Hello and welcome to Stories of Scotland, a podcast about Scottish history.

I'm Jenny, a below average witch.

And I'm Annie, an above average cat.

A wee while ago, one of our wonderful patrons suggested Slane's Castle as an episode topic,

and we thought this was a great idea, and so we got to researching it.

If you've listened to our previous two episodes, you'll know that there are in fact two Slanes' castles. Old Slanes, which was destroyed in the orders of King James VI in the 16th century,

and then its replacement, new Slanes castle, the inspiration for Dracula's imposing Transylvanian cliff-top castle.

And although New Slanes has now fallen into ruins over the last century, even in its hollowed-out

state, this castle is impressive.

But even after two episodes, we still aren't quite done with Slane's castles.

Because for centuries, Slains was truly a hub of power and activity in Aberdeenshire.

The family who owned it, the Hayes, whose head was the Earl or Countess of Errol, were embroiled in

many a plot, scandal and power struggle. And in this episode, we're examining one of these in greater

detail. And this is how New Slane's Castle became embroiled in the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597.

However, before we get started, I've got a little content warning that this episode will contain some discussion of sensitive topics,

including torture, execution, and also we have a chat about a strange, sexual-based curse.

So we ask that you listen with care, and maybe don't let any young ones listen in until you have,

so you can decide for yourself if it's suitable.

We've included some details of a very unusual trial,

and though we try to use cautious language around it,

I want to save you an awkward conversation with anyone

who may overhear this particular blather.

...