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The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastStars, Stripes and SaltiresDonald Trump comes to Scotland and don't we know it! President Trump, with saltires fluttering on his motorcade instead of the union flag descended this week on Turnberry in Ayrshire and then up to Aberdeenshire. He's described John Sweeney as a terrific guy despite not really having met him yet and he suggests that all the proceeds from removing tariffs should go to Scotland, not to the UK. We discuss whether he's just mixing it, whether he actually favours Scotland in some way or is it all just rubbish that will be reversed next week.We also...2025-07-291h 05The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastPrecious Few HeroesThere's a bit of a protest theme in this week's podcast. Obviously the Gaza Palestine demonstration at the weekend where Lesley was speaking. Thankfully there weren't arrests at the time, but could they be yet to come? There was also, if you like, the protest of Richard Murphy on Radio Scotland, interrupted continually on a program about bias and trust in the BBC.We discuss the rebels who've been booted out of the parliamentary Labour Party, but oddly not all the rebels that voted for axing the welfare cuts that were put forwward by Kier Starmer. Will...2025-07-211h 11The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastElectrifyingDonate to support the podcast There's been a lot of missing in action in this week's podcast. Where is the Scottish government and the SNP when an energy supplier, Octopus, calls for zonal pricing that would give Scotland the cheapest energy in Europe? They're kind of missing in action. We talk about the latest proposals by Rachel Reeves, which looks like a bonfire of the regulations on the banking sector, which kind of prompted all the chaos post 2008.Is that really going to be such a great advance? And back to Israel and Palestine, some shocking...2025-07-151h 07The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastLeft foot forwardOn this week's episode, we talk about the putative new Left-wing party possibly headed by Jeremy Corbyn. We speculate on why he hasn't said he will join it and what is happening on the Scottish front with a group that's promising a meeting in October. It's not very clear whether it supports independence or not.We talk about the victory of a left candidate for the Democratic nomination in New York City with a program that would probably make Jeremy Corbyn's heart sing.We're still talking about the wider question of Palestine and the shameful...2025-07-081h 12Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsLesley Riddoch on Finland🎙️ IndyPodcasters, Fiona and Marlene chat with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch about her latest documentary project – a powerful new film exploring why Finland is the happiest country in the world 🇫🇮✨ Scotland has already adopted Finland’s famous Baby Boxes, but what else can we learn? Lesley dives into: 🔹 Finland’s world-renowned education system 🔹 Distinctive land ownership patterns 🔹 A cultural mindset that values equality and collective wellbeing over individual wealth Lesley also shares insights into her unique approach to crowdfunding and the creative process behind making a documentary that aims to spark real change in...2025-07-0444 minThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastSting like a..waspYou can donate to support and keep the podcast going by becoming a Pal or Buddy of the Podcast at https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeBy the time you listen this, you'll know what we don't, which is the result of the disability cuts vote in the House of Commons, the revised package, which will now only put 150,000 people into poverty. And that's this year. Because next year, of course, is a whole new ball game for those wishing to sign up to PIP.We speculate on what these reforms and the opposition to them...2025-07-011h 02The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastTrouble in the GlensIn this week's podcast, we discuss Trump's attacks on Iran facilitating attacks by Israel and then demanding a ceasefire. It's an odd way to get diplomatic results. We react to Donald Trump's four-letter outburst as he baulks at Israel's flouting of the cease-fire and Iran's response.We also look at the attempts to proscribe Palestine action, which look very destined to simply encourage support for this soon-to-be-banned group. And we also look at the likely rebellion against labour's cuts to PIP payments.Listen to the end for some great tributes to Pat as he goes...2025-06-241h 18The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Last WaltzAs the hostilities go on between Israel and Iran we try and get beneath the "We support the right of Israel to defend itself" to why Israel decided to launch its attacks, why now , and the realities of nuclear proliferation in the region.Meanwhile a  report by the Centre For Media Monitoring has forensically examined the BBC's coverage of Gaza. The results are damning in terms of revealing BBC bias.We take a look at the spending review  not only the decisions made but especially what impact Labour's decisions may have on Scottish politics. Lesley's latest art...2025-06-171h 10The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastYou Turn If You Want ToIn this week's episode we discuss the U turn by the Westminster Government on the winter fuel allowance. Where is the money coming from and how is it going to be paid for? We ask what happend to the accusations levelled at the SNP when they rose to the challenge and reinstated the payment ahead of the Westminster Government. We look too at the impact on the SNP's policy, with Labour trying to make it look as if the Scottish payment will just be £100? It won't. We try to clear some of that up.We talk about t...2025-06-101h 07The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastEnergy Special PodcastIn this podcast special we speak with two energy experts Rhys Stanwix and David Pearson. The cost of energy has dominated our own far-from-expert musings for the last few weeks. So we thought it might be an idea to pull in some expertise for a special about district heating, locational pricing, why we are stuck with such high prices, poor grid connections ,the march of the pylons across much of north eastern Scotland. Do we need the better connectivity or is this just horsing Scottish renewable energy south? We tackle all these questions, and more, in an in d...2025-05-2739 minThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastDeal Or No DealThere's a distinct European flavour to this week's episode and we kick off with our reaction to the UK/EU deal struck on Monday.Has the Scottish fishing industry, once again, been a bargaining chip worth sacrificing to benefit other parts of the UK economy? Given that fishing and farming are devolved matters why wasn't the Scottish government either involved or at the very least consulted on the agreements reached in these areas? Despite the trumpeting of the deal will it always be a sticking plaster over the economic wounds of Brexit?Saturday saw the latest edition...2025-05-201h 12The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastA Bag of SpannersAfter the launch of Labour's new White Paper on immigration we ask, despite Starmer's protestations, if Farage and Reform are already dictating not just UK politics but UK government policy.We also delve into the detail of the changes outlined in the paper.The Labour leadership is also facing a  backbench rebellion over its cuts to disability benefits and is also being urged by 69 MPs to recognise a Palestinian state. Will they listen to either of these calls?Lesley's latest column in The National examined the rise of Reform and speculated on its potential to break o...2025-05-131h 10The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastElections and SelectionsIn this episode we give our initial reactions to  the First Minister’s Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26.We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will  Scotland be  immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections?And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change.Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and s...2025-05-061h 05The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastYou're Being HadLesley appeared on Debate Night last week. We look back at this, the issues that were raised by the audience, and the replies of the panel.Here's the link to Lesley's justified rant over the energy rip off.https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195Kneecap have clarified their position and apologised to the families of David Amess and Jo Cox after the accusations made over statements made during gigs. John Swinney has called for the group to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up, echoing those made by Kemi Badenoch and others over Glastonbury. Is this furore simply...2025-04-291h 09The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastMuzzled PassionLesley's latest article in the National asking if the SNP’s passion for independence has been so thoroughly and habitually muzzled of late that nothing will now let it off the leash has certainly set some hares coursing throughout both the SNP and the wider independence movement. We discuss.https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/The ripples of the Supreme Court judgement on the question of the definition of a woman continue to spread. Has the decision settled the apparent conflict between women's and trans rights? Could it even have been expected to?The latest Mo...2025-04-221h 09The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastTake 2Westminster was recalled last Saturday for and an emergency bill to save British Steel's Scunthorpe plant became law. It took around six and a half hours in total for Parliament to pass the legislation and the King to approve it.  Sir Keir Starmer said "We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry".We ask where was this urgency and commitment over Grangemouth, and Port Talbot steel works.Lesley questions the casual way every commentator accepts that energy prices in Britain a...2025-04-1553 minThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastOne Game In TownThere's no escaping Donald Trump, unfortunately, in this week's episode as we begin by picking apart the tariffs he introduced last week.Has he condemned the US to recession? How did he come up with tariffs he placed on each country? Has he lost the support of the billionaires whose businesses are dependent on freedom of trade?Amidst this Trumpian economic doom and gloom Lesley highlights the work of We Don't Have Time. To listen to the views of its CEO Ingmar Rentzhog click this linkhttps://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/6a458e55-a614-4886-b348...2025-04-081h 00The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastOur Friends In The NorthLesley's back on her old stomping ground in the north of Ireland showing her Denmark movie at the Imagine! Belfast Festival.She talks about the reaction to the film and the festival itself. This leads us into chat on the forgotten history of radical Presbyterianism, border polls, and the disputatious nature of  the debates  over both the Irish language and Ulster/Scots.We examine the ongoing controversy over the impact of Rachel Reeves Spring Statement on PIP claimants and ask if Trump's latest tariffs have already wiped out the fiscal headroom she gained on the back of he...2025-04-0150 minThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe World Has ChangedWe speculate on what will be in Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. Will the extra spending on building social/affordable housing be enough to stave off a revolt over social security cuts? Is she repeating the failures of a previous Labour government in thrall to iron clad ,self imposed fiscal rules? What impact has the Bank of England's monetary policy had on creating the "debt crisis"?Cowal Community Energy has had its bid to take over the lease for a large scale windfarm rejected by Forestry Land Scotland. Are the rules stacked against any community winning a contract? Why...2025-03-251h 02The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Mutt's NutsLiz Kendall revealed Labour's much speculated welfare "reforms" in the House of Commons this lunchtime.We give our immediate reaction to the speech and try and pick our way through the dense details.The University of Dundee has announced over 600 job losses, with more to come, to address the £30 million financial blackhole it finds itself in.Where does the blame lie for this disastrous situation?Nicola Sturgeon is the most prominent SNP MSP to announce that they will not stand for Holyrood in 2026.Lesley reflects on her legacy and we discuss the impact of n...2025-03-181h 10The Lesley Riddoch PodcastThe Lesley Riddoch PodcastTomorrow Is Another DayIn this bumper edition we begin with Labour's leaked plans to cut welfare spending by £6 billion. £5 billion to come from making it harder to claim Personal Independence Payments. Five Scottish Labour MPs have put their names to a letter supporting these "reforms" as " truly progressive". We look at the cuts, wonder if this could be the final nail in the coffin of Scottish Labour, and Lesley compares and contrasts the UK response to the Ukraine crisis with that of Germany.The USA's change in stance under Trump to the Ukraine war and the Western Alliance in NATO prompted er...2025-03-111h 16Scotland OutdoorsScotland OutdoorsLewis Grassic Gibbon, Snowdrops and a Beaver MOTAuchnerran Farm is run by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust as a demonstration farm to test and trial conservation and land management strategies. Mark visits the farm to hear about their projects and how they manage these alongside a profitable enterprise of sheep farming.It is the 20th anniversary of the opening of Five Sister’s Zoo this year, and the facility has grown from very small beginnings to now housing over 160 species on site in West Calder. Rachel chats to Brian and Gary Curran about their growth over the last two decades and their recent at...2025-02-151h 23Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsThe Big Land QuestionFiona and Marlene share their highlights from the Big Land Question conference. In November the Revive Coalition held their biggest conference yet bringing together organisations and individuals with a shared interest in Scotland's land. Who owns it? What do they do with it? Is there a better way? These, and many more questions were covered on the day and you can watch the full day's event on  @IndependenceLive  's channel. This podcast covers our favourite bits from the following speakers: 00:01:43 - Lesley Riddoch introduces the event 00:07:42 - Kevin Cumming, Scottish Rewilding Alliance ...2025-01-171h 15Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsOwning Our Futures Q and AThe Owning Our Futures event held in Edinburgh in October was a great opportunity to see our quest for independence in the context of other nations and regions across Europe who share similar aims.   The delegates took  part in three Q and A panels and brought their wisdom, experience and fresh thinking to the table.   Organised by the Scottish Independence Convention and the International Committee for European Citizens and chaired by Lesley Riddoch, this was a positive and uplifting event. Panels and speakers : 00:01:51  Panel 1 questions 00:02:06  Begotxu Olaizola Elordi, Basque Country 00:03:53  Alessandro Cucci, Sardin...2024-12-2048 minNordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsIceland - fire islandIceland has a stunning landscape with glaciers galore … but is more properly fire island. Lava, earthquakes eruptions and volcanoes dominate life and world headlines.Around Christmas 2023, an eruption forced people from their homes in the fishing port of Grindavik. One year and six eruptions later – the townspeople are back. But another eruption nearby is spewing lava into the car park of the famous Blue Lagoon. By the time you hear this podcast, that eruption could be over… or much worse.Yet despite all the risk and uncertainty, many Icelanders would say they live here because of the...2024-12-1443 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsBuilding A Local ScotlandScotland has practically the largest units of local government in the world.  An average Scottish council has 175,000 people compared to an average across the EU of 10,000.  There seems to be widespread consensus that something needs to be done about the over-centralisation of Scotland, but little agreement about what that should be. A group of individuals from a range of backgrounds - activists, academics, trade unionists and more - have set themselves the task of raising the profile of this democratic deficit and engaging the public and politicians in a discussion about how to address it. In...2024-10-111h 10Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsIndyref 10th Anniversary : Holyrood Rally SpeechesOn 18th September 2024 we marked the 10th anniversary of the historic first Scottish Independence Referendum, Indyref for short.  During a passionate and exhilarating campaign, support for the Yes side grew from around 30% to over 50% before settling back at 45% on the day of the vote.  In the words of Professor Sir John Curtace, the Yes side lost the vote but we won the campaign.  Support for independence has hovered around the 50% mark for the last decade. Campaign group Believe In Scotland organised events throughout Scotland to mark the occasion.  The mood was reflective, but upbeat and determined.  We are S...2024-09-2449 minThe News MeetingThe News MeetingNews Meeting: Labour’s policy blitz and gridlock after France’s electionThere are political stories everywhere you look, so which one should lead the news? James Harding is joined by three guests to discuss the first few days of Keir Starmer’s government, the prime minister’s visit to Scotland and France’s shock election result.Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comGuests:Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJess Winch, news editor at Tortoise,Lesley Riddoch, broadcaster and columnist at The NationalHost: James Harding, editor-in-chief at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive produc...2024-07-0834 minThe Inside Story PodcastThe Inside Story PodcastWhat are the big issues in the UK's election?The UK is set to vote in a general election this week - called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak whose conservative party has been in power for fourteen years. Polls suggest his rival, Labour leader Keir Starmer, could replace him. So, what are the issues - and how significant is this election?  In this episode: Will Hutton, President, UK's Academy of Social Sciences. Lesley Riddoch, Author, 'Blossom - What Scotland Needs to Flourish'.  Pablo O'Hana, Senior Political Adviser.  Host: Dareen Abughaida  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook2024-06-3023 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsBits & Pieces Podcast January 2024Welcome to our roundup of topical clips and snippets for January 2024.  Main themes covered this month are: 00:00:53  Calling out war crimes 00:05:47  Covid enquiry 00:09:35  Scottish budget 00:15:48   Holyrood snippets 00:21:15   UK General Election  00:34:59   Westminster hot topics 00:40:23   Horizon scandal 00:44:57   Lesley Riddoch chats with Jim Byrne 00:51:02   Indypodcasters out and about 00:54:02   Time for Scotland by the Singing Councillors   The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe...2024-01-2658 minThe Common Weal Policy PodcastThe Common Weal Policy PodcastEpisode #195 - The State of HappinessEpisode 195 of the Common Weal Policy PodcastYou can download the episode directly here.Welcome to Season 6 of the Common Weal Policy Podcast. This year's theme is "Activate" so if you have a story to tell about an interesting thing happening in your community or if you're involved in a campaign to change things for the better, then please get in touch and we'll get you on the show to talk about it.This week, Craig talks to Lesley Riddoch about her new film Denmark: The State of Happiness...2024-01-2445 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsIs Scotland being cheated? Denmark definitely isn't ...Award winning broadcaster Lesley Riddoch joins us to chat about her new film Denmark: the State of Happiness.  The film is currently on tour all around Scotland with a Q+A session with Lesley at each screening. For details of dates, times, venues and to book tickets, go to www.lesleyriddoch.com/events This is the 5th film in Lesley's series looking at the Nordic countries, you can find all her other films at www.lesleyriddoch.com/films key points include: 00:00:54 Dan Jorgensen - happiness is important 00:01:34 Welcome t...2024-01-1644 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsBits & Pieces Podcast December 2023Join us for our last roundup of topical clips for 2023! Topics include: 00:00:50 Covid come-uppance for Johnson and Mone 00:05:45 George Monbiot savages the Tory Rwanda Bill 00:08:40 Alison Thewlis picks holes in the Tory Rwanda Bill 00:10:58 Joanna Cherry highlights the illegality of the Rwanda Bill 00:12:55 Scottish Parliament legislates for the children's rights 00:17:35 Joanna Cherry explains Tories breaching the Treaty of Union 00:24:56 Neale Hanvey shares international legal opinion 00:28:12 Secret Agent Alister Jack reports 00:31:32 Westminster quick fire round up 00:35:48 Holyrood quick fire...2023-12-2959 minJim & Pat\'s Glasgow West End ChatJim & Pat's Glasgow West End ChatLesley Riddoch chats with Jim about her new film, Denmark - the State of Happiness Lesley Riddoch chats with Jim about her new film, Denmark - the State of Happiness Jim & Pat's Glasgow West End Chat - Episode 100 Welcome to Jim & Pat’s Glasgow West End Chat. Remarkably, this is episode 100. Hurrah! Well done to us. :-)  This is the second half of my chat with the esteemed broadcaster, podcaster, journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch. In part one, we learned about Lesley’s formative years and we learned about the background to the making of her latest film, Denmark - the State of Happiness. In this second part of our chat...2023-12-2847 minJim & Pat\'s Glasgow West End ChatJim & Pat's Glasgow West End ChatLesley Riddoch talks to Jim Byrne about, ‘Denmark - the State of Happiness’. And more. Part 1 of 2Lesley Riddoch talks to Jim Byrne about, ‘Denmark - the State of Happiness’.  And more. Part 1 of 2 Episode 99 of Jim & Pat's Glasgow West End Chat Lesley Riddoch is a tour de force. She is a political activist, pioneering publisher, writer, podcaster, independence and land-reform campaigner and, last but not least, a role model for women in Scotland and far beyond.  It was great to chat with Lesley about her student days at Oxford, her work in both the mainstream and independent media, the current state of Scottish politics and. of course, about the making of her latest film...2023-12-1357 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsBits & Pieces November 2023Topical snippets from Scottish politics and activism in November: 00:01:08  Festival for Survival opening by Lynn Jamieson  00:04:09  Jean Urquhart marches in Ullapool 00:06:07  Revive conference opening by Chris Packham 00:10:43  Lesley Riddoch speaking at the Breakup of Britain event 00:16:10   Our Star in Scotland - former MEP Julie Ward explains Erasmus 00:18:47   Holyrood -  Trams Enquiry  00:21:34   Net Zero committee on the circular economy 00:27:21   Scotland's Census 00:29:04   Rwanda plan ruled unlawful 00:31:12   How others see us 00:35:45   Westminster - will Kemi Badenoch devolve employment law? 00:36:42    Deirdre...2023-12-0159 minInstitute for GovernmentInstitute for GovernmentWhat would the constitution of an independent Scotland look like?If Scotland became independent, the nation would face some fundamental questions about the operation of its political system. It would need a new constitution; which the Scottish government proposes should be a written one, enshrining key rights and principles. And it would need to decide whether to re-join the EU, in line with the SNP’s position, with implications for the operation of the government, the role of the courts and parliamentary scrutiny. The event sought to answer some of the following key questions: What would the process for agreeing a codified constitution look like? How would popular sovereignty work in...2023-10-191h 081000 Better Stories1000 Better StoriesTorry People’s Assembly putting “just” back into “just transition”What is deliberative democracy, and can it help your community involve more people in creating a better future for all? SCCAN Story Weaver, Kaska Hempel, explores the idea in this story from the People’s Assembly in Torry, as the community stand up against becoming a sacrificial zone yet again. The Assembly took place at St Fittick’s Park over the weekend of 28 and 29 of May this year, and it was facilitated by Open Source. It was a part of the multi-partner Just Transition Communities pilot project, coordinated by North-East Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub and funded by t...2023-10-021h 14Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsAn independent Scotland in the EU - Edinburgh rally speechesAll the speeches from the rally organised by Yes 4 EU and Believe in Scotland which took place in Edinburgh on 2nd September outside of Holyrood.  Speakers are: 00:00:32    Lesley Riddoch (author and journalist) 00:06:57    Jamie Hepburn (Minister for Independence) 00:11:25    Lorna slater (co leader Scottish Greens) 00:16:16    Claude Detrez (Europe for Scotland) 00:23:52     Believe in Scotland Youth Wing 00:28:00     Iona Fyfe (folk singer) 00:33:30     Humza Yousaf (First Minister) 00:47:12     Gordon  MacIntyre-Kemp (Believe in Scotland) 00:52:39      Morag Williamson (Yes 4 EU) 00:54:52       Signoff The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every F...2023-09-0854 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsBits & Pieces Podcast : June 2023June's round up of topical clips from the world of Scottish politics and culture presented by a rather croaky-voiced Fiona (thanks to a touch of hayfever) and guest presenter James.  Topics covered this month are: 00:00:24  A written constitution for Scotland 00:06:27  A legal opinion on flaws in the Supreme Court Decision 00:11:43  Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp on the impact of a wellbeing economy on polling results 00:20:48  Lesley Riddoch on local government and community action 00:33:11  Alister Jack stirring up trouble 00:40:32   DRS woes continue 00:46:57   Report confirms Johnson is a liar 00:52:40...2023-06-3058 minScottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsThrive: The Freedom To FlourishLesley Riddoch gives a fascinating presentation to launch her new book Thrive: The Freedom to Flourish. Hosted by the Perth Yes Hub at the Bell Library in Perth, Lesley reads excerpts from the book and shares a selection of  anecdotes. She draws inspiration from our Nordic neighbours and those Scots who have decided to get on with whatever needs to be done to allow their communities to thrive. You can order a copy from Lesleyriddoch.com or all good bookshops Music: Motivational Upbeat corporate by Rinkevich Music The Indypodcast t...2023-06-271h 01Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsCoronation Day Indy March - Not Our KingMost Scots seemed largely indifferent to the Coronation which was certainly not reflected in the wall to wall obsequiousness of the mainstream media offering. Instead we decided to escape the TV to join more than 20 thousand pals on a wee jaunt through Glasgow.  Marlene and Fiona battled the elements to create an outdoor podcast recording with, it has to be said, mixed results, but here are all the best bits of the day! Obviously we can't bring the spectacle and colour of an independence march to an audio podcast, but you can watch clips and t...2023-05-1929 minNordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsGothenburg - has this former shipyard city become Sweden's green capital?Gothenburg in Sweden once boasted the world's largest shipyards, but in the face of Japanese and Korean competition, the oil crisis and a world economic downturn, the city was brought to its knees in the 1980s, with 5 kms of empty dockland and 20 thousand people without jobs. So far, so very like the Clyde.But though shipbuilding was down, Gothenburg was not out.The City Council bought the empty shipyards for one Swedish krona – that’s 2 pence - financed new house-building, new secondary schools and linked up with Chalmers University to set up Lindholmen Science Park. It a...2023-05-1755 minTalk MediaTalk MediaOur 'Views on the Scottish News', Murdoch fires Tucker Carlson and The Big Issue Northern edition to close after 30 yearsStuart and Eamonn are joined by a dynamic duo of author and commentator Lesley Riddoch and Big Issue editor Paul McNamee. This week : Today, Our Views on the Scottish News, Murdoch fires Tucker Carlson and The Big Issue Northern edition to close after 30 years. This week's listener question is from David McParland. Recommendations: Stuart: 2022 Booker Prize-winning novel: The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sri Lankan author, Shehan Karunatilaka. A photographer in the afterlife sets out to expose the carnage of Sri Lanka's Civil...2023-04-2606 minMid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politicsMid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politicsHumza Yousaf and The SNP, is Scotland further from independence?Today we speak to Scottish pundit Lesley Riddoch an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author about Scotland's new first minister and the issues faced by the SNP.Humza Yousaf has pledged to be a "first minister for all of Scotland" after being chosen by party members to replace Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Yousaf, who had been serving as health secretary, also vowed to "kickstart" a grassroots campaign that would "ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear".Here are some of the other issues that are looming in his in-tray:The mammoth task r...2023-04-111h 06Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBest of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyExist, Resist, Indigenize, Decolonize: A story of colonialism, cultural renaissance and modernityAir Date 3/4/2023 Today, we tell a story of colonialism, dispossession and cultural renaissance as a lens through which to understand alienation, a primary condition of modernity Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com  Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The annexation of Hawaii The dark history of the overthrow of Hawaii - TED-Ed - Air Date 2-17-22 2023-03-041h 08Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsFM’s resignation: What now for Indy?Nicola Sturgeon caught us all on the hop with her surprise resignation. In this special episode, John Drummond chats with journalist Lesley Riddoch and Believe in Scotland CEO Gordon MacIntyre Kemp about the impact on the Yes movement and where we go from here. Whatever your views on her achievements as a politician and campaigner, nobody can deny that she has put in one hell of a shift as First Minister.  We thank her and we wish her well for the future, whatever it might hold. 2023-02-1758 minTalk MediaTalk MediaGordon Brown & Food Banks, Warships, Joe Lycett & David Beckham and Emergency Services / with Lesley RiddochStuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and podcaster, Lesley Riddoch. This week - Gordon Brown wades in on food banks, new warships in Glasgow, Joe Lycett’s challenge to David Beckham and a listener question about how the media reports on emergency services. Towards the end of the show...media recommendations! To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I listen? Download the Patreon app...2022-11-1605 minThe Community Pioneers PodcastThe Community Pioneers PodcastThe Power of the Eigg Story - Yesterday and TodayThis is a very special Community Pioneers Podcast  entitled " The Power of the Eigg Story, Yesterday and Today' . Moderated by Calum MacDonald with Camille Dressler of Comunn Eachdraidh Eige (Eigg history Society) handling the Q&A ; this event featured three Iconic Scottish Writers, Lesley Riddoch, Alastair McIntosh and Andy Wightman. As you will hear, they all played a part in the Eigg community buyout. Their stories and memories provide a fascinating glimpse to what happened 25 years ago and outline some lessons for the future. Organised by Communn Eachdrtaidh Eige as part of their "voices of the Eigg Community bu...2022-11-031h 07Nordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsThe future (in Finland) will be cooperativeFinland has a 1300 km long land border with Russia, it fought two wars in the 1940s to defend then reclaim lost territory, and is now applying to join NATO. There, most knowledge of Finland ends.Which is a shame.Because a staple of Finnish life could offer a permanent solution to supply crises in Britain – if we could learn to rely on cooperatives not corporations to deliver. The picture shows composite wooden hand-basins and baths - a unique feature of the Solo Sokos Hotel in Lahti- part of a larger S-Group cooperative with more...2022-10-3037 minNordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsNordic Horizons - the explainer podcastIt's twelve years since Dan Wynn and Lesley Riddoch set up a think tank to focus on the policy successes of Scotland's Nordic neighbours. Since then, Nordic Horizons has organised almost 70 meetings - most of them in person until the pandemic lockdown in 2020. Now Nordic Horizons meets online - less disruption and travel for speakers and more access for Scots living outside Edinburgh. We're also producing monthly podcasts of recent events and edited versions of some 'Golden Oldies' - including a talk about Norway's education system where children attend kindergarten (often outdoor) until the age of six - a...2022-10-0142 minNordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsJean Sibelius - a living legacy'Finland doesn’t have a long history of Kings and castles. We have always been occupied. When we finally became free the country was built on language, literature, music, paintings. Sibelius created the distinctive sound of Finland. You can hear his enthusiasm for the country – the Finnish sagas, the stories, folklore and the language that is ours and only ours - but at the same time you can hear how he was moving towards becoming a universal composer.' Who wouldn't want to know more about Sibelius after hearing charismatic rising classical star Dalia Stasevska explain why she becam...2022-09-071h 08Nordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsGet the bairns oot playing - school can waitIs Scotland set to follow Norway with a shift to kindergarten for the early years and a school starting age 6/7 not the present 4/5?Just 12 per cent of countries send five-year-olds to school. Almost all are former parts of the British Empire, clinging to a model devised to release women from childcare as quickly as possible, so they could work in Victorian factories instead. Child welfare played no part in plumping for the present school age. That’s why Ireland and Cyprus (former British colonies) recently moved away from the British model to the European norm of 6/7.It...2022-08-2825 minNordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsHeating homes without gas - the Nordic wayWhy did district heating start on farms in Denmark?Are the Norwegians wiser to depend on electrification?Could Scotland do something game changing with smart, local energy networks?Will nuclear help Sweden reach net zero?This 50 minute podcast of the COP 26 - Nordic Verdict event tackles all these big questions with contributions from Viktoria Raft, a former energy journalist and co-founder of the gender equality network for women in energy, Kraftkvinnorna; Tore Furevik, Professor in physical oceanography at the Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and director of the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre. Keith...2022-07-211h 00Nordic HorizonsNordic HorizonsNATO, Nordics and Russian AggressionThis is a podcast edited from the conversation between three Nordic experts talking about Russian aggression in Ukraine and the way it is unravelling 70 years of neutrality and non-alignment in Scandinavia. It deals with opinion polls suggesting most Swedes and Finns want to join NATO, but questions American commitment to the Alliance - in light of remarks made five years ago by President Trump suggesting NATO is 'obsolete' and encouraging Europeans to take over the defence of their own continent. Our speakers ponder whether the time has arrived for an EU defence force.Dr. Hans Mouritzen, Senior...2022-05-1956 minTalk MediaTalk MediaPolice Speak to Nicola Sturgeon, Rwanda Plan, TalkTV and Putting Politicians on the Spot / with Lesley RiddochEamonn and Shona are joined by broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch. This week - police speak to Nicola Sturgeon about mask-wearing rules, the UK Government’s Rwanda plan, the launch of TalkTV and a listener question on putting politicians on the spot. At the end of the show, Eamonn, Shona and Lesley share their personal media recommendations. To listen to the full hour-long episode, and for a full list of recommendations, join the Talk Media Club (99p per week + VAT): patreon.com/talkmedia After I’ve joined the club, how do I list...2022-04-2006 minThe National Politics PodcastThe National Politics PodcastThe National Roadshow with David Pratt, Kevin McKenna and Lesley RiddochDavid Pratt, Kevin McKenna and Lesley Riddoch join National editor Callum Baird to discuss "What next for independence?"______________________________________________________________________________________________________Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/sun-shine-downLicense code: CPHVIWGTLIHJK0LU See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2021-08-161h 08Scottish Independence PodcastsScottish Independence PodcastsYes Group spotlight - Yes West Fife presents Lesley RiddochIndylive.radio are very grateful to Yes West fife for sharing their excellent event entitled "What progress has been made since the Holyrood election".  Attempting to answer that question plus Q and A from the audience is journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch #yesGroupSpotlight #yeswestfife #lesleyriddoch   2021-07-121h 08Talk MediaTalk MediaDominic Cummings, Dyson Report Fallout, Immigration Policy and Ryanair Hijacking / with Lesley RiddochStuart and Eamonn are joined by journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch. This week - reactions to Dominic Cummings’ evidence to MPs, the fallout from the Dyson Report, immigration policy in Scotland and the hijacking of a Ryanair flight. At the end of the episode, Stuart, Eamonn and Lesley go on to share their personal media recommendations. Bonus episodes are available via Patreon - join the Talk Media Club to access extra interviews with guests and in-depth discussions about significant media issues: www.patreon.com/talkmedia RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuart: ‘Atla...2021-05-261h 01Westminster InsiderWestminster InsiderA short history of Scottish separatismWith the Scottish parliament election less than a week away, Jack Blanchard looks back at the history of the Scottish nationalist movement and explains how it shifted from a fringe pursuit to perhaps the majority view in Scotland.Former First Ministers Alex Salmond and Jack McConnell — who between them ran the Scottish government for more than 13 years — discuss the collapse of Scottish Labour in the mid 2000s and the extraordinary rise of the SNP. Scottish Cabinet Minister Mike Russell explains what first attracted him to the nationalist movement in the 1970s, while independence campaigner and columnist Lesley Ridd...2021-04-3039 minIntelligence SquaredIntelligence SquaredDebate: The Time Is Right for Scottish IndependenceShould Scotland be independent? In this week's podcast Alex Massie and Lesley Riddoch go head to head on the question of whether the time has come to break up Britain and for Scotland to go it alone. The debate was chaired by Manveen Rana.  Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/intelligencesquared.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2021-03-2657 minAll Out PoliticsAll Out PoliticsWhat next for Scotland?Adam Boulton and guests focus on the complicated row at the heart of politics in Scotland where - in the past week - Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon have given lengthy evidence to a Holyrood inquiry investigating the handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond.What's been happening in the Scottish Parliament and where does it leave the First Minister, the SNP and the future of the independence movement?Joining Adam this week are the editor and publisher of Reaction Iain Martin, journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and Sky's Scotland correspondent James Matthews.2021-03-0451 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Podcast # 18 S3 Worst Excess Deaths in 129 yrsWorst Excess Deaths in 129 yrs... That’s fake news broadcast by BBC Scotland BTW… Deputy FM John Swinney held the Covid press briefing supported by NCD Jason Leitch...The game was ‘let's compare vaccinations with England” and make ScotGov look bad on the day the UK death rate reached another awful peak…From the past came a poll about a prosecution of former PM Tony Blair…Alex Salmond’s former Chief of Staff, Geoff Aberdein, has been barred from giving evidence of a conspiracy against his boss to the Holyrood inquiry…Nicola Sturgeon is England’s favourite politica...2021-01-2145 minSustainable ScotlandSustainable ScotlandCabin fever: how Scotland is emulating Scandinavian’s love-in for huts and natureThe Scottish hutting tradition is enjoying a surge of popularity as people seek out a simpler way of life more in tune with the environment. But what has fuelled this new love for living for nature, and just how easy is it to get away from it all? Climate journalist Shaun Milne is joined by author and journalist Lesley Riddoch and hutter and campaigner Chris Ballance who share their experiences and also ask does Scotland need a new political party to campaign on the single issue of land reform? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...2021-01-2134 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Podcast # 12 S3 A Lobster RosetteA Lobster Rosette   Our review is a Salmond V Sturgeon psychodrama-free zone but the press asked questions about it at the Covid press briefing which featured Dr. Nicola Steedman and Dr. Alisdair Cook supporting the FM.   The figures revealed another peak in hospital capacity but otherwise levelling off.   Issues included the Brazil variant and a vaccination plan spat with the UKGov. We discuss the seafood industry Brexit disaster.   A new poll has the SNP looking very strong for the Holyrood election 2021 and support for independence is holding at 57%.   Lesley Riddoch suggests the YES  movement is a healthy demonstr...2021-01-1445 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Podcast # 302 Season 2 Foot on the Throat of ScotlandFoot on the Throat of Scotland   We begin with the Holyrood Brexit vote to refuse consent for Scotland to leave the EU.  Mike Russell made a barnstorming speech winding up for the Scottish Government.  There’s a clip at the end.   The rest of the show takes a familiar route linking topical issues/people as follows:-..  FT article offering advice to serious Unionists,  Occupied Scotland,  Trojan horse,  transport infrastructure..  Borders Railway to Carlisle,  direct European transport links,  North Sea electricity inter-connector,  Scottish water,  Lesley Riddoch wins award,  Stewart voted Tory,  Sicilian Mafia think London is mor...2020-12-3149 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Podcast # 277 Season 2Comment on Alyn Smith OK? Nicola Sturgeon at FMQs .. ‘Phew! Vaccination Questions. Easy peasy’. We learnt more about the Covid jab logistics than UK media have provided. Schools Xmas holidays, exams under Covid, taxi drivers and grouse shooting featured. We then went on to discuss the reaction to the petulant article by Alyn Smith MP and other implications of the SNP NEC changes (don’t call it a revolution) especially a very good article by Lesley Riddoch. And finally we view a BBC rebuttal of the Tory claim that only a Brexit UK could deliver the Pfizer vaccine so fast.2020-12-0344 minTalk MediaTalk MediaChristmas and COVID-19 in Scotland, Refugee Crisis and Douglas Stuart’s Booker Triumph / with Lesley RiddochStuart and Eamonn are joined by Lesley Riddoch (broadcaster, journalist and fellow podcaster). This week - the Scottish Government’s response to COVID-19 and Christmas, the refugee crisis and, in the week a Scot wins the Booker Prize, the Scottish Book of the Year Awards are shelved. Stuart, Eamonn and Lesley go on to share their personal media recommendations. The Lesley Riddoch Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lesley-riddoch-podcast/id256574954 Follow Lesley on Twitter: @LesleyRiddoch RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuart: ‘Rockstars on their day off’ - by @Peej59...2020-11-2555 minRed LinesRed LinesUnion flagging?Mark C is joined by Lesley Riddoch, David Maddox & Patrick Maguire.2020-11-0428 minScotland OutdoorsScotland OutdoorsMark Stephen speaks to writer and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch about her latest book, Huts - A Place BeyondMark Stephen discusses the Nordic culture of huts with writer Lesley Riddoch2020-11-0428 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio Podcast 243 “He Hates the English. Rishi Sunak ‘revised’ his Covid support and we review that plus the reaction of Labour rising star Anneliese Dodds.    Norry fails to see what’s wrong with Angela Rayner calling a Tory MP ‘SCUM’ as it’s an acronym for Scottish Conservative Unionist Mp.    DRoss gets roasted (again) for hypocrisy after proudly using his dinner lady mum to support free school meals in Scotland yet failing to vote for them in England.  Norry reckons he must “Hate the English”    Lesley Riddoch on the English North gets a mention and acco...2020-10-2244 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio Podcast 197.Featured today;… The Covid press briefing and then the Gordon Brewer show starring Finance Secretary Kate Forbes. No deaths, 30,000 tests comleted yesterday, 80% success in contact tracing and quarantine compliance, Daily Heil skelped, TES skelped and a satisfied FM. GERS dominated the Brewer show and Kate Forbes sorted out Peter McMahon from ITV. “GERS is a picture of Scotland IN THE UK not an iScotland” Douglas Fraser unusually was sitting on the indy fence and even Brewer interrupted the Unionist MSPs bawling “Too wee, too poor” Lesley Riddoch suggested...2020-08-2700 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio Podcast 179.SQA stooshie Part2…FM gives details; Aberdeen outbreak…Pub crawls at risk…FM “personal responsibility not police matter”; Johnson Government…PPE contract corruption; BCIS…New leader Ref Ross blunders…plotter Baroness Porkypie blunders; Weak Unionist opposition…SNP invents some; Bomber Baillie…Gets Smart foot shot; Lesley Riddoch…”Douglas Ross is new Jum Murphy”2020-08-0600 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio Podcast 132The lads discuss today’s press conference with Nicola’s turn in and get a bit heated and bitchy about Stewarts conspiracy theories. As nickel of the person to lead us into the second independence referendum with reference to Peter a Bell’s blog piece and Lesley Riddoch’s article in the National. Boris’s bonking bubble is also discussed.2020-06-1100 minRed LinesRed LinesCould Covid kill the Union?Mark is joined by Lesley Riddoch, Alex Massie & Martin Kettle.2020-05-2728 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 181 - The Declaration of ArbroathObviously you weren't expecting there would be any UK wide celebrations of The Declaration of Arbroath, were you? However, the indy movement has stepped up and we've had the documentary by Lesley Riddoch and Charlie Stuart, and there will be an illustrated version too. For my own part, I decided just to read the whole thing, not the few quotes we usually hear, and make it available as audio, so here it is. Obviously I read the translation from the National Library of Scotland, not the original Latin. Doing it, it was easy to see how it is in part...2020-04-0607 minAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio PodcastAye Right Radio Podcast #70 Season 2.Jimmy, Norrie and Stewart discuss Lesley Riddoch's love of experts making up the opposition Nicola Sturgeon's daily press conference and airports.2020-04-0200 minThe Green Alliance PodcastThe Green Alliance PodcastThe race to zero waste: designing Scotland's world leading recycling system (event highlights)Did you know? Waste and resources policy is a devolved matter in the UK and if it was a race to design a world leading recycling system, Scotland would be winning. While England is just considering how a deposit return scheme for drinks containers will work, Scotland announced in January 2019 that it would definitely be having one and set out its overarching design in May, with a deadline of bringing the system in by 2020. Join experts in resources and waste to discuss what needs to be done to ensure the system is effective, and how...2019-07-3016 minThe Media ShowThe Media ShowCommercial radio tunes out of localGlobal, the UK's largest commercial radio company, has announced it will launch national breakfast shows on Capital, Heart and Smooth radio. The new programmes, produced in London, will replace local shows and lead to studio closures and job losses. Does the move mark the end of local commercial radio? Amol is joined by Phil Riley, former chief executive of Chrysalis Radio, and Gill Hind, COO of Enders Analysis.Also in the programme, the BBC launches a new channel just for Scotland. Steve Carson, head of the BBC Scotland channel, Bobby Hain, STV Managing Director of Broadcast and...2019-02-2728 minWhat We Do In The WinterWhat We Do In The Winter02 Morven GibsonOur second podcast features Morven Gibson from Bunessan in the Ross of Mull. Morven is the General Manager with South West Mull & Iona Development In our chat we mention: https://swmid.co.uk www.mict.co.uk http://nwmullwoodland.co.uk/ https://ionavillagehall.org/ http://www.tobermoryharbour.co.uk/ Rural Housing Scotland Woodland Crofts Lesley Riddoch’s books Blossom McSmorgasboard For more info please visit https://whatwedointhewinter.wordpress.com/ Or follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/WhatWeDoInTheW1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatwedointhewinter2018-10-0454 minScotland OutdoorsScotland OutdoorsHas Scotland become divorced from nature? Mark Stephen meets journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch to find outMark Stephen meets Lesley Riddoch who thinks Scotland has become divorced from nature2018-07-1829 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 154 - McSmörgåsbordAt the moment there isn't really enough talk about choices. Everything is being presented as either a future in Brexit UK (with all the lack of choices that entails), or an independent future in the EU. However there are more options than that available. If one looks to Scandinavia it is possible to see many different types of engagement and activity with Europe, from full membership and trying to change things from within, to various kinds of halfway house. In this talk presented here in the 154th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast, Lesley Riddoch outlines the options, and there...2017-04-2833 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 149 - Something FishyA recent episode of the Lesley Riddoch podcast mentioned a couple of things regarding what's going to happen to fishing and agriculture in Scotland post-brexit. I felt what they were talking about was so important that we should go straight to the horse's mouth, and then to the horses a***s (Mundell & Farage). So for the 149th episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast I've pulled together the relevant comments and something fishy does indeed seem to be going on. Hope you enjoy. LINKS https://www.facebook.com/TheScottishIndependencePodcast http://michaelgreenwell.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/mgreenwell2017-03-1511 minDiscoveryDiscoveryThe City that Fell into the EarthHow do you move a city? Lesley Riddoch travels to Arctic Sweden to find out. Kiruna is gradually sliding into Europe's biggest iron ore mine. The city has to be rebuilt two miles away. That requires an extraordinary blend of planning, architecture, technology and stoicism. If anyone can do it then it's the Swedes.2016-11-0726 minDanny DorlingDanny DorlingThe ministry of nostalgia and Inequality & the 1%Owen Hatherley and Danny Dorling, chaired by Lesley Riddoch. Aye Write Book Festival, Mitchell Library, Glasgow, March 18th 20162016-03-1955 minCosting the EarthCosting the EarthThe City That Fell into the EarthHow do you move a city? Lesley Riddoch travels to Arctic Sweden to find out. Kiruna is gradually sliding into Europe's biggest iron ore mine. The city has to be rebuilt two miles away. That requires an extraordinary blend of planning, architecture, technology and stoicism. If anyone can do it then it's the Swedes.Producer: Alasdair Cross.2016-02-2327 minThe Scottish Independence PodcastThe Scottish Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 114 - On Land Ownership & Reform, with Lesley Riddoch"The Land Reform Bill we have in front of us at the moment is just a start, and a pretty tentative one at that. It needs beefed up." - Lesley RiddochWhen it comes to land ownership and distribution it must be said that Scotland is an international oddball.A number of factors have contributed to the unusual situation we find ourselves in and in this episode I spoke with Lesley Riddoch about what those are and what can be done about the situation, both in the countryside and in the cities.Furthermore, is...2015-10-0837 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 114 - On Land Ownership & Reform, with Lesley Riddoch"The Land Reform Bill we have in front of us at the moment is just a start, and a pretty tentative one at that. It needs beefed up." - Lesley Riddoch When it comes to land ownership and distribution it must be said that Scotland is an international oddball. A number of factors have contributed to the unusual situation we find ourselves in and in this episode I spoke with Lesley Riddoch about what those are and what can be done about the situation, both in the countryside and in the cities. Furthermore, is the Scottish Government in a compromised...2015-10-0837 min2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival2014 Edinburgh International Book FestivalGerry Hassan and Lesley Riddoch at Edinburgh International Book Festival (edbookfest)Can Scotland Be Future-Proofed? As the vote on Scotland’s future looms into view, commentators are turning their attention to what might happen next. Gerry Hassan’s Caledonian Dreaming questions some of the key myths Scotland tells about itself, while Lesley Riddoch’s Blossom wonders whether swapping a London elite for an Edinburgh one will make much difference to Scots' lives. Might Scotland flourish if we look elsewhere? Part of our Scotland's Future series of events.2014-09-0300 minEdinburgh International Book FestivalEdinburgh International Book FestivalGerry Hassan & Lesley Riddoch (2014 event) As the vote on Scotland’s future looms into view, commentators are turning their attention to what might happen next. Gerry Hassan’s Caledonian Dreaming questions some of the key myths Scotland tells about itself, while Lesley Riddoch’s Blossom wonders whether swapping a London elite for an Edinburgh one will make much difference to Scots' lives. Might Scotland flourish if we look elsewhere? Recorded live at the 2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival.2014-08-2000 min2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival2014 Edinburgh International Book FestivalGerry Hassan & Lesley Riddoch (2014 event) As the vote on Scotland’s future looms into view, commentators are turning their attention to what might happen next. Gerry Hassan’s Caledonian Dreaming questions some of the key myths Scotland tells about itself, while Lesley Riddoch’s Blossom wonders whether swapping a London elite for an Edinburgh one will make much difference to Scots' lives. Might Scotland flourish if we look elsewhere? Recorded live at the 2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival.2014-08-2000 minAll Back To Bowie\'sAll Back To Bowie'sFri 15 Aug 2014 – Lesley Riddoch interview – Could Scotland Blossom? Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Moonage Daydreams Lesley Riddoch interview – Could Scotland Blossom? With Lesley Riddoch, David Greig, Calum Rodger, Matt Baker, Lomond Campbell. I was a bit giddy with the thrill of meeting Lesley Riddoch. I’ve been a fan of her since her BBC Radio Scotland days and followed her writing about the Eigg buyout with fascination. But since the referendum and her book Blossom she has become a central figure in the debate about exactly how we can shape a new Scotland. Her husband Chris Smith is also a stalwart of th...2014-08-1600 minThe Scottish Independence PodcastThe Scottish Independence PodcastScotIndyBook 4 - Blossom"Blossom is an account of Scotland at the grassroots through the stories of people I've had the good fortune to know – the most stubborn, talented and resilient people on the planet. They've had to be. Some have transformed their parts of Scotland. Some have tried and failed. But all have something in common – they know what it takes for Scotland to blossom. We should know too."The ScotIndyBook series features audio book versions, full books or selected pieces, fiction and non-fiction, of some of the books being written about the independence referendum, or using it as a theme.2014-07-3123 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyBook 4 - Blossom"Blossom is an account of Scotland at the grassroots through the stories of people I've had the good fortune to know – the most stubborn, talented and resilient people on the planet. They've had to be. Some have transformed their parts of Scotland. Some have tried and failed. But all have something in common – they know what it takes for Scotland to blossom. We should know too." The ScotIndyBook series features audio book versions, full books or selected pieces, fiction and non-fiction, of some of the books being written about the independence referendum, or using it as a theme. All the book...2014-07-3123 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 55 - Imgne A Better ScotlandThe 55th episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast is the first of two that aren't the usual interview format but rather some talks that are taken from here and there and will provide both useful information for campaigners, and I hope some enjoyable listening. This one comes from an event a few weeks back in Kirkcaldy and the speakers were Alistair Bruce, who is involved with Yes Kirkcaldy, Ross Ingerbergson who is a communications director for the SNP, Robin McAlpine who is the director of the Reid Foundation (I also interviewed him here) and writer and former BBC journalist Lesley...2014-02-182h 05Scot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastFor A' That 39 - The Other Kind Of UnionFor the 39th episode of the For A' That podcast I was joined by the editors of the Mair Nor A Roch Wind website, namely Amy Westwell, Cailean Gallagher and Rory Scothorne. Their site has been described thusly... “This should *really* scare the Labour establishment” – Pat Kane “It’s like being harangued by a keelie Lenin” – A Cybernat “First I’ve read on this site, which some have been recommending. Dear lord.” – Wings over Scotland “They’ve walked into no mans land, These guys are absolutely smack bang in the middle of everybody” - Lesley Riddoch You certainly won't be hearing the standard Yes or...2014-01-2840 minBook TalkBook TalkThe Hope of the FutureAn exciting new year has begun, and, appropriately, we're looking to the future in this, our first edition of Book Talk for 2014! Host Ryan Van Winkle sits down with three very different people to chat about what the future may hold for books and for Scotland. To get things started, literary critic and Man Booker Prize judge Stuart Kelly discusses the most recent Booker winner, Eleanor Catton's The Luminaries and why it should be on everyone's to-read list this year. Find out how considering the future informs his judging decisions, what books he's most looking forward to this year...2014-01-0735 minThe Scottish Independence PodcastThe Scottish Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 43 - Lesley RiddochFor the 43rd episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast I spoke with Lesley Riddoch, writer, blogger, broadcaster, podcaster and speaker.The conversation took in a number of things including what's to be done now, and why it can't wait for the referendum, the lack of empowerment in Scottish communities and why the official Yes campaign may or may not have to walk a tightrope but the rest of us should be getting stuck right into it.There's also a radical suggestion about what's to be done about the Scotsman, but you'll have to listen to find...2013-12-1444 minScot Independence PodcastScot Independence PodcastScotIndyPod 43 - Lesley RiddochFor the 43rd episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast I spoke with Lesley Riddoch, writer, blogger, broadcaster, podcaster and speaker. The conversation took in a number of things including what's to be done now, and why it can't wait for the referendum, the lack of empowerment in Scottish communities and why the official Yes campaign may or may not have to walk a tightrope but the rest of us should be getting stuck right into it. There's also a radical suggestion about what's to be done about the Scotsman, but you'll have to listen to find it out what it...2013-12-1444 minThe Media ShowThe Media Show08/02/2012When Facebook filed for an initial public offering last week, there were suggestions it could be valued at around $100 billion. Since then, more questions have been raised about the challenges it faces in justifying that value. Olivia Solon, associate editor at Wired magazine and James Ball, data journalist at the Guardian, discuss the prospects.The BBC was thrust into Scottish politics at the weekend, when it was reported that it cancelled an invitation to First Minister Alex Salmond to take part in coverage of the Calcutta Cup rugby match at Murrayfield. The BBC adviser who vetoed the...2012-02-0828 min