Simply Scottish

By Andrew McDiarmidSociety & Culture Places & Travel

Simply Scottish episodes

January 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. See how Burns helped to unite Americans during the Civil War and discover three ways he can unite us again in 2022. Hear poetry about Burns and by Burns, along with a great mix of Burns-inspired music from Hamish Napier, Kilmarnock Edition, Brina, and Davy Steele.
27 min
January 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 humorous stories of almost meeting one of Scotland's most famous sons, Sean Connery. Plus, Andrew Jr. on Sir Robert Watson-Watt and his development of radar technology. And as usual, you’ll hear a great mix of Scottish music, old and new: Dougie Maclean, Iona Fyfe, Andy Stewart, and Karen Marshalsay. Cast COVID aside and take a virtual trip to Scotland now!
35 min
August 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 Charles Thomson, James Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson himself and their uniquely Scottish contribution to the famous document that birthed a nation unlike any other in history, the United States of America. Plus, enjoy inspiring music from Fergus McCreadie, Ainsley Hamill, and Niamh Parsons.
25 min
June 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 and make the most of life's tests and challenges. Plus, new music from Project Smok, Iona Fyfe, and more!
42 min
April 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, enjoy great new music from Iona Fyfe, James Duncan Mackenzie, and Calum Mckenzie Jones.
37 min
April 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 Central FM twenty years ago about bringing Scotland to South Texas. Enjoy brand new tunes from James Lindsay and Grainne Brady as well as a little gem from accordion legend Jimmy Shand.
22 min
September 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 and enjoy an amazing all-Gaelic musical lineup with songs from Brian O hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie, Talisk, and Capercaillie. Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)
29 min
May 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. You'll also hear some inspiring lines of poetry and enjoy stirring new music from Jenna Reid, Ross Ainslie, and Chris Amer along with a classic song from The Proclaimers!
30 min
March 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 Castle. Along the way, they share some great new Scottish music with you, with songs from the Tom Orr Band, Kim Carney, and newcomer Hannah Rarity. Pull up a chair and enjoy!
33 min
January 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 Gillebride MacMillan and CARA too!
16 min