Scottish Independence Podcasts

Holyrood 2026: Our Campaign Review

With the Holyrood parliamentary election just around the corner, we've gathered some of our activist friends around the table to dissect the 2026 campaign. What moments made us sit up and take notice? What surprised us? And what had us rolling our eyes?From grassroots organizing to party messaging, we're breaking down what's worked, what hasn't, and what gives us genuine hope for Scottish politics as voters head to the polls.Tune in to hear what our panel thinks shaped this campaign—and what it tells us about the state of Scottish politics.
You can find all our Holyrood2026 coverage in our Countdown to Holyrood playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrDKalFQSLAgCYxQweW2RqPSDnYFnRX4&si=HclNipVc1QdrZT7C
#holyrood2026   #scottishpolitics #activism
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.

Scots - the Kindest People I've Ever Met with Malini Chakrabarty

Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with artist and anti-racism champion  Malini Chakrabarty about her powerful work, her experiences living in Scotland, and the crucial skills needed to build a more equitable society.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Malini shares both the positive and challenging aspects of her journey in Scotland, offering authentic insights into what it means to be a woman of colour navigating Scottish society today. We explore the essential capabilities for combating racism—empathy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—and discuss practical ways these skills can be developed and strengthened.
Malini also opens up about her reasons for supporting Scottish independence and provides fascinating perspective on how younger voters are shaping Scotland's political future. Her reflections bring fresh understanding to voting behaviour and generational attitudes toward democracy.
Throughout this discussion, Robert Burns's famous line comes alive: "O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us"—a reminder of the transformative power of seeing ourselves through others' eyes, and of the importance of genuine dialogue across difference.
A thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply human conversation you won't want to miss.
Key topics:00:01:33  Introducing Malini Chakrabarty00:02:29  Education Scotland's anti-racism programme00:09:25  A warm Scottish welcome00:12:14  Far right racism in Scotland 00:14:50  Protecting our children through education00:21:13  Making a personal impact00:23:23  The Power of Art00:25:39   Supporting Scottish Independence00:27:26   Young voters00:29:26  Young women in politics00:33:08   Different ways to protest00:36:54   Lets put the women in charge!
Find out more about the resources mentioned:Malini Chakrabarty https://linktr.ee/malinichakrabartyArtists for Scottish Independence https://artistsforindy.scot/Young Anti-Racist Voices of Scotland https://education.gov.scot/resources/anti-racist-education/young-anti-racist-voicesYoung Women's Movement  https://youngwomenscot.org/Building Racial Literacy programme https://education.gov.scot/professional-learning/professional-learning-programmes-webinars-and-events/programmes/building-racial-literacy/Pass the Mic Scotland https://passthemicscotland.org/Human rights Consortium Scotland https://www.hrcscotland.org/
#scottishindependence #artist #antiracismcampaign
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.
 

Ending the Energy Rip-Off

Fiona and Marlene are joined by Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp for an update on  Believe in Scotland's campaign to end the energy rip-off.Thousands of Scottish households and businesses are demanding answers. Despite being an energy-rich nation with abundant renewable resources, Scotland pays the highest energy prices in the UK—a disparity that defies logic and hits hardworking families where it hurts most.The recent petition has sparked action with thousands of Scots demanding an end to the energy rip off flooding the inboxes of elected representatives with calls for change.With the Holyrood elections on the horizon we also take a look at the manifesto energy pledges from the major parties.  We even ranked this from worst to best in our opinion.  You might not agree with us - you can let us know in the comments how you would rate them!Key topics:00:01:22  Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp gives us the latest on the energy petition00:28:26   Our Energy manifesto countdown
Find out more about the petition here : https://www.believeinscotland.org/end_scotlands_energy_bill_rip_off
With thanks to Craig Dalzell from Commonweal here is a very handy summary of all the manifestos: https://thecommongreen.scot/2026/03/19/the-scottish-parliamentary-election-2026-the-manifestos/
#holyrood2026 #believeinscotland  #energyprices
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
 
 
 
 

Countdown to Holyrood: Heather Anderson

Latest in our series of interviews with candidates standing for election to Holyrood 2026, our guest this week is Heather Anderson who is standing for the Dundee City West constituency for the SNP.
Key themes:
00:01:20 On the Dundee campaign trail
00:03:13 SNP manifesto snippets
00:08:57 Youth hustings
00:11:52 Is low key campaigning a unionist tactic?
00:19:26 Independence is urgent
00:22:27 Impact of former MPs standing for Holyrood
00:27:32 SNP can't rest on its laurels
00:33:03 Inspiration from Finland
#holyrood2026 #scottishindependence #scottishnationalparty
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.
 

Journey to Independence: Galashiels

Join Fiona and Marlene as they hop aboard the Borders Railway for a cheerful journey to Galashiels! In this episode, we're connecting with the grassroots heart of Scottish independence—meeting some of the passionate activists who've organized a saltire covered independence convoy touring the Scottish Borders towns.
Along the way, we catch up with SNP candidate Calum Kerr to chat about what's happening on the ground, what's inspiring local communities, and what independence means to the people making it happen in the Borders. It's part travelogue, part political deep-dive and a snapshot at what activists are up to in Scotland right now.
Key points:00:01:09  We're off to Galashiels00:05:25  Meeting Calum Kerr, SNP00:14:15   Chatting to Ruth Ritchie and Shirley Sharpe
For footage of the convoy and Yes Groups involved watch the video version here : https://youtu.be/Oi9lqA10xPg?si=NfuOiQplGGI02-XT
Find out more about the scenic Borders line to Tweedale here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/inspiration-hub/great-scenic-rail-journeys/borders-railway-edinburgh-tweedbank
#galashiels #scottishindependence #convoy
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.

Countdown to Holyrood: Martyn Day

Continuing our series of interveiws with candidates for the Holyrood 2026 elections, our guest today is Martyn Day who is standing for Falkirk East and Linlithgow constituency for the SNP.
Key themes:
00:02:00 Campaigning in Falkirk East and Linlithgow
00:03:31 Reflections on 2024 General Election
00:06:10 Where are the yong folk?
00:09:38 Grangemouth and the future
00:12:38 SNP manifesto launch
00:14:26 Westminster vs Holyrood
00:22:24 Manifesto highlights
00:28:51 Indpendence - next steps
00:30:34 Handling the far right
#holyrood2026 #falkirk #snp
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.

Scottish CND national hustings

Peace, Economy and Environment Scottish National Hustings | 26 March 2026What do Scotland's political leaders really think about nuclear disarmament, climate action, and environmental sustainability? Find out in this revealing and frank hustings discussion featuring: Ross Greer (Scottish Greens co-leader), Colin Fox (Scottish Socialist Party national co-spokesperson), Alex Kerr (Scottish National Party national secretary), and Sarah Boyack (Scottish Labour Party former MSP).
Invitations were also extended to Scottish Tories, Scottish Lib Dems and Reform UK, none of whom turned up on the night, which leaves voters free to draw their own conclusions about what their contribution might have been.
Chaired by Lynn Jamieson from Scottish CND, this in-depth conversation brings together representatives from a range of leading peace, environment, and sustainability organisations to challenge panellists on the critical issues facing Scotland—from nuclear weapons policy and renewable energy to economic justice and climate responsibility.
Questions put to the panel:00:01:35   Q1: Does your party support the aims of the TPNW?00:08:51   Q2: Will your party maintain the ban on  new nuclear power stations in Scotland?00:18:26   Q3: Will your party commit to a public information campaign on the climate and nature emergencies?00:27:57   Q4: Will you commit to producing all Scottish energy by renewables by 2045?00:37:45  Q5: Does your party support UN Sustainable Development goals for Scotland?00:46:26  Q6: What are your views on defence spending as a path to prosperity?00:57:12  Q7: How will you make sure that Scottish public money is not given to companies linked to human rights abuses?01:06:47 Q8:  what is the role of the Scottish Government in relation to UN human rights legislation, treaties and laws?
Find out more about Scottish CND here: https://banthebomb.org
#holyrood2026 #hustings #scottishcnd
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:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeodIndustrial Cinematic by Kevin MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Countdown to Holyrood: Ariane Burgess

With Scotland's parliamentary elections just around the corner, we're bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign.
In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland's future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May's election.
Our guest tonight is Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green Party who has been MSP for Highlands and Islands region since 2021.
Key themes:
00:01:10  Campaigning in Highlands and Islands region00:01:45   Free bus travel00:05:00   Childcare00:06:09   Solve rural issues first00:07:08   Housing00:09:54   Community confidence building00:12:28   Local decision making00:15:10   Who owns the land?00:21:57   The extractive model00:23:19   Community energy, community benefit00:27:38   Ardrossan Harbour example00:29:41   Scotland's innate sense of community00:31:36   Achieving our independence
Find  Araine's podcast Regenerative Scotland here https://open.spotify.com/show/7BuUGJkSa4oZRF1lFrxQE1
Find out more about the Scottish Green Party election manifesto here :https://greens.scot/collections/2026-holyrood-election
Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what's at stake, this series offers  in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland's political debate.
New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland's most significant electoral moments.
#holyrood2026 #scottishgreenparty #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!
Get in touch:Email:  indypodcasters@gmail.com 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/scottishindependencepodcastsor 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.