BBC Radio Scotland Highlands and Islands

Digging Up Your Roots

Factual: Families & Relationships

Factual: History

BBC Radio Scotland's genealogy programme, packed with advice and stories

Digging Up Your Roots: Series 7

Digging Up Your Roots: Series 7: Episode 4: Escaping the Exciseman

Episode 4

Episode 4: Escaping the Exciseman

Series 7

Escaping the Exciseman

BBC Radio Scotland - Digging Up Your Roots, Series 7, Escaping the Exciseman

Bill Whiteford and genealogist Bruce Durie explore the history of the Scottish exciseman.

Bill Whiteford and genealogist Professor Bruce Durie join maritime historian Dr Eric Graham to explore the history of the Scottish exciseman.

During the hundred years from 1710 to 1810, smuggling was an important part of the Scottish economy. Local smuggling was a flourishing industry, particularly in alcohol, tobacco, tea and salt. This week, Bill Whiteford joins resident genealogist, Professor Bruce Durie and maritime historian, Dr Eric Graham , on an exploration through Scotland's colourful past. They visit the salt pans of Saltcoats in Ayrshire on a voyage of discovery to reveal some of the secret lives of our ancestors.

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Digging Up Your Roots

Series 7

Episode 4: Escaping the Exciseman

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