Scottish Independence Podcasts

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.
 

Auld Alliance, New Friends

#AuldAlliance #ScotlandFrance #EuropeDay #CelticFestivals #FestivalEcossais1782 #ScottishCulture
Join Fiona and Marlene as they celebrate Europe Day (9th May) by exploring the centuries-old cultural bond between Scotland and France!
In this heartwarming episode, they chat with guest Jane MacKinnon, a Scot now based in France, about the vibrant Celtic festivals keeping the Auld Alliance alive . From the legendary Festival de Lorient to the Joan of Arc Festival, Jane takes us on a journey through French celebrations of Scottish culture—and shares exclusive clips from participants at the Festival Ecossais 1782.  Along the way we get another tantalising glimpse into our own history as an ancient European nation and the welcome that awaits us when we regain our place in Europe.
Key themes:00:01:19   Festival interceltique de Lorient00:05:24   Festival Aubigny sur Nere00:12:20   Joan of Arc Festivals00:19:52   Festival Ecossais 178200:24:08   Benedicte Fare00:24:50  Jean Luc Perrin, now Mayor of Saint-Andiol00:26:58   Gary and Alice Monot,, Clan MacMillan00:28:45   Robert Amyot MacKinnon, Clan MacKinnon00:30:59   Basque ladies00:34:52   Festival volunteers00:35:41    Patrick Million, Clan MacMillan00:41:59    Europe for Scotland00:44:00  Enoch Grimaud Scott, Clan Scott00:45:36   Marie Nadege Barthazon
Whether you're interested in history, cultural connections, or just want to feel inspired, this episode is a celebration of friendship, heritage, and the bonds that transcend borders.
Perfect for: History lovers, Francophiles, Scots abroad, and anyone curious about European cultural traditions.
Find out more about the Festival 1782 here https://www.festivalecossais1782.com/en/
Find out more about Europe for Scotland here https://europeforscotland.com/
#FestivalDeLorient #PodcastClips #CulturalHeritage #EuropeanTradition #Scotland #France #Podcast #HistoryPodcast #CulturalConnection #PodcastCommunity #NewEpisode #ListenNow
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.
 

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.