Yes Cowal Scottish Independence Podcast

Happy New Year! To mark the beginning of 2026, we share a address from the Makar of Scotland, Padraig MacAoidh, which was delivered to the Independence Forum Scotland's Autumn convention.  In a lyrical meditation on identity, he asks what it means to be a Scot in a country shaped by history yet unfinished by it. This is a speech rooted in language, land, ancestry, and imagination — a reminder that nationhood begins not in institutions, but in people. A moment of reflection to carry us into the year ahead. For more information about the Makar and his poetry see our blogpost here https://scottishindypod.scot/blogpost/makar-padraig-macaoidh/ You can watch the full coverage of the IFS convention here https://www.youtube.com/live/Ww2ZWOJhuhc?si=SVucfMN7XLxre83z #IFS #Makar, Scottishindependence The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our w

In this special episode, the Indypodcasters head to the Carsebridge Cultural Campus in Alloa for a vibrant four-day art exhibition brought to life by Yes Stones, Yes Slates, and the wider community of independent Scottish artists. Hosted by the charity Resonate Together, the event showcased an extraordinary collection of artwork generously donated by the artists — with proceeds shared between Resonate Together and nine Scottish charities chosen by the artists themselves. From luminous landscapes to pieces exploring history, politics, and Scottish culture, the exhibition was a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Visitors enjoyed coffee, cake, live music and great conversation at the drop-in stone-painting workshop that kept the creative energy flowing. Join us as we wander through the exhibition, chat with organisers and artists, and capture the warmth, talent, and community spirit that made these four days truly special. Key points: 00:04:37  Opening day 00:10:04   Chatting with artist Walker McGowan

As part of Scottish Book Week, we take you inside a fascinating event held at the Speirs Centre in Alloa, where author, storyteller, and folklorist Stuart McHardy introduced his latest book, Scotland’s Geomythography. In this engaging presentation, McHardy explores how ancient societies understood the landscapes around them and takes us on a journey through myth, memory, and the Scottish landscape. Join us as we delve into the emerging field of geomythography, which blends oral tradition, place-name study, landscape interpretation, and archaeology to reveal the deep-time stories embedded in Scotland’s terrain. From echoes of prehistoric rituals to clues hidden in local lore, this episode uncovers how the past still resonates in the places we walk today. Key themes: 00:10:42   Calanais 00:20:34   Beltane 00:22:05   Ballachulish Goddess 00:22:57   Paps and Mams 00:23:48   The Cailleach and Bride 00:24:52   Beinn Bheithir and dragons 00:28:18   Cauldrons 00:28:54   Clustering 00:29:46    Paps of Jura 00:32:01  

In this episode, we sit down with the amazing Carol Gilmour, an artist, activist, and proud committee member of Tourette’s Scotland. We first met Carol through the group Artists for Indy, when she generously donated a set of her stunning paintings to the Indy Art Exhibition, a fantastic event which will be featured in a later podcast episode. Each artist nominated a charity to benefit from the proceeds—and Carol chose Tourette’s Scotland. But that’s not all… Carol also appears in the hit film I Swear, which just happened to be top of the UK box office the very weekend we recorded and was also the subject of a Scottish Parliament debate at Holyrood!

A Conference of Ideas Join indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene as they share their favourite moments from the Scottish Currency Group conference held in Dunfermline on 25th and 26th October. Featuring behind-the-scenes commentary and chats with presenters Craig Dalzell and Colin Fox, plus insights on Scotland’s economic future, currency options, and more.   One key theme which emerged from several of the speakers was the issue of Foreign Direct Investment, which the Scottish Government seem to embrace enthusiastically while others watch with concern at the level of profits being extracted from Scotland due to extensive foreign ownership of land and assets.   Key topics: 00:01:25  Ian Stewart introduces the Conference of Ideas 00:08:23  Craig Dalzell explains the pins in the map 00:16:35  William Thompson - Scotgov has got the wrong approach 00:28:29  Robin McAlpine - recapturing the Scottish economy 00:43:44  Colin Fox - A vision for a better Scotland Find out more from the Scottish Currency Group's new website

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 revisit a powerful highlight from the recent Scottish CND conference: former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard's eloquen and forceful speech challenging the Uk Labour Government's increasingly militarised foreign and economic policies. Join us for a forthright conversation about power, security and Scotland's future role in the world. key themes: 00:00:31  Lammy insults a nation 00:03:24  Who poses the biggest threat to Scotland? 00:16:00  Resilience and Security 00:28:19  Richard Leonard calls our UK Labour's path to war 00:30:33  Role and purpose of arms industry in creating as narrative of fear 00:38:43  Richard L

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 deeply about what independence actually means. The British state claims Scotland is in a voluntary union, yet can’t explain how we might voluntarily leave that union. So which is it — a union or a trap? Tune in for a fascinating and fiery discussion about sovereignty, legality, and Scotland’s future in (or out of) the UK.

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’s wider democratic landscape.   00:01:20  Simon Jones, Scottish National Party candidate 00:23:38  Michael Havard, Scottish Green Party candidate #scottishpolitics #stranraer #byelection   The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres mos

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 keeping women disengaged, share practical ways to reach out across divides, and highlight the power of more local democracy in shaping policies that truly reflect women’s lives. If you care about women in politics, grassroots activism, and ensuring female voices are front and centre in our national dialogue, this episode is a must-listen.

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 Scotland’s cultural history shines through every moment of this interview. As we mourn her passing, this episode serves as both a reminder of her remarkable legacy and a call to keep Scottish history alive in our schools, museums, and communities. #scottishhistory #scottisheducation #scottishheritage   The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe f

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. Because sometimes, people just need TELT! 00:03:15 Joanie Reid gets TELT! 00:04:50 Russell Findlay gets TELT! 00:17:35 Scottish National Investment Bank gets TELT! 00:24:29 Trump's ICE thugs get TELT! 00:27:24 Anti Low Emission Zone protestors get TELT! 00:31:28 Chat with our guest Mary McCabe 00:47:12 Indypodcasters get TELT! #telt #scottishindependence #indypodcasters The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.s

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 movement and how it could be the first step toward unity across Scotland’s pro-independence parties and organisations. With exciting plans underway for a Scottish Independence Congress, could we be witnessing the spark that reignites the passion and momentum of 2014?

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.

"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 about the current political landscape in Scotland and the wider  UK, including the deeper causes behind the shifting trends we’re seeing—from growing voter disengagement to the challenges facing progressive movements. Whether you’re interested in politics, grassroots change, or the future of the UK’s political system, this thoughtful and energising discussion offers fresh insights and hope for what comes next. key themes: 00:03:21   The Class of 2014 00:08:46    What is Compass? 00:11:03    labour's Dilemma 00:14:55    How does Democracy deal with Liars? 00:16:53    Why are people voting for "Reform" party? 00:21:34    

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 barriers in Scotland The unique, world-leading wellbeing policies of the Scottish Government With decades of political and medical experience, Dr. Whitford offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities facing the independence movement today. She reflects on the successes of the Scottish government despite the limitations of Westminster control and highlights the benefits awaiting us when we have the full levers and powers of an independent country. #scottishindependence #holyrood2026 #drphilippawhitford The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scott

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 sparked — across mainstream UK media, podcasts, and Scottish independence commentators — Fiona and Marlene explore what the media response to the book tells us about Scotland’s political landscape, media narratives, and public sentiment. Join them for an honest, insightful, and at times surprising look at the ripple effects of one book — and one TikTok. No guests this week — just real talk from two women navigating politics, culture, and independence in Scotland. Key themes: 00:02:44 Our night out 00:04:44 Responses to our Tiktok 00:09:32 Social media bubbles 00:11:33 Mainstream media TV interviews 00:16:42 Uk podcas

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 to Decide"   This was followed by the first FMQs of the new term. We take a look at some of the stand out moments from these events in this extra Hot Topic episode: Key moments: 00:01:24  The Scottish Government's position on Israel 00:07:20   latest successes including ending peak rail fares 00:11:40   Scotland welcomes refugees 00:16:12   Stand up to Racism protest at Knightswood 00:19:45    Refugees in Glasgow, Saltires in Maryhill 00:24:06    Self determination and the exit process 00:32:52    Rallying cry for democracy Find the new paper Your right to Decide here:https://www.gov.scot/publications/right-decide/ #s