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Eastern European History

Colin Blane takes a look back at some of the major Eastern European events from the twentieth century through the eyes of Scots men and women including the fall of the Berlin Wall, life in Prague during communist rule, the Scottish Presbyterian Mission in Budapest and much more.

5 hours, 30 minutes

Last on

Wed 2 Feb 2011 00:30

Chapters

  • European Breaking News

    Peter Millar recalls the fall of the Berlin wall.

    Duration: 28:17

  • The Thistle, The Shamrock and The Swastika

    Originally broadcast in 1993, this is the story of the clandestine Radio Caledonia which the Nazi's attempted to utilise in 1940 as their main instrument of propaganda against Britain.

    Duration: 34:33

  • Chernobyl Children

    In 2001 Isabel Fraser recorded this moving documentary about the Russian children of Belarus who were still suffering from the after-effects of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

    Duration: 26:50

  • The Scottish Mission: The Mission to the Jews

    Billy Kay looks at the Scottish Presbyterian Mission in Budapest and in particular the help it afforded the persecuted Jews of World War 2.

    Duration: 26:20

  • Euro Scots – Patrick McMenamin

    Lesley Riddoch speaks to Patrick McMenamin who opened a Scottish theme bar in Budapest, despite never having pulled a pint before!

    Duration: 28:11

  • Tales From Romania – 20 Years After Ceausescu.

    Twenty years on from the execution of President Nicolae Ceausescu, Bob Wylie tells the story of Romania and explores how the Scots helped rebuild the nation.

    Duration: 28:15

  • For the Love of Prague

    Oscar-winning cartoonist Gene Deitch reflects on the changes to his beloved city of Prague, now that it’s overrun with tourists.

    Duration: 28:36

  • For Your Freedom and Ours

    Raymond Raszkowski Ross talks to the founders of the Scottish Polish Community and the last survivors of the Free Polish Forces to reveal a powerful story of romance, courage and pride.

    Duration: 26:35

  • Odyssey – Lanarkshire Lithuanians

    Tsarist oppression in Lithuania in the 1880s resulted in mass emigration. Hundreds took the shipping route from the Baltic to Leith, then on to America via the Clyde.

    Duration: 43:46

  • The Road to Moscow

    Jane Franchi uncovers the remarkable story of the diary of Lt. Michael Duncan ,who was a PoW in World War II, discovered after fifty years in a secret vault in Moscow.

    Duration: 27:06

  • Breaking News: Angus Roxburgh.

    In 2008 Colin Blane spoke to Scottish reporter Angus Roxburgh about the years he spent working in the Soviet Union.

    Duration: 28:06

Broadcasts

  • Wed 24 Mar 2010 00:30
  • Wed 31 Mar 2010 00:30
  • Wed 2 Feb 2011 00:30