This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine

Episode

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  Episode 8: The Real Braveheart, Scotland's Greatest Train Journeys and Auld Lang Syne 27.07.2026 46mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Half Pint Q&A: Where Is the 'Real' Scotland? 23.07.2026 26mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 7: Outlander, Scotland's Lost Languages and the Hebrides 20.07.2026 50mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Half Pint Q&A: Where Do the Highlands Begin? 16.07.2026 37mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 6: Beach Landings, Whisky and the Spirit of Scotland 13.07.2026 48mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Half Pint Q&A: Why Are Highland Cows Everywhere? 09.07.2026 30mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 5: Blackenings, Lost Borders and Hidden Scotland 06.07.2026 40mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  The Half Pint Q&A: Tips on Moving to Scotland 02.07.2026 32mnt

  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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 4: Scotland’s Cloth of Rebellion, Witch Trials and Forgotten Recipes 29.06.2026 47mnt

  Tartan was once banned. People risked punishment for wearing it. Today, it is recognised around the world as one of Scotland’s most powerful symbols. In this episode, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, unravel the remarkable story of how a forbidden fabric became the cloth of rebellion, identity and pride. They also explore Scotland's witch trials, the campaign to remember those accused of witchcraft, and the powerful stories behind one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history. Finally, Coinneach takes a delicious journey through Scotland's culinary heritage, revealing the origins of iconic dishes, forgotten recipes and why Scotland's food deserves far more recognition than it often receives. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  The Half Pint Q&A: Does Scotland Have a Northern Soul? 25.06.2026 29mnt

  The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, answer your questions on Scotland's links with Norway, the revival of hutting, the Scottish diaspora and the future of Gaelic. This week, they explore whether Scotland shares a northern soul with Norway, why off-grid cabins and hutting have become such an important part of Scottish life, and how Scottish communities have kept traditions alive through Highland Games across the world. They also discuss whether Gaelic should once again become Scotland's national language, what meaningful support for the language looks like today, and celebrate inspiring projects helping it thrive. Along the way, expect stories from the Hebrides, reflections on Scotland's global connections, plenty of friendly debate and, as always, a few laughs between Ally and Coinneach. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 3: Vikings, Scottish Accents and Eurovision Dreams 21.06.2026 45mnt

  Do we romanticise the Vikings too much? Which Scottish accent is the best? And should Scotland have its own Eurovision entry? In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, debate three big topics. They explore the Viking legacy in Scotland, from Hebridean ancestry to the realities of Viking raids, discuss how geography, identity and culture have shaped Scotland's rich variety of accents, and ask whether Scotland should be represented on the Eurovision stage in its own right. Along the way, Coinneach reveals why some people doubted he was Scottish because of his accent, Ally explains why Vikings may get an easier ride in history than they deserve, and the pair uncover Scotland's surprising Eurovision connections. Plus, Ally shares another fascinating story from Scottish history and asks listeners to help settle some big national debates. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  The Half Pint Q&A: Scottish Castles, Island Mysteries and Graveyard Tales 18.06.2026 36mnt

  The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle your questions on Scotland's most fascinating places, traditions and mysteries. This week, they explore whether ruined castles such as Linlithgow Palace should be restored, uncover the surprising origins of Eigg, Rum and Muck, reveal their favourite Scottish graveyards, and create the ultimate Scottish playlist. Along the way, expect stories of lairds and sea pigs, ancient trees and Pictish stones, lively musical disagreements, Gaelic history, island folklore and plenty of laughs as Ally and Coinneach answer listeners' questions from across Scotland and beyond. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 2: Scotland's Anthem, Epic Road Trips and America's Scottish Roots 15.06.2026 47mnt

  Why doesn't Scotland have an official national anthem? In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, explore the story behind Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave and the debate over what song best represents the nation. They also share their favourite Scottish road trips, from island adventures to spectacular Highland routes, before turning their attention across the Atlantic to uncover Scotland's remarkable influence on the United States. From American presidents with Scottish ancestry to Scottish-named towns across the US, they reveal the enduring links between the two countries. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, surprising stories, listener challenges and a lesson in how to wish America a happy 250th birthday in Gaelic. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  The Half Pint Q&A: Shortbread, Sea Legends and Island Rivalries 11.06.2026 29mnt

  The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland sees hosts Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle your questions on everything from Paisley patterns and shortbread traditions to the Lewis-Harris island rivalry, favourite lochs and Hebridean folklore. 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles
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  Episode 1: World Cup Dreams, The Mystery of Scottish Banknotes and Myth Busting 08.06.2026 47mnt

  Welcome to the first episode of This is Scotland. Join Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker, as they explore the stories, symbols and surprising truths that make Scotland unique. Why was Scotland's worst World Cup performance one of its most memorable? Which off-pitch Scottish football achievement we should be really proud of? Is Scottish money really legal tender? And when should you wear a kilt? Along the way, Coinneach reveals the surprising story behind him helping design the Scotland national team's badge, while the cheery hosts tackle some of Scotland's biggest debates - including the enduring battle between Glasgow and Edinburgh to be the best Scottish city. From football folklore and national identity to island secrets, unexpected history and a healthy dose of myth-busting, this is Scotland as you've never heard it before. Fàilte!   Have a question about Scotland's history, culture, food, language or places? Send it in and it could feature in one of our weekly Q&A episodes: podcast@scotsmagazine.com New episodes every Monday, with listener Q&As every Thursday.@thisisscotlandpod
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  This is Scotland Trailer 03.06.2026 1mnt

  Listen in for a taster of what's to come - first episode out on Monday June 8!