Scottish Independence Podcasts

By YesCowal PodcastsSociety & Culture News Politics

Scottish Independence Podcasts episodes

February 13 Unbinding the Union - the Law of Leaving
What are the legal routes to an independence referendum—and who gets to decide? Fiona and Marlene bring you the standout highlights from Holyrood’s Constitutional Committee, featuring evidence from top constitutional lawyers. Expect myth-busting (goodbye “once in a generation”), clear-eyed legal analysis, and some unexpectedly rich discussions about trust, fairness and the health of democracy itself.
Key points:
00:01:46 "Once in a generation" is just campaign rhetoric
00:04:35 "Settled will" is just political rhetoric
00:06:29 "Supermajority" is not required, the precedent is a simple majority
00:07:13 Scotland would secede from the UK state, not the Act of Union
00:07:47 The Act of Union is subject to the Scotland Act sec 37
00:09:09 The Claim of Right does not confer popular sovereignty
00:11:36 The Treaty of Union confirms Scots are a nation
00:13:12 Scots have the right to self determination, how do we exercise it
00:15:16 Perceptions of fairness
00:18:31 Trust in democratic processes
00:21:15 UK duty of "rigorous impartiality" in NI border poll
00:25:44 Ambivalent Unionism
00:32:08 Citizens Assemblies etc
00:42:42 Independence is a process, not an event
00:45:05 England can vote to leave UK, why not Scotland?
00:49:43 Westminster is blocking democracy.
#scottishindependence #constitutionalrights #mythbusting
"Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence". Clips come from the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meetings held on 13th and 27th November and 11th and 18th December 2025.
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!
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Bluesky: @scottishindypod
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
55 min
February 06 On Thin Ice? Trump, Greenland and Scotland
As the Arctic heats up, so do the geopolitics. Regular guests Isobel Lindsay and Bill Ramsay join the Indypodcasters to dig into Donald Trump’s renewed aggression towards Greenland and what it reveals about a rapidly militarising Arctic. We ask why this frozen frontier suddenly matters so much—and what it means for security much closer to home. From opportunities arising out of Scotland’s strategic position in the North Atlantic to the uncomfortable realities of hosting nuclear weapons, we challenge the pervasive myth of an “independent” UK deterrent. We also take a hard look at Keir Starmer’s deferential approach to Trump, and what Westminster's eagerness to please says about Britain's real place in the global pecking order.
Key moments:
00:04:19 A good time to rethink Scotland's position
00:07:57 Which state perceives Scotland as a threat?
00:10:27 Is the US an ally or a threat?
00:14:15 Tensions between NATO members is not new
00:17:38 Inevitable impacts of Global warming
00:19:08 Why do states start wars?
00:23:24 Carney's remarkable Davos speech
00:27:33 Values, Trump and the Board of Peace
00:33:42 The real threat to England after Scottish independence
00:36:14 An opportunity for France
00:39.11 An opportunity for Scotland
00:45:25 Do our politicians measure up?
00:46:45 Michels Iron Law of Oligarchy
00:48:55 Reichs 4 Axioms for dealin with Trump
00:51:13 A rupture not a transition
#trump #greenland #scotland
You can find the JOhn Swinney speech we mentioned here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2MsBB-3wAo
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!
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Bluesky: @scottishindypod
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

53 min
January 30 Holyrood: Majority Rules?
Holyrood wasn't built for winner-takes-all politics. So why are we pretending it is?
This week, IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene dig into the idea of political mandates at Holyrood. With SNP leader John Swinney arguing that a majority of SNP MSPs would justify another independence referendum, we ask: does that really stack up in a system designed to avoid majority rule? And if a bigger, cross-party majority backs independence, shouldn’t that count too?
00:03:25 John Swinney explains how the UK UNion fails Scotland
00:06:49 SNP majority equals a binding mandate?
00:09:20 Walking into his own trap?
00:13:52 Rachel Reeves is stuck in a rut
00:16:55 Once in a generation just campaign rhetoric
00:18:43 Edinburgh Agreement not a precedent
00:20:17 David Cameron's decision not binding
00:24:21 Is a majority the magic wand?
00:28:03 Angus Robertson has a different view
00:34:09 Our quick poll
#holyrood #proportionalrepresentation #mandate
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!
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Bluesky: @scottishindypod

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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

38 min
January 23 The Making of Finland with Lesley Riddoch
Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch joins us to discuss her inspirational new film exploring Finland — a country often cited as one of the world’s most successful, fair and forward-thinking societies.
Beautifully shot and deeply engaging, the film looks beyond the headlines to ask why Finland works so well, and what lessons Scotland can learn from its journey. We talk about what independence could make possible — but also, crucially, the changes we don’t have to wait for.
From education and local democracy to trust, equality and community power, this is an inspiring conversation about what Scotland can begin building right now.
Lesley will be presenting a series of film screenings followed by Q&A sessions, details are on her website https://lesleyriddoch.com/events with more events being added.
key themes:
00:03:45 Sisu, Smeddum and Trust
00:06:01 National Security and Resilience
00:13:59 Food Security and Co-operatives
00:16:17 Public Ownership of Assets
00:18:37 Scotland's Transition
00:22:07 Common Sense Solutions - Prisons
00:28:13 World Leading Education from Kindergarten onwards
00:41:39 Forests and Family Trees
00:45:58 Lessons for Scotland
#finland #lesleyriddoch
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!
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Bluesky: @scottishindypod
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
54 min
January 16 Hidden Costs of Inequality with Stuart Donald
We’re joined once again by data analyst Stuart Donald to explore the impacts of inequality — including some unexpected links to how we vote. There’s data, there are graphs, and there are a few “wait, really?” moments along the way. Whether you love a good chart or just a good conversation, this episode delivers.
Key themes:
00:00:51 The Equality Trust data sets
00:02:45 Inequality is strongly associated with societal problems
00:04:12 Income inequality and recycling rates
00:08:28 Inequality and democracy
00:12:13 Inequality and mental health stigma
00:17:14 Inequality and infant mortality
00:22:01 Would PR at Westminster be bad for Scotland?
00:31:07 Why Europe needs immigration
00:40:19 Projections for Holyrood 2026
Find out more about inequality graphs at https://equalitytrust.org.uk/evidence-base/the-spirit-level-at-15/
Also you can follow @inequalitynews on Bluesky
Holyrood seats projection image from @ballotbox.scot on Bluesky
Immigration projections image originally from the Guardian.
#inequality #proportionalrepresentation #stuartdonald
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!
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
Bluesky: @scottishindypod
Instagram: @scottishindypod

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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
49 min
January 09 What's it like to be a Scot?
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: [email protected]
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

35 min
December 19, 2025 Indy Artists Resonating Together
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
00:15:33 Reclaiming our culture with piper Caimbeul Mac An T-Saoir
00:15:45 Chatting with Mary at the workshop
00:17:36 Chatting with Angela Watt, founder of Resonate Together
00:23:39 Chatting with Lynne Dougan, Yes Stones/Slates
00:30:24 Reflecting on the event with Neil Haston, Yes Stones/Slates
00:31:35 Protest corner, with music by Jim McLean
Find out more about Resonate Together from their Facebook page or https://www.facebook.com/Resonatetogether or check out their website https://resonatetogether.org.uk
Find out more about Yes Stones from their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/183023062566228
Check out Artists for Independence on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/artistsforindy.scot
#art #scottishculture #scottishartists
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: [email protected]
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
Homeland by the Graham Brown Band
The Man from Peterhead by Jim McLean
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

46 min
December 12, 2025 Geomythography with Stuart McHardy
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 The Corrievreckan
00:39:12 Craigshouse Bay
00:42:08 Bennachie
00:46:09 Tigh nam Bodach
Find Stuart's books for sale here https://luath.co.uk/pages/stuart-mchardy
#scottishhistory #mythology #stuartmchardy
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: [email protected]
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
54 min
December 05, 2025 I Swear: Talking Tourette's with Carol Gilmour
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! 🎬
Indypodcaster Fiona and guest presenter Lynne dashed off to see the film, and then reunited with Carol for a warm and eye-opening conversation about art, activism, Tourette’s, and life in the spotlight.
Find our more about Tourette's Scotland from their website https://tourettescotland.org
Watch the Holyrood debate here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/members-business-sarah-boyack-supporting-tourette-scotland-and-greater-awareness-and-inclusion-for-people-with-tourette-syndrome-november-13-2025?clip_start=12:51:37&clip_end=13:24:56
Find out more about the group Artists for Indy here: https://bsky.app/profile/artistsforindy.scot
👉 Subscribe, like, and share to support the pod!
#CarolGilmour #TouretteScotland #ISwear
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: [email protected]
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

49 min
November 28, 2025 Behind the Scenes at the SCG Conference
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 https://scg.scot
watch all the sessions from the conference at https://www.youtube.com/@UCbTZJrFgbalSJTNMfrb0N6A
Read more from Scotonomics on Scotland's Sectoral balances here https://scotonomics.org/private-sector-debt-in-scotland/
#scottishcurrencygroup #scottishindependence #economics
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: [email protected]
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 most Tuesdays at 8pm
If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?
https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts
or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

59 min