Yes Cowal Scottish Independence Podcast

Exploring Scotland’s Cultural Heritage | Stuart McHardy & Roger Emmerson at the Independence Forum Scotland Conference In this thought-provoking episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast, we bring you a fascinating session from the recent Independence Forum Scotland conference, featuring historian Stuart McHardy and architect Roger Emmerson. Together, they explore Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and discuss the positive trajectory of Scottish identity and nationhood in the 21st century. Both speakers are respected Scottish authors and thought leaders in their fields. Learn more about their work: Stuart McHardy’s profile and books https://luath.co.uk/pages/stuart-mchardy Roger Emmerson’s profile and books https://luath.co.uk/pages/roger-emmerson

Fiona and Marlene report from the Palestine march and rally in Edinburgh this weekend, with coverage of the march and the speeches from Elizabeth House, also known as Colonial HQ Key events: 00:07:30 Gathering at St Giles 00:08:06  Chanting in Parliament Square 00:08:38  Mick Napier outlines the purpose of the protest 00:10:36  Into the High Street 00:12:51   Speaker Doha Abu Amer 00:19:37   Speaker Tommy Sheppard 00:29:42   Speaker Lesley Riddoch #palestine #gaza #edinburgh  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: 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 most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https:/

Highlights from the Independence Forum Scotland Conference | June 2025 |  In this episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene share selected highlights from the Independence Forum Scotland summer conference, held in June 2025. They explore key moments from a day packed with fresh ideas, thought-provoking questions, and bold visions for Scotland’s future. Whether you're passionate about tackling poverty, Universal Basic Income, or building a wellbeing economy, this episode offers rich insights from a range of engaging speakers. key topics: 00:01:19 – Craig Dalzell: On what he is willing to sacrifice for a fairer future 00:08:28 – Annie Miller: Why Universal Basic Income is key to wellbeing 00:19:43 – Panel Q&A with Eva Comrie, Dave Thompson, Craig Dalzell, Jim Osborne 00:20:43 – What beliefs, values, and standards should sit at the heart of a wellbeing framework? 00:24:30 – Can we use NHS savings to fund UBI? 00:26:17 – Which policy areas are central to making this happen? 00:37:03 – How do we create the pol

A Bonus episode with updates on three important topics discussed at the IFS spring conference in March 2025: 00:01:34  Scotland's Land Reforms - John Hutchison 00:10:00  Scotland's Energy - John Proctor 00:24:50  Scotland's Democracy - Geoff Bush 00:30:55  Comment from the floor 00:34:35  Forward look This Friday's podcast episode will be the Poverty and Wellbeing session from the Summer conference and we have news of the Autumn conference for your diaries. Find out more from the IFS website https://independenceforum.scot 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: 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 most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podc

In this upbeat episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene speak with Fatima Joji, a member of the National Executive of Women for Independence (WFI), about the organisation’s bold relaunch on International Women’s Day . WFI played a vital role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, building a respected and influential grassroots network of women-led local groups. But over the last decade, momentum has slowed and some groups have gone quiet. Fatima shares her vision for re-energising WFI, the outcome of their first Annual General Meeting, and how women’s voices are still crucial to shaping an independent Scotland.

In this timely episode, Glasgow Pensioners for Independence sit down with Colin Fox, national spokesperson for the Scottish Socialist Party, for a wide ranging discussion on Scotland's shifting political landscape. Recorded just ahead of the Hamilton by-election, the conversation explores the future of hte independence movement, the role of left-wing politics in Scotland and what might lie ahead as we move toward the Holyrood 2026 elections. The outcome of the by election was unknown at the time of recording but one thing is celar: Scottish politics is at a turning point.  How will the current political turbulence shape Scotland's path to independence and social justice? Topics covered: 00:01:36  Opening remarks 00:36:01  Questions from the audience Q1 - is the SNP now a unionist party? 00:40:46   Q2 do we need independence before we can make any changes? 00:49:48   Q3 Why are we stuck at 50%?  Political or cultural issues? 00:56:09   Q4 what is the significance of the Daily Record supporting SNP? 01:01:01  

In this powerful episode, recorded live at a Yes Glasgow NW event, guest speaker Scott Donohoe from Glasgow Trade Union council delivers a passionate and informative talk on the planned closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery — a decision that threatens thousands of jobs, livelihoods, and the stability of the local community. Scott outlines a detailed historical timeline of events, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the workforce and exposing Labour's broken promises to protect vital Scottish industry. The session includes a raw, emotional audience discussion capturing the real anger, betrayal, and concerns from the people most affected. Key chapters: 00:02:02    Michelle Thomson MSP  responds to the closure 00:03:23    John Swinney's address to STUC 00:06:06     Brian Leishman MP lashes out at Ed Milliband 00:07:41     Yes Glasgow NW introduces Scott Donohoe 00:08:38     Presentation on Grangemouth's historical timeline 00:23:50      General audience discussion and Q + A #grangemouth #justtransition #ineo

Pat Kane is in conversation with John Drummond on the TNT Show in this week's podcast episode.  This is a fascinating and wide ranging conversation covering topics as diverse as the leadership required to respond to climate related migration, the factors which could be better harnessed to promote Scottish independence and the possible post American future world order!   You can also watch the video version of this conversation here https://www.youtube.com/live/Ea5MDIilkYM?si=rm5QIz-zJj7Ayxw2 #patkane #tntshow #scottishpolitics 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: 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 most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this

A guest episode from Iain Bruce's climate justice show Rising Clyde, this week focussing on the links between the fossil fuel giants and the far right and how they are exploiting the climate crisis for profit and power.   Iain's guests are activists Ash and Quan and he begins the episode with footage from a protest outside Glasgow based company Seapeak Maritime. You can watch the video version of this show here https://www.youtube.com/live/hTajcsDj9ik #climatejustice #climatecamp #risingclyde 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: 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 most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a

With only 1 year left of the Scottish Government's current term First Minister John Swinney set out his Programme for Government for  2026-26. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene listened to the main speeches and then went digging into the detail - and we found quite a lot that caught our eye. Our verdict?  Mainly highlights but also the occasional lowlight.  As the old saying goes- the devil is in the detail.  We've included chapter headings so if you have already watched John Swinney and Kate Forbes speeches from 6th May you can skip forward to our assessment.  Do you agree?  Let us know in the comments. Chapters: 00:02:15  John Swinney speech 6th May 2025 00:25:35   Kate Forbes speech 6th May 2025 00:37:11   Digging into the detail You can find the full Programme for Government here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/programme-government-2025-26/ #scottishpolitics #programmeforgovernment #holyrood  Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence The Scottish Independence Podcast

Building a Democracy for the 21st Century On 26th April the Electoral Reform Society held a conference in Edinburgh called A Scottish Spring with a range of excellent speakers covering topics such as the rise of polarisation in democracy, Scottish public opinion, Civic and local democracy in Scotland , engagement and debate. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were there and very much enjoyed the discussions and presentations.   It was a full day event so we weren't able to film every session in its entirety but these are some of our particular highlights of the day: 00:03:00  Willie Sullivan, ERS Senior Director in conversation with Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy 00:15:16  Marlene's question 00:16:40  Mark Diffley provides an overview of Scottish public opinion including exclusive polling commissioned for the conference 00:31:00  Esther Roberton, former Co-ordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention on the aspirations for the Scottish Parliament and how well it has liv

Scotland in Europe:  Our journey to the European Parliament! In this special episode of our podcast, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene share our exciting journey to Brussels where they joined a delegation organised by campaign groups Yes for EU and Europe for Scotland.   Our mission? To promote Scotland's place in Europe and meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs ) in support of an independent Scotland rejoining the EU. From behind the scenes moments to exclusive MEP interviews, this episdoe captures the warm welcome and strong support we received in the heart of the EU.  Our trip was not only inspiring for all the delegates but also formed part of the  Europe Day celebrations on May 9th with footage featured in an event held in Edinburgh and also livestreamed.  Key chapters: 00:00:21   Arriving in Brussels 00:02:53   Elise Tallaron, Heather Anderson, Alyn Smith and Marlene Halliday share their hopes for the visit 00:06:27   Emotional arrival at the European Parliament 00:11:48   Inside the Parliam

English Council Elections Fallout: What can Scotland learn? In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by regular guests Bill Ramsay and Isobel Lindsay to discuss the recent English local council election results and the growing momentum behind far right organisation Reform Uk.  What do these political shifts mean for Scottish politics?  could they signal change - or opportunity - north of the border? We explore the dangers of politicians clinging to the centre ground, how to re-energise a disillusioned electorate and whether the Scottish government should adopt a more radical, even rebellious, stance.   Key themes: 00:01:49   Lessons from the English election results 00:06:30   Broken Britain 00:16:55   The independence lifeboat 00:23:49    Indy parties vs the indy movement 00:25:02    Housing crisis or opportunity? 00:28:40    Turnout is key 00:33:53     Can the SNP be the anti-Trump? 00:38:40     Time to get radical again? 00:44:16      Tactics to counter Reform UK #scottishpolitics #ReformUk #political

Join Fiona, Marlene and Lynne as they look back at everything April threw their way - from local activism to international campaigning.   In this NOT-a-livestream episode, the trio break down their month, share behind the scenes stories and react to standout moments from Holyrood and Westminster. Subscribe for sharp chat, smart laughs and solid political insight - even when it's pre-recorded! Key themes included are:  00:00:19   Believe in Scotland's litter picking campaign 00:02:27   Yes4EU's Brussels delegation 00:07:00    Electoral Reform Society's Scottish Spring conference 00:12:14    Scottish election study polling 00:20:14    Dave Doogan takes on Starmer 00:21:53     Stephen Flynn on Grangemouth v Scunthorpe 00:24:41     Sarah Sultana calls out Rachel Reeves 00:25:50     Downie at the bottom of the barrel 00:27:41     Holyrood petitions committee considers the ICCPR 00:34:57     Angus Robertson unconvincing on independence 00:38:26     Tories digging for dirt get put back in their box 00:46:20      Dem

Holyrood 2026: What Makes a Great Manifesto? In this episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene take you to Govan, where the Scottish Independence Convention held a lively and inspiring event on 5th April 2025 to kick-start conversations around the Holyrood 2026 elections. The big question: What do we want to see in party manifestos? We feature insights from three standout speakers, each bringing bold, fresh ideas and proposing three key topics they believe should be included in their 2026 manifestos of any party seeking their vote. Plus, Fiona and Marlene reveal their own top 3 manifesto wish lists, rounding off the episode with some thought-provoking discussion and a few surprises. Key chapters: 00:01:57 Simon Barrow - what makes a great manifesto 00:12:57 Selma Rahman - what women tell us 00:29:53 Ian Black - mission orientated market making 00:47:12 Marlene and Fiona's manifesto wish lists  Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, curious about policy priorities, or just love a good political

Laurie MacFarlane from Future Economy Scotland gave, in our opinion, the standout speech at the recent Independence Forum for Scotland conference held in Edinburgh on 1st March 2025. Land Reform is one of those key topics where the public mood seems to be for further, faster reform than our politicians seem able to keep up with but the stakes are high and the potential benefits to Scotland are immense. Find out more from https://futureeconomy.scot #landreform #socialjustice #scotland   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: 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 most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?

Peace and Poetry : Scottish CND's Annual Poetry fundraiser event, Glasgow 2025 Join us for an inspirational podcast episode recorded live at the Scottish CND's Annual Peace and Poetry Event in Glasgow - a celebration of art, activism and reflections on war, peace and hope for the future. This special fundraiser brought together an exceptional line-up of poets who shared moving and thought-provoking work on the themes of peace, war, beauty, tragedy, hope, love and the future of our planet. Whether you are here for the poetry, the politics or the passion - this episode is not to be missed. Support the movement and learn more about Scottish CND's campaigns: https://banthebomb.org Poetry recitals included in this episode are: 00:01:25 Lynn Jamieson - welcome 00:04:54 Hugh McMillan - A Poet Reacts in an Age of Horror 00:07:03 Finola Scott - The Dipper, by Kathleen Jamie 00:07:51 Cait O'Neill McCullagh - In Irpin 00:09:02 Jim Aitken - What I Told Riona 00:10:57 Hugh McMillan - The Most Incompetent Branch 00:11:40

Audio version of the recent TNT show where host John Drummond interviews Professor Alf Baird about the concept of Scotland as a colony of England in the light of the recent application to the UN to add Scotland to the list of colonised countries.   You can watch the video version of the TNT show here https://www.youtube.com/live/zoX3jbDb710?si=BTTYqVupU9esAqIX More information about the application to the UN is on the Liberation Scotland website here https://liberation.scot Alf's Book "Doun-Hauden " is published by Kindle direct Publishing and available on Amazon . #scotlandcolony #liberationscotland #decolonisation 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: 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 mor