Scottish Independence Podcasts

81 Years After Hiroshima: Scottish CND Commemorates & Campaigns for Nuclear Disarmament
This August, Scottish CND marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing with two powerful ceremonies—a gathering at Glasgow's Peace Garden and a vigil at Faslane Nuclear Base. Join Fiona and Marlene as they reflect on these moving commemorations and what they reveal about our ongoing struggle for a nuclear-free world.
But this episode goes beyond remembrance. We also hear from two academic researchers who tackle the hard questions facing our movement:
🔴 The Reality of Nuclear Risk: Hugh Irving presents shocking simulations revealing the potential impact of a nuclear strike on Faslane—forcing us to confront the dangers of nuclear weapons on Scottish soil.
🟢 The Power of Positive Change: Rhys Crilley challenges us to rethink our messaging, exploring how anti-nuclear campaigners can craft compelling, hopeful narratives that resonate globally and strengthen our collective push for disarmament.
Whether you're a seasoned campaigner or new to these issues, you'll find inspiration, evidence, and hope in this conversation.
What will you do with what you learn?
key chapters:00:02:24  High Irving presentation - simulations of nuclear strikes on the Clyde00:09:58 Rhys Crilley presentation - nuclear disarmament in the Third Nuclear Age00:20:40 Images and reflections from the vigil at Faslane00:26:13 Ceremony at the Peace Garden at the Glasgow Botanics00:28:26  Dr Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost of Glasgow00:32:02  Samuel Rafanell-Williams, Scottish CND00:36:43  Bill Kidd, former MSP and Nobel Peace Prize nominee00:42:18  David Peutherer, Glasgow CND00:48:38 Tree planting accompanied by Protest in Harmony Glasgow
Thanks to Margaret Ferguson Burns for the additional images from Faslane.
Find out more about Scottish CND here https://banthebomb.orgWatch the full CND webinar here https://youtu.be/NgkVtlRhAx0?si=2Te0pAgwHxiDaauy
#nucleardisarmament #hiroshima #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 MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Making Campaigns Count: The Science of Effective Activism
What separates a campaign that changes the world from one that fades into obscurity? In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by returning guest Dr Craig Dalzell from the think tank Commonweal to explore the research-backed principles of effective activism and civil resistance.
Drawing on the groundbreaking work of academics like Erica Chenoweth and Gene Sharp, we dive deep into what actually works—and what doesn't—when organizing for change. Why do some campaigns achieve their goals while others struggle to gain traction? What's the difference between activism that captures hearts and minds versus campaigns that peter out?
In this episode, we:
Examine planning and organizing methods used by successful movements, what they did right and where campaigns went wrong. We also explore the powerful potential of civil resistance and strategic disobedience and discover how to sharpen our campaigning focus for maximum impact.
Key chapters:00:02:11  Core principles for escalating pressure00:12:32  4 key steps for effective campaign planning00:18:47  Options for organisational structures00:26:02  The role of devolved governments00:30:04  Re-designing events to increase pressure00:32:53  Civil obedience/disobedience and resistance tactics00:43:36  Contrasting the tactics of the far right00:45:43  Further resources and information00:50:37  Some ideas to get started
Commonweal are planning to update their excellent handbook "How to Start A New Country"  Craig and Common Weal wish to thank the Scottish Independence Fund ( https://sif.scot ) for their generous support of the project.  Commonweal will also shortly launch a Crowdfunder - details will be added here when available.You can also make a regular donation to support all their work here https://www.commonweal.scot/donate
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.

"Building Scotland's Future Now: A Cross-Generational Conversation with Young Scots for Independence"
Join Fiona and Marlene as they sit down with Tommy Kelly and Sarah McCahill, the convenor and vice convenor of Young Scots for Independence, for an inspiring intergenerational dialogue that bridges five decades. Despite a 50-year age gap, this dynamic conversation reveals surprising common ground and shared vision for Scotland's future.
Tommy and Sarah bring sharp, forward-thinking perspectives on the kind of Scotland they want to build—and the exciting news is that we don't have to wait for independence to start making it happen. From grassroots initiatives to societal changes we can work towards right now. Whether you're curious about youth activism, interested in Scotland's independence movement, or simply want to hear an energizing conversation about generational solidarity and shared purpose, this episode proves that age is no barrier to finding common cause. Discover what's uniting Scots across age groups and what's already within reach.
Key chapters:
00:01:00 Who are the Young Scots for Independence?
00:07:42 Engaging other young people, social media and direct
00:12:45 Convenor's top priorities
00:16:00 What kind of Scotland do we want?
00:18:49 Challenging the far right
00:32:49 How to get involved with YSI
Find YSI on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ysinational/and Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@officialysi
#futurescotland #scotlandnow #generationindependence
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.

Fiona and Marlene dive deep into Bill Ramsay's compelling presentation on the rise of inequality in Britain since the Thatcher era. From the birth of neoliberalism to the stark wealth gaps we see today, this episode traces four decades of economic policy and its ripple effects across society.
What started as an ideological shift has reshaped the union—and the consequences are only becoming clearer. Bill's research doesn't just look back; it charts what could happen if these trends continue unchecked. The data is eye-opening. The implications are urgent.
Whether you're concerned about the cost of living, social mobility, or the future of neoliberalism, this conversation cuts through the noise and asks the hard questions: How did we get here? Where are we headed? And what needs to change?
Key points:
00:03:30  1942 - 1978 - the road to peak equality00:13:01  1979 - 2008  - Thatcher, privatisation and the rise of neoliberalism00:19:03  2022 - present - Era of popping rivets00:25:09  The rise of Reform UK etc00:31:42   Far right tactics and funding 00:35:46   Unanswered questions about the Scottish Bond00:39:15   The Andy Burnham effect00:41:12   Income inequality under Labour00:43:52   Mainstream media narratives00:46:06   Whose responsibility is it to fix it?
Our Celtic Alliance episode mentioned in the podcast https://youtu.be/VxyXp0Jnyj0?si=KaN4OMJifbp1iqiA
#UKinequality #neoliberalism #thatcherlegacy
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.
 

🔌 Who Should Own Scotland's Renewable Energy? | Our Power Campaign
Scotland's renewable energy boom is generating billions—but who's actually benefiting? In this episode, Fiona and Marlene chat with Rowan Aitchison from the brand-new campaign group Our Power, a coalition pushing to shift the unequal ownership of Scotland's renewable resources from private corporations to public hands.
If you believe Scotland's natural resources should benefit Scots, not just shareholders, this conversation is for you. From wind farms to community energy, discover what a publicly-owned renewable future could look like.
key themes:00:01:41  Introducing Our Power00:04:49  What is within Holyrood's power?00:09:47  Shared community ownership models00:16:45  Who benefits?00:21:20  Where do we start?00:24:58  Making the economic argument00:32:57  Land ownership patterns and inequality00:37:09  Campaign activities planned00:50:17  How to get involved
Ready to shift the balance? Find out more about Our Power, how to support their campaign and where to sign the petition from the website here https://www.ourpower.scot/
#ourpowerscotland #renewableenergy #independencematters
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.
 

The Celtic Alliance: A New Political Horizon | Brussels Trip Part 3
After ten years of Brexit, something remarkable is emerging across the Celtic nations. In this final episode of our Brussels mini-series, we move beyond the question of ending Brexit to explore something far more significant: the growing political alignment between Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—three nations now governed by parties committed to a future independent of the UK.
This episode features highlights from the panel discussion "10 Years On: Time to End Brexit," which took place on the evening of our European Parliament visit. As Philippa Whitford powerfully stated during the debate: "For most people in Scotland, the time to end Brexit was 10 years ago." We couldn't agree more. But Brexit, we've come to realize, is merely a symptom of a deeper shift in how these nations see their future.
Key themes which emerged from the panel discussion:
00:05:50  Preparing for a future outside of the UK00:17:27  An English perspective00:25:18  A question of democracy and respect00:32:08  How Proportional Representation could unlock a better future
If you missed parts 1 and 2 of our Brussels series, you can listen to them here.
You can also watch the livestream of the full panel discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/s_2tAd0vu3A?si=7IrfBzGEEygmv73F
#celticalliance #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 MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.
 

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.

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.