With Scotland's parliamentary elections just around the corner, we're bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign.

In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland's future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May's election.

Our guest tonight is Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green Party who has been MSP for Highlands and Islands region since 2021.

Key themes:

00:01:10 Campaigning in Highlands and Islands region 00:01:45 Free bus travel 00:05:00 Childcare 00:06:09 Solve rural issues first 00:07:08 Housing 00:09:54 Community confidence building 00:12:28 Local decision making 00:15:10 Who owns the land? 00:21:57 The extractive model 00:23:19 Community energy, community benefit 00:27:38 Ardrossan Harbour example 00:29:41 Scotland's innate sense of community 00:31:36 Achieving our independence

Find Araine's podcast Regenerative Scotland here https://open.spotify.com/show/7BuUGJkSa4oZRF1lFrxQE1

Find out more about the Scottish Green Party election manifesto here : https://greens.scot/collections/2026-holyrood-election

Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what's at stake, this series offers in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland's political debate.

New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland's most significant electoral moments.

#holyrood2026 #scottishgreenparty #scottishindependence

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

With Scotland's parliamentary elections just around the corner, we're bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign.

In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland's future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May's election.

Our first guest is Laura Moodie, South of Scotland candidate for the Scottish Green Party.

Key themes:

00:01:06 Campaigning in Southern Scotland region 00:04:30 Transport issues 00:07:21 Infrastructure preparations for an independent Scotland 00:09:10 Energy security 00:10:20 Overcoming the extractive model 00:11:15 The Deposit Return Scheme 00:13:50 Pushing at the boundaries 00:15:52 Assisted dying bill 00:20:22 Our PR parliament subverted? 00:28:36 Iceland's EU referendum implications 00:32:02 Personal priorities for government 00:34:46 Community wealth building 00:37:51 Joining up the dots

Find out more about the Scottish Green Party election manifesto here : https://greens.scot/collections/2026-holyrood-election

Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what's at stake, this series offers in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland's political debate.

New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland's most significant electoral moments.

#holyrood2026 #scottishgreenparty #scottishindependence

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

The Believe in Scotland march and rally in Edinburgh last Saturday was a colourful, noisy and joyful affair. In this bonus podcast we bring you Marlene's vox Pops - people she chatted with while waiting for the march to get going. Then we head on up to iconic Calton Hill for some of the speeches from the stage.

00:00:47 Vox Pops from the Royal Mile

00:18:09 Speeches from the rally

You can watch our video of the march here https://youtu.be/fVGNpsXvXCU?si=P5-_tVk0t3r3m2qi

In addition to our regular Friday episodes, look out for more bonus Tuesday podcasts from us as we head towards that crucial Holyrood election on 7th May.

#holyrood2026 #believeinscotland #scottishindependence

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Join us for the 5th Annual Jim McVicar Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Scottish Socialist Party. The event is opened by Richie Venton who shares heartfelt personal memories of Jim McVicar, painting a picture of the man who inspired this moving tribute. This year's lecture is delivered by SSP's national co-spokesperson and former MSP Colin Fox. The topic is both timely and provocative- Socialist answers to ReformUK, an incisive examination of why the socialist left stands in opposition to Reform's far right political agenda. Key sections: 00:00:17 Introduction by Richie Venton 00:11:03 Memorial Lecture delivered by Colin Fox

Find out more about the Scottish Socialist Party here https://scottishsocialistparty.org/

#scottishsocialistparty #scottishpolitics #jimmcvicarlecture

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

What happens when you combine stunning stained glass art with Glasgow's public libraries? Magic! Join Fiona and Marlene as they hunt for the beautiful windows created by artist Keira McLean in partnership with local communities. From the stories and political perspective behind each piece to the impact these artworks have had on their neighborhoods, this episode celebrates creativity in unexpected places. Perfect for art lovers, activists, Glasgow enthusiasts, and anyone who believes public spaces should inspire. We also hear about Keira's latest exciting projects and share our thoughts on Holyrood 2026!

Key themes: 00:21:46 Our stained glass safari 00:10:45 Keeping the craft alive 00:14:57 Working with local communities 00:23:31 New project - the Craigallian fire 00:28:54 Hidden history on our doorsteps 00:32:23 And even more new projects 00:40:45 Our thoughts on Holyrood 2026 #stainedglassart #communitycreativity #glasgow

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Energy bills are soaring, and Scotland's future hangs in the balance. In this episode, we tackle the complexity of Scotland's energy market with Dr Craig Dalzell from Commonweal, exploring whether First Minister John Swinney's bold claim that independence could cut Scottish bills by a third holds water.

We unpack the intricate dynamics of energy pricing, the potential economic benefits of Scottish energy independence, and the critical difference between community benefit agreements and true community ownership. And what would real change look like for Scottish households struggling with rising costs?

Key themes: 00:03:39 Energy networks - who does what? 00:08:40 Low cost energy with independence - John Swinney's plan 00:10:29 Can we cut bills by a third? How? 00:20:18 How are electricity charges set? 00:26:14 Fiona and Marlene's energy bills 00:36:00 A view from the Faroes - Hannah Mary Goodlad 00:38:36 Energy and community benefit 00:48:55 Energy rich Scotland = Energy rich Scots - John Swinney

Find Commonweal's policy paper on nationalising energy here https://www.commonweal.scot/articles/7576?rq=nationalise%20energy

#scottishenergy #independence #costofliving

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

This Bonus Tuesday episode comes from the Scottish CND protest rally at Faslane on 14th March.

Despite near freezing temperatures and relentless rain, hundreds gathered at Faslane naval base to demand nuclear disarmament. Scottish CND brought together speakers and singers calling for de-escalation and a world free from nuclear weapons. In the face of rising global tensions, activists braved the elements to voice their urgent message: there's another way.

Speakers: 00:01:47 Bishop McGee (Argyll & the Isles) 00:04:23 Ron Culley (Author) 00:09:05 Marian Pallister (Pax Christi Scotland) 00:14:10 Protest in Harmony (choir) 00:17:10 Sophie bolt (CND UK) 00:22:33 Brad Oliver (Veterans for Peace) 00:24:16 Kate Whitaker (FoE Scotland) 00:29:58 JC Bigfoot (singer) 00:32:42 Cara McKee (Scottish Green Party) 00:40:42 Coll McCail (Stop the War Scotland) 00:44:18 Iona Soper (Secure Scotland) 00:49:56 Jean Urquhart (activist) 00:52:48 Rebecca Thomson (ICAN)

Find out more : Scottish CND https://banthebomb.org ICAN - International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons https://icanw.org

#cnd #faslane #nuclearnightmare

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Former UK ambassador Craig Murray joins Glasgow Pensioners for Independence for a hard-hitting discussion on the growing breakdown of the international legal order. From selective enforcement of global rules to the erosion of institutions meant to uphold them, the conversation explores how power politics is reshaping the world stage.

What does this changing landscape mean for nations seeking self-determination? Could a weakening international system make recognition of new states easier — or harder? And where might Scotland fit into an increasingly unstable global order?

Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Craig Murray offers candid insights into international law, geopolitics, and the real-world challenges facing independence movements today.

Key topics:

00:01:25 The rise of the billionaires

00:04:44 Venezuela vs Kelloggs

00:09:46 The demise of international law

00:22:37 Why the UK is a rogue state

00:26:44 how would an indy Scotland behave?

00:29:43 Declaring Scottish independence

00:38:50 Preparing for independence

00:42:03 UN support for UDI?

00:43:03 Progress towards decolonisation

00:51:30 Overcoming foreign influence in our politics

00:54:07 Hopes for the future

#scottishindependence #craigmurray #pensioners4indy

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.