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
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
James, Duke of Monmouth and son of King Charles II had everything in life: charm, good looks, military success, and marriage to a wealthy Scottish heiress. The one thing he lacked was a legitimate claim to the throne. We discuss Monmouth’s links to Scotland, and the role the country plays in his attempt to seize the Crown.
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Who was St Andrew? How did a fisherman from Galilee become Scotland’s patron saint? What role did St Andrew play in Scotland’s religious, cultural and political identity, and is he still relevant to Scotland today? Murdo and James discuss this, and a lot more, in this episode!
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
In an episode not for the faint-hearted, James & Murdo look at how offenders - or alleged offenders - were (mis)treated in the 16th & 17th centuries. All you need to know about thumbscrews, the Boot, jougs, branks and - of course - the Maiden.
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Most people know the English response to the failed attempt to blow up Parliament on 5 November 1605: execution, propaganda, and bonfires. But what about Scotland’s reaction?
In this episode, Murdo and James uncover how King James’s differing ambitions for his two kingdoms shaped a very different, and revealing, response north of the border.
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Edinburgh society in 1670 was shocked to its core by the revelations about the sins of brother & sister Thomas & Jean Weir, devout Presbyterians and stalwarts of the ‘Bowhead Saints’. Thomas, captain of the town guard, confessed to adultery, incest & bestiality, whilst dark stories of witchcraft circulated around both. But how much of this was true, and how much invented or exaggerated for propaganda purposes? James & Murdo examine the evidence.
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
For Halloween we are joined by Neil Benny for a reading of what might be the greatest Scottish short story, and one with a seasonal flavour - the spooky story of the afterlife of the Laird of Redgauntlet, his pet monkey, and his luckless tenant. Tune in to hear Wandering Willie’s Tale from Redgauntlet by Sir Walter Scott.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
James & Murdo are joined by author Steven Veerapen, talking about his new book on King James VI & I and his interest in witchcraft: Witches - A King’s Obsession, published by Birlinn
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
James & Murdo are joined this week by a special guest, author, historian & Secretary of the Scottish Covenanters Memorial Association, Dane Love. Dane will be talking about his interest in the Covenanters and the work that the SCMA does in keeping their memory alive.
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Which Royal Palace will emerge as the most significant in Scottish history? Join Murdo & James as they conclude our journey through the Scottish Royal Palace World Cup, where the winner will be decided by you, the listeners!
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
What is the most significant Royal Palace in Scottish History? Join Murdo & James navigate through the Scottish Royal Palace World Cup! This episode is the first of a two-part series, focusing on the quarter-finals. Our contenders are Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace, Stirling Castle, Perth Castle, Balmoral Castle, and Dunfermline Palace!
This is the event we’ve all been waiting for. Join Murdo and James as they explore the drama, history, and scandals within the walls of these royal palaces that have shaped Scotland’s story.
Who shall emerge victorious? Listen to find out!