Scottish Independence Podcasts

How We Set Up Our Parliament

🎙️ In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by Esther Roberton, co-ordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, the movement that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Scottish Parliament. Esther reflects on the original aspirations for a new kind of democracy in Scotland and assesses how far those ambitions have been realised over the past 20+ years.
They also explore Esther’s current work with the Build A Local Scotland campaign (www.buildlocal.scot), including the critical relationship between Holyrood, local councils, and community-level democracy. If you're interested in Scottish politics and the future of local governance in Scotland, this episode is a must.
Key topics:
00:02:25 - Campaigning for the parliament00:09:03 - Designing the parliament00:19:40 - 20 years on, how does the reality match the aspiration00:35:57 - Relationships between central vs local government00:38:52 - Impact of 2014 referendum on Holyrood00:42:03 - Building a local Scotland00:55:58-  Citizens Panels at Holyrood
Listen to our previous episode about the Building A Local Scotland campaign here https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2vxij-16e7d2c
#democracy #localgovernment #constitutionalconvention
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://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
 

Sacrificing our Heating Bills and other Good Ideas

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 future00:08:28 – Annie Miller: Why Universal Basic Income is key to wellbeing00:19:43 – Panel Q&A with Eva Comrie, Dave Thompson, Craig Dalzell, Jim Osborne00:20:43 – 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 political space to turn these ideas into action?
Find out more from the IFS website here: https://independenceforum.scot/
#wellbeingeconomy #universalbasicincome #independenceforumscotland #scottishpodcast
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://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
 

Independence Forum Scotland - updates from March 25 conference

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 podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Lesley Riddoch on Finland

🎙️ IndyPodcasters, Fiona and Marlene chat with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch about her latest documentary project – a powerful new film exploring why Finland is the happiest country in the world 🇫🇮✨
Scotland has already adopted Finland’s famous Baby Boxes, but what else can we learn? Lesley dives into:
🔹 Finland’s world-renowned education system
🔹 Distinctive land ownership patterns
🔹 A cultural mindset that values equality and collective wellbeing over individual wealth
Lesley also shares insights into her unique approach to crowdfunding and the creative process behind making a documentary that aims to spark real change in Scotland's future.
🎥 Want to support Lesley's film? You can find details of the crowdfunder here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/finland---the-education-superstars-a-new-film
Lesley's website is https://lesleyriddoch.com
Watch our chat with Lesley about her previous film Denmark here: https://youtu.be/qRngEhyYvGU
#LesleyRiddoch #FinlandDocumentary #ScottishIndependence #EducationReform #WellbeingEconomy
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://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Women for Independence - On the Road Again

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.
💬 Topics include:
00:02:09  Relaunching Women for Independence00:16:27  Supporting women into politics00:28:50  A wellbeing economy00:33:56  WFI visibility
Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, feminism, or the role of women in politics, this episode offers insights and inspiration from one of the new leaders shaping Scotland's future.
Listen to our podcast episode from the Edinburgh WFI AGM here https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-m7kif-165de2f
Find out more about Women for Independence here https://wfi.scot
More on the relaunch and leaflet here https://www.wfi.scot/relaunch-on-international-womens-day/
📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the heart of Scotland’s independence movement.
#ScottishIndependence #WomenForIndependence #WFI #FatimaJoji
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://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Politics in Flux with Colin Fox

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 remarks00:36:01  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   Q5 How do we keep Reform UK at bay?01:08:35    Q6 How many "lefties" will be elected to Holyrood 2026?
Subscribe for more grassroots discussions on Scotland's political future#scottishindependence #colinfox #scottishsocialistparty
Find more info on Scottish Socialist Party here: https://scottishsocialistparty.org/
More info about Pensioners for Independence here :https://pensionersforindependence.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 podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependenc... or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
 

Grangemouth - Asset Stripping Scotland

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 closure00:03:23    John Swinney's address to STUC00:06:06     Brian Leishman MP lashes out at Ed Milliband00:07:41     Yes Glasgow NW introduces Scott Donohoe00:08:38     Presentation on Grangemouth's historical timeline00:23:50      General audience discussion and Q + A
#grangemouth #justtransition #ineos 
Listen to our earlier podcast about Grangemouth here ; https://youtu.be/_LR03vyoS4MWatch the original episode on independence live here https://www.youtube.com/live/OtoQ2COpuUI?si=-wyx49aQ-rw_F3LN
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://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Pat Kane in Conversation

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 podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.
Music:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod