This Is Islay

As part of our collaboration with Islay Primary Schools (episode June 1, 2025), this episode presents recordings made in Bowmore and Port Ellen primary schools as part of their reading programmes, and was produced by This Is Islay. Ann an co-obrachadh le Bun-sgoiltean Ìle (prògram 1 Ògmhios, 2025), chaidh am prògram seo a chlàradh ann am Bun-sgoiltean Bogha Mòr agus Port Eilein mar phàirt den phrò...

In September 2024, we recorded a conversation with Islay primary school teachers Amy Hannett (Port Ellen Primary) and Morvern Scott (Gaelic Medium, Bowmore Primary) about plans to work with This Is Islay to record activities at primary schools across Islay, including both English and Gaelic language material. In followup episodes we will hear directly from students on a range of activities - from...

In May 2025, This is Islay chatted with Cancer Support Group Islay (CSGI), shortly after its first birthday. Three founding members: Jennifer Gillies, Jo O'Farrell and Agnes McEachern, discuss why their informal support group was set up, how group members help each other, and recent successes in bringing mainland expertise to Islay. Living with Cancer is hard enough and this episode explores v...

A conversation with the This Is Islay team gathered in the Islay High School studio, including: Gordon Bermingham, Jean MacLellan, Tom O'Farrell, Glen Roberts, and Jolyon Thurgood. We pull back the curtain on the behind the scene workings of This Is Islay - we discuss our favourite episodes, future plans, and the challenges and opportunities that come with our Islay-focused podcast. Thanks to Isla...

In May 2024, This Is Islay joined Gus Newman in his corner office in Lagavulin. In our conversation Gus introduces us to his life and times in and on the waters surrounding Islay. He talks of the family ventures and adventures, including Storm-Cats, Storm-Pods and Islay Sea Adventures. Gus's mother Ann Newman joins us for the second part of the episode. This Is Islay: Gordon Bermingham, Jean M...

This Is Islay's Jean MacLellan in conversation with Charlène Busali, Chair of this year's Islay Book Festival. Together they discuss various elements of the festival, its events and activities which take place between 29 August and 1 September 2024. For more information visit islaybookfestival.co.uk. This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast which celebrates the people, places and connectio...

This episode launches Season 3 of our community podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura. This episode focuses on the people of Islay, and specifically "What makes someone an Ileach?" Greig Barker interviews Islay High School students, Russell Pollock speaks to Samantha MacArthur and the podcast team gathers various views on the subject. We would like to thank...

In this episode, Sharon Jones, on her third visit to Islay together with husband Mike, contributes her own recording to our podcast series. She relates her experiences travelling the highways and byways of Islay by e-bike. This episode was recorded, by Sharon, in September 2023. This is our very first Leap Day episode.

In this episode, Lars Weitbrecht, a traveller from Germany shares his discovery of Islay whisky, the Islay landscape and the Islay community, in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. This episode was recorded in September 2023.

In May 2023, Jolyon interviewed Fiona Kalache MBE who manages Mid Argyll Youth Development Services, known as MAYDS. In this role, Fiona provides support and guidance to the programmes offered on Islay by the Mactaggart Youth and Community Outreach Services (MYCOS). MYCOS was formerly known as MYFOS and the Mactaggart Cyber Cafe in Port Ellen, but offers a broad range of services and activities fo...

This episode features Glen in conversation with Lynn Johnstone, part of Mid-Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS), focussing on the mental health support she provides at Islay High School. More information is available at https://www.exchange-counselling.com/ .

The Independent Newspaper for Islay and Jura, the Ileach, was founded in 1973. To mark the occasion, Glen Roberts sat down with current editor Brian Palmer and past editor Calum Murray to discuss all things Ileach, and in particular the role of this publication in the local community. The Ileach is published fortnightly, with print editions of the Ileach available on Islay and Jura, and through UK...

Three Scottish Artists - Anne Campbell, Pauline McGee and Cathy Wilson - discuss their art and inspirations in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. The three artists have an Exhibition, "Interactions", taking place at the Gaelic Centre near Bowmore (until August 11th 2023). Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Many thanks to the Bridgend Hotel for allowing us access to the main dining room studi...

In this episode Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts talk with Lesley McCall, Secretary of the Fèis Ìle Committee, as she and her colleagues get ready for the Islay Festival which takes place from May 26th to June 3rd 2023. Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival - is a gathering of whisky and Islay fans from across the globe. In the last week of May, we celebrate Islay, her culture and her spirit, in a ten day...

Glen and Tom look back over This Is Islay's activities and podcasts during 2022, a year of transition after restrictions imposed by COVID.  We published 9 episodes and expanded our reach to 17 countries.  In addition, we continue to spread the word around Islay and Jura. We thank you our listeners as well as the various guests and supporters who have made the podcasting journey so enjoya...

It's the end of the year, Christmas is coming very soon, and we present our last episode of 2022.  Glen talks with Maureen MacDonald, Headteacher of Port Ellen Primary School - Gold Award winner  Primary School of the Year (UK) from Pearson National Teaching Awards, and recently featured on BBC One's ONE Show.  Glen and Jolyon spread a little good cheer for the season, with a festiv...

Islay's new ferries are eagerly awaited.  In this episode, a conversation with Nasir Udin, Senior Civil Engineer with CMAL – Caledonian Maritime Assets – and This Is Islay's Glen Roberts, discussing the upcoming port improvements which will take place in Port Ellen as well as Port Askaig, Colonsay and Kennacraig, all in preparation for two new ferries under construction in Turkey and schedule...

Glen speaks with Angus Rice about the recent updates at Bruichladdich Hall, and upcoming events planned for the Hall.  Angus Rice is the Chairman of the Bruichladdich Hall Committee.  Many thanks to the various teams of volunteers and contractors who assisted with the work, including the efforts of Islay Development Initiative. This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the peo...

This Is Islay in conversation with Brian Palmer, a big wheel in the Islay cycling world, a drummer, and also full-time editor of the Ileach, Islay's own award-winning newspaper.  How did he join the Ileach (many years ago) and how does he balance the editorial and commercial sides of running a newspaper. This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connec...

Introduced by Jolyon Thurgood, this episode highlights the upcoming music events on Islay and Jura: Jura Music Festival, September 23-25 2022.     More at juramusicfestival.com Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, October 9-11 2022.  More at islayjazzfestival.co.uk Islay Sessions, November 11-13 2022.  More at FraserShawTrust.com With music from Islay's own Mairi McGillivra...

An interview with David McArthur, President of the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Association.  This Is Islay is a community-led podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura. Extra Information here This episode marks the launch of Season 2 of This Is Islay and the second anniversary of our first episode released in August 2020. This episode features David McArthu...

This is Episode 15 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. This episode is hosted by Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts, and production was led by Tom O'Farrell . Thanks to the Port Charlotte Hotel for hosting our Rhinns recording studio. The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, educati...

This is Episode 14 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. We’re excited to welcome Florence Grey as co-host to this episode, assisted by Jolyon Thurgood. The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promo...

This is Episode 12+1 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. All are invited to join our 1st Annual General Meeting via Zoom on Thursday 17th March 2022 at 7pm by clicking here   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82440141101?pwd=TG9tOGx2eXgwZUFBZ2dYU2VlVlBkUT09 or by emailing us for more information at thisisislay@gmail.com ....

This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School, and with MYFOS a...