In this episode of the Scottish English Podcast, host Claire delves into the enchanting world of Scottish folklore, focusing on the Selkies and Kelpies. Listeners will discover the tragic love stories surrounding the seal-people Selkies, who can transform into humans by shedding their skins. The episode also explores the sinister tales of the Kelpies, shape-shifting water spirits that often appear as majestic black horses, only to drag unwary victims to a watery grave. The podcast highlights how these myths are deeply rooted in Scotland's connection to the sea and its coastal villages. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of these legendary creatures and their ongoing influence on Scottish culture.

Trailer for 'Song of the Sea': https://youtu.be/VrhoOzW8oF8?si=jRymESNlbP9zTTFz

Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.mailchimpsites.com/scottish-english-podcast

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00:39 The Story of the Selkies

02:14 The Deadly Kelpies

03:49 Selkies and Kelpies in Modern Culture

Join Claire on the misty shores of Loch Ness as she delves into one of Scotland's most famous legends - the Loch Ness Monster. Discover the ancient origins of the myth, its evolution over time, and why it continues to captivate imaginations worldwide. From Saint Columbus's encounter in the sixth century to modern scientific investigations, explore the fascinating history and enduring allure of Nessie. Perfect for English language learners wanting to improve their listening skills while immersing themselves in Scottish culture and history.

Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.mailchimpsites.com/scottish-english-podcast

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Are you ready for your B2 First or C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.mailchimpsites.com/

00:00 Introduction to Loch Ness

00:28 Welcome to the Scottish English Podcast

01:03 Origins of the Loch Ness Monster

01:51 The Modern Legend of Nessie

02:41 Why People Still Believe

03:37 Scientific Investigations

04:17 Conclusion and Cultural Impact

Welcome to the Scottish English Podcast! In this episode, we introduce a new series called 'Voices from Scotland' where we talk to people connected to Scottish culture. Our first guest is another Claire (great name!), the owner of The Edinburgh Experience, a school specialising in cultural immersive experiences. Claire shares her journey from teaching in Spain to running her own school in Edinburgh, her love for Scottish history and literature, and her observations on the accents and social perceptions in Scotland. We also dive into some fun Scottish words, Claire's teaching philosophy, and her favourite lesser-known spots to visit in Edinburgh. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and comment on your favourite part of our discussion!

00:00 Introduction to the Scottish English Podcast

00:33 Meet Claire: Owner of the Edinburgh Experience

01:37 Claire's Journey: From Edinburgh to Glasgow and Back

02:28 Comparing Edinburgh and Glasgow

04:45 Exploring Scottish Accents

09:12 Unique Scottish Words and Phrases

13:03 The Scots Language and Its Cultural Significance

21:37 Accents and Teaching Qualifications

22:30 Journey to Becoming a Teacher

23:18 Teaching in Spain

25:37 Advanced Teaching and Pronunciation

27:11 Cultural Immersion and Critical Thinking

29:22 Issues with the English Teaching Industry

31:47 Guiding and Storytelling in Scotland

33:36 Advice for English Learners Visiting Scotland

34:46 Exploring Edinburgh's Hidden Gems

39:10 Conclusion and Farewell