I claim some credit for the success of Boswell’s Galloping Farmers at The Scottish Podcast Awards. I would have been satisfied when they announced the podcast was Highly Commended in the Fiction and Drama category. But wait! The best was yet to come after the interval when Boswell’s Galloping Farmers won in the History, Folklore and Heritage category.
There was a great attendance at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 in the Fruitmarket, Glasgow.
Anyone who had listened before the judging commented on the quality of the soundscape. Even so, it came as a huge surprise to me when it was singled out in the Winner’s citation.
When the MC announced Boswells’ Galloping Farmers had won, a deep and sonorous voice on the PA declared,
”A rich and deeply immersive audio experience. This production combines meticulous research, powerful storytelling and exceptional sound design to bring its subjects vividly to life. Compelling, moving and unforgettable.”
THE INTERVIEWEES
It’s all a bit of a whirl. There was applause, a trophy to hold, congratulations, handshakes and going backstage for the interview – What an experience.
The words of Boswell’s Galloping Farmers were written by Jill Korn and Martin Gallagher. I’m a storyteller too, and I created the sound design, which I believe tells the other half of the story.
“From galloping horses to incessant gunfire, from hidden snipers to exploding mud – John’s work brings this story to life”
Boswell’s Galloping Farmers is based on the true story of Sandy Barclay and a group of Ayrshire farmers sent to Gallipoli in 1915 to fight against the Turkish army. The drama captures the horror and yes, the humour of the months they spent on the battlefield.