Simply Scottish

By Andrew McDiarmid

What's Simply Scottish about?

Scottish history and culture with a mix of traditional and modern Scottish music. Take a virtual trip to Scotland on every episode!

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Simply Scottish episodes:

06.12.2024
Episode 92: Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4
Need a song or a poem to brighten your day? In the 4th installment of our Poetry & Song series, enjoy inspiring verse from Scottish national poet Kathleen Jamie, World War I poet David Mackie, and composer Hugh Roberton. Plus...
12.21.2023
Episode 91: A Simply Scottish Christmas
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss...
11.01.2023
Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland
On this episode, Andrew shares 11 top experiences you'll want to add to your own Scottish itinerary! From the summit of Arthur's Seat and the peak of Ben Nevis to the villages along the North Coast 500 and the fresh...
05.12.2023
Episode 89: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3
On this episode of Simply Scottish, journey with us to two Edinburgh landmarks as Andrew shares more memories of his childhood in the Athens of the North. Today, The Meadows is a beautiful city park. Discover how the space has...
03.24.2023
Episode 88: Finding John Muir, pt. 1
Journey with us in the footsteps of Scottish-American naturalist, conservationist, and inventor John Muir! Host Andrew reports on an extraordinary experience visiting the Muir Papers and exhibit at the University of the Pacific in California. Hear what it's like to...
02.10.2023
Episode 87: Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America
Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has had a profound impact on the United States since the early years of the republic. On this episode, Andrew talks to nationally syndicated radio host and fellow Scot Janet Parshall on how Burns inspired...
01.17.2023
Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2
Enjoy the second half of our interview with Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Learn how to live the Braveheart life as we unpack the lessons Randall shares in his book Living the Braveheart Life. Topics include the...
12.20.2022
Episode 85: Living the Braveheart Life: A Conversation with Randall Wallace, pt. 1
On this episode, Andrew interviews Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Hear about the trip to Scotland that introduced Randall to the story of Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace. Discover how Randall learned to be a master storyteller...
12.12.2022
Episode 84: Edinburgh In Its Golden Age
In this second installment of our Off The Shelf series, host Andrew dusts off a splendid wee book from the 1960s that brings to life the people and places of Edinburgh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You...
11.08.2022
Episode 83: Tracing Your Scottish Roots, pt. 1 (Wee Yin #9)
On the latest Wee Yin episode, Andrew kicks off a new occasional series designed to help you trace your Scottish roots. Learn the basics, like where to turn to start your search and what types of information are out there....
10.04.2022
Episode 82: Queen Elizabeth II (Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 6)
In the latest installment of our popular Six Degrees of Scotland series, we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by exploring her connections to Scotland and its people. Discover Balmoral Castle, the queen’s paradise in the Scottish highlands. Learn why...
09.01.2022
Episode 81: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 2 (Wee Yin #8)
We're taking you back to Scotland in the 80s! Join host Andrew McDiarmid as he shares more memories of his childhood in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh. Learn about Edinburgh's Italian connection through Tino Luca and his amazing ice-cream business, as...
07.31.2022
Episode 80: Profiles: Elsie Inglis and Sir Harry Lauder (Radio Archive #85)
On this episode, we're dusting off selections from a radio episode of Simply Scottish that originally aired in April 2000! Hear Andrew Jr and his father Andrew Sr. profile two courageous Scots - medical pioneer Elsie Inglis and performing legend...
07.01.2022
Episode 79: All About the Music, Vol. 1
On this episode of Simply Scottish, it's all about the music! Enjoy a mix of classic songs and brand new tracks, handpicked by host Andrew McDiarmid. Featuring Deacon Blue, Capercaillie, Eddi Reader, Salsa Celtica, Iain Fraser, Simon Thoumire, and David...
05.31.2022
Episode 78: John Muir and the Grand Canyon
You've probably heard of Scottish naturalist and conservationist John Muir, but did you know he almost lost his eyesight in an accident that changed the course of his life? Find out what happened, and listen as we share some stirring...
04.28.2022
Episode 77: Basketball & Books: James Naismith and Lucy Maud Montgomery (Wee Yin #7)
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can play anytime, anywhere! In this latest entry in our Six Degrees of Scotland series, learn the Scottish and spiritual roots of basketball as we profile minister and athlete James Naismith....
03.31.2022
Episode 76: Covenanter: Scotland's Battle for Religious Freedom
To fully appreciate our freedoms today, we have to understand the history behind them. In this episode of Simply Scottish, we take you back to 17th century Scotland to tell the story of the Covenanters, brave men and women who...
02.05.2022
Episode 75: Ronald Reagan's Scottish Roots (Wee Yin #6)
Did you know that former U.S. president Ronald Reagan is related to a radical weaver from Paisley? On our latest Wee Yin, we look at Reagan's Scottish ancestry to see where he might have gotten the tenacious spirit that launched...
01.25.2022
Episode 74: Why We Need Robert Burns in 2022
In this episode of Simply Scottish, learn why we need Scottish poet Robert Burns now more than ever before! He's been dead over two centuries but his catchy songs and verse championing liberty, equality, and democracy are alive and well....
01.16.2022
Episode 73: The Scottish Merchant Navy and Radar Technology Pioneer Robert Watson-Watt (Radio Archive #129)
Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this episode of Simply Scottish from our radio archives, hear co-host and co-founder Andrew McDiarmid Sr. teach us about the Scottish merchant navy, as well as share his...
08.30.2021
Episode 72: Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 5: The Founding Scots
Episode #72 continues our series exploring Scotland's connections with the world! Although at least a third of the signatories of America's Declaration of Independence were Scots by birth or descent, three in particular deserve mention. This is the story of...
06.25.2021
Episode 71: Off/Script: Father's Day, Sean Connery, Scotland at EURO 2020, and More
In this special un-scripted episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew McDiarmid talks about the first father's day without his father, watching Sean Connery on the big screen again, Scotland's short-lived EURO 2020 football campaign, and how to live life off-script...
04.16.2021
Episode 70: The Battle for Culloden
On this episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an interview with site operations manager Raoul Curtis Machin. Learn how the famous war grave is at risk from developers and what's being done to protect it. Plus,...
04.07.2021
Episode 69: Simply Scottish in South Texas (Wee Yin #5)
It's another Wee Yin, a nugget of Scottishness you can enjoy anywhere, anytime! On this episode, learn about the Texan roots of your favorite Scottish podcast. Hear father and son duo Andrew Jr. and Sr. chat with Scottish radio station...
09.03.2020
Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 4: Joan Baez, Uncle Sam, and Jack Daniel
In the latest of our Six Degrees of Scotland series, we profile three American legends of Scottish descent: singer and activist Joan Baez, Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and the one and only Jack Daniel of Tennessee! Pour yourself a dram...
05.20.2020
Peace in the Pandemic: Scottish Music, Poetry, and Wisdom to Encourage and Inspire
On this episode of Simply Scottish, get a dose of encouragement and inspiration to help you navigate the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Find out what advice yer Scottish granny would give you with our selection of pithy quotes and sayings....
03.13.2020
Tea and a Blether: Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle
Join us for a hot cup of tea, a biscuit, and some good conversation! On this episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew and his wife Amy recall their amazing homecoming trip to Scotland, including highlights of Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh...
01.23.2020
Dunfermline: Scotland's Historic Capital (Wee Yin #4)
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can enjoy anywhere and anytime! Learn more about the ancient royal burgh of Dunfermline as well as the city's enduring connection with Scotland's famous king Robert the Bruce. Enjoy music from...
10.18.2019
The Legacy of Carnegie's Libraries
On this episode of Simply Scottish, we profile Scotland's Carnegie libraries a century later. Are these gifts from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie still a valuable community resource or have they fallen victim to modernity and the digital age?...
11.25.2018
Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 3: Famous Scottish Americans (Dickson, Garland, Irving)
On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue exploring Scotland's global reach with three more profiles of Scottish Americans. We'll look at inventor William Kennedy Dickson, actress and singer Judy Garland, and author Washington Irving. Plus, great music from Cruinn,...
10.21.2016
Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 2: Famous Scottish Americans (Witherspoon, Reagan, Cash)
On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue testing Scotland's global reach in our Six Degrees of Scotland series. Here, we profile famous Scottish Americans, including actress Reece Witherspoon, president Ronald Reagan, and singer Johnny Cash. Also, enjoy great new...
03.17.2016
How to Sponsor Simply Scottish and a Profile of David Dunbar Buick (Wee Yin #3)
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish designed to give you a quick Scottish fix! Enjoy the podcast? Here, you'll learn how to become a sponsor of Simply Scottish. With three levels of support, there's a way you can...
05.29.2015
Artist Spotlight: Dougie MacLean
Hailed as a "musical hero" by the USA's Wall Street Journal, renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean is the subject of our latest Artist Spotlight! Tune in as Dougie discusses his musical influences, the enduring popularity of Scottish folk music, the...
03.31.2015
Radio Archive #124: Defending Scotland's Flag, Dundee Cake, & Memories of Leith
Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this lively episode of Simply Scottish from the radio archives, hear Member of the Scottish Parliament Adam Ingram discuss a campaign to protect and promote Scotland’s national flag....
02.11.2015
Discovering Dundee
Journey with us to Scotland's city of discovery, Dundee. We start by exploring the three industries Dundee was famed for in years past - jute, jam, and journalism. Then we look at the Dundee of today, a hub of culture,...
11.26.2014
The Historical Novels of Nigel Tranter (Wee Yin #2)
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish. At ten minutes or less, they're a great way to get a quick Scottish fix! On this episode, we profile Scottish author Nigel Tranter, who wrote more than 60 historical fiction novels...
10.13.2014
The Road Ahead: Scotland After the Independence Referendum
On September 18th, 2014, Scotland made history with a referendum on independence. Tune in as we review the results of the vote and how it has forever changed the face of Scotland and the United Kingdom. Will the dream of...
09.15.2014
Scotland in the United Kingdom
In celebration of Scotland's historic referendum on independence, we look back at 300 years of union between Scotland and England. From the Union of the Crowns in 1603 to the Scottish National Party's landslide victory in 2011, we highlight the...
07.31.2014
Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 2
History, natural beauty, and adventure come together in Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations. You won't find this list in any guide book! In part 2, journey with us to Stirling, home of the Wallace Monument and an amazing castle experience....
06.12.2014
Outlander: A Conversation with Author Diana Gabaldon
What do you get when you throw a young modern-day English woman into 18th century Scotland at the height of the Jacobite Uprisings? An unforgettable story! We sat down with international bestselling author Diana Gabaldon to discuss the inspiration for...
05.08.2014
Growing up in Scotland's Capital (Wee Yin #1)
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish, between 5 and 10 minutes in length, with a few minutes of commentary on a Scottish topic followed by a great song or tune! On our first Wee Yin, enjoy some recollections...
04.14.2014
Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 1
Celebrate our 50th episode with us! History, natural beauty, and adventure all come together in Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations. You won't find this list in any guide book! From the gems of the capital to the tranquility of the...
02.19.2014
Sport in Scotland, pt. 3: Curling
Join us as we illuminate the history of curling from medieval pastime to modern sport! Just what is curling, and how did it become the popular Olympic event it is today? From the purpose-built ponds of Scotland to the frozen...
01.29.2014
Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 1: Electricity
It's electric! In a new series called Six Degrees of Scotland, we explore Scotland's connections to the world. On this episode, learn five different ways to connect Scotland to the history and development of electricity, from the groundbreaking work of...
01.13.2014
Scotland's Global Empire: An Interview with Author Jock Gallagher
Roman Empire. British Empire. Scottish Empire? We've all heard of Carnegie, Muir, Lipton, and Connery. Discover all the lesser-known Scots and their lasting contributions to the world in the new book Scotland’s Global Empire. Author Jock Gallagher shares highlights of...
12.21.2013
A Simply Scottish Christmas
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss...
11.28.2013
Simply Scottish Radio Archive #71: Isle of Arran and Muriel Spark
From 1999-2001, Simply Scottish aired as a weekly radio show on stations in the U.S. and Canada. The program, hosted by Andrew McDiarmid Jr. and Sr., was recorded live at the Classic 88FM Studios in South Texas. On episode #71,...
11.11.2013
Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinare, pt. 2
In part 2 of our profile, we look at Lipton the tea baron and avid yachtsman! By age 40, Lipton had built a grocery empire across Great Britain. In the 1890s, he added tea to his product line, introduced America...
09.07.2013
Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinaire, pt. 1
Discover the remarkable story of one of Scotland's most successful businessmen, Sir Thomas Lipton. In part 1, we profile Lipton's rise from assistant in his parents' store in Glasgow to overseer of a grocery market empire with over 300 stores...
08.05.2013
Moments in Scottish History, pt. 2
This episode features more finalists from our Moment in Scottish History contest, highlighting key events in Scotland's history. Discover how the Scottish Highlands changed forever with a look at the Battle of Culloden and the Highland Clearances. We'll also revisit...

What's Simply Scottish about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Simply Scottish episodes:

Episode 92: Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4

Episode 91: A Simply Scottish Christmas

Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland

Episode 89: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3

Episode 88: Finding John Muir, pt. 1

Episode 87: Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America

Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2

Episode 85: Living the Braveheart Life: A Conversation with Randall Wallace, pt. 1

Episode 84: Edinburgh In Its Golden Age

Episode 83: Tracing Your Scottish Roots, pt. 1 (Wee Yin #9)

Episode 82: Queen Elizabeth II (Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 6)

Episode 81: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 2 (Wee Yin #8)

Episode 80: Profiles: Elsie Inglis and Sir Harry Lauder (Radio Archive #85)

Episode 79: All About the Music, Vol. 1

Episode 78: John Muir and the Grand Canyon

Episode 77: Basketball & Books: James Naismith and Lucy Maud Montgomery (Wee Yin #7)

Episode 76: Covenanter: Scotland's Battle for Religious Freedom

Episode 75: Ronald Reagan's Scottish Roots (Wee Yin #6)

Episode 74: Why We Need Robert Burns in 2022

Episode 73: The Scottish Merchant Navy and Radar Technology Pioneer Robert Watson-Watt (Radio Archive #129)

Episode 72: Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 5: The Founding Scots

Episode 71: Off/Script: Father's Day, Sean Connery, Scotland at EURO 2020, and More

Episode 70: The Battle for Culloden

Episode 69: Simply Scottish in South Texas (Wee Yin #5)

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 4: Joan Baez, Uncle Sam, and Jack Daniel

Peace in the Pandemic: Scottish Music, Poetry, and Wisdom to Encourage and Inspire

Tea and a Blether: Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle

Dunfermline: Scotland's Historic Capital (Wee Yin #4)

The Legacy of Carnegie's Libraries

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 3: Famous Scottish Americans (Dickson, Garland, Irving)

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 2: Famous Scottish Americans (Witherspoon, Reagan, Cash)

How to Sponsor Simply Scottish and a Profile of David Dunbar Buick (Wee Yin #3)

Artist Spotlight: Dougie MacLean

Radio Archive #124: Defending Scotland's Flag, Dundee Cake, & Memories of Leith

Discovering Dundee

The Historical Novels of Nigel Tranter (Wee Yin #2)

The Road Ahead: Scotland After the Independence Referendum

Scotland in the United Kingdom

Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 2

Outlander: A Conversation with Author Diana Gabaldon

Growing up in Scotland's Capital (Wee Yin #1)

Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 1

Sport in Scotland, pt. 3: Curling

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 1: Electricity

Scotland's Global Empire: An Interview with Author Jock Gallagher

A Simply Scottish Christmas

Simply Scottish Radio Archive #71: Isle of Arran and Muriel Spark

Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinare, pt. 2

Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinaire, pt. 1

Moments in Scottish History, pt. 2

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