Simply Scottish – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Simply Scottish

Andrew McDiarmid

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/55d. Total Eps: 94

Scottish history and culture with a mix of traditional and modern Scottish music. Take a virtual trip to Scotland on every episode!

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Apple

Data updated on 04/07/2026

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - Places & Travel
13/08/2026
#95
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
04/08/2026
#81
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
27/07/2026
#94
🇨🇦 Canada - Places & Travel
21/04/2026
#65
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
26/03/2026
#88
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
25/03/2026
#53
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
05/03/2026
#86
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
20/01/2026
#95
🇨🇦 Canada - Places & Travel
14/12/2025
#57
🇨🇦 Canada - Places & Travel
01/12/2025
#66

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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http://www.simplyscottish.com
4 shares
http://www.simplyscottish.com/#
1 share

http://www.facebook.com/simplyscottish
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 49%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Latest published episodes

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Episode 94: James Clerk Maxwell: The Scottish Mind Behind Modern Physics

Episode 94

Saturday, November 8, 2025 • Duration 36:18

He’s one of the most significant scientists of the nineteenth century, and his work laid the foundation for modern physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Scottish physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell is a pivotal figure in the history of modern science. On this episode, host Andrew McDiarmid speaks with mathematics educator, curriculum designer, and medical physicist Amos Tarfa to better understand the great scientist’s contributions and lasting influence. Maxwell is considered by some to be the greatest scientist between Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. As if to confirm this, when asked if he stood on the shoulders of Newton, Einstein once replied, “No, on the shoulders of Maxwell.” Maxwell also had a strong belief that nature showed evidence of intelligent design. Tarfa discusses how Maxwell harmonized his faith and reason, and gives examples of how his discoveries point toward deeper questions about order, design, and meaning in the universe. Plus, enjoy new music from Kim Carney and Gnoss!

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Episode 93: The Night Before Christmas in Scotland

Episode 93

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 • Duration 21:47

"Twis th' nicht afore Christmas whin aw aboot th' hoose, nae creature wis stirrin', no even a moose. Th' stockings wur hung by th' auld lum wi care in hopes that ol' Santae soon wid be there..." On this episode, Scottish author Kirsty Strange reads her Scots translation of the famous Christmas poem "The Night Before Christmas." Plus, listen to a Highland bagpipe rendition of a classic yuletide carol and enjoy new songs from Siobhan Miller and Church Street Shuffle. Add some Scottish flavor to your Christmas celebrations!

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Episode 92: Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4

Episode 92

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • Duration 20:11

Need a song or a poem to brighten your day? In the 4th installment of our Poetry & Song series, enjoy inspiring verse from Scottish national poet Kathleen Jamie, World War I poet David Mackie, and composer Hugh Roberton. Plus brand new music from trad fusion band DLU, a lovely rendition of the famous Highland air "Westering Home" from the Highland Music Ensemble, and an upbeat track from pioneering band Shooglenifty. Take a virtual trip to Scotland right now with Simply Scottish!

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Episode 91: A Simply Scottish Christmas

Episode 91

Thursday, December 21, 2023 • Duration 30:43

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss what the phrase "Simply Scottish" means, and you'll hear from Andrew's father Andrew McDiarmid Sr. as he shares memories of a childhood Christmas in Scotland in a clip from our radio archives. Wishing you and your family a blessed and merry Christmas! This episode was originally released in December 2013.

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Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland

Episode 90

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • Duration 31:26

On this episode, Andrew shares 11 top experiences you'll want to add to your own Scottish itinerary! From the summit of Arthur's Seat and the peak of Ben Nevis to the villages along the North Coast 500 and the fresh cuisine on the Isle of Skye, be inspired by these memorable places and activities. Plus, enjoy music from newcomer Katie McFarlane, pianist Neil Pearlman, Gaelic supergroup Daimh, and the Northern Soul sounds of Glasgow musician Kenny Lee Roberts. Want more? Get exclusive episodes, articles, and more when you join our Patreon clan. Learn more at Patreon.com/simplyscottish.

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Episode 89: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3

Episode 89

Friday, May 12, 2023 • Duration 26:28

On this episode of Simply Scottish, journey with us to two Edinburgh landmarks as Andrew shares more memories of his childhood in the Athens of the North. Today, The Meadows is a beautiful city park. Discover how the space has been used across the centuries by locals, from drinking water and war garden to derby soccer and the world's fair. Andrew also shares two memories connected to the city's ancient volcano Arthur's Seat, adored by hillwalkers and climbers alike and home to the best views Edinburgh can offer. Along the way, enjoy new and stirring music from Joy Dunlop, Celtic Worship, and Iain Fraser!

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Episode 88: Finding John Muir, pt. 1

Episode 88

Friday, March 24, 2023 • Duration 19:59

Journey with us in the footsteps of Scottish-American naturalist, conservationist, and inventor John Muir! Host Andrew reports on an extraordinary experience visiting the Muir Papers and exhibit at the University of the Pacific in California. Hear what it's like to open and examine boxes of Muir's original papers, letters, and fragments. Plus, a selection of great music as always, including Sheena Wellington, Valtos & Project Smok, and Doron Diamond. And don't miss Finding John Muir, pt. 2 - available to members of our Patreon Clan. Join today!

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Episode 87: Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America

Episode 87

Friday, February 10, 2023 • Duration 38:54

Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has had a profound impact on the United States since the early years of the republic. On this episode, Andrew talks to nationally syndicated radio host and fellow Scot Janet Parshall on how Burns inspired countless Americans, including two leaders instrumental in America's fight to end slavery: abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Douglass found great encouragement in Burns and considered himself Scottish at heart. At a Burns celebration in New York in 1849, he mused, "If a warm love of Scotch character—a high appreciation of Scotch genius—constitute any of the qualities of a true Scotch heart, then indeed does a Scotch heart throb beneath these ribs." Plus, we dip into the Simply Scottish Radio Archive to bring you a 1999 reading from my father and former co-host Andrew Sr. He delivers the famous Burns poem "A Man’s A Man For A’ That." And as usual, you’ll hear some lovely Scottish music, this time from Graham Mackenzie, Amer//Hawskworth//Munro, and The Proclaimers.

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Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2

Episode 86

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 • Duration 36:53

Enjoy the second half of our interview with Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Learn how to live the Braveheart life as we unpack the lessons Randall shares in his book Living the Braveheart Life. Topics include the importance of mentors, why we all need an Uncle Argyle in our lives, and how we can live out the spirit of freedom as William Wallace did. Plus new music from classical guitarist Cam Ash, acclaimed fiddler John McCusker, and Highland accordianist and vocalist Calum MacPhail.

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Episode 85: Living the Braveheart Life: A Conversation with Randall Wallace, pt. 1

Episode 85

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 • Duration 35:10

On this episode, Andrew interviews Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Hear about the trip to Scotland that introduced Randall to the story of Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace. Discover how Randall learned to be a master storyteller and go on to write and direct several box office hit movies, including We Were Soldiers, Pearl Harbor, and Secretariat. Randall also reveals how to unleash your inner warrior, teacher, and outlaw to live the Braveheart life yourself. Along the way, enjoy rousing music from Cameron Ash and Elaine Meyer. This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.

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Simply Scottish – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Simply Scottish – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other2

Facebook1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other2

Facebook1

Apple Podcasts

Spotify