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/

First Episodes

Dwelling

In this episode we’ll be finding out about the houses of the living and the dead. We travel back to Neolithic settlements and meet some of the people involved in diggi...

Travelling

In this episode we’ll be finding out about travelling, on land, and sea. Walk Rousay's circular road with a well-travelled postman, a well-known artist and the fastest...

Fishing

In this episode we’ll be finding out about fishing in Rousay. Discover the diet of Rousay's Vikings, meet some whalers and follow the herring boats. We'll set some cre...

Farming

In this episode we’ll be finding out about farming in Rousay from 5,000 years ago until today. Hear about Neolithic granaries, Norse animal husbandry and the demise of...

Believing

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 ...

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