Yes Cowal Scottish Independence Podcast

In this episode, indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene  share our honest reactions to John Swinney’s speech A Moment of Challenge. We chat through the bits that genuinely landed for us, the moments that made us pause, and a couple of lowlights that didn’t quite hit the mark.  One thing that really stood out to us was the clear difference between the tone and framing of questions from the audience and the BBC's effort.  The link to the full speech is below, why not watch it and share your reactions in the comments! Key moments: 00:01:01   What threatens Scotland? 00:05:06   How Uk does not act in Scotland's interests 00:11:22   The Brexit Disaster 00:17:00   Sir Neil MacCormick on sovereignty and power 00:18:30   Solutions 00:22:21   The case for rejoining the EU 00:25:08   Question from BBC Shortbread 00:28:16   Comment from the audience  00:29:17   Question - infrastructure vulnerability 00:33:20   Question- Scotland's technological opportunities Full speech here:https://youtu.be/O2MsBB-3wAo?si=UeWi6-J6Z6vSpqIL S

What does it really mean to be a heterodox economist? And how does Modern Monetary Theory fit into today’s political narratives? In this episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene catch up with political economist William Thomson  to unpack the big ideas shaping Scotland’s economic debate. William explains what “heterodox economics” actually means, challenges mainstream thinking, and explores how Modern Monetary Theory connects to the political choices facing Scotland right now. We also hear about his ambitious new event, Scotland's Economics Festival, taking place 19–21 March in Leith, Edinburgh — designed to bring big economic ideas out of academia and into the hands of the public.

What are the legal routes to an independence referendum—and who gets to decide? Fiona and Marlene bring you the standout highlights from Holyrood’s Constitutional Committee, featuring evidence from top constitutional lawyers. Expect myth-busting (goodbye “once in a generation”), clear-eyed legal analysis, and some unexpectedly rich discussions about trust, fairness and the health of democracy itself. Key points: 00:01:46  "Once in a generation" is just campaign rhetoric 00:04:35  "Settled will" is just political rhetoric 00:06:29   "Supermajority" is not required, the precedent is a simple majority 00:07:13   Scotland would secede from the UK state, not the Act of Union 00:07:47   The Act of Union is subject to the Scotland Act sec 37 00:09:09   The Claim of Right does not confer popular sovereignty 00:11:36    The Treaty of Union confirms Scots are a nation 00:13:12    Scots have the right to self determination, how do we exercise it 00:15:16    Perceptions of fairness 00:18:31   Trust in democratic processe

As the Arctic heats up, so do the geopolitics.  Regular guests Isobel Lindsay and Bill Ramsay join the Indypodcasters to dig into Donald Trump’s renewed aggression towards Greenland and what it reveals about a rapidly militarising Arctic. We ask why this frozen frontier suddenly matters so much—and what it means for security much closer to home. From opportunities arising out of Scotland’s strategic position in the North Atlantic to the uncomfortable realities of hosting nuclear weapons, we challenge the pervasive myth of an “independent” UK deterrent. We also take a hard look at Keir Starmer’s deferential approach to Trump, and what Westminster's eagerness to please says about Britain's real place in the global pecking order.  Key moments: 00:04:19   A good time to rethink Scotland's position 00:07:57   Which state perceives Scotland as a threat? 00:10:27    Is the US an ally or a threat? 00:14:15    Tensions between NATO members is not new 00:17:38     Inevitable impacts of Global warming 00:19:08     Why d

Holyrood wasn't built for winner-takes-all politics.  So why are we pretending it is? This week, IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene dig into the idea of political mandates at Holyrood. With SNP leader John Swinney arguing that a majority of SNP MSPs would justify another independence referendum, we ask: does that really stack up in a system designed to avoid majority rule? And if a bigger, cross-party majority backs independence, shouldn’t that count too? 00:03:25  John Swinney explains how the UK UNion fails Scotland 00:06:49   SNP majority  equals a  binding mandate? 00:09:20   Walking into his own trap? 00:13:52    Rachel Reeves is stuck in a rut 00:16:55    Once in a generation just campaign rhetoric 00:18:43    Edinburgh Agreement not a precedent 00:20:17    David Cameron's decision not binding 00:24:21     Is a majority the magic wand? 00:28:03     Angus Robertson has a different view 00:34:09      Our quick poll #holyrood  #proportionalrepresentation #mandate The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast

Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch joins us to discuss her inspirational new film exploring Finland — a country often cited as one of the world’s most successful, fair and forward-thinking societies. Beautifully shot and deeply engaging, the film looks beyond the headlines to ask why Finland works so well, and what lessons Scotland can learn from its journey. We talk about what independence could make possible — but also, crucially, the changes we don’t have to wait for. From education and local democracy to trust, equality and community power, this is an inspiring conversation about what Scotland can begin building right now. Lesley will be presenting a series of film screenings followed by Q&A sessions, details are on her website https://lesleyriddoch.com/events with more events being added. key themes: 00:03:45 Sisu, Smeddum and Trust 00:06:01 National Security and Resilience 00:13:59 Food Security and Co-operatives 00:16:17 Public Ownership of Assets 00:18:37 Scotland's Transition 0

We’re joined once again by data analyst Stuart Donald to explore the impacts of inequality — including some unexpected links to how we vote. There’s data, there are graphs, and there are a few “wait, really?” moments along the way. Whether you love a good chart or just a good conversation, this episode delivers. Key themes: 00:00:51  The Equality Trust data sets 00:02:45  Inequality is strongly associated with societal problems 00:04:12   Income inequality and recycling rates 00:08:28  Inequality and democracy 00:12:13   Inequality and mental health stigma 00:17:14  Inequality and infant mortality 00:22:01   Would PR at Westminster  be bad for Scotland? 00:31:07  Why Europe needs immigration 00:40:19   Projections for Holyrood 2026 Find out more about inequality graphs at https://equalitytrust.org.uk/evidence-base/the-spirit-level-at-15/ Also you can follow @inequalitynews on Bluesky Holyrood seats projection image from @ballotbox.scot on Bluesky Immigration projections image originally from the Guardian. #in

Happy New Year! To mark the beginning of 2026, we share a address from the Makar of Scotland, Padraig MacAoidh, which was delivered to the Independence Forum Scotland's Autumn convention.  In a lyrical meditation on identity, he asks what it means to be a Scot in a country shaped by history yet unfinished by it. This is a speech rooted in language, land, ancestry, and imagination — a reminder that nationhood begins not in institutions, but in people. A moment of reflection to carry us into the year ahead. For more information about the Makar and his poetry see our blogpost here https://scottishindypod.scot/blogpost/makar-padraig-macaoidh/ You can watch the full coverage of the IFS convention here https://www.youtube.com/live/Ww2ZWOJhuhc?si=SVucfMN7XLxre83z #IFS #Makar, 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! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our w

In this special episode, the Indypodcasters head to the Carsebridge Cultural Campus in Alloa for a vibrant four-day art exhibition brought to life by Yes Stones, Yes Slates, and the wider community of independent Scottish artists. Hosted by the charity Resonate Together, the event showcased an extraordinary collection of artwork generously donated by the artists — with proceeds shared between Resonate Together and nine Scottish charities chosen by the artists themselves. From luminous landscapes to pieces exploring history, politics, and Scottish culture, the exhibition was a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Visitors enjoyed coffee, cake, live music and great conversation at the drop-in stone-painting workshop that kept the creative energy flowing. Join us as we wander through the exhibition, chat with organisers and artists, and capture the warmth, talent, and community spirit that made these four days truly special. Key points: 00:04:37  Opening day 00:10:04   Chatting with artist Walker McGowan

As part of Scottish Book Week, we take you inside a fascinating event held at the Speirs Centre in Alloa, where author, storyteller, and folklorist Stuart McHardy introduced his latest book, Scotland’s Geomythography. In this engaging presentation, McHardy explores how ancient societies understood the landscapes around them and takes us on a journey through myth, memory, and the Scottish landscape. Join us as we delve into the emerging field of geomythography, which blends oral tradition, place-name study, landscape interpretation, and archaeology to reveal the deep-time stories embedded in Scotland’s terrain. From echoes of prehistoric rituals to clues hidden in local lore, this episode uncovers how the past still resonates in the places we walk today. Key themes: 00:10:42   Calanais 00:20:34   Beltane 00:22:05   Ballachulish Goddess 00:22:57   Paps and Mams 00:23:48   The Cailleach and Bride 00:24:52   Beinn Bheithir and dragons 00:28:18   Cauldrons 00:28:54   Clustering 00:29:46    Paps of Jura 00:32:01  

In this episode, we sit down with the amazing Carol Gilmour, an artist, activist, and proud committee member of Tourette’s Scotland. We first met Carol through the group Artists for Indy, when she generously donated a set of her stunning paintings to the Indy Art Exhibition, a fantastic event which will be featured in a later podcast episode. Each artist nominated a charity to benefit from the proceeds—and Carol chose Tourette’s Scotland. But that’s not all… Carol also appears in the hit film I Swear, which just happened to be top of the UK box office the very weekend we recorded and was also the subject of a Scottish Parliament debate at Holyrood!

A Conference of Ideas Join indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene as they share their favourite moments from the Scottish Currency Group conference held in Dunfermline on 25th and 26th October. Featuring behind-the-scenes commentary and chats with presenters Craig Dalzell and Colin Fox, plus insights on Scotland’s economic future, currency options, and more.   One key theme which emerged from several of the speakers was the issue of Foreign Direct Investment, which the Scottish Government seem to embrace enthusiastically while others watch with concern at the level of profits being extracted from Scotland due to extensive foreign ownership of land and assets.   Key topics: 00:01:25  Ian Stewart introduces the Conference of Ideas 00:08:23  Craig Dalzell explains the pins in the map 00:16:35  William Thompson - Scotgov has got the wrong approach 00:28:29  Robin McAlpine - recapturing the Scottish economy 00:43:44  Colin Fox - A vision for a better Scotland Find out more from the Scottish Currency Group's new website

In this episode our guests Isobel Lindsay and Bill Ramsay help unpack the deeper message behind Deputy PM David Lammy's extraordianry claim that the Scottish Government is a "national security threat". But which nation is he talking about?  From a Scottish perspective, many argue that Scotland's continued place within the UK poses the greater risk to Scotland's own national security. We also revisit a powerful highlight from the recent Scottish CND conference: former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard's eloquen and forceful speech challenging the Uk Labour Government's increasingly militarised foreign and economic policies. Join us for a forthright conversation about power, security and Scotland's future role in the world. key themes: 00:00:31  Lammy insults a nation 00:03:24  Who poses the biggest threat to Scotland? 00:16:00  Resilience and Security 00:28:19  Richard Leonard calls our UK Labour's path to war 00:30:33  Role and purpose of arms industry in creating as narrative of fear 00:38:43  Richard L

Can Scotland really become independent by May 2027? At the latest Pensioners for Indy meeting, guest speaker Graeme McCormick laid out his nine-step roadmap to Scottish independence — and sparked a lively, thought-provoking debate. Some in the audience argued that Scotland is a colony. Others insisted that Scots are sovereign. Can both views be true? Graeme says no — and challenges us to think deeply about what independence actually means. The British state claims Scotland is in a voluntary union, yet can’t explain how we might voluntarily leave that union. So which is it — a union or a trap? Tune in for a fascinating and fiery discussion about sovereignty, legality, and Scotland’s future in (or out of) the UK.

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene meet SNP’s Simon Jones and Scottish Green Party’s Michael Havard — the two pro-independence party candidates standing in the upcoming council by-election. What are the key local issues, and what will they be campaigning on? In this episode, we explore what’s at stake for Stranraer and The Rhinns — from local services and rural priorities to their place in Scotland’s wider democratic landscape.   00:01:20  Simon Jones, Scottish National Party candidate 00:23:38  Michael Havard, Scottish Green Party candidate #scottishpolitics #stranraer #byelection   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! 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 mos

In this episode of IndyPodcasters, hosts Fiona and Marlene sit down with guest Jacqui Jensen to explore how we can reconnect women with politics — wherever they are. From local communities to the national stage, we discuss why women’s voices must be at the heart of political decision-making and how inclusive conversations can drive real change and shape our nation. Together, we unpack what’s keeping women disengaged, share practical ways to reach out across divides, and highlight the power of more local democracy in shaping policies that truly reflect women’s lives. If you care about women in politics, grassroots activism, and ensuring female voices are front and centre in our national dialogue, this episode is a must-listen.

This special bonus episode pays tribute to the late Elspeth King, one of Scotland’s most influential curators and historians. Originally recorded in 2020, this conversation explores the absence of Scottish history in the national curriculum, the importance of heritage in shaping identity, and the power history holds in understanding who we are. Elspeth King’s passion for preserving and promoting Scotland’s cultural history shines through every moment of this interview. As we mourn her passing, this episode serves as both a reminder of her remarkable legacy and a call to keep Scottish history alive in our schools, museums, and communities. #scottishhistory #scottisheducation #scottishheritage   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! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe f

It’s time to get some people TELT! Join Scottish IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene as we serve up a no-holds-barred episode having the last word against everyone who’s wound us up this month. From political nonsense to everyday irritations, nobody escapes our Telt List! Expect a healthy dose of righteous rage as we say what everyone’s thinking — but with that unmistakable IndyPodcaster twist. Because sometimes, people just need TELT! 00:03:15 Joanie Reid gets TELT! 00:04:50 Russell Findlay gets TELT! 00:17:35 Scottish National Investment Bank gets TELT! 00:24:29 Trump's ICE thugs get TELT! 00:27:24 Anti Low Emission Zone protestors get TELT! 00:31:28 Chat with our guest Mary McCabe 00:47:12 Indypodcasters get TELT! #telt #scottishindependence #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! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.s

Fiona & Marlene Talk Indy with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp – Reigniting the Movement! In this must-listen episode, Fiona and Marlene sit down with Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, founder of Believe in Scotland—the nation’s largest pro-independence campaign group. Fresh from signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding with John Swinney and the SNP, Gordon shares what this means for the future of the Yes movement and how it could be the first step toward unity across Scotland’s pro-independence parties and organisations. With exciting plans underway for a Scottish Independence Congress, could we be witnessing the spark that reignites the passion and momentum of 2014?