Shows
This Is IslayIslay Book Festival 2024This Is Islay's Jean MacLellan in conversation with Charlène Busali, Chair of this year's Islay Book Festival. Together they discuss various elements of the festival, its events and activities which take place between 29 August and 2 September 2024.
For more information visit islaybookfestival.co.uk.
This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast which celebrates the people, places and connections which shape the Islay and Jura communities.
For more information visit thisisislay.co.uk.2024-08-2236 minThis Is IslayWhat Makes Someone An Ileach ?This episode launches Season 3 of our community podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura.
This episode focuses on the people of Islay, and specifically "What makes someone an Ileach?"
Greig Barker interviews Islay High School students, Russell Pollock speaks to Samantha MacArthur and the podcast team gathers various views on the subject.
We would like to thank Islay High School students Diura Paterson and Matthew Campbell, and Glasgow University student Samantha MacArthur for their participation in this episode.
We would also like to thank those Facebook users...2024-03-0234 minThis Is IslayThe View From Two WheelsIn this episode, Sharon Jones, on her third visit to Islay together with husband Mike, contributes her own recording to our podcast series. She relates her experiences travelling the highways and byways of Islay by e-bike. This episode was recorded, by Sharon, in September 2023.
This is our very first Leap Day episode.2024-02-2907 minThis Is IslaySlowing Down on Islay - A Whisky Tourist's PerspectiveIn this episode, Lars Weitbrecht, a traveller from Germany shares his discovery of Islay whisky, the Islay landscape and the Islay community, in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. This episode was recorded in September 2023.2024-02-2914 minThis Is IslayMAYDS at MYCOSIn May 2023, Jolyon interviewed Fiona Kalache MBE who manages Mid Argyll Youth Development Services, known as MAYDS. In this role, Fiona provides support and guidance to the programmes offered on Islay by the Mactaggart Youth and Community Outreach Services (MYCOS). MYCOS was formerly known as MYFOS and the Mactaggart Cyber Cafe in Port Ellen, but offers a broad range of services and activities for young people and other islandwide community groups.
Note: This is a companion episode to the interview with Lynn Johnstone, also with MAYDS, focussing on Mental Health Support and first released in October 2023.
2024-01-2617 minThis Is IslayMental Health Support on IslayThis episode features Glen in conversation with Lynn Johnstone, part of Mid-Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS), focussing on the mental health support she provides at Islay High School. More information is available at https://www.exchange-counselling.com/ .2023-10-2631 minThis Is IslayThe Ileach is 50 Years OldThe Independent Newspaper for Islay and Jura, the Ileach, was founded in 1973. To mark the occasion, Glen Roberts sat down with current editor Brian Palmer and past editor Calum Murray to discuss all things Ileach, and in particular the role of this publication in the local community.
The Ileach is published fortnightly, with print editions of the Ileach available on Islay and Jura, and through UK and worldwide subscriptions by post. Electronic (pdf) subscriptions are also available. More information at ileach.co.uk .2023-10-1928 minThis Is IslayArt on Display: InteractionsThree Scottish Artists - Anne Campbell, Pauline McGee and Cathy Wilson - discuss their art and inspirations in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. The three artists have an Exhibition, "Interactions", taking place at the Gaelic Centre near Bowmore (until August 11th 2023). Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Many thanks to the Bridgend Hotel for allowing us access to the main dining room studio for recording. Martine Nouet hosts a whisky-tasting event in conjunction with the Exhibition on Friday August 4th 5:30pm. Tickets available by contacting the Gaelic Centre directly at 01496 810 818.
2023-07-3024 minThis Is IslayThe Return of Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival - 2023In this episode Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts talk with Lesley McCall, Secretary of the Fèis Ìle Committee, as she and her colleagues get ready for the Islay Festival which takes place from May 26th to June 3rd 2023.
Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival - is a gathering of whisky and Islay fans from across the globe.In the last week of May, we celebrate Islay, her culture and her spirit, in a ten day event that defines the whisky calendar.
More information, including tickets, at feisile.co.uk .
Listen to all...2023-05-1921 min
This Is Islay2022 in ReviewGlen and Tom look back over This Is Islay's activities and podcasts during 2022, a year of transition after restrictions imposed by COVID. We published 9 episodes and expanded our reach to 17 countries. In addition, we continue to spread the word around Islay and Jura.
We thank you our listeners as well as the various guests and supporters who have made the podcasting journey so enjoyable over the past 3 years.
This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places and events which shape the Islay and Jura community. We are also a Coop Local Community cau...2023-01-1624 min
This Is IslayChristmas In The (Islay) AirIt's the end of the year, Christmas is coming very soon, and we present our last episode of 2022. Glen talks with Maureen MacDonald, Headteacher of Port Ellen Primary School - Gold Award winner Primary School of the Year (UK) from Pearson National Teaching Awards, and recently featured on BBC One's ONE Show. Glen and Jolyon spread a little good cheer for the season, with a festive greeting from Marion McGregor at the Gaelic Centre.
To learn more about the Coop Local Community Fund and to support This Is Islay, visit https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/73758 .
T...2022-12-2110 minThis Is IslayThe Best Ports Improve With AgeIslay's new ferries are eagerly awaited. In this episode, a conversation with Nasir Udin, Senior Civil Engineer with CMAL – Caledonian Maritime Assets – and This Is Islay's Glen Roberts, discussing the upcoming port improvements which will take place in Port Ellen as well as Port Askaig, Colonsay and Kennacraig, all in preparation for two new ferries under construction in Turkey and scheduled for service in late 2024 and early 2025.
Updates on the port improvements for Port Ellen and Port Askaig may be found at cmassets.co.uk/project/islay-vessel-enabling-works/
Information on the new ferries is available at cmass...2022-10-2111 minThis Is IslayWhat's New at Bruichladdich HallGlen speaks with Angus Rice about the recent updates at Bruichladdich Hall, and upcoming events planned for the Hall. Angus Rice is the Chairman of the Bruichladdich Hall Committee. Many thanks to the various teams of volunteers and contractors who assisted with the work, including the efforts of Islay Development Initiative.
This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Islay and Jura communities.
Visit our website at thisisislay.co.uk to learn more, and follow us on social media @ThisIsIslay @ThisIsIslayPodcast .2022-10-0711 minThis Is IslayThe Ileach (Fortnightly)This Is Islay in conversation with Brian Palmer, a big wheel in the Islay cycling world, a drummer, and also full-time editor of the Ileach, Islay's own award-winning newspaper. How did he join the Ileach (many years ago) and how does he balance the editorial and commercial sides of running a newspaper.
This Is Islay is a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape Islay and Jura.
Brian Palmer was interviewed by Jolyon Thurgood with Glen Roberts in the recording studios at Islay High School (many thanks), in June 2022.2022-09-2927 minThis Is IslayMusic Music MusicIntroduced by Jolyon Thurgood, this episode highlights the upcoming music events on Islay and Jura:
Jura Music Festival, September 23-25 2022. More at juramusicfestival.com
Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, October 9-11 2022. More at islayjazzfestival.co.uk
Islay Sessions, November 11-13 2022. More at FraserShawTrust.com
With music from Islay's own Mairi McGillivray, a track from her EP "In My Mind" available on Bandcamp at https://mairimcgillivray.bandcamp.com/album/in-my-mind
The song "Tàladh na Beinne Guirme" was written for Celtic Colours 2004 by Goiridh Dòmhnallach and Brian OhEadhra, is also known as...2022-09-2108 minThis Is IslayIslay Show Day - Since 1838An interview with David McArthur, President of the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Association. This Is Islay is a community-led podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura.
Extra Information here
This episode marks the launch of Season 2 of This Is Islay and the second anniversary of our first episode released in August 2020.
This episode features David McArthur, the President of the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Association. Their annual Show has since 1838 been THE day of the year in the island calendar, this year taking place on August 11th....2022-08-0516 min
This Is IslaySnowball Earth, Back to Islay and FilmGThis is Episode 15 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
This episode is hosted by Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts, and production was led by Tom O'Farrell .
Thanks to the Port Charlotte Hotel for hosting our Rhinns recording studio.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School through the support of their staff...2022-06-1819 minThis Is IslayFairtrade and Feis Ile - Islay's Festival of Music and MaltThis is Episode 14 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
We’re excited to welcome Florence Grey as co-host to this episode, assisted by Jolyon Thurgood.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School through the support of their staff and access to their recording facilities, and are working closely with MYFOS to involve the yo...2022-04-1545 minThis Is IslayLand of the Ilich - Past and PresentThis is Episode 12+1 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
All are invited to join our 1st Annual General Meeting via Zoom on Thursday 17th March 2022 at 7pm by clicking here https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82440141101?pwd=TG9tOGx2eXgwZUFBZ2dYU2VlVlBkUT09 or by emailing us for more information at thisisislay@gmail.com .
This month’s podcast is hosted by Tom O’Farrell and Jolyon Thurgood.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and t...2022-03-0632 minThis Is IslayChristmas 2021This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School, and with MYFOS and their programmes in support of local young people. We actively seek volunteers to join our podcasting team. Contact us at e-mail: thisisislay@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter & Facebook @ThisIsIslay .
In this episode, we hear holiday greetings...2021-12-2418 minThis Is IslayCOP26: Islay Perspectives, and The Islay TimesThis is Episode 11 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura.
This is a special COP26 episode hosted by Tom O'Farrell and Jolyon Thurgood and features:
· Glen Roberts in conversation with the founders of the Islay Times, a newspaper project based at Islay High School .
· Glen Roberts talking with Islay High School students about their school class project
· Jolyon Thurgood in conversation with Dietmar Finger discussing the recent exhibit at the Gaelic Centre in Bowmore, tri...2021-12-1455 minThis Is IslayRun The Runway and Running Water in BowmoreThis is Episode 10 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura.
This month’s podcast is hosted by Jasmine Middleton and Jolyon Thurgood and features:
· Glen Roberts in conversation with Georgina Reid, Corporate Affairs Regional Manager for Scottish Water, discussing their major project on Islay which will update and replace water mains in Bowmore over the next 15 months.
· Conversations with the organiser Laura MacInnes and with participants in the Run the Runway event which took place on Octo...2021-11-2528 min
This Is IslayPortraits and PartnershipsThis is Episode 9 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura.
This month’s podcast is hosted by Larah McKay and Jasmine Middleton and features:
· Glen Roberts in conversation with Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen about his new book of photography “Islay – A Personal Portrait of the Island”,
· News of the partnership between This Is Islay and Mactaggart Youth and Families Outreach Services (MYFOS) to involve young people of Islay, and
· A special mini-podcast put togethe...2021-09-0446 min
This Is IslayTea with CantilenaThis is Episode 8 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
This month’s podcast is hosted by Jolyon Thurgood and features:
· An update from Cantilena – chamber music on Islay – as the 2021 Cantilena Festival goes online,
· A conversation with Les Wilson about his new book “Putting the Tea in Britain”.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collabora...2021-07-0747 min
This Is IslaySpring Arrivals and Islay FacesThis is Episode 7 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
This month’s podcast is hosted by Jolyon Thurgood and features:
· Glen Roberts with Pat McGrann, an update on Islay Community Access Group’s Bruichladdich to Port Charlotte path,
· Russell Pollock interviewing Kathryn MacPherson on all aspects of lambing,
· Dietmar Finger discussing his “Islay Faces” portrait exhibition at the Gaelic Centre in Bowmore.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and trainin...2021-07-0438 minThis Is IslayÒran Mór and More CyberThis is Episode 6 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. This month’s podcast is hosted by Gemma MacLean and Jolyon Thurgood and features:
1. Glen Roberts with Larah McKay, Manager at the Mactaggart Youth Community Cybercafe (the "Cyber") together with Orla Campbell and Mara McGillivray of the Youth Forum
2. The Òrain Ìleach Project: Gaelic Songs of Islay by Lynn McDonald and Kenneth Thomson, featuring:
· "Ò Albainn Caoidh" performed by Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle Islay Gaelic Choir
· Lynn McDonald and Kenneth Thomson in...2021-03-1256 minThis Is IslayAlways Heat the HaggisThis is Episode 5 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. This month’s podcast is hosted by Gemma MacLean and Jolyon Thurgood and features:
1. Nicholas Bowman and Jenny Featherstone describing their lockdown journey around Islay - on foot and by kayak - to bag all 34 trig points,
2. Glen Roberts in conversation with Iain Gibson discussing Robert Burns, Burns Night, “Address to a Haggis” and much more,
3. Mairi McGillivray’s music, a track from her EP “In My Mind” – ”Tha Fadachd orm Fhìn” , and
4...2021-01-2143 minThis Is IslayChristmas 2020 on IslayThis episode features Jolyon Thurgood and guest host Frazer Campbell, from Campbell's of Islay, and a High Street Hero nominated as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign for their support of the community during challenging times of 2020.
This episode also features:
1. Glen Roberts in conversation with Lynn and Louise of the Islay and Jura Virtual (Christmas) Market,
2. Sophie and Davina organising Christmas Eve events in Bowmore.
2020-12-2322 minThis Is IslayIslay Community Access Group and Music from the Fraser Shaw Trust / Islay SessionsThis is Episode 3 of This Is Islay, a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura, hosted this month by Jolyon Thurgood and Tom O’Farrell, featuring:
1. Glen Roberts in conversation with Dr Pat McGrann of the Islay Community Access Group,
2. Greig Shaw with the Fraser Shaw Trust, music from the Islay Sessioneers: David Foley, Jack Smedley, Jenn Butterworth, and Maeve Mackinnon, and
3. This month’s factoid.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and train...2020-11-1837 minThis Is IslayIslay Resilience and A Trip To IndiaThis is Episode 2 of This Is Islay, a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura.
This podcast features the voices of Greig Barker, Sharon McHarrie, Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood in conversation with each other, with Dougie McFadzean and Gill Chasemore of the Islay Resilience Group, and with the (former) students of Islay High School - Helena, Maisie, Russell and Samantha - recalling their trip to India in 2019.
The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities...2020-10-0836 minThis Is IslayWelcome to This Is Islay Fàilte a chàirdeanThis is the first episode of This Is Islay, a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura.
This podcast features the voices of Greig Barker, Sharon McHarrie, Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood in conversation with each other and with Brendan O'Hara, Iain Gibson and Ella Edgar.
Theme music is '£50 Cashback' by The Fraser Shaw Trust. Learn more about the work of the Fraser Shaw Trust in support of the relief of multiple sclerosis at https://www.frasershawtrust.com/.
The goal of...2020-08-1022 min