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Inside Forensic Science Podcast: Series 5
In series 5 of the podcast we investigate a notable case in the late 19th Century
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July 2026
August 2026
Inside Forensic Science takes listeners on a journey through historic Scottish criminal cases while asking experts in forensic science, law and medicine today – what has changed and what might be done differently now?
Series 5 of the podcast delves into a notable case in the late 19th Century. When a series of three explosions shake the city of Glasgow one late night in January 1883, the resulting investigation will go on to shape the field of forensic science.
Trailer
Episodes
The Inside Forensic Science podcast is available to download via all major podcast providers.
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The podcast was commissioned by the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee and funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
Inside Forensic Science is an Adventurous Audio production. The series is written and narrated by Pennie Stuart, the story consultants and series researchers are Heather Doran (Public Engagement Manager, LRCFS) and Clara Morriss (Public Engagement Coordinator, LRCFS). The sound mix was by Steve Bull.
Experts:
- Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee
Episode 1: The Gas Works
Content warning: This series discusses the use of explosives for terrorism. Episodes will contain sounds of explosions, statements from victims and descriptions of injuries as well as other content you may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
On the night of 20 January 1883, a series of explosions rang out in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. Was this an accident or an act of malice? The top minds of the 19th century raced to deduce the answer.
In this episode, we will follow the investigation of Colonel Vivien Majendie, the first Chief Inspector of Explosives in the UK, as he determines the cause of the explosion at Tradeston Gas Works.
Episode 2: By Design
Content warning: This series discusses the use of explosives for terrorism. Episodes will contain sounds of explosions, statements from victims and descriptions of injuries as well as other content you may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
It is 1883 in Glasgow, Scotland and Colonel Viviene Majendie has determined that the explosion at the Tradeston Gas Works on 20 January was no accident. What evidence led him to this conclusion and what could have triggered this explosion?
We ask for input from modern day forensic experts as we discuss this pivotal case in British Crime History.
Episode 3: Infernal Machines
Content warning: This series discusses the use of explosives for terrorism. Episodes will contain sounds of explosions, discussions of terrorism, statements from victims and descriptions of injuries as well as other content you may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
The explosion at Tradeston Gas Works on that night in Glasgow January 1883 was only one of many. Just two hours after the first explosion, a party of six spot a strange box in the middle of a bridge on Possil Road. Was this explosive box linked to the earlier explosion at the gas works? What can forensic science tell us about these events, the perpetrators behind them and their goals?
Episode 4: Bomb Makers
Content warning: This series discusses the use of explosives for terrorism. This episode contains sounds of explosions, discussions of terrorism including audio of calls to emergency services, statements from victims and descriptions of injuries as well as other content you may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Three devices set up to explode within three hours of each other over one night in Glasgow 1883. Investigations have revealed that this was a deliberate act of terrorism. Now it’s up to investigators to discover who did this, how and why.
In episode 4 of the Dynamite Detectives we ask, who were the people who planned this attack and what was going on in the 19th century to incite these acts of terrorism?
Episode 5: The Ribbon Society
Coming soon...
Episode 6: The Verdict
Coming soon...
Extra Resources
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Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science
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