Episodes

  • The Mystery Woman in Dark Clothes: What Really Happened the Night James Craik Died?

    The Mystery Woman in Dark Clothes: What Really Happened the Night James Craik Died?
    Nov 25 2025
    In this episode of Scottish Murders, host Dawn explores the unresolved case of James Craik, a 49-year-old man found dead in his Huntly, Aberdeenshire flat on 12th March 1997. The episode pieces together the key facts surrounding James's tragic death, including the police investigation, the search for a mystery woman last seen with him, and the impact on his devastated family. Despite extensive police enquiries, public appeals, and even the brief arrest of a suspect, James Craik's murder remains unsolved, casting a long shadow over his loved ones. Dawn encourages anyone with information about James Craik’s murder to come forward to help bring answers to James’ family.

    In response to a listener’s feedback, Dawn skips the usual style of episode and sticks to sharing the facts only. For those who prefer the normal style of episode, they can join our Patreon community for free and listen to a more detailed version of the unsolved of James Craik, which will be available 2 December.
    You can also join our Patreon community for as little as £2.50 or $3 and continue to listen to our Scotland Then episodes.

    Join our Patreon Community -Scottish Murders | creating podcasts | Patreon

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
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    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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
    13 mins
  • Scotland Then: Master Keys, Murder Trials and Incredible Survival Stories from Scotland’s 1983

    Scotland Then: Master Keys, Murder Trials and Incredible Survival Stories from Scotland’s 1983
    Nov 18 2025
    Subscribe and Watch on YouTube at Scottish Murders YouTube

    Welcome back to another Scotland Then, where we journey through intriguing and sometimes shocking stories from Scotland’s past as reported in newspapers.

    In this episode, Dawn takes us to April and June of 1983, a time marked by notorious crimes, prison scandals, and unexpected accidents. We’ll hear of the master key controversy at Dungavel Prison, where an inmate allegedly bribed a prison officer and crafted keys that opened almost every lock. There’s also the morbid tale of Catherine Grier’s murder, as well as a party that spiralled into violence and culminated in a tragic shooting.

    Amidst these grim headlines, we get a glimpse into lighter news, such as Edinburgh University’s feature in a BBC documentary, and the survival story of a teenager who fell into a 150-foot gully on a rope swing—living to tell the tale. Commenting on the culture and crime of the era, Dawn asks listeners to remember, respond, and share their own experiences.

    Tune in for an episode packed with real-life drama, and even a few moments of Scottish nostalgia.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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
    18 mins
  • Murder, Mourning and Mystery: The Haunting History of Castle Fraser

    Murder, Mourning and Mystery: The Haunting History of Castle Fraser
    Oct 31 2025
    Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire stands as one of Scotland's largest tower houses, concealing centuries of dark secrets within its 1450s core. Beyond the colourful walled gardens lies a fortress of hidden passages, including the laird's lug—a secret spy room for eavesdropping on the great hall below. The castle harbours chilling tales: the Green Lady, murdered and dragged down the round tower staircase, her blood staining the steps so permanently they required wooden panelling that remains today. Then there's the Lady in Black, who died of tuberculosis days after marrying Laird Frederick Mackenzie Fraser—her shaved auburn hair still preserved in the castle collection, whilst her spirit reportedly wanders the grounds. This Halloween special explores the haunting history of a Scottish landmark where architectural grandeur meets macabre legend, and where the vibrant colours of the gardens fade to something far darker within the ancient walls.

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1eIoSw_-2dU

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    CREDITS:
    Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn
    Hosted & Edited by Dawn Young
    Researched amd Written by Peter Bull

    MUSIC:
    ES_Tudor - Bonnie Grace - epidemicsound
    ES_Creepy Crawly - Arthur Benson - epidemicsound
    ES_Happy Halloween, Creepy, Reversed, Reverb 02 - Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • When Life Doesn't Mean Life: John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2

    When Life Doesn't Mean Life: John Cant Smith’s Pattern of Violence - Part 2
    Oct 30 2025
    Part two continues to look at the disturbing case of John Cant Smith, a convicted murderer and rapist who was released from prison despite mounting evidence he remained dangerous. After serving 19 years for a brutal 1983 murder, John Cant Smith was freed in 2002, only to reoffend within months. This episode explores his 1987 involvement in the notorious Peterhead Prison riot, his subsequent crimes including prowling around a mother and daughter's home, and his 2006 attempted abduction. Host Dawn questions why John Cant Smith was repeatedly released despite clear warning signs, examining failures in the criminal justice system that allowed a violent offender to threaten public safety. The episode also raises questions about rehabilitation, life sentences that don't mean life, and whether some criminals deserve second chances when their victims never received one.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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_Tudor - Bonnie Grace - epidemicsound
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • A Supermarket Nightmare: How a Killer Walked Among Us Part 1

    A Supermarket Nightmare: How a Killer Walked Among Us Part 1
    Oct 28 2025
    Dawn, host of Scottish Murders, explores a chilling case that unfolds in two parts. The episodes focus on John Cant Smith, a man whose extensive criminal history raised questions about the justice system. Dawn recounts John Cant Smith's attempted abduction of Dr. Frances Smith in 2006, a time when his prior convictions for murder and rape were disclosed. Dawn also discusses the lenient sentencing practices of the 1980s, and tries to understand why this man was ever released from prison.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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_Tudor - Bonnie Grace - epidemicsound
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Scotland Then: From Clay Traps to Classroom Gaps: A Snapshot of 1967 Scotland

    Scotland Then: From Clay Traps to Classroom Gaps: A Snapshot of 1967 Scotland
    Oct 20 2025
    This episode of Scotland Then explores newspaper stories from March 1967, focusing on the time around Pat McAdam's disappearance. It covers a range of events, including a man trapped in clay for eight hours, a nuclear emergency false alarm, child abuse cases, and education challenges in Glasgow. Dawn also shares TV programming from the era, featuring shows like Coronation Street and Tomorrow's World. The episode concludes with a word challenge for listeners, asking them to list as many words beginning with 'A' as possible in 10 minutes, promising a shoutout for the winner in a future episode.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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
    26 mins
  • Pat McAdam: When Legal Hurdles Obstruct Cold Case Justice Part 4

    Pat McAdam: When Legal Hurdles Obstruct Cold Case Justice Part 4
    Oct 6 2025
    This episode covers the final developments in Pat McAdam's disappearance case. It details the 2004 breakthrough leading to Thomas Ross Young's arrest, subsequent legal challenges, and the ultimate decision not to indict him. It explores the impact of the Angus Sinclair trial on historical cases and discusses the frustrations of Pat's family. It also examines the controversy surrounding psychic involvement in the case and questions the ethics of labelling Pat McAdam’s disappearance as a "classic" psychic case. It concludes by reflecting on the case's unresolved nature, 58 years after Pat's disappearance.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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
    21 mins
  • Unmasking a Monster: Thomas Young's Decades of Depravity Part 3

    Unmasking a Monster: Thomas Young's Decades of Depravity Part 3
    Sep 29 2025
    Trigger Warning: This episode covers the topic of rape and domestic abuse, so listener discretion is advised.

    This episode of Scottish Murders focuses on Thomas Ross Young, a serial rapist and murderer active in Scotland during the 1960s and 70s. Dawn recounts Thomas’ troubled childhood, his violent marriage, and his escalating criminal behaviour. As a long-distance lorry driver, Thomas preyed on women across the UK, culminating in his conviction for the murder of Frances Barker. The episode also explores Thomas’ potential connection to other unsolved cases, including Pat McAdam's disappearance.

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

    British Newspaper Archives Affiliate Link

    SUPPORT US:
    Patreon - patreon.com/scottishmurders
    Ko-fi - ko-fi.com/scottishmurders
    Merch - teepublic.com/user/scottishmurders
    Website - scottishmurders.com
    Twitter - @scottishmurders
    Instagram - @scottishmurderspodcast
    Facebook - facebook.com/scottishmurdurs
    YouTube - @ScottishMurders
    Linktree - linktr.ee/scottishmurders

    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
    31 mins