A Thistle with Thorns
The podcast for all things Scottish history! Murdo Fraser and James Bundy are here to shine a light on Scotland’s rich and often forgotten history. Murdo Fraser has been Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife since 2001, and is the Party spokesman on Business, Economy, Tourism and Culture. Brought up on tales of the Covenanters and the novels of Walter Scott and Nigel Tranter, he has always had a keen interest in Scottish history, and now writes and gives talks on the 17th century. His account of the 1st Marquis of Montrose and the Marquis of Argyll, The Rivals, was published by Birlinn in 2015. James Bundy is a Councillor for Falkirk North with a passion for Scottish history, politics, and public policy. He holds an MA in Economics and International Relations from the University of St Andrews, where his dissertation explored Just War Theory within the British Constitution, examining the 17th-century relationship between Church and state and its relevance today. James has been published on the Stuart Kings and has experience working in both Holyrood and Westminster, giving him a deep understanding of governance. He also leads the BE FAST campaign, working to improve stroke awareness across Scotland. With a keen interest in how Scotland’s past shapes its present, James is dedicated to preserving and promoting the nation’s rich history.
Listen on:
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
The 1719 Rising is the ‘forgotten’ Jacobite rebellion, when a small Spanish invasion force landed in Loch Alsh in the West Highlands. What happened when they and the Scottish exiles with them tried to raise the clans for King James VIII against King George? Find out from James and Murdo in our latest episode.
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
In the dramatic finale of our First Jacobite Uprising mini-series, we go beyond the battlefield to ask: who really bears the blame for the Massacre of Glencoe? Did the first uprising accomplish anything, or did it only lay the groundwork for future disaster? Was this the moment the Highlands became a problem to be ‘managed’? And why, despite its violence and political shockwaves, is the 1689 rising overshadowed by 1715 and 1745 uprisings?
This is not just a story of rebellion. It’s a story of betrayal, of memory, and of a Scotland trying to decide what, and who, it is. From snow-stained glens to secret council chambers, we uncover the hidden legacy of the first Jacobite rising. The blood may be centuries old, but the echoes are still with us.
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
In this episode of A Thistle with Thorns, we turn to one of the most chilling and controversial moments in Scottish history: the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Soldiers who had shared bread and shelter with the MacDonalds rose before dawn… and killed their hosts in cold blood.
But who gave the order — and why? Was this Highland tragedy the fault of King William, acting on cold political logic? Did John Dalrymple, the Master of Stair, seize an opportunity to punish a rebellious clan? And what about King James in exile — or General John Hill, who may have tried to stop it?
We explore why the Glencoe Massacre still stirs such strong feelings in Scotland today, and ask: was this a case of military cruelty, political ruthlessness — or a deeper warning about what happens when trust is weaponised?
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
In this week’s episode of A Thistle with Thorns, co-hosts Murdo Fraser and James Bundy continue their gripping mini-series on the 1st Jacobite Uprising by plunging into the murky aftermath of the Battle of Dunkeld.
As the Williamite forces seek to assert control over the Highlands, internal divisions cripple decision-making. Should they rule by sword or by negotiation? Meanwhile, the Jacobite cause flounders in a vacuum of leadership—awaiting guidance from a silent King James in exile.
This is not just a military campaign—it’s a political chess match filled with missteps, mistrust, and missed messages. The Highland Campaign sets the stage for one of the most infamous events in Scottish history: the massacre of Glencoe.
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
James & Murdo are delighted to be joined again by historian, author & host of Cavalier Cast podcast Mark Turnbull, who will be discussing his new book on Prince Rupert of the Rhine, King Charles’ dashing commander in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
This week James and Murdo host a special guest - Mark Turnbull, author, historian and host of the Cavalier Cast podcast which looks at all aspects of the civil wars. In the first of two episodes featuring Mark, this one looks at Charles 1st and his relationship with Scotland, drawing on Mark’s research for his recent book ‘Charles 1st’s Private Life’.
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
In this episode of A Thistle with Thorns, Murdo and James continue their mini-series on the 1st Jacobite rising. King James has won a significant victory at Killiecrankie, but his army now faces the Cameronians holding the town of Dunkeld. Join them as they reveal what happens next.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
As a follow-on to the last episode on the Glorious Revolution, we are starting a mini-series on the first Jacobite Rising and its aftermath. First up: The Battle of Killiecrankie: Scotland v England, Highlander v Lowlander, or Father v Daughter & Son-in-law? Join James & Murdo as they discuss the famous battle of 1689.
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
In this episode of A Thistle with Thorns, Murdo Fraser and James Bundy discuss the events of 1688, and how James VII & II was deposed and replaced by William & Mary. How was this regime change viewed here?
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Possibly the greatest military campaign in Scottish history was that of the 1st Marquis of Montrose on behalf of King Charles I, winning 6 spectacular victories in just 12 months. In the latest episode of A Thistle with Thorns, Murdo Fraser and James Bundy discuss Montrose’s Annus Mirrabilis - listen here!