Scottish Independence Podcasts

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Scottish Independence Podcasts episodes

October 03, 2025 Power, Politics and Possibilities - with Lena Swedlow
"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 Impacts of Inequality
00:23:24 Racism in the UK
00:26:27 Is Scotland aiming high enough?
00:30:57 Is Holyrood pushing the boundaries enough?
00:34:00 Labour's response to Palestine Action
00:37:41 PR versus FPTP
00:48:00 Still optimistic?
Find out more about Compass here - https://compassonline.org.uk
Find Stuart Donald's paper here - https://www.compassonline.org.uk/publications/the-temper-trap-how-proportional-representation-tames-the-populist-right/
Find our episode on A Scottish Spring here - https://youtu.be/iXZ7PByGONY
#compassthinktank #lenaswerdlow #progressivepoliticsuk
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 not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
53 min
September 26, 2025 Philippa Whitford - On the Road Again
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 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 not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
1 hr 6 min
September 19, 2025 Nick Drurie talks to Pensioners for Indy
🎧 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 Parliament elections.
Nick answers tough audience questions on a wide range of topics – from economic policy to the route to independence – offering a unique Alba perspective in this critical political moment.
Key topics:
00:02:37 Nick's background
00:03:41 Overview of Alba Party Policy
00:18:31 Is anybody making prefab housing?
00:20:15 What is Alba's policy on land value tax?
00:21:28 Thoughts on Holyrood 2026?
00:24:40 Thoght son Palestine Action proscription?
00:28:23 Alba's position on defying Westminster?
00:29:45 how will Alba link cost of living issues with independence?
00:33:54 Can we gradually nationalise social housing?
00:38:36 Holyrood 26 as plebiscite vs majority of MSPs?
00:39:58 Are Alba standing in all constituencies?
00:40:28 Why has Kenny McAskill not floated an indy umbrella group?
00:41:23 how to avoid a Reform Uk PM in 2029?
🔗 Watch the full series on our YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrDKalFQSLAgCYxQweW2RqPSDnYFnRX4&si=aJsi3wdMCdPnw6kA
#scottishindependence #holyrood2026 #albaparty
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
Industrial Cinematic by Kevin MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

51 min
September 12, 2025 Frankly My Dear...
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 podcasts
00:20:36 Imposter syndrome
00:23:02 Marlene's choice excerpts
00:32:14 Have we learned anything new?
00:34:09 The pro-independence commentariat
00:39:42 Bigger than the book
00:42:47 Unreasonable Expectations
00:46:37 Choosing another path
00:49:28 Final thought
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 podcasts
00:20:36 Imposter syndrome
00:23:02 Marlene's choice excerpts
00:32:14 Have we learned anything new?
00:34:09 The pro-independence commentariat
00:39:42 Bigger than the book
00:42:47 Unreasonable Expectations
00:46:37 Choosing another path
00:49:28 Final thought
#scottishindependence #nicolasturgeon #mediareaction
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
51 min
September 09, 2025 Holyrood is Back in Business
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/
#scottishindependence #democracy #johnswinney
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:
Industiral cinematic and Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

41 min
September 05, 2025 Top 10 Takeaways - Danny Dorling at the Festival of Politics
🎙️ 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 electoral reform, this episode unpacks the key messages from Dorling’s thought-provoking talk — including a question from Marlene herself!
🔟 Key takeaways include:
00:03:20 How inequality is shaped by family background
00:08:22 Why it’s dangerously easy to scare the public
00:13:38 The Scottish Child Payment as a vital anti-poverty tool
00:19:32 How child poverty is measured — and why it matters
00:21:15 The essential role of care and compassion in policymaking
00:24)06 How Reform UK’s agenda threatens climate progress
00:28:18 Marlene asks a question in Holyrood!
00:33:20 The democratic risk of First Past the Post
00:36:03 Growing disconnect between people and politics
00:38:36 The surprising reasons why violence is decreasing
Whether you're interested in social justice, politics, or progressive change, this episode is packed with insight, analysis, and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on building a fairer society.
#FestivalOfPolitics #DannyDorling #ScottishPolitics #ChildPoverty #Inequality #ElectoralReform #NetZero #SocialJustice #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: [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
46 min
August 29, 2025 The Housing Crunch - some Solutions
🎙 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 Scottish Parliament.
Craig outlines bold proposals to tackle the crisis — including filling Scotland’s 100,000+ empty homes, delivering real land reform, raising building standards, and committing to a major expansion of social housing.
If you're interested in how policy can shape a fairer, more functional housing system in Scotland, this is essential listening.
Key topics
00:02:14 What is the Housing Crisis?
00:10:02 Filling vacant housing
00:16:07 Actual land reform
00:20:35 Building enough social housing
00:31:17 Increasing the standard of building
Read Craig's article in the National Newspaper here https://www.thenational.scot/news/25304485.four-ways-mairi-mcallan-can-fix-scotlands-housing-crisis/
Find out more about Commonweal at https://commonweal.scot
Browse Commonweal's policy library at https://www.commonweal.scot/policies
Good Houses For All paper https://www.commonweal.scot/policies/good-houses-for-all
Find out about Social Bite villages here https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-social-bite-village-model/
#housingcrisis #commonweal #scottishpolitics
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

59 min
August 22, 2025 Anthony Carroll talks to P4Indy
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 Greens' vision for a greener, fairer, independent Scotland and how that feeds into local issues too.
key themes and audience questions:
00:01:32 Doorstep disillusionment
00:09:06 Why renovate George Square?
00:11:24 Community energy projects
00:15:22 Community funding from windfarms
00:17:53 Zonal energy pricing
00:18:36 Working with Labour
00:21:10 Engaging the electorate
00:25:38 John Swinney's plan
00:28:55 Salvo and the UN
00:31:51 Green's manifest 2026
00:38:20 Asylum seekers housing crisis
00:40:54 Was Grangemouth closure the Green's fault?
00:45:10 Extending Glasgow's subway
00:49:49 Maxing indy supporting MSPs
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just exploring the conversation, don’t miss this timely episode in the run-up to Holyrood 2026.
📌 Follow us and subscribe for more
#holyrood2026 #scottishgreens #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

54 min
August 15, 2025 Old Labour, New Labour, Blue Labour
🎙️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 founding figure in Scottish Left Review and the Jimmy Reid Foundation, Bob has also served as Treasurer and Vice Chair of Scottish Labour, participated in the Scottish Constitutional Convention, campaigned as a member of Labour for Independence in 2014 and is an advocate for electoral reform. He even counts Jeremy Corbyn among his friends!
Join us for a rich and insightful conversation that spans 25 years of left-wing politics in Scotland, from the grassroots to the national stage.
💬 Topics discussed include:
00:03:45 25 years of the Scottish Left Review
00:13:18 Old Labour vs New Labour
00:26:29 The Devo Max option?
00:33:34 Corbyn's new party
00:42:32 Predictions for Holyrood 2026
You can access the Scottish Left Review at https://scottishleftreview.scot
Find out more about the Jimmy Reid Foundation at https://reidfoundation.scot
#scottishleftreview #jeremycorbyn #scottishlabour
The Scottish Independence Podcasts 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
54 min
August 12, 2025 Lord Provost's Peace Garden
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 future of peace in our world.
This commemorative event highlights Glasgow’s enduring commitment to nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and international solidarity. Tune in for moving speeches and music from Protest in Harmony and City of Glasgow chorus as the community unites in remembrance.
Key moments:

00:03:06 Songs from Protest In Harmony
00:07:45 Lord Provost's Civic welcome
00:11:38 Consul General for Japan Mr Katsutoshi Takeda
00:14:27 Jean Anderson, Glasgow CND
00:19:52 David Peutherer, Glasgow CND
00:24:30 Ava, one of the garden design team
00:27:48 Pauline, Protest in Harmony
00:28:47 Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost
00:29:50 City of Glasgow chorus
Glasgow is one of 8,509 cities around the world who are part of the Mayors for Peace network. Find out more about he Mayors for Peace programme at https://mayorsforpeace.org/
#hiroshima #peacegarden #SCND
The Scottish Independence Podcasts 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
37 min