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This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Scots Magazine
Scottish historian Ally Heather and bestselling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker, host This Is Scotland - a weekly podcast exploring the people, places, traditions and ideas that shape modern Scotland. Each episode blends history, culture, geography, humour and personal storytelling to uncover what makes Scotland unique: from island life and folklore to food, heritage and the changing face of the nation today. Produced by The Scots Magazine, the world's oldest magazine still in publication, first launched in 1739, the podcast builds on nearly three centuries of celebrating Scotland's people, places and culture, bringing those stories to life in a fresh and engaging way. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
Latest Episodes
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- 2 days ago46 min
Episode 8: Braveheart, Scotland's Greatest Train Journeys and Auld Lang Syne.
What makes Scotland's greatest film? How did Auld Lang Syne become the New Year's eve anthem all over the world? And which train journeys offer the best views in the country? In the final episode of Series 1 of This is Scotland with The Scots Magazine, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker revisit the films that have shaped Scotland's image around the world, uncover the surprising history behind Braveheart and Local Hero, and reveal why William Wallace's story on screen is very different from the historical record - and why that is OK. The pair also explore the remarkable journey of Auld Lang Syne from an old Scottish song to a global New Year tradition, before sharing their favourite railway adventures: from spectacular Highland routes to the story behind the Forth Bridge and Glasgow's historic Subway. Along the way, you'll hear the touching tale of Greyfriars Bobby, discover Scotland's best island foodie stops, and enjoy one final helping of history, humour and travel inspiration as Ally and Coinneach round off Series 1. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you for Series 2! Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 6 days ago50 min
Half Pint Q&A: Where Is the 'Real' Scotland?
What does the "real" Scotland actually look like? Is it a remote island, a bustling city, a Highland glen... or somewhere else entirely? In this listener Q&A episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, share the places they believe capture Scotland at its most authentic before asking listeners where they would send someone to experience the country's true character. They also celebrate some of Scotland's greatest television programmes, from the enduring appeal of Taggart to the modern success of Shetland, reveal an unexpected invention by John Logie Baird, explore fascinating caves around Scotland, and discuss one of the nation's strangest traditions: why traffic cones keep ending up on the heads of statues. As always, expect plenty of laughs, surprising stories and a fresh perspective on the Scotland you thought you knew. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 1 weeks ago50 min
Episode 7: Outlander, Scotland's Lost Languages and the Hebrides
How historically accurate is Outlander? Why are Scotland's native languages still so fiercely debated? And what makes the Hebrides one of the country's most extraordinary places? In this episode of This is Scotland with The Scots Magazine, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, explore the remarkable legacy of Outlander, revealing how Diana Gabaldon's meticulous research helped create one of the world's most successful historical dramas - and why fans continue to flock to Scotland in search of Jamie Fraser. The conversation then turns to Scotland's languages, as Ally and Coinneach discuss the histories of Gaelic and Scots, why both matter today, and how other countries have successfully protected their native tongues. Finally, they head to the Hebrides to share some of their favourite places to visit, before ending with another fascinating tale from Scotland's past. Expect history, humour, travel inspiration and lively debate as they uncover the stories that continue to shape Scotland today. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 1 weeks ago37 min
Half Pint Q&A: Where Do the Highlands Begin?
The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle one of Scotland's biggest debates: where do the Highlands actually begin? This week, they reveal the places in Scotland that inspire them most, uncover the surprising history behind Scotland's native dog breeds, and share their favourite islands to explore without a car. Along the way, they tell the brutal tale of the king who threw a poet off a bridge, discuss how climate change could reshape Scotland's future, and ask what really makes somewhere part of the Highlands. Expect fascinating history, practical travel tips and plenty of laughs inspired by your questions. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 2 weeks ago48 min
Episode 6: Beach Landings, Whisky and the Spirit of Scotland
How do you land a plane on a beach? Why is Scotch whisky so closely tied to Scotland's identity? And what does the word ceilidh really mean? In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, journey from Barra's extraordinary beach airport to Edinburgh's famous skyline, before uncorking the remarkable history of Scotland's national drink. Along the way, they explore the rise and fall and rise again of Campbeltown as the world's whisky capital, uncover the true story behind Whisky Galore!, and share some of their favourite distilleries, castles and summer road trip stops. They also celebrate Scotland's living traditions, from ceilidhs and Gaelic to the stories, songs and communities that continue to shape the country today. Expect fascinating history, plenty of laughs and enough travel inspiration to start planning your next Scottish adventure. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 2 weeks ago30 min
Half Pint Q&A: Why Are Highland Cows Everywhere?
The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, answer your questions. This week, they share their favourite places to cool off on a summer's day, celebrate one of Scotland's quirkiest competitions, debate whether Highland cows have become the country's unofficial influencers, and reveal whether they'd travel back to the time of the Picts or the Jacobites if given the chance. Along the way, expect stories from across Scotland, plenty of laughs, a few surprising historical facts and, as always, lively debate inspired by your questions. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 3 weeks ago40 min
Episode 5: Scottish Wedding Traditions, Lost Borders and Hidden Treasures
In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, uncover the fascinating origins of Scotland's most unusual wedding traditions, from handfasting and blackenings to smashing shortbread over the bride's head. They also explore Scotland's ever-changing borders, revealing the surprising stories behind places such as the Isle of Man, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Orkney and Shetland. Finally, they share some of their favourite museums, historic sites and hidden gems for summer days out, from the Lewis Chessmen and Pictish treasures to remarkable stories of Scotland's earliest links with North America. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, island stories, ice cream recommendations and another unforgettable tale from Scottish history. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
- 3 weeks ago32 min
The Half Pint Q&A: Moving to Scotland, Magic Cures and Top Tablet
The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, answer your questions. This week, they share their top tips for making Scotland feel like home, uncover strange old cures involving porridge, potatoes and warts, explore water horses, cave legends and the folklore of the islands, and reveal which famous Scots they would most like to go for a pint with. Coinneach also explains what makes good tablet, Ally shares a favourite stop on the NC500, and the pair answer the big question: are they actually related? Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
About This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine
Scottish historian Ally Heather and bestselling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker, host This Is Scotland - a weekly podcast exploring the people, places, traditions and ideas that shape modern Scotland. Each episode blends history, culture, geography, humour and personal storytelling to uncover what makes Scotland unique: from island life and folklore to food, heritage and the changing face of the nation today. Produced by The Scots Magazine, the world's oldest magazine still in publication, first launched in 1739, the podcast builds on nearly three centuries of celebrating Scotland's people, places and culture, bringing those stories to life in a fresh and engaging way. Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland. Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles
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