Scottish Independence Podcasts

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.

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.

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.

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.
 
 
 
 

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.

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.
 

#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.
 

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.