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This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine

This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine

By: The Scots Magazine
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Scottish historian Ally Heather and bestselling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker, host This Is Scotland - a weekly podcast exploring the people, places, traditions and ideas that shape modern Scotland.

Each episode blends history, culture, geography, humour and personal storytelling to uncover what makes Scotland unique: from island life and folklore to food, heritage and the changing face of the nation today.

Produced by The Scots Magazine, the world's oldest magazine still in publication, first launched in 1739, the podcast builds on nearly three centuries of celebrating Scotland's people, places and culture, bringing those stories to life in a fresh and engaging way.

Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland.

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com

Find out more:
The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com
Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot
Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod

Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod
Produced by Rachel McConachie
Edited by Beth McHugh
Music by Paper Rifles

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Half Pint Q&A: Campervans, Machair and Our Series Finale
    Jul 30 2026

    It's the final Half Pint of Series 1, and Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, are answering your questions one last time.

    This week, they debate which Scottish town deserves to be crowned the UK's next City of Culture, champion hidden gems including Leith, Rothesay and Lerwick, and share why some of Scotland's lesser-known places deserve a spot on every travel itinerary.

    They also discuss Scotland's growing wildfire risk and what can be done to better protect our landscapes, tackle the debate around campervans and motorhomes, explain the etiquette of driving on single-track roads, and explore the future of Scotland's precious machair as greylag geese put this unique habitat under pressure.

    Join us for one last Half Pint of history, humour and Scottish conversation and let us know what you'd love to hear in Series 2.

    Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland.

    Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com

    Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod

    Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles

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    29 mins
  • Episode 8: The Real Braveheart, Scotland's Greatest Train Journeys and Auld Lang Syne
    Jul 27 2026

    What makes Scotland's greatest film? How did Auld Lang Syne become the New Year's eve anthem all over the world? And which train journeys offer the best views in the country?

    In the final episode of Series 1 of This is Scotland with The Scots Magazine, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker revisit the films that have shaped Scotland's image around the world, uncover the surprising history behind Braveheart and Local Hero, and reveal why William Wallace's story on screen is very different from the historical record - and why that is OK.

    The pair also explore the remarkable journey of Auld Lang Syne from an old Scottish song to a global New Year tradition, before sharing their favourite railway adventures: from spectacular Highland routes to the story behind the Forth Bridge and Glasgow's historic Subway.

    Along the way, you'll hear the touching tale of Greyfriars Bobby, discover Scotland's best island foodie stops, and enjoy one final helping of history, humour and travel inspiration as Ally and Coinneach round off Series 1.

    Thanks for listening, and we'll see you for Series 2!

    Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland.

    Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com

    Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod

    Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Half Pint Q&A: Where Is the 'Real' Scotland?
    Jul 23 2026

    What does the "real" Scotland actually look like? Is it a remote island, a bustling city, a Highland glen... or somewhere else entirely?

    In this listener Q&A episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, share the places they believe capture Scotland at its most authentic before asking listeners where they would send someone to experience the country's true character.

    They also celebrate some of Scotland's greatest television programmes, from the enduring appeal of Taggart to the modern success of Shetland, reveal an unexpected invention by John Logie Baird, explore fascinating caves around Scotland, and discuss one of the nation's strangest traditions: why traffic cones keep ending up on the heads of statues.

    As always, expect plenty of laughs, surprising stories and a fresh perspective on the Scotland you thought you knew.

    Whether you live in Scotland, have Scottish roots, or simply love the country, This Is Scotland is your place to feel connected to the real Scotland.

    Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com

    Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.com Gallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scot Follow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod

    Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeod Produced by Rachel McConachie Edited by Beth McHugh Music by Paper Rifles

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
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Having a place to go to that covers both Scottish history and modern live Scotland. Both bring so much passion and information, it has been missing elsewhere.

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