Scottish Independence Podcasts

In this episode our guests Isobel Lindsay and Bill Ramsay help unpack the deeper message behind Deputy PM David Lammy's extraordianry claim that the Scottish Government is a "national security threat". But which nation is he talking about?  From a Scottish perspective, many argue that Scotland's continued place within the UK poses the greater risk to Scotland's own national security. We also revis...

Can Scotland really become independent by May 2027? At the latest Pensioners for Indy meeting, guest speaker Graeme McCormick laid out his nine-step roadmap to Scottish independence — and sparked a lively, thought-provoking debate. Some in the audience argued that Scotland is a colony. Others insisted that Scots are sovereign. Can both views be true? Graeme says no — and challenges us to think dee...

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene meet SNP’s Simon Jones and Scottish Green Party’s Michael Havard — the two pro-independence party candidates standing in the upcoming council by-election. What are the key local issues, and what will they be campaigning on? In this episode, we explore what’s at stake for Stranraer and The Rhinns — from local services and rural priorities to their place in Scotland’...

In this episode of IndyPodcasters, hosts Fiona and Marlene sit down with guest Jacqui Jensen to explore how we can reconnect women with politics — wherever they are. From local communities to the national stage, we discuss why women’s voices must be at the heart of political decision-making and how inclusive conversations can drive real change and shape our nation. Together, we unpack what’s keepi...

This special bonus episode pays tribute to the late Elspeth King, one of Scotland’s most influential curators and historians. Originally recorded in 2020, this conversation explores the absence of Scottish history in the national curriculum, the importance of heritage in shaping identity, and the power history holds in understanding who we are. Elspeth King’s passion for preserving and promoting S...

It’s time to get some people TELT! Join Scottish IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene as we serve up a no-holds-barred episode having the last word against everyone who’s wound us up this month. From political nonsense to everyday irritations, nobody escapes our Telt List! Expect a healthy dose of righteous rage as we say what everyone’s thinking — but with that unmistakable IndyPodcaster twist. Becau...

🎙️ Pensioners for Independence Meet SNP’s Ivan McKee In this lively episode, we join Pensioners for Independence as they sit down with SNP MSP Ivan McKee at the Bacchus Bar in Glasgow for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Scottish independence. The conversation covers many pressing political topics, but the key theme that kept resurfacing was the SNP’s upcoming 2025 party conference – spe...

Fiona & Marlene Talk Indy with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp – Reigniting the Movement! In this must-listen episode, Fiona and Marlene sit down with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, founder of Believe in Scotland—the nation’s largest pro-independence campaign group. Fresh from signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding with John Swinney and the SNP, Gordon shares what this means for the future of the Yes mo...

Bonus podcast: In this What's On special episode, we shine a spotlight on four pro-independence events happening across Scotland over just three weeks — from currency and culture to peace and politics, there’s something here for everyone. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene chat to the some of the event organisers for more behind the scenes details. 🗓️ October 25–26 – Scottish Currency Group Conferen...

🎙️ The Temper Trap: Can PR De-Fang Farage? | with Stuart Donald In this thought-provoking episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene are joined by returning guest and data analyst Stuart Donald to discuss his latest research paper, The Temper Trap. The trio explore how Proportional Representation (PR) can be a powerful tool in limiting the influence of far-right politics, especially compared to the...

"Politics, Power & Possibility – A Conversation with Lena Swedlow from Compass" In this episode  IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene reflect on our visit to A Scottish Spring conference back in April, where we were struck by a standout talk from Lena Swedlow, a researcher at the progressive think tank Compass. After a busy summer, we finally caught up with Lena for a wide-ranging conversation abo...

This Week on IndyPodcasters: Dr. Philippa Whitford – The Road to Holyrood 2026 Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Philippa Whitford, recently retired SNP MP and long-time advocate for Scottish independence and national wellbeing. In this episode, we explore: Campaign strategies ahead of Holyrood 2026 How to effectively counter the rising threat of the far right Breaking through media...

🎧 Countdown to Holyrood 2026 | Episode: Nick Drurie – Alba Party In this episode of our Countdown to Holyrood 2026 series, we’re back at the  Bacchus Bar in Glasgow with Nick Drurie from the Alba Party. Hosted by the grassroots group Glasgow Pensioners for Independence, this lively event brings together independence supporters to hear directly from party representatives ahead of the 2026 Scottish...

In this special episode IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene take a break from the usual guest format for a more personal chat. After attending the Glasgow book launch of Frankly, Nicola Sturgeon’s much-anticipated memoir, the pair share their candid reflections on the event — and the unexpected TikTok reaction that followed. From going viral overnight to unpacking the diverse responses the book has s...

The Scottish Parliament went back to Holyrood last week for the final session before the elections in 2026.   Following the Holyrood debate on Palestine and his very welcome decision to stop giving public money to companies helping to arm Israel in the commission of a genocide,  First Minister John Swinney began today with a speech announcing the publication of the new Scotgov  paper "Your Right t...

🎙️ Top 10 Takeaways from Professor Danny Dorling at the Festival of Politics | Indypodcasters In this episode, Fiona and Marlene share their top 10 insights from the 2025 Festival of Politics at Holyrood, where they attended a powerful session with Professor Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography at the University of Oxford. From rising inequality to the politics of child poverty and electora...

🎙 Solving Scotland’s Housing Crisis – with Dr Craig Dalzell of Common Weal 🏘 In this episode, we speak with Craig Dalzell, Head of Policy at the Scottish think tank Common Weal, about urgent, practical solutions to Scotland’s housing crisis. The discussion is based on his recent article in The National, which is addressed directly to Màiri McAllan, the newly appointed Housing Minister in the Scott...

Indypodcasters bring you the latest in the meetings hosted by campaign group Glasgow Pensioners for Independencespeaking with politicians from all pro-independence parties. This time we’re joined by Cllr Anthony Carroll of the Scottish Greens for a lively and informative discussion on Scottish independence, local politics, and the road to Holyrood 2026.   The conversation dives into the Scottish G...

🎙️25 Years of Scottish Left Review with Bob Thomson In this special episode, Fiona and Marlene sit down with veteran trade unionist and political activist Bob Thomson to mark the 25th anniversary of Scottish Left Review. From his early days on the factory floor to the top of Unison, Bob shares a lifetime of experience in labour politics, trade unionism, and Scottish constitutional reform. A foundi...

Special Bonus Episode: Live from the Lord Provost’s Peace Garden – 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima Join us for a powerful special episode recorded on 6th August 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. We’re coming to you directly from the Lord Provost’s Peace Garden in Glasgow, where civic leaders, peace activists, and citizens gathered to honour the past and reflect on the futu...

In this episode Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene sit down with economist and educator Jim Byrne to talk about his new online course, MMT101: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Monetary Theory. Designed to make Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) accessible to everyone, Jim’s course breaks down complex economic ideas into clear, understandable lessons. Learn more at https://mmt101.org #indypodcasters #mmt #econ...

In this revealing episode recorded at the Bacchus Bar in Glasgow, Pensioners for Independence invite Colette Walker, leader of the Independence for Scotland Party to address the group as part of a series of events the group are arranging leading up to Holyrood 2026. Colette shares her unexpected journey into political leadership, her refusal to be defined by her visual impairment, and the challeng...

Exploring Scotland’s Cultural Heritage | Stuart McHardy & Roger Emmerson at the Independence Forum Scotland Conference In this thought-provoking episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast, we bring you a fascinating session from the recent Independence Forum Scotland conference, featuring historian Stuart McHardy and architect Roger Emmerson. Together, they explore Scotland’s rich cultural h...

Fiona and Marlene report from the Palestine march and rally in Edinburgh this weekend, with coverage of the march and the speeches from Elizabeth House, also known as Colonial HQ Key events: 00:07:30 Gathering at St Giles 00:08:06  Chanting in Parliament Square 00:08:38  Mick Napier outlines the purpose of the protest 00:10:36  Into the High Street 00:12:51   Speaker Doha Abu Amer 00:19:37   Speak...

🎙️ In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by Esther Roberton, co-ordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, the movement that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Scottish Parliament. Esther reflects on the original aspirations for a new kind of democracy in Scotland and assesses how far those ambitions have been realised over the past 20+ years. They also explore Esther’s...