BBC Radio Shetland

Time Travels

Factual: History

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Susan Morrison explores the rich and sometimes murky depths of Scotland's past.

Time Travels: Bubonic Plagues and Highland Murder

Bubonic Plagues and Highland Murder

BBC Radio Scotland - Time Travels, Bubonic Plagues and Highland Murder

What do you do when a plague approaches? Repent for your juiciest sins now!

The burgh of Ayr’s cunning plan to ward off bubonic plague - did it work? Plus a Highland murder and shopping on credit, 18th century-style.

Dr Michelle Brock on repentance in the face of the plague in Ayr. When the Bubonic Plague bore down on the town in the 17th century, the inhabitants looked not so much to the doctors, but to the minister for a plan to stop it. He had one - every occupational group in the town should get together, work out what their sins were that had angered God, and publicly confess to turn God's wrath away. Amazingly, they were spared - but we wouldn't recommend this nowadays!   
 
Dr Katie Barclay and Dr Louise Yeoman on Adam Mackay’s murder of an old woman in Helmsdale in 1817. It's practically the eve of the Highland clearances in Sutherland, and Catherine Oag is killed while out begging. As her murderer confesses, it becomes obvious that he thinks she was a shape shifting witch. What was going on?

Dr Tawny Paul on credit in 18th century Edinburgh.  How your credit depended on your moral character if you were a woman.

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