  7. Jul 2

    Where is Allan? The Disappearance of Allan Bryant Jr

    This week, Tay Munroe tells the story of Allan Bryant Jr — a fun-loving young man from Glenrothes in Fife who vanished on a night out in November 2013, and has never been found. Allan was 23, weeks from his 24th birthday. He lived with his mum, dad and two sisters. His father remembers a son so polite he’d stop to say hello to an elderly stranger walking their dog. On the night of 2 November 2013, Allan went to an engagement party, then on to Styx nightclub with friends. At 2.02am he walked out alone, and the CCTV that had followed him all night simply… stopped. What followed became one of the largest missing-person searches in Scotland’s history — divers, dogs, air support, marches through the town, an aerial search, searches of woodland and farmland that go on to this day. And it became something else, too: a father’s decade-long refusal to stop asking what happened to his boy. This is a victim-first episode. It’s about who Allan was, the night he disappeared, the investigation and its frustrations, and a family living with what they call ‘ambiguous loss.’ It holds the police position — a missing-person case with nothing to suggest criminality — alongside the family’s belief that Allan came to harm. And it ends, as this case must, with an appeal. In this episode: • Who Allan was — in the words of the people who love him • Glenrothes, and the one-mile walk that should have taken minutes • The last night: the party, the club, and 2.02am • The silence that follows — and the CCTV that was lost • One of Scotland’s biggest missing-person searches • A father who has never stopped looking • The police position, the family’s belief, and what separates them • ‘Ambiguous loss’ — and how you can help If You Have Information If you know anything about what happened to Allan Bryant Jr — no matter how small — please come forward: • Police Scotland — call 101, quote Operation Toner, or email OperationToner@scotland.police.uk • Crimestoppers — 0800 555 111, completely anonymous • Missing People — call or text 116 000 (free, confidential) Content / Trigger Warnings This episode discusses the unexplained disappearance of a young man and the long-term grief of a missing person’s family. It refers to the possibility that Allan came to harm. Listener discretion is advised. Sensitive-topic note: if this episode is difficult, support is available — Samaritans on 116 123, and Missing People on 116 000. Details in the show notes. Connect Follow Caledonian Crime on TikTok and Instagram @caledoniancrime. If this episode moved you, the kindest thing you can do is share it — it keeps Allan’s name out there, and that’s exactly what his family ask for. *music by leberch from pixabay

  8. Jun 29

    Glencoe: Murder Under Trust

    At five o'clock in the morning on the 13th of February 1692, soldiers who had been sheltered, fed and entertained by the MacDonalds of Glencoe for twelve days rose in the dark and began killing their hosts. Around 38 men died, including the elderly chief MacIain — shot rising from his bed — and an estimated 40 more women and children perished fleeing into a blizzard. In this episode, Tay strips three centuries of myth off Scotland's most infamous betrayal: the oath sworn six days late after a sixty-mile winter journey to the wrong office; the Edinburgh officials who deleted the proof of it; the Secretary of State who called the slaughter a work of charity; the order signed — top and bottom — by King William; the surviving written command to "put all under seventy to the sword"; the two junior officers who refused; and the 1695 inquiry that officially declared it murder under trust… before prosecuting precisely no one. Conversational, opinion-led, and ruthlessly clear about what's documented versus what's folklore — including why "the Campbells did it" is the cover story, not the history. Content warnings: mass killing, deaths of women and children from exposure. Historical case; no graphic dwelling. Visit: the Glencoe massacre memorial, Glencoe village (annual commemoration each 13 February); National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre. Key sources for this episode: the Report of the Commission of Inquiry, 1695, and associated Scottish Parliament proceedings; the surviving order of Major Robert Duncanson to Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, 12 February 1692; the correspondence of Sir John Dalrymple, Master of Stair; the royal instructions of January 1692; standard academic histories of the massacre and of Jacobite-era Scotland (e.g. John Prebble's "Glencoe" and more recent scholarship). Companion listening: our Emma Caldwell episode — for the modern version of the question Glencoe asked first: what happens when the state investigates itself, finds the truth, and stops there? *music by leberch from pixabay

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Telling the tales of the darkest Scottish crimes. From old to new, we cover the crimes that shook Scotland.

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