Scotland's Forgotten History Podcast

Scotland's Forgotten History Podcast


Latest Episodes

An Ingenious Alibi – Bowbeat Hill, Moorfoots – SFH092
June 30, 2021

Interrogated on your way to an illegal worship service. Would you admit where you were going and endanger your life as well as others? Would a lie be wrong? This happened to one young woman and in thi

“Much melting of heart” a Covenanting Communion service – Ormiston Old Kirk – SFH091
June 23, 2021

A very small glimpse of some ordinary spiritual experiences during a time of widespread revival. If you have wondered what Covenanting communion services were like, including their impact, listen to this episode.

“To sink or swim together” – Henderson and British Church Unity – SFH090
June 17, 2021

In the various twists and turns of unfolding events, Alexander Henderson is greatly favoured then scorned by the king within months. But as incidents erupt, negotiations fail and positions harden the destinies of some in England and Scotland begin to m...

Scotland’s Forgotten International Covenant – SFH089
June 10, 2021

What was the connection between reformation and covenant? Why did English puritans as well as Scots come to think it was necessary to have a covenant for the whole British Isles?  Most people today know little about the Solemn League and Covenant and w...

Alexander Reid’s “Very Remarkable” Experiences – Kirkliston Church – SFH088
June 03, 2021

Many narrow escapes and other experiences filled the life of the man marked by a fine table stone grave at Kirkliston Parish Church. Alexander Reid from Broxburn tells us a lot about his experiences in evading capture.

How Peden’s Ministry Began (But Almost Did Not) – Biggar Kirk – SFH087
May 11, 2021

We visit the last church to be built in Scotland before the Reformation to discover some of its later history. In 1659, the Covenanter Alexander Peden was here and about to begin his ministry when some dramatic events threatened to put a stop to it.

A Strange Transformation, James Harkness and the Captain – Biggar – SFH086
May 04, 2021

James Harkness from Dumfriesshire was the special object of loathing for the dragoons. They called him Harkness with the "long gun" and were only too pleased to capture him and treat him with brutal contempt. But strangely,

“Hanged Without Trial” – Peter Gillies, Skirling – SFH085
April 29, 2021

We find out about the Covenanter connections with the pretty little village of Skirling. While there is not much information about James Ramage and Alexander Smith, we know much more about Peter Gillies. Driven out of his native district he narrowly es...

A Haven from Persecution – Greenhill House, Biggar – SFH084
April 22, 2021

Often the scene of danger, Greenhill House now stands in a tranquil corner of the town of Biggar. Lady Greenhill was a wise and courageous protector of Covenanters who sought out her home as a place of refuge.

Controversial, learned and zealous – John Flint of Lasswade – SFH083
April 15, 2021

The long and interesting life of John Flint, encountered many notable theologians. Despite his initial promise and youthful mistakes he proved to be, as Robert Wodrow says, a pious, warm-hearted, useful minister that continued in his commitment to the ...