BBC Radio 4 adaptations of James Hogg’s classic psychological thriller and one of his best-known stories of suspense – plus a bonus docudrama about his life

James Hogg was a farmer, poet, novelist and self-educated genius. A friend of Sir Walter Scott, he is recognised today as one of Scotland’s great writers. His masterpiece, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, has influenced authors from Robert Louis Stevenson to Irvine Welsh, and remains relevant today. Re-envisioned for radio, it is included here, alongside a chilling supernatural tale and a drama-documentary exploring his remarkable life.

Confessions of a Justified Sinner – Believing he is predestined to go to heaven, Robert Colwan has committed terrible crimes without fear of reprisal. But now, two women are determined to hold him to account. Held captive, Robert begins his confession – but the words that come out of his mouth shock Bell and Arabella to their very core. Lorn Macdonald, Shauna Macdonald and Wendy Seager star in this electrifying reimagining of James Hogg’s seminal novel about a young man radicalised by religious fervour.

The Brownie of the Black Haggs – Lady Wheelhope has a reputation as a violent and tyrannical mistress. Her servants are her pawns, to do with what she will – until the mysterious Merodach arrives, and she falls prey to a dangerous obsession… This macabre drama stars Irene Macdougall and James Chisholm.

James Hogg: Portrait of a Justified Sinner – James Hogg was patronised by Edinburgh society and disregarded by the literati of the time. Yet now he is seen in some quarters as the finest of his contemporaries. John Shedden stars as Hogg and Iain Cuthbertson as Walter Scott in this fascinating docudrama, written and presented by Hugh Douglas and with contributions from historians, literary critics and admirers of the author.

First published 1824 (The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner), 1828 (‘The Brownie of Black Haggs’)

Cast and credits

Written by James Hogg

Confessions of a Justified Sinner

Robert – Lorn Macdonald

Arabella – Shauna Macdonald

Bella – Wendy Seager

Dramatised by Robert Forrest

Directed by Kirsty Williams

Studio Recordings by Niall Young

Sound Design and Original Music by Fraser Jackson

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 Mar 2023

The Brownie of the Black Haggs

Lady Wheelhope – Irene MacDougall

The Laird – Paul Young

Merodach – James Chisholm

Bessie – Mary Riggans

Wattie – James Bryce

Adam – Alec Heggie

Dramatised by Marty Ross

Directed/produced by Bruce Young

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 May 2003

James Hogg: Portrait of a Justified Sinner

James Hogg – John Shedden

Walter Scott – Iain Cuthbertson

Charlotte Scott – Joyce Deans

Wordsworth – Anthony Hyde

Dorothy Wordsworth – Judy Cornwell

Tibbie Shiels – Mary Riggans

Written and presented by Hugh Douglas

With Professor David Daiches, Professor Douglas Gifford, Dr David Groves, Douglas Mack, Walter Barrie, James and Doreen Mitchell, Margaret Laverick

Directed by Alec Reid

Singer: Geoffrey Davidson

Violinist: Bill McNab

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Jan 1985

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