Scottish Independence Podcasts

After weeks of violent outbreaks in England, the far right racist contingent tried to bring their poison to Glasgow's George Square last weekend. Glasgow was having none of it and organised an anti racist demonstration which drew a far bigger crowd than the racists could muster. We reflect on the event with our guests Bill Ramsay and Isobel Lindsay and consider whether Scotland's distinctive natio...

Part 1 of a 2 part episode this week as Fiona and Marlene go on the trail of the Radical Uprising of 1820, with the help of historian Tom Dowds.   What we found is a fascinating tale of plots, intrigue, government spies, revolution and Scottish radicals dreaming of democracy and the creation of a Scottish Government. To be continued..... Look out for Part 2 next month. Tom Dowds' book "Scotland Fr...

We chat to Tim Rideout and Ian Stewart about the Scottish Currency Group Conference coming up on 21st and 22nd of September and the exciting line up of guest speakers.    Online and In Person tickets are available from Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-currency-group-conference-tickets-965256055847?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Hope to see you there!   The Scottish Independence Podca...

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene mull over August's events with guest Lynne Dougan in our Livestream for August 2024.   We share some of our escapades this month - Lynne was at Elgin, Fiona got stuck in the mud, Marlene celebrated Ukraine Day.   We also cover the Winter Fuel Payment debacle - Marlene has the stats! As Rachel Reeves perfects her eye roll, we delve into electricity prices here and i...

It is 79 years since the nuclear and atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.   Every year Scottish CND organises events to commemorate this anniversary.   Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were invited to record the Glasgow even at the peace tree in the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery.  It was a moving, yet uplifting event with songs and wonderful speakers sha...

The Battle of Falkirk took place on 22nd July 1298 and was a tragic loss for the Scots under William Wallace.  His comrade Sir John de Graham, or Graeme, died in the battle and is buried at Trinity church in Falkirk. The De Graeme Society organise an annual commemoration of the battle and the brave Scots who gave their lives defending our freedom.   This year's event, whilst a moving occasion, was...

Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp is our guest for the second episode in our new series of podcasts on the theme of A National Conversation for Scotland.   Gordon is head of campaigning organisation Believe in Scotland and he joined Indypodcasters Marlene and Fiona in the studio to talk about ambitious plans for a Scottish Citizens' Convention. Topics covered include: 00:00:27   What is a Citizens' Convention...

Part 1 of our new podcast series A National Conversation for Scotland . Following the shockwaves from the General Election result, we decided to revisit the topic of a national conversation for Scotland, starting with a fresh look at the conversation we had with Leanne Wood about the Welsh Constitutional Commission. In this episode we revisit that conversation and consider what ideas and opportuni...

This month saw the 750th anniversary of the birth of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, Robert the Bruce.   In this episode, filmed mainly on location in Bannockburn, we draw from three different accounts of the Bruce's most famous battle and attempt to pinpoint the most likely sites of the different phases of the battle.  We also examine the military and strategic genius of a man whose plans for...

Following the election results earlier this month, indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene invited guest and friend of the podcast Lynne Dougan into our studio for a chat.  Lynne was at the count of the Alloa and Grangemouth constituency and gives us some behind the scenes insights as to what goes on through the night of an election. This episode was originally broadcast live on our YT channel and you ca...

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were delighted to take part in a panel discussion which took place after Edinburgh Women for Independence group's AGM in June.  The format was: 00:01:09  Sam Page from Yes for EU on the topic of reasons to rejoin the EU 00:08:42   Ruth Ritchie on behalf of Believe in Scotland on the topic of grassroots activism 00:16:42    Marlene Halliday from Pensioners for Indy...

Why did Graeme McCormick decide to stand in the SNP leadership contest and why did he then withdraw his candidacy to allow John Swinney to be elected unopposed?  We last chatted to Graeme McCormick in September 2023 about his proposals to dissolve the UK union and how that might come about (you can listen to that episode here https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-axz4k-14a2c72 ) Since then, Graeme has st...

As we enter the last week of the General election campaign trail, Marlene and Fiona chat to Indy supporters at the Bannockburn rally - and find a mixed set of views! We also consider what the turnout might be and whether people are sufficiently disenchanted with the election campaign that they will abstain, or spoil their ballots and what practical effect this has. We spill the beans on the cost o...

As the party manifestos start to appear, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene are joined by guest Marion Robertson to pick out the bits we like from the manifestos on offer.   Note that the first half of this episode was recorded before the official launches of the Scottish Greens and Alba manifestos, links to both are below. Main themes are: 00:00:30   ISP (Independence for Scotland Party) 00:01:37 ...

Musician, author and journalist Pat Kane is our guest in this episode when we discuss why over 65s are still not convinced by independence. Pat suggests the answer might lie in our musical influences - are former hippies, punks and post punks more likely to challenge the status quo? Themes included in our discussion are: 00:02:43 Musical influences on attitudes 00:04:47 Post-war British consensus...

Hosted by Christians for Independence, this presentation by former MP and Consultant Surgeon Dr Philippa Whitford is a moving account of her work as a medical volunteer in Gaza from the 1990s.    Themes include: 00:01:47 The Holy Land? 00:03:49  Palestine history didn't start on 7th October 00:06:36  2 state solution slipping away 00:06:56   Gaza 1991/2 Al Ahli Hospital 00:13:10  Breast cancer car...

Edinburgh Yes Hub hosted a panel discussion on the topic of Scotland, Democracy and the Future. The panel was chaired by Peace Campaigner Janet Fenton and speakers were: Euan Hyslop - SNP Councillor Edinburgh Council Alex Martin - Independent candidate for Edinburgh South Colin Fox - Scottish socialist Party Kenny MacAskill - Alba party. Panellists were invited to give a 5 minute opening address,...

Welcome to another tumultuous month in Scottish politics! Fiona and James mull over the events of May 2024 including:   00:00:57   The end of the Bute House Agreement and the fallout 00:17:50   Another new First Minister 00:31:08   We're having an election 00:49:42    Our plans for June The Welsh Constitutional Commission podcast episode which we mention in our discussion is here https://scottishi...

A Bonus Tuesday podcast to mark the announcement of the UK General Election on 4th July - Independence Day! In the first half of this episode Fiona and Marlene react to the initial announcement and in the second half we take a look at the various campaign launch speeches.   We also cover various deadline dates for voter registration etc - these and more info can be found on the website www.elector...

Latest in our Mibbes Aye podcast series, we explore the Welsh Constitutional Commission with Leanne Wood who was one of the Commissioners on the 2 year project.  Leanne is also a former leader of the Welsh independence party Plaid Cymru. The Commission produced a report with 10 recommendations which can be found here https://www.gov.wales/independent-commission-on-the-constitutional-future-of-wale...

David Powell appeared on John Drummond's TNT show recently with a worrying take on the proliferation of Freeports and Special Economic Zones across the UK and the sinister forces which may lie behind them.  This is in marked contrast to the reassuring statements being made by the Scottish Government in relation to Green Freeports.  Let us know what you think about both perspectives! David is a sen...

As conflict escalates around the world, we chat to Bill Ramsay and Isobel Lindsay, both veteran Scottish CND campaigners about the increased threat of nuclear engagement, either on purpose or by accident. Where are the peacemakers? Is there anything that we as individuals can do? Footage of BAE Systems protest thanks to The Skotia media.   The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podc...

Believe in Scotland hosted a very successful march and rally in Glasgow on 20th April. This episode brings together the speeches from the rally (minus the obligatory comments about how wonderfully sunny the weather was!).  Speakers list: 00:00:50     Pat Kane (musician and journalist) 00:06:11     Jane McAllister (film maker) 00:12:47     Gordon Martin (RMT trade union) 00:18:47      Ross Greer (S...

Shockwaves ran through Scottish politics this morning as First Minister Humza Yousaf announced his intention to resign following his decision to end the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens. Within 2 hours of the announcement Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were joined by guests Bill Ramsay, Convenor of the SNP TU Group and Isobel Lindsay from Scottish CND to share our immediate response...

Welcome back to our roundup of topical clips for April 2024!  Indypodcasters Fiona and James present a selection of clips and musings.  Main themes covered this month are: 00:01:00  BBC howler and GB news immunity 00:03:17   Believe in Scotland march and rally reflections 00:20:00   Hate crimes myths 00:24:43   Solidarity with farmers 00:26:34    Land register surprises 00:28:34    Wood burning st...