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 opportunities can be applied in Scotland too. Main themes: 00:04:46 A healthy debate 00:10:09 A democratic re...
Aug 02, 2024•41 min•Ep. 895
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 every eventuality were so thorough they even included his own escape from Hell! We also reveal secrets ...
Jul 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 894
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 can also watch it here The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Frid...
Jul 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 893
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 talking about the generation gap in independence support 00:24:30 Fiona McGregor talking about how and why ...
Jul 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 892
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 stood for the Presidency of the SNP but was beaten by Mike Russell. He brought his case to the SNP's in...
Jul 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 890
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 of that GB Energy logo! We had a good chat with Bill Bonnar, the Scottish Socialist Party candidate s...
Jul 02, 2024•49 min•Ep. 891
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 Scottish Greens 00:07:53 Alba party 00:15:37 SSP (Scottish Socialist Party) 00:20:29 Tory/Reform 00:23:26...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 889
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 00:06:24 Rise of Scottish music and culture in the 80s and 90s 00:07:10 Social class component shapi...
Jun 21, 2024•53 min•Ep. 888
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 care 00:19:45 Scotland-Gaza breast cancer partnership 00:23:34 Issue is political 00:29:52 Gaza now - total dev...
Jun 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 887
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, followed by two rounds of questions from the audience. Opening addresses: 00:00:51 - Euan Hyslop 00:...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 884
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://scottishindypod.scot/all-scottish-independence-podcasts-episodes/where-next-for-the-welsh-dragon/ The Scottish Independe...
May 31, 2024•53 min•Ep. 886
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.electoralcommission.org.uk The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday...
May 28, 2024•31 min•Ep. 885
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-wales-final-report Main themes: 00:00:30 Intro and welcome 00:01:34 Mark Drakeford in the Senedd 00:08:05...
May 24, 2024•50 min•Ep. 883
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 senior lecturer in Fine Art at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, and describes himself as a "reluctant...
May 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 880
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 podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Rem...
May 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 882
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 (Scottish Greens) 00:23:07 Iona Soper (activist) 00:28:57 Richie Venton (Scottish Socialist Party) 00:37:21 Marlene Hall...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 879
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 responses to the news in this bonus Tuesday episode - we'll be back on Friday with our regular podcast episo...
Apr 30, 2024•27 min•Ep. 881
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 stoves 00:34:31 Green targets and fallouts 00:45:28 Deliberative democracy - People's Panel a new hope? Footage of th...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 878
TNT show host John Drummond chats with Gordon MacIntyre Kemp from Believe in Scotland and Marlene Halliday from Pensioners for Independence on the eve of the first Believe in Scotland march and rally in Glasgow. A range of fantastic speakers have been announced, including First Minister Humza Yousaf but there has also been a spat with Alba and the Scottish Greens refusal to share a platform with them, so not without its headaches for organisers Gordon and Marlene. Still, they are still positive ...
Apr 19, 2024•53 min•Ep. 877
Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene share their impressions of Humza's first year in the job - what went well, what could have gone better - plus clips from various interviews and speeches Humza has given along the way (see links below). Main themes covered are: 00:00:41 First Minister - first impressions 00:02:24 Gaza - political and personal 00:05:04 First Minister's Questions 00:07:58 Childhood influences 00:10:46 Choosing a career in politics 00:13:57 Supporting Scottish Innovation 00:15:38 Sco...
Apr 12, 2024•54 min•Ep. 876
A Bonus Tuesday episode! Our latest Hot Topic is Michael Gove's extraordinary attempt to stop devolved parliament ministers, local councils, universities and other public bodies from using their fully devolved procurement powers to boycott goods and services on ethical and moral grounds in a way that would implicitly oppose UK government's foreign policy. The bill also imposes a gagging order on ministers and public bodies by preventing them from even stating that they would have applied a boyco...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 875
Coming up on the 20th of April, Believe in Scotland and Pensioners for Independence jointly host a march and rally in Glasgow. With 1 month to go until the big day, we chat to Believe in Scotland Chief Executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp about the idea of a Festival of Independence, what's going on behind the scenes, which speakers have confirmed so far and what else Believe in Scotland is planning for a summer of activism. More information (and tickets for the afterparty) from Believe in Scotland: ...
Apr 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 874
Welcome to our March 24 roundup of topical clips! Themes catching our eye this month include: 00:01:04 Leo Varadkar resigns after Irish government referendum "drubbing" 00:08:31 Mark Drakeford resigns and Vaughan Gething becomes the new First Minister of Wales 00:12:17 Constitutional Commissions and Conventions 00:28:41 Believe in Scotland ramps up for a summer of activism 00:32:37 Holyrood Muirburn, Hate Crimes and the Presiding Officer gets tough 00:50:00 Controversial new parties and candidat...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 873
With special guest Dr Craig Dalzell, Policy Director of Commonweal, this week's podcast episode looks at the barriers and possible solutions to setting up a publicly owned energy company for Scotland. Key themes covered in our discussion are: 00:02:19 Q1: How has Wales managed to set up an energy company? 00:05:46 Q2: Could Wales set up a public company for Scotland? 00:07:04 Q3: Do we have other options? 00:09:34 Q4: So what energy company CAN Scotland set up? 00:16:31 Q5: Who makes money out o...
Mar 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 872
On the fourth anniversary of Scotland being ripped out of the EU against our will, campaign group Europe for Scotland hosted a discussion panel to reflect on where we are now and the enduring bonds between Scotland and Europe. Find out more about Europe for Scotland at www.europeforscotland.com including the petition to have Scotland's voice heard during the EU elections this year. The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence...
Mar 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 871
Colin Fox, Leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, was one of three guests on an earlier show where we looked at non-SNP party responses to the SNP's election strategy. We had a fascinating conversation with Colin which covered much more than we needed for the original show, so here is the extended version of that conversation. Topics covered include: 00:01:26 Thoughts on the SNP's independence strategy? 00:03:39 Who will indy voters vote for if not SNP? 00:04:50 Why would Scots ever vote for St...
Mar 08, 2024•52 min•Ep. 870
TNT Show host John Drummond chats to guests SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Bella Caledonia editor Mike Small. Topics include: 00:00:36 Welcome to Stephen Flynn 00:01:46 Are Scots Sovereign? 00:07:06 What's happening about setting up a constitutional convention? 00:11:30 Are SNP MPs legitimising Westminster? 00:19:20 Is the SNP assertive enough in its approach to Westminster? 00:22:44 Welcome to Mike Small 00:23:40 What are the big issues today? 00:27:00 Are the SNP too reactive? 00:31:...
Mar 01, 2024•57 min•Ep. 868
Welcome to our roundup of clips and snippets that have caught our attention this month - enjoy! Key themes 00:00:40 Covid enquiry or witch hunt? 00:04:37 #ceasefireNOW 00:09:31 A step closer to a united Ireland? 00:17:52 Yes for EU association agreement workshop 00:24:00 Westminster Tories blooper reel 00:35:58 Welcoming our new ministers 00:44:41 Budget home truths 00:49:50 Indypodcasters day oot 00:53:49 Westminster questions 00:58:44 Who is better for the economy? Watch our tour of the Holyro...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 869
Campaign group Yes For EU held a very successful workshop in Edinburgh to consider various themes about Scotland's future in the EU, including Association Agreements for candidate countries, the alternative option of EFTA. We also discussed areas where Scotland is at risk of diverging from the EU and where we will need to realign or create new arrangements such as borders, currency options, EU energy policy and the farm payment scheme. If you would like to take part in the discussion topics, you...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 867
We were at the very successful Revive Coalition conference in Perth in November. In this week's podcast we chat with Revive Coalition Campaigns Manager Max Wiszniewski, share some of the presentations from the conference on grouse moors, muirburn and raptor persecution and then we take a look at the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill currently making its way through Holyrood. Key topics include: 00:02:12 - introducing our guest Max Wiszniewski 00:06:34 - Chris Packham's opening address 00:17:...
Feb 09, 2024•56 min•Ep. 866
