Scottish Independence Podcasts

Scotland and Europe: A Conversation with Thomas Waitz MEP

What happens when activists from campaign groups Yes for EU and Europe for Scotland meet with an EU Parliament member to discuss the seismic shift in UK politics? On the 10th anniverary of the Brexit vote we travelled to Brussels for informal discussions across a wide range of topics.In this episode Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz sits down with a delegation of activists from Scotland to explore the implications of the newly elected nationalist governments across three of the four UK nations— the so called "Celtic Alliance" against a Westminster government presiding over a fracturing Kingdom and to reflect on a decade of post Brexit decline.  
Key themes:00:02:01  Effect of Brexit on fishing and farming00:04:14  Loss of EU citizens00:05:17  Possibility of Uk rejoining EU?00:08:46  Attitudes of UK political parties00:11:55  Westminster's 15 minute dismissal of Scottish democracy00:12:54 NI border polls and the Good Friday Agreement00:14:54   Scotland has a lot to offer the EU00:15:43   Europe needs to stand together00:19:18   Are EU communications helpful?00:22:27   Was the 2014 referendum anti-English?00:23:11   Insights into the Makerfield by-election00:28:38   Scotland feels European00:30:15   Historic changes in Wales00:33:02   Scotland needs to hear the EU welcome us00:34:28   Overcoming the bias of the UK media00:38:19   Could Canada join EU?00:41:29   EU's role in world security
For more from our EU visit check out our playlist here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrDKalFQSLC67NVexWaWc0IJBxXktvk1&si=X52BNsuYP9RM1x1u
#brexit #eu #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.

Brexit 10 years on: A Day at the European Parliament

10 Years After Brexit: Scotland's European Journey 🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Ten years on from the Brexit vote, Scotland's relationship with Europe tells a different story. While the UK voted to Leave, Scotland voted decisively to Remain—and support for EU membership has only grown stronger.
In this first episode, Fiona and Marlene from IndyPodcasters join campaign groups yes4EU and Europe for Scotland on an extraordinary trip to the European Parliament in Brussels. This is their on-the-ground overview of what turned out to be a landmark visit, capturing the mood, the conversations, and the connections being forged between Scottish voices and European institutions.
What's coming next: Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring an in-depth discussion with Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz and an exciting Panel Discussion bringing together speakers from all four nations of the UK to explore where we go from here.
Key themes:00:01:26  Recalling the Brexit vote00:15:42 Back in the European Parliament00:16:56  Pipers perform at the EU Commission 00:23:19  Thomas Waitz MEP - taster and reflections00:34:40  Holyrood demo00:40:56  We pass an EU Resolution00:43:14  Discussion Panel - taster
Watch the livestream of the panel discussion herehttps://www.youtube.com/live/s_2tAd0vu3A?si=Nr6LCh4_g6T5eJ9y
With thanks to: The Scottish Independence Foundation and the generous supporters of yes4EU and Europe for Scotland who made this journey possible.  Thanks also to Lewis Cedar of SPVT.scot for the footage from the Holyrood demo.
Subscribe now to catch all three episodes as we mark this pivotal decade and explore Scotland's evolving European future.
#eu #scottishindependence #brexit
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.
 

Lifting the Lid with Stuart Donald

In this episode, Fiona and Marlene chat with Stuart Donald about his landmark research paper, "Lifting the Lid on Britain's Pressure Cooker Politics: How Inequality and Neoliberal Capture Broke First Past the Post."
Stuart reveals how the UK's First-Past-The-Post voting system is directly linked to the chronic inequality crisis we see across Britain today. Drawing on 40 years of data on regional deprivation and voting trends, this groundbreaking paper connects Margaret Thatcher's accentuated Parliamentary majorities of the 1980s, the rise of neoliberalism, and the structural inequalities that have made the UK one of the most unequal nations among its Western European peers.
Key topics covered:
00:02:10 UK worst inequality compared to Euroean peers
00:03:16 Neoliberal capture in FPTP countries
00:07:20 The Barker Report - Labour's Dilemma
00:11:04 The Middle Class Revolt
00:15:44 Downward Mobility and the Brexit vote
00:17:46 Marginality more important than Need
00:18:28 Orphaning the Have-Nots
00:24:36 Andy Burnham and PR
00:29:00 Farage's new power base
00:32:59 Looming effects of the climate emergency
00:37:45 Individualism - the Road to Hell
00:40:18 What about Scotland?
00:50:08 The Only Conclusion
Stuart's follow-up to his previous paper, The Temper Trap, makes a compelling case that Britain's current crises didn't happen by accident—they're structural. If you want to understand the roots of regional inequality, political polarization, and populism in Britain, this conversation is essential listening. Read the full paper here: https://www.compassonline.org.uk/publications/lifting-the-lid-on-britains-pressure-cooker-politics-how-inequality-and-neoliberal-capture-broke-first-past-the-post/
#electoralreform #inequality #neoliberalcapture
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.

Independence: Building Momentum with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp

What does it take to build a grassroots movement for Scottish independence? In this episode, Fiona and Marlene sit down with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, founder of Believe in Scotland, to discuss the organization's current campaign focus, their active petition, and the strategic work underway to advance the case for independence.
From mobilizing communities to shaping the independence debate, Gordon shares insights into how Believe in Scotland is creating real change at the ground level. If you're curious about the future of Scottish independence or want to understand the driving force behind one of Scotland's most active civic campaigns, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
key themes:00:00:43  Indyref Petition Update00:07:27  Prestwick Day of Action00:12:24  Scotland's Path to Independence00:15:47  Constitutional Context has changed00:20:30  De Facto Referendum00:24:50  Citizens' Convention00:25:54  The Penny Drops at Westminster00:31:20   Threats facing Scotland00:34:47   Believe in Scotland growing exponentially00:36:14   Paid Internship Opportunity00:38:51   Social Media - a double edged sword00:43:14   Next Steps for the Citizens' Convention00:49:38   The 3.5% rule of public engagement00:57:20   Why didn't you tell us?
Sign the petition here https://www.believeinscotland.org/indyref_petitionScotland's Path to Independence Timeline: https://www.believeinscotland.org/scotlands_new_path_to_independenceFind out more about Indy campaign Internships:https://www.believeinscotland.org/believe_in_scotland_indy_campaign_internshipsWatch our previous episode on the Citizen's Convention here:https://youtu.be/vgghYLXwvgA?si=Dj6XimHuPPXMQgYc
#scottishindependence #believeinscotland #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!
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.

All Under One Banner - Still Marching On

We catch up with Wendy MacDonald and Sean Mellon from All Under One Banner to pull back the curtain on a mainstay of grassroots activism.  How do you organise a march that draws thousands?  How did they get involved with the movement and what's coming next for this dynamic organisation?We delve into the logistics, the passion and the community sprity behind Scotland's most iconic peaceful demonstrations.  Plus, get the scoop on the beloved Bannockburn march, a vibrant family celebration happening on 20th June.  Find out how it has become so much more than just a march.  Whether you are a seasoned activist, curious about grassroots organising or looking for a brilliant day out wit the family, this conversation has something for everyone.Ordinary people can create extraordinary movements!
#bannockburn #auobstirling #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.

Election Autopsy Part 2: the data

Fiona and Marlene are back for Part 2 of our Election Autopsy series, this week looking at Persuasion UK polling data that reveals what Scottish voters actually care about. Discover the issues, values, and motivations behind party choices—and what these insights mean for future campaigns and activism. A data-driven follow-up to our Election Autopsy Part 1 reaction episode.
Key topics covered:00:03:05   High level overview00:06:53   Voter flows between GE2024 and Holyrood 202600:12:00   Top issues for voters per party00:20:48   Key values of different voter groups00:25:30   Top 10 reasons for voting SNP00:28:49   Top 10 reasons for voting ReformUK00:33:46    Top 10 Reasons NOT to vote ReformUK00:38:09     Yes/No split per party
You can find the full polling results here https://persuasionuk.org/research/may-2026-elections
you can listen to Part 1 of our Election Autopsy series here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yyrcq-1ac7405
You can also watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/0AXzMmyGBKc?si=Bj-UGRw7pbcpzTSh
#holyrood2026 #electionanalysis #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.
 
 
 
 

Bella Caledonia 20 Years On

Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with Mike Small, editor of Bella Caledonia, about the platform's exciting 20th anniversary milestone.
Mike shares Bella Caledonia's ambitious plans for the future, including a 20-day crowdfunder designed to support the publication's next chapter. A key focus of their expansion is broadening the voices featured on the platform—with a particular commitment to publishing more work from women and younger writers who bring fresh perspectives to Scottish discourse - if that sounds like YOU then please get in touch with Bella Caledonia!  More info about how to submit work here https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/05/22/another-scotland-is-possible-3/
We also explore an exciting new initiative: a commissioned series of  visionary articles that will look 20 years into Scotland's future. These bold and forward-thinking pieces promise to spark important conversations about where Scotland is headed and what transformation the next two decades might hold.  
Whether you're a long-time reader of Bella Caledonia or discovering the platform for the first time, this episode offers insight into how independent media continues to evolve and why diverse voices matter more than ever in shaping Scotland's cultural and political conversation.
Support Bella Caledonia's future: https://crowdfunder.co.uk/bella-caledonia-2020
Learn more: https://bellacaledonia.org.uk
Other links mentioned in the discussion:
Artists for Independence https://artistsforindy.scotFuture Voices Scotland youtube.com/@FutureVoicesScotlandFuture Voices podcast episode https://youtu.be/CWGr0sgBG4k?si=Wt30zy95Z-zRKsgGEurovision article by Vishwam Heckert https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/05/18/love-wins-the-eurovision-song-contest/
#bellacaledonia20 #scottishindependentmedia #womenwriters #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!
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.

Election Autopsy: Part 1

The dust has settled on Scotland's latest parliamentary elections—but the independence debate is far from over. Fiona and Marlene sit down with young activist Liam Mosson to unpack what the results really mean for Scotland's future.
How are you feeling about what just happened at the ballot box? Elated or deflated?  Let us know in the comments section.   Where do independence movements go from here? And what does the next generation of Scottish activists think about the path ahead?
In this candid conversation, we explore the shifting political landscape, the voices shaping Scotland's future, and the burning questions that divide and unite the nation.
Key topics:00:05:00  A new intake of MSPs at Holyrood00:07:30  Swinney's new cabinet options00:12:36  Post-election blues00:14:30  Reasons to be cheerful00:17:15  SNP strategy winners and blunders00:24:19  What do people want in a leader?00:28:12  Prospects for a referendum00:36:12  Is Scotland paralysed by the constitution?00:41:02  A new direction for the left wing bloc00:44:47  Dealing with the far right00:51:45  Role for our Westminster MPs?00:53:34  Labour's leadership woes
#ScottishIndependence #Holyrood2026 #YoungActivist #Podcast #Politicaldiscussion #ScottishPolitics #ActivistVoices
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.