This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Why doesn't Scotland have an official national anthem? In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, explore the story behind Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave and the debate over what song best represents the nation.

They also share their favourite Scottish road trips, from island adventures to spectacular Highland routes, before turning their attention across the Atlantic to uncover Scotland's remarkable influence on the United States. From American presidents with Scottish ancestry to Scottish-named towns across the US, they reveal the enduring links between the two countries.

Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, surprising stories, listener challenges and a lesson in how to wish America a happy 250th birthday in Gaelic.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland sees hosts Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle your questions on everything from Paisley patterns and shortbread traditions to the Lewis-Harris island rivalry, favourite lochs and Hebridean folklore.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

Welcome to the first episode of This is Scotland.

Join Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker, as they explore the stories, symbols and surprising truths that make Scotland unique.

Why was Scotland's worst World Cup performance one of its most memorable? Which off-pitch Scottish football achievement we should be really proud of? Is Scottish money really legal tender? And when should you wear a kilt?

Along the way, Coinneach reveals the surprising story behind him helping design the Scotland national team's badge, while the cheery hosts tackle some of Scotland's biggest debates - including the enduring battle between Glasgow and Edinburgh to be the best Scottish city.

From football folklore and national identity to island secrets, unexpected history and a healthy dose of myth-busting, this is Scotland as you've never heard it before. Fàilte!

Have a question about Scotland's history, culture, food, language or places? Send it in and it could feature in one of our weekly Q&A episodes: podcast@scotsmagazine.com

New episodes every Monday, with listener Q&As every Thursday. @thisisscotlandpod

The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle your questions on Scotland's most fascinating places, traditions and mysteries. This week, they explore whether ruined castles such as Linlithgow Palace should be restored, uncover the surprising origins of Eigg, Rum and Muck, reveal their favourite Scottish graveyards, and create the ultimate Scottish playlist.

Along the way, expect stories of lairds and sea pigs, ancient trees and Pictish stones, lively musical disagreements, Gaelic history, island folklore and plenty of laughs as Ally and Coinneach answer listeners' questions from across Scotland and beyond.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

Do we romanticise the Vikings too much? Which Scottish accent is the best? And should Scotland have its own Eurovision entry?

In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, debate three big topics. They explore the Viking legacy in Scotland, from Hebridean ancestry to the realities of Viking raids, discuss how geography, identity and culture have shaped Scotland's rich variety of accents, and ask whether Scotland should be represented on the Eurovision stage in its own right.

Along the way, Coinneach reveals why some people doubted he was Scottish because of his accent, Ally explains why Vikings may get an easier ride in history than they deserve, and the pair uncover Scotland's surprising Eurovision connections. Plus, Ally shares another fascinating story from Scottish history and asks listeners to help settle some big national debates.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, answer your questions on Scotland's links with Norway, the revival of hutting, the Scottish diaspora and the future of Gaelic.

This week, they explore whether Scotland shares a northern soul with Norway, why off-grid cabins and hutting have become such an important part of Scottish life, and how Scottish communities have kept traditions alive through Highland Games across the world. They also discuss whether Gaelic should once again become Scotland's national language, what meaningful support for the language looks like today, and celebrate inspiring projects helping it thrive.

Along the way, expect stories from the Hebrides, reflections on Scotland's global connections, plenty of friendly debate and, as always, a few laughs between Ally and Coinneach.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, answer your questions.

This week, they share their top tips for making Scotland feel like home, uncover strange old cures involving porridge, potatoes and warts, explore water horses, cave legends and the folklore of the islands, and reveal which famous Scots they would most like to go for a pint with.

Coinneach also explains what makes good tablet, Ally shares a favourite stop on the NC500, and the pair answer the big question: are they actually related?

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

Tartan was once banned. People risked punishment for wearing it. Today, it is recognised around the world as one of Scotland’s most powerful symbols. In this episode, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, unravel the remarkable story of how a forbidden fabric became the cloth of rebellion, identity and pride.

They also explore Scotland's witch trials, the campaign to remember those accused of witchcraft, and the powerful stories behind one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history. Finally, Coinneach takes a delicious journey through Scotland's culinary heritage, revealing the origins of iconic dishes, forgotten recipes and why Scotland's food deserves far more recognition than it often receives.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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

In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, uncover the fascinating origins of Scotland's most unusual wedding traditions, from handfasting and blackenings to smashing shortbread over the bride's head. They also explore Scotland's ever-changing borders, revealing the surprising stories behind places such as the Isle of Man, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Orkney and Shetland.

Finally, they share some of their favourite museums, historic sites and hidden gems for summer days out, from the Lewis Chessmen and Pictish treasures to remarkable stories of Scotland's earliest links with North America. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, island stories, ice cream recommendations and another unforgettable tale from Scottish history.

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

Join the conversation at podcast@scotsmagazine.com 

Find out more: The Scots Magazine: www.scotsmagazine.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