Rousay Tales

In this episode we’ll be finding out about the superstitions, folklore and religion in Rousay. Hogboons, trows and fairies come alive in this episode to bring us luck or misfortune. A standing stone walks and a hidden island appears. And remember to make sure it's the dead you are burying. 

Contributors in order of appearance:

Narrator: James Grieve 2024
Chris Gee 2024
Ernest Marwick 1966
Tom Sinclair 1966
Edda Mainland n.d.
Mrs Clouston 1989
Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon 2024
Muriel Marwick 2023
Alistair Marwick 2023
Ingrid Grieve 2024
Mrs Wylie 1966
Kath Gourlay 1987
Helen Firth 1987
The Rousay Singers 2022

This podcast series was created using material from Orkney Library & Archive, Rousay Remembered, University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute and contemporary recordings made with the community of Rousay.

Creative team: Produced by Kolekto (Mark Jenkins & Rebecca Marr) and University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute led by Dan Lee.

New recordings and editing by Mark Jenkins (Kolekto)
New music composed and played by James Watson (Wooden Sole Music)

The project has been funded by Orkney Island Council, Rousay Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust (REWDT), Orkney Archaeology Society (OAS) and North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme (NILPS).

What is Rousay Tales?

Welcome to Rousay Tales. This podcast series from Orkney, Scotland, will take you around the island of Rousay, exploring life in the past and present. We’ve used the resources of Orkney Library and Archive, Rousay Remembered and the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute, together with contemporary recordings, to bring you this series of themed episodes.

Rich in archaeology, Rousay is often called the ‘Egypt of the north’. Listen to stories from the archives, islanders and archaeologists woven with discoveries, folklore and places of intrigue. Find out about the houses for the living and the dead, crafts and making, fishing, and farming. Rousay Tales will transport you to this special island.

For more information and extra content visit https://archaeologyorkney.com/rousay-tales/