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QE2, Knights and Fiery Archaeology

From knights in shining armour to the launch of the QE2, plus some fiery modern archaeology, join Susan Morrison for another century-crossing expedition.

Comedian and history enthusiast Susan Morrison celebrates fifty years since the launch of the QE2 at John Brown & Co's shipyard. Susan was there as a wee girl in 1967 and chats to shipyard history expert and author Ian Johnston about the great day and what it meant for the yard.

It's archaeology but not as we know it - Susan finds out why archaeologists Dr Kenny Brophy of Glasgow University and Dr Gavin MacGregor of Northlight are playing with fire as part of a new event, 'Burning the Circle', taking place on Arran this week.

In a real knight's tale, Susan finds out what happened in 1517 to glamorous jousting champion Sir Anthony D'Arcy, Sieur De La Bastie when he fell foul of a powerful Border kin group - the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔs. Dr Katie Stevenson of National Museums of Scotland takes Susan into the world of jousting and tournaments 500 years ago.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Sep 2017 07:00

Susan with shipbuilding historian Ian Johnston

Susan with shipbuilding historian Ian Johnston

Susan and Ian on the banks of the Clyde where John Brown’s shipyard used to be

A seal pup

A seal pup
A curious seal pup pops out of the River Clyde

A Knight from the time of de la Bastie

A Knight from the time of de la Bastie
This knight is dressed in typical tournament armour

Battie’s Bog Field, Duns

Battie’s Bog Field, Duns
The traditional site of de la Bastie’s death

Gavin and the Post

Gavin and the Post

Burning the circle team member Gavin MacGregor standing beside a newly erected timber post ahead of it being burned down again during our fire festival on 23rd September.Β 

Photo: K Brophy

Burning the Circle

Burning the Circle

Images from a previous Burning the circle event on Arran showing replica prehistoric funerary pyres ablaze and the master of ceremonies, the Shaman.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 19 Sep 2017 13:30
  • Sun 24 Sep 2017 07:00

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