
The real story of Whisky Galore
- S9E2
- 38:04
- July 12th 2024
In 1941, cargo ship the SS Politician ran aground near Eriskay, an island in the Hebrides. On board? Some 22,000 cases of whisky. What followed has been immortalised on page and screen in Whisky Galore, a retelling of how local islanders made the most of the unexpected arrival of so much alcohol, and how the authorities tried to stop them.
But what really happened? Jackie Bird is joined by journalist Roger Hutchinson, author of Polly, The True Story Behind Whisky Galore, to discover the truth about SS Politician and its valuable cargo.
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Love Scotland
Love Scotland is a podcast series from the National Trust for Scotland.
From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, the National Trust for Scotland cares for and protects some of Scotland's most significant places and spaces, allowing them to be enjoyed today while protecting them for future generations.
Hosted by TV star and expert broadcaster Jackie Bird, and featuring experts and enthusiasts from all walks of life, each episode delves deep into the detail of Scotland’s history, its wildlife and its landscapes.
You can find out more about the National Trust for Scotland's work and how to support them at http://www.nts.org.uk.
Love Scotland is produced by Think, Big Light and Demus Productions on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland.
Meet the Host

Scottish journalist and broadcaster, Jackie Bird is familiar to many Scots at home and abroad from her time as a BBC Reporting Scotland news anchor. She has been the host of BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay Live, as well Scotland’s Children in Need coverage, as well as a wide range of documentaries.
Jackie is passionate about the stories behind Scotland’s history and heritage, and she shares the National Trust for Scotland’s drive to bring a love of Scotland to life.