Episodes

  • Scotland Today Surviving the Shot: The Rothes Incident of 1905

    Scotland Today Surviving the Shot: The Rothes Incident of 1905
    May 25 2026
    The episode revisits a dramatic night in Rothes, Scotland, on 26 May, 1905, when a routine police patrol turned violent. The quiet town was rocked after Constable William Baron was shot at close range while responding to a domestic disturbance at the home of James Craigie, a man with a troubled past marked by violence and resentment toward Constable Baron. The incident left Constable Baron gravely wounded and led to James Craigie’s arrest and eventual conviction for an intentional assault to the danger of life.

    The epiosode explores how years of animosity, alcohol abuse, and unchecked hostility culminated in an act that unsettled the local community, serving as a stark reminder that even peaceful places harbour danger beneath the surface.

    This episode also offers listeners a chance to learn about other 1905 events in the "Scotland Then" episode, available through the podcast’s Patreon membership at Scottish Murders Patreon

    Watch on Youtube

    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/constablebaron/

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
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    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    epidemicsound
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    8 mins
  • Murder in the Wilds: The Darryl Fitch Tragedy

    Murder in the Wilds: The Darryl Fitch Tragedy
    May 18 2026
    In this special episode of Scottish Murders, Dawn and her husband Peter recount the tragic and gripping case of Darryl Fitch, who was murdered in 2015. As they travel to Glasgow to participate in a Peninsula TV documentary about the case, they discuss the timeline, investigation, and trial that followed Darryl’s death. The episode offers a detailed, reflective look at the complexities of the murder, the courtroom drama, forensic evidence, and the heart-breaking aftermath for Darryl’s loved ones.Three Takeaways:
    1. The Tragic Murder of Darryl Fitch and Investigation Complexities
      Darryl Fitch was found murdered in July 2015 while on a fishing and camping trip with his close friend, William Cameron. The initial lack of witnesses, William’s injuries and memory gaps, combined with the isolated location near Bridge of Weir, created significant challenges for investigators. The forensic work was further complicated by missed opportunities, such as failing to examine a potential secondary crime scene near a viaduct.
    2. The Role of Drugs, Amnesia, and Changing Testimony
      William Cameron, the only survivor, was found with a high level of unprescribed drugs in his system, which could account for his confusion and memory loss about the events leading to Darryl’s death. His account was vague, with repeated changes and increasing elaboration, raising scepticism and ultimately contributing to his arrest.
    3. Profound Impact on Victims’ Loved Ones and Themes of Betrayal
      The episode highlighted the devastating emotional toll on Darryl’s girlfriend Mhairi, who lost both her partner and, just months earlier, her sister to separate acts of violence by trusted individuals. Mhairi's reflections on betrayal and shock were deeply felt, particularly after realising William’s guilt during the trial.
    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/darrylfitch

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson
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    31 mins
  • Scotland Today 1999: The Monklands Bridge Gangland Executions

    Scotland Today 1999: The Monklands Bridge Gangland Executions
    May 12 2026
    In this episode of Scotland Today, Dawn revisits one of Scotland’s most chilling unsolved gangland double murders: the deaths of John Nisbet and William Lindsay in October 1999. This detailed retelling covers the timeline of the case, from the last known movements of the victims and the forensic investigation, to suspects and the lingering impact on the victims’ families and the wider community. The episode marks the 12 May 2000 renewed police appeal, highlighting the enduring quest for answers in this decades-old mystery.

    Watch on Youtube

    Three Takeaways from the Episode:
    1. Unsolved Gangland Murders Remain a Mystery
      The double murder of John Nisbet and William Lindsay in 1999 marked by the meticulous planning and execution of the killers, as well as their confidence in covering their tracks.
    2. Police Investigations Faced Obstacles Despite Progress
      Despite a significant police response—including forensic tests, DNA profiling, ballistic analysis, and identifying prime suspects—no one was ever charged. The investigation was hampered by fear, silence, and the lack of decisive evidence.
    3. Victims’ Families Still Seek Closure
      More than two decades later, the families of John Nisbet and William Lindsay remain without answers or justice, while the suspected main perpetrator, Lee Smith, died before facing trial and the case remains officially unsolved.
    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/nisbetandlindsay/

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    epidemicsound
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    10 mins
  • Behind BBC’s The Man in the Mask Documentary Special

    Behind BBC’s The Man in the Mask Documentary Special
    Apr 28 2026
    In this episode, investigative journalist Hazel Martin and documentary director Stephen Bennett discuss with Dawn their BBC documentary "The Man in the Mask," which examines the 1994 murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood in Orkney, the island’s first murder in 25 years.

    The BBC three part documentary explores the brutal crime, the extensive investigation that initially focused on 15-year-old Michael Ross, his eventual conviction, and Michael Ross’s continued claims of innocence.

    Hazel and Stephen share behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the documentary, including ethical considerations, challenges with accessing key witnesses, conflicting evidence, and why this case still divides the Orkney community. They also examine alternative theories, from contract killer speculation to possible motives of racism, highlighting unanswered questions that continue to fuel debate.

    This compelling episode offers listeners a deeper look into the case, the people involved, and the art of true crime storytelling.

    SOURCES:
    Hazel Martin
    Stephen Bennett
    The Man in the Mask documentary
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Secrets, Theories, and Slander: Who Killed Mary Gunn?

    Secrets, Theories, and Slander: Who Killed Mary Gunn?
    Apr 6 2026
    In this episode of Scottish Murders, Dawn covers the perplexing, unsolved 1913 murder of Mary Spear Gunn at Portencross. Drawing on Stephen Brown’s meticulously researched book, "Who Killed Mary Gunn?", the story explores Mary’s life, her relationships, and the fateful night she was gunned down in the remote North Bank Cottage. Dawn walks listeners through the night’s chilling events, police investigations, suspects, and enduring mysteries, focusing on Stephen’s theory of the case. Was it a crime of passion, jealousy, or something more hidden? With lost evidence and rumours swirling around the small Ayrshire community, the episode unravels possible motives and suspects—leaving the question of Mary’s killer, and the roles of Andrew and Elizabeth Gibson, tantalisingly unanswered.

    Join Dawn as she invites you to consider the clues and form your own theory about this haunting century-old Scottish mystery.


    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/maryspiergunn

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound
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    43 mins
  • Scotland Today: A Mother’s Melancholy: The Pollokshaws Triple Murder

    Scotland Today: A Mother’s Melancholy: The Pollokshaws Triple Murder
    Mar 30 2026
    Trigger Warning: This episode covers crimes against children and suicide, so listener discretion is advised.

    In this episode of "Scotland Today," Dawn explores the haunting case of Ellen Hannah, who, on the 31st March 1896, tragically took the lives of her three youngest children in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, before attempting to end her own. With sensitivity and care, Dawn highlights Ellen’s struggle with deep melancholy, shedding light on the devastating effects of mental illness in a time when support was scarce. This sobering story, filled with community reactions and heartbreak, serves as a grim reminder of the shadows that can exist behind closed doors.

    Watch Full Video on YouTube

    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/ellenhannah

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    ES_Far Over the Highlands - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen- epidemicsound
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    5 mins
  • When Tragedy Strikes Twice: Michelle Wenden and Dugald Campbell

    When Tragedy Strikes Twice: Michelle Wenden and Dugald Campbell
    Mar 24 2026
    Journey through tragedy, courage, and the enduring impact of violence with Dawn as she explores two Scottish cases that left lasting scars on families and communities. This episode is a sobering reflection on justice, loss, and the heroes who stand against chaos.

    🔎 3 key takeaways:
    The Ripple Effects of Violence: The murder of Michelle Wenden in 2004 didn’t just end a life—it uprooted a family and left her children traumatised, ultimately forcing them to flee the very community they returned to for safety. Dawn illustrates how violent acts echo far beyond the crime scene, touching every corner of victims’ families and reshaping lives forever.

    Justice and Its Failures: Despite the conviction and life sentence of Michelle’s killer, questions linger about the justice system’s ability to protect. With Robert McNeill’s violent history—and him being out on bail at the time of the attack—the episode raises a stark warning about systemic cracks that sometimes allow dangerous individuals to slip through.

    Courage Amid Chaos: Moving back in time, Dawn recounts the story of Dugald Campbell, the first Scottish police officer killed on duty, during the infamous Hogmanay Riots of 1811. Dugald’s determination to confront danger—despite warnings—underscores the bravery required of those who protect communities, and marks a poignant chapter in Edinburgh’s history.

    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/michellewenden

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    ES_Battle of Aonach Mor - Deskant - epidemicsound
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Scotland Today: Killer or Scapegoat? The Bizarre Twist That Set a Murderer Free

    Scotland Today: Killer or Scapegoat? The Bizarre Twist That Set a Murderer Free
    Mar 17 2026
    Travel back to March 1945 as we revisit a moment in Greenock’s history that is as gripping as it is unsettling. This debut 'Scotland Today' episode shines a light on crime, justice, and enduring mystery—through the lens of the Wolf of Greenock case.

    Watch Full Video on YouTube

    3 Key Takeaways:
    A Dockside Murder Grips a Nation:
    The episode plunges listeners into a chilling December night in 1944, as Dawn recounts the brutal assault and murder of merchant seaman Leonard Davies in Greenock. The community is rocked, both by the violence of the crime and the subsequent media frenzy that follows Docherty’s arrest and shocking trial.

    Justice on a Knife Edge:
    The courtroom drama runs high, with overwhelming evidence, a guilty verdict, and a death sentence by hanging for John Docherty. Yet, a critical legal misstep leads to the quashing of his conviction. This twist forces us to question whether justice was properly served or if deeper secrets remain hidden within Greenock’s docks.

    Echoes Across the Decades:
    The episode draws a haunting parallel to a different John Docherty from Greenock, convicted in the 1986 Elaine Doyle murder—a case the podcast covered in a previous episode. Through these stories, Dawn highlights how history’s shadows can stretch long across Scottish towns.

    SOURCES:
    Please see our website for all source material and photos at https://scottishmurders.com/episodes/wolfofgreenock

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted by Dawn Young
    Researched, Written and Edited by Dawn Young
    Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

    MUSIC:
    ES_Far Over the Highlands - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen- epidemicsound
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins