Simply Scottish

In this special un-scripted episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew McDiarmid talks about the first father's day without his father, watching Sean Connery on the big screen again, Scotland's short-lived EURO 2020 football campaign, and how to live life off-script and make the most of life's tests and challenges. Plus, new music from Project Smok, Iona Fyfe, and more!

On this episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an interview with site operations manager Raoul Curtis Machin. Learn how the famous war grave is at risk from developers and what's being done to protect it. Plus, enjoy great new music from Iona Fyfe, James Duncan Mackenzie, and Calum Mckenzie Jones.

It's another Wee Yin, a nugget of Scottishness you can enjoy anywhere, anytime! On this episode, learn about the Texan roots of your favorite Scottish podcast. Hear father and son duo Andrew Jr. and Sr. chat with Scottish radio station Central FM twenty years ago about bringing Scotland to South Texas. Enjoy brand new tunes from James Lindsay and Grainne Brady as well as a little gem from accordion legend Jimmy Shand.

In the latest of our Six Degrees of Scotland series, we profile three American legends of Scottish descent: singer and activist Joan Baez, Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and the one and only Jack Daniel of Tennessee! Pour yourself a dram and enjoy an amazing all-Gaelic musical lineup with songs from Brian O hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie, Talisk, and Capercaillie. Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)

On this episode of Simply Scottish, get a dose of encouragement and inspiration to help you navigate the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Find out what advice yer Scottish granny would give you with our selection of pithy quotes and sayings. You'll also hear some inspiring lines of poetry and enjoy stirring new music from Jenna Reid, Ross Ainslie, and Chris Amer along with a classic song from The Proclaimers!

Join us for a hot cup of tea, a biscuit, and some good conversation! On this episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew and his wife Amy recall their amazing homecoming trip to Scotland, including highlights of Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, they share some great new Scottish music with you, with songs from the Tom Orr Band, Kim Carney, and newcomer Hannah Rarity. Pull up a chair and enjoy!

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can enjoy anywhere and anytime! Learn more about the ancient royal burgh of Dunfermline as well as the city's enduring connection with Scotland's famous king Robert the Bruce. Enjoy music from Gillebride MacMillan and CARA too!

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we profile Scotland's Carnegie libraries a century later. Are these gifts from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie still a valuable community resource or have they fallen victim to modernity and the digital age? Hear from historian Kenneth Breisch and enjoy new music from James Lindsay, Claire Gullan, Eabhal, and Kim Richards!

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue exploring Scotland's global reach with three more profiles of Scottish Americans. We'll look at inventor William Kennedy Dickson, actress and singer Judy Garland, and author Washington Irving. Plus, great music from Cruinn, Calum Stewart, Iona Fyfe, and others!

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue testing Scotland's global reach in our Six Degrees of Scotland series. Here, we profile famous Scottish Americans, including actress Reece Witherspoon, president Ronald Reagan, and singer Johnny Cash. Also, enjoy great new music from Mike Vass, Siar, Eddi Reader, and Sarah Hayes!

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish designed to give you a quick Scottish fix! Enjoy the podcast? Here, you'll learn how to become a sponsor of Simply Scottish. With three levels of support, there's a way you can help to expand the reach of the show and ensure the production of new episodes. You'll also hear a profile of Scottish inventor David Dunbar Buick, part of our Six Degrees of Scotland series as featured in The Scots Magazine. Plus, brand new music from Mec Lir and powerhouse band Runrig!

Hailed as a "musical hero" by the USA's Wall Street Journal, renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean is the subject of our latest Artist Spotlight! Tune in as Dougie discusses his musical influences, the enduring popularity of Scottish folk music, the impact of the digital revolution on his career, and how a wee song called "Caledonia" became a cultural phenomenon. You'll also hear Dougie's popular tune "The Gael," featured in the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans, and a track from his latest album, a collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Join us as we celebrate one of Scotland's greatest modern musicians!

Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this lively episode of Simply Scottish from the radio archives, hear Member of the Scottish Parliament Adam Ingram discuss a campaign to protect and promote Scotland’s national flag. You’ll also learn how to make the traditional Scottish fruit treat Dundee cake, and co-host Andrew McDiarmid Sr. relives memories of Leith, the bustling suburb of Scotland’s capital city where he was born and grew up. All this plus a healthy dose of traditional and contemporary Scottish music! (Original air date: 1/17/2001)

Journey with us to Scotland's city of discovery, Dundee. We start by exploring the three industries Dundee was famed for in years past - jute, jam, and journalism. Then we look at the Dundee of today, a hub of culture, biomedical research, media, and artistic innovation. Along the way, enjoy great music from Sketch, Twelfth Day, Deacon Blue, and a classic from Andy Stewart, plus find out how you can sponsor Simply Scottish and help take the show to new listeners around the world!

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish. At ten minutes or less, they're a great way to get a quick Scottish fix! On this episode, we profile Scottish author Nigel Tranter, who wrote more than 60 historical fiction novels bringing Scotland's history to life. Learn more about Tranter's life and his unique writing style. You'll also hear a stirring excerpt from one of his most popular books, The Wallace. Plus, enjoy new music from CampbellGray and a haunting tune from Skyedance!

On September 18th, 2014, Scotland made history with a referendum on independence. Tune in as we review the results of the vote and how it has forever changed the face of Scotland and the United Kingdom. Will the dream of independence stay alive? What are the powers promised to the Scottish Parliament? Is this the end of the debate or the beginning of an exciting new chapter? Hear music from the newest and brightest artists in Scotland, including Vigo Thieves, Na Seudan Ur, Jane Jackson, and more, plus highlights from a recent issue of Scottish Memories magazine!

In celebration of Scotland's historic referendum on independence, we look back at 300 years of union between Scotland and England. From the Union of the Crowns in 1603 to the Scottish National Party's landslide victory in 2011, we highlight the remarkable events that led to what British prime minister David Cameron calls the "greatest merger in history." Plus, enjoy music from Shooglenifty, Robin Laing, Breabach, and more!

History, natural beauty, and adventure come together in Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations. You won't find this list in any guide book! In part 2, journey with us to Stirling, home of the Wallace Monument and an amazing castle experience. Then it's on to the charm of St. Andrews and the thrill of Aviemore, gateway to Cairngorms National Park. We conclude with a trip to the tip of the British mainland, John o' Groats, and a visit to the Isle of Skye in Scotland's western isles. Plus, discover Scotland's role in shaping the Commonwealth Games, and hear some great music from Saor Patrol, Skerryvore, Emily Smith, and more!

What do you get when you throw a young modern-day English woman into 18th century Scotland at the height of the Jacobite Uprisings? An unforgettable story! We sat down with international bestselling author Diana Gabaldon to discuss the inspiration for her popular Outlander novel series, the importance of research, the new Outlander television series, her favorite place in Scotland, and more! Plus, enjoy music in Gaelic from Capercaillie and new songs from Cherry Grove and Ewan McLennan!

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish, between 5 and 10 minutes in length, with a few minutes of commentary on a Scottish topic followed by a great song or tune! On our first Wee Yin, enjoy some recollections of growing up in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh - ice cream vans, riding the city's buses, and the best fish and chips in town! And you'll hear The Referendum, a new tune from Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas that celebrates Scotland's historic choice in 2014. Enjoy this Wee Yin anytime, anywhere!