Scottish Murders

Cluarantonn
  • 5.0 (67)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Scottish Murders is a twice award shortlisted, fortnightly podcast that brings to light the stories of murders victims from or living in Scotland and the relentless pursuit for justice in solved and unsolved cases, and is sensitively and respectfully hosted by Dawn.

  1. 12/19/2025

    Lost Daughters: The Tragic Fate of Kay Wylie and Nancy Nichol

    Welcome to another episode of Scottish Murders. This week, Dawn takes us back to Ayrshire in the 1980s to explore the tragic murders of Kay Wylie and Nancy Nichol. In part one, Dawn details the dramatic upheaval of the Wylie family as they move from South Africa to Scotland, hoping for a new beginning, only to be struck by tragedy when their daughter Kay disappears and is later found murdered. The episode follows the initial investigation, the heartbreak of Kay's parents, and the twists and turns as police try to piece together her final hours. As questions mount and Nancy Nichol’s life is also cut short, Dawn lays the groundwork for what is to come—the shocking events of the trial and the lingering suspicions of a miscarriage of justice. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/kayandnancy British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    28 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    The Mystery Woman in Dark Clothes: What Really Happened the Night James Craik Died?

    In this episode of Scottish Murders, host Dawn explores the unresolved case of James Craik, a 49-year-old man found dead in his Huntly, Aberdeenshire flat on 12th March 1997. The episode pieces together the key facts surrounding James's tragic death, including the police investigation, the search for a mystery woman last seen with him, and the impact on his devastated family. Despite extensive police enquiries, public appeals, and even the brief arrest of a suspect, James Craik's murder remains unsolved, casting a long shadow over his loved ones. Dawn encourages anyone with information about James Craik’s murder to come forward to help bring answers to James’ family. In response to a listener’s feedback, Dawn skips the usual style of episode and sticks to sharing the facts only. For those who prefer the normal style of episode, they can join our Patreon community for free and listen to a more detailed version of the unsolved of James Craik, which will be available 2 December.  You can also join our Patreon community for as little as £2.50 or $3 and continue to listen to our Scotland Then episodes. Join our Patreon Community -Scottish Murders | creating podcasts | Patreon SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/jamescraik British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    13 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    Scotland Then: Master Keys, Murder Trials and Incredible Survival Stories from Scotland’s 1983

    Subscribe and Watch on YouTube at Scottish Murders YouTube Welcome back to another Scotland Then, where we journey through intriguing and sometimes shocking stories from Scotland’s past as reported in newspapers. In this episode, Dawn takes us to April and June of 1983, a time marked by notorious crimes, prison scandals, and unexpected accidents. We’ll hear of the master key controversy at Dungavel Prison, where an inmate allegedly bribed a prison officer and crafted keys that opened almost every lock. There’s also the morbid tale of Catherine Grier’s murder, as well as a party that spiralled into violence and culminated in a tragic shooting. Amidst these grim headlines, we get a glimpse into lighter news, such as Edinburgh University’s feature in a BBC documentary, and the survival story of a teenager who fell into a 150-foot gully on a rope swing—living to tell the tale. Commenting on the culture and crime of the era, Dawn asks listeners to remember, respond, and share their own experiences. Tune in for an episode packed with real-life drama, and even a few moments of Scottish nostalgia. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/johncantsmith British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    18 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Murder, Mourning and Mystery: The Haunting History of Castle Fraser

    Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire stands as one of Scotland's largest tower houses, concealing centuries of dark secrets within its 1450s core. Beyond the colourful walled gardens lies a fortress of hidden passages, including the laird's lug—a secret spy room for eavesdropping on the great hall below. The castle harbours chilling tales: the Green Lady, murdered and dragged down the round tower staircase, her blood staining the steps so permanently they required wooden panelling that remains today. Then there's the Lady in Black, who died of tuberculosis days after marrying Laird Frederick Mackenzie Fraser—her shaved auburn hair still preserved in the castle collection, whilst her spirit reportedly wanders the grounds. This Halloween special explores the haunting history of a Scottish landmark where architectural grandeur meets macabre legend, and where the vibrant colours of the gardens fade to something far darker within the ancient walls. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1eIoSw_-2dU SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/castlefraser British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted & Edited by Dawn Young Researched amd Written by Peter Bull MUSIC: ES_Tudor - Bonnie Grace - epidemicsound ES_Creepy Crawly - Arthur Benson - epidemicsound ES_Happy Halloween, Creepy, Reversed, Reverb 02 - Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound

    3 min

  5. 10/30/2025

    When Life Doesn't Mean Life: John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2

    Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes including prowling around a mother and daughter's home, and his 2006 attempted abduction. Host Dawn questions why John Cant Smith was repeatedly released despite clear warning signs, examining failures in the criminal justice system that allowed a violent offender to threaten public safety. The episode also raises questions about rehabilitation, life sentences that don't mean life, and whether some criminals deserve second chances when their victims never received one. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/johncantsmith British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    18 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    A Supermarket Nightmare: How a Killer Walked Among Us Part 1

    Dawn, host of Scottish Murders, explores a chilling case that unfolds in two parts. The episodes focus on John Cant Smith, a man whose extensive criminal history raised questions about the justice system. Dawn recounts John Cant Smith's attempted abduction of Dr. Frances Smith in 2006, a time when his prior convictions for murder and rape were disclosed. Dawn also discusses the lenient sentencing practices of the 1980s, and tries to understand why this man was ever released from prison. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/johncantsmith British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    17 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    Scotland Then: From Clay Traps to Classroom Gaps: A Snapshot of 1967 Scotland

    This episode of Scotland Then explores newspaper stories from March 1967, focusing on the time around Pat McAdam's disappearance. It covers a range of events, including a man trapped in clay for eight hours, a nuclear emergency false alarm, child abuse cases, and education challenges in Glasgow. Dawn also shares TV programming from the era, featuring shows like Coronation Street and Tomorrow's World. The episode concludes with a word challenge for listeners, asking them to list as many words beginning with 'A' as possible in 10 minutes, promising a shoutout for the winner in a future episode. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/patmcadam/ British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    26 min

  8. 10/06/2025

    Pat McAdam: When Legal Hurdles Obstruct Cold Case Justice Part 4

    This episode covers the final developments in Pat McAdam's disappearance case. It details the 2004 breakthrough leading to Thomas Ross Young's arrest, subsequent legal challenges, and the ultimate decision not to indict him. It explores the impact of the Angus Sinclair trial on historical cases and discusses the frustrations of Pat's family. It also examines the controversy surrounding psychic involvement in the case and questions the ethics of labelling Pat McAdam’s disappearance as a "classic" psychic case. It concludes by reflecting on the case's unresolved nature, 58 years after Pat's disappearance. SOURCES: Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/patmcadam/ British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link SUPPORT US: Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders Website - scottishmurders.com Twitter - @scottishmurders Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs YouTube - @ScottishMurders Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders CREDITS: Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn Hosted by Dawn Young Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young Production Company Name by Granny Robertson MUSIC: ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound

    21 min
See All (145)

5
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

Scottish Murders is a twice award shortlisted, fortnightly podcast that brings to light the stories of murders victims from or living in Scotland and the relentless pursuit for justice in solved and unsolved cases, and is sensitively and respectfully hosted by Dawn.

Information

  • Creator
    Cluarantonn
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cluarantonn
  • Show Website
    Scottish Murders

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