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Simply Scottish

91 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratings

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

Places & Travel Society & Culture scotland scottish celtic british mcdiarmid
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Episodes

Episode 91: A Simply Scottish Christmas

December 21, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 43.2 MB

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...

Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland

November 01, 2023 00:00 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB

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 exclusiv...

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

May 12, 2023 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MB

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 b...

Episode 88: Finding John Muir, pt. 1

March 24, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MB

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...

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

February 10, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

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...

Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2

January 17, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MB

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 accordianis...

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

December 20, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MB

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 li...

Episode 84: Edinburgh In Its Golden Age

December 12, 2022 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MB

In this second installment of our Off The Shelf series, host Andrew dusts off a splendid wee book from the 1960s that brings to life the people and places of Edinburgh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You get to imagine you're visiting a friend in the majestic Old Town as well as the beautiful New Town. Learn what it was like to live in Scotland's capital city at the height of its glory. And yes, there's a little gory in there too as we touch on the infamous case of the bo...

Episode 83: Tracing Your Scottish Roots, pt. 1 (Wee Yin #9)

November 08, 2022 00:00 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

On the latest Wee Yin episode, Andrew kicks off a new occasional series designed to help you trace your Scottish roots. Learn the basics, like where to turn to start your search and what types of information are out there. Also, find out how you can unlock bonus episodes and other content by becoming a supporter of Simply Scottish. Plus, how to get your hands on some of our authentic Scottish shortbread. Enjoy great Scottish music along the way from Patsy Reid, Gnoss, Charlie Grey, ...

Episode 82: Queen Elizabeth II (Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 6)

October 04, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MB

In the latest installment of our popular Six Degrees of Scotland series, we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by exploring her connections to Scotland and its people. Discover Balmoral Castle, the queen’s paradise in the Scottish highlands. Learn why Elizabeth II was often more popular among Scots than the monarchy itself. And we’ll look at how the queen’s example of duty and morality inspired generations across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Along the way, enjoy music from Jocely...

Episode 81: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 2 (Wee Yin #8)

September 01, 2022 00:00 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MB

We're taking you back to Scotland in the 80s! Join host Andrew McDiarmid as he shares more memories of his childhood in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh. Learn about Edinburgh's Italian connection through Tino Luca and his amazing ice-cream business, as well as business partners Alfonso and Sam and their 50-year legacy of cutting the hair of celebrities and locals alike. Plus, Andrew sings a song about Edinburgh, and you'll hear some great new music from Celtic Worship, Kinnaris Qu...

Episode 80: Profiles: Elsie Inglis and Sir Harry Lauder (Radio Archive #85)

July 31, 2022 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MB

On this episode, we're dusting off selections from a radio episode of Simply Scottish that originally aired in April 2000! Hear Andrew Jr and his father Andrew Sr. profile two courageous Scots - medical pioneer Elsie Inglis and performing legend Sir Harry Lauder. You'll also hear Andrew's dad share a funny story from his tour of the Scottish Highlands back in 1978. Plus, great music you won't want to miss from Bonnie Rideout, Gnoss, Capercaillie, Runrig, Harry Lauder, and Paul Mcken...

Episode 79: All About the Music, Vol. 1

July 01, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MB

On this episode of Simply Scottish, it's all about the music! Enjoy a mix of classic songs and brand new tracks, handpicked by host Andrew McDiarmid. Featuring Deacon Blue, Capercaillie, Eddi Reader, Salsa Celtica, Iain Fraser, Simon Thoumire, and David McGuinness. Warning: the music contained in this episode may cause toe tapping, smiling, daydreaming, and the sudden packing of bags bound for bonnie Scotland!  

Episode 78: John Muir and the Grand Canyon

May 31, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MB

You've probably heard of Scottish naturalist and conservationist John Muir, but did you know he almost lost his eyesight in an accident that changed the course of his life? Find out what happened, and listen as we share some stirring passages from Muir's essay describing the magnificence and wonder of the Grand Canyon. Plus, enjoy a mix of brand new and classic Scottish music from Tina Jordan Rees, Wolfstone, the Scott Wood Band, and Alistair Ogilvy.  

Episode 77: Basketball & Books: James Naismith and Lucy Maud Montgomery (Wee Yin #7)

April 28, 2022 00:00 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MB

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can play anytime, anywhere! In this latest entry in our Six Degrees of Scotland series, learn the Scottish and spiritual roots of basketball as we profile minister and athlete James Naismith. And we'll look at fellow Scottish-Canadian Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the popular children's novel Anne of Green Gables. Plus, enjoy brand new and recent music from Maeve Mackinnon, Megan Henderson, and Sarah Markey.

Episode 76: Covenanter: Scotland's Battle for Religious Freedom

March 31, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MB

To fully appreciate our freedoms today, we have to understand the history behind them. In this episode of Simply Scottish, we take you back to 17th century Scotland to tell the story of the Covenanters, brave men and women who put God before kings and fought for the freedom to worship according to their conscience and conviction. We'll also look at how the Covenanters inspired the American founders in their quest to form a new government for the people. Plus, enjoy music from Bradle...

Episode 75: Ronald Reagan's Scottish Roots (Wee Yin #6)

February 05, 2022 00:00 - 15 minutes - 22 MB

Did you know that former U.S. president Ronald Reagan is related to a radical weaver from Paisley? On our latest Wee Yin, we look at Reagan's Scottish ancestry to see where he might have gotten the tenacious spirit that launched him into Hollywood stardom and the White House. Enjoy tunes along the way from Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter, as well as a new arrangement of music by Christopher Dean and Dougie MacLean, originally made popular in the 1992 movie The Last of the Moh...

Episode 74: Why We Need Robert Burns in 2022

January 25, 2022 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MB

In this episode of Simply Scottish, learn why we need Scottish poet Robert Burns now more than ever before! He's been dead over two centuries but his catchy songs and verse championing liberty, equality, and democracy are alive and well. See how Burns helped to unite Americans during the Civil War and discover three ways he can unite us again in 2022. Hear poetry about Burns and by Burns, along with a great mix of Burns-inspired music from Hamish Napier, Kilmarnock Edition, Brina, a...

Episode 73: The Scottish Merchant Navy and Radar Technology Pioneer Robert Watson-Watt (Radio Archive #129)

January 16, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MB

Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this episode of Simply Scottish from our radio archives, hear co-host and co-founder Andrew McDiarmid Sr. teach us about the Scottish merchant navy, as well as share his humorous stories of almost meeting one of Scotland's most famous sons, Sean Connery. Plus, Andrew Jr. on Sir Robert Watson-Watt and his development of radar technology. And as usual, you’ll hear a great mix of Scottish music, old and new: Dougie Maclean, Iona F...

Episode 72: Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 5: The Founding Scots

August 30, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MB

Episode #72 continues our series exploring Scotland's connections with the world! Although at least a third of the signatories of America's Declaration of Independence were Scots by birth or descent, three in particular deserve mention. This is the story of Charles Thomson, James Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson himself and their uniquely Scottish contribution to the famous document that birthed a nation unlike any other in history, the United States of America. Plus, enjoy inspiring mu...

Episode 71: Off/Script: Father's Day, Sean Connery, Scotland at EURO 2020, and More

June 25, 2021 00:00 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MB

In this special un-scripted episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew McDiarmid talks about the first father's day without his father, watching Sean Connery on the big screen again, Scotland's short-lived EURO 2020 football campaign, and how to live life off-script and make the most of life's tests and challenges. Plus, new music from Project Smok, Iona Fyfe, and more!

Episode 70: The Battle for Culloden

April 16, 2021 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MB

On this episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an interview with site operations manager Raoul Curtis Machin. Learn how the famous war grave is at risk from developers and what's being done to protect it. Plus, enjoy great new music from Iona Fyfe, James Duncan Mackenzie, and Calum Mckenzie Jones.

Episode 69: Simply Scottish in South Texas (Wee Yin #5)

April 07, 2021 00:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MB

It's another Wee Yin, a nugget of Scottishness you can enjoy anywhere, anytime! On this episode, learn about the Texan roots of your favorite Scottish podcast. Hear father and son duo Andrew Jr. and Sr. chat with Scottish radio station Central FM twenty years ago about bringing Scotland to South Texas. Enjoy brand new tunes from James Lindsay and Grainne Brady as well as a little gem from accordion legend Jimmy Shand.

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 4: Joan Baez, Uncle Sam, and Jack Daniel

September 03, 2020 00:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MB

In the latest of our Six Degrees of Scotland series, we profile three American legends of Scottish descent: singer and activist Joan Baez, Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and the one and only Jack Daniel of Tennessee! Pour yourself a dram and enjoy an amazing all-Gaelic musical lineup with songs from Brian O hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie, Talisk, and Capercaillie. Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)

Peace in the Pandemic: Scottish Music, Poetry, and Wisdom to Encourage and Inspire

May 20, 2020 00:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MB

On this episode of Simply Scottish, get a dose of encouragement and inspiration to help you navigate the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Find out what advice yer Scottish granny would give you with our selection of pithy quotes and sayings. You'll also hear some inspiring lines of poetry and enjoy stirring new music from Jenna Reid, Ross Ainslie, and Chris Amer along with a classic song from The Proclaimers!

Tea and a Blether: Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle

March 13, 2020 00:00 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MB

Join us for a hot cup of tea, a biscuit, and some good conversation! On this episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew and his wife Amy recall their amazing homecoming trip to Scotland, including highlights of Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, they share some great new Scottish music with you, with songs from the Tom Orr Band, Kim Carney, and newcomer Hannah Rarity. Pull up a chair and enjoy!

Dunfermline: Scotland's Historic Capital (Wee Yin #4)

January 23, 2020 00:00 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MB

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can enjoy anywhere and anytime! Learn more about the ancient royal burgh of Dunfermline as well as the city's enduring connection with Scotland's famous king Robert the Bruce. Enjoy music from Gillebride MacMillan and CARA too!

The Legacy of Carnegie's Libraries

October 18, 2019 00:00 - 35 minutes - 64.6 MB

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we profile Scotland's Carnegie libraries a century later. Are these gifts from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie still a valuable community resource or have they fallen victim to modernity and the digital age? Hear from historian Kenneth Breisch and enjoy new music from James Lindsay, Claire Gullan, Eabhal, and Kim Richards!

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 3: Famous Scottish Americans (Dickson, Garland, Irving)

November 25, 2018 00:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MB

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue exploring Scotland's global reach with three more profiles of Scottish Americans. We'll look at inventor William Kennedy Dickson, actress and singer Judy Garland, and author Washington Irving. Plus, great music from Cruinn, Calum Stewart, Iona Fyfe, and others!

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 2: Famous Scottish Americans (Witherspoon, Reagan, Cash)

October 21, 2016 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MB

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue testing Scotland's global reach in our Six Degrees of Scotland series. Here, we profile famous Scottish Americans, including actress Reece Witherspoon, president Ronald Reagan, and singer Johnny Cash. Also, enjoy great new music from Mike Vass, Siar, Eddi Reader, and Sarah Hayes!

How to Sponsor Simply Scottish and a Profile of David Dunbar Buick (Wee Yin #3)

March 17, 2016 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MB

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish designed to give you a quick Scottish fix! Enjoy the podcast? Here, you'll learn how to become a sponsor of Simply Scottish. With three levels of support, there's a way you can help to expand the reach of the show and ensure the production of new episodes. You'll also hear a profile of Scottish inventor David Dunbar Buick, part of our Six Degrees of Scotland series as featured in The Scots Magazine. Plus, brand new music from Mec Lir a...

Artist Spotlight: Dougie MacLean

May 29, 2015 00:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

Hailed as a "musical hero" by the USA's Wall Street Journal, renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean is the subject of our latest Artist Spotlight! Tune in as Dougie discusses his musical influences, the enduring popularity of Scottish folk music, the impact of the digital revolution on his career, and how a wee song called "Caledonia" became a cultural phenomenon. You'll also hear Dougie's popular tune "The Gael," featured in the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans, and a...

Radio Archive #124: Defending Scotland's Flag, Dundee Cake, & Memories of Leith

March 31, 2015 00:00 - 47 minutes - 64.7 MB

Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this lively episode of Simply Scottish from the radio archives, hear Member of the Scottish Parliament Adam Ingram discuss a campaign to protect and promote Scotland’s national flag. You’ll also learn how to make the traditional Scottish fruit treat Dundee cake, and co-host Andrew McDiarmid Sr. relives memories of Leith, the bustling suburb of Scotland’s capital city where he was born and grew up. All this plus a healthy dose of...

Discovering Dundee

February 11, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

Journey with us to Scotland's city of discovery, Dundee. We start by exploring the three industries Dundee was famed for in years past - jute, jam, and journalism. Then we look at the Dundee of today, a hub of culture, biomedical research, media, and artistic innovation. Along the way, enjoy great music from Sketch, Twelfth Day, Deacon Blue, and a classic from Andy Stewart, plus find out how you can sponsor Simply Scottish and help take the show to new listeners around the world!

The Historical Novels of Nigel Tranter (Wee Yin #2)

November 26, 2014 00:00 - 10 minutes - 13.7 MB

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish. At ten minutes or less, they're a great way to get a quick Scottish fix! On this episode, we profile Scottish author Nigel Tranter, who wrote more than 60 historical fiction novels bringing Scotland's history to life. Learn more about Tranter's life and his unique writing style. You'll also hear a stirring excerpt from one of his most popular books, The Wallace. Plus, enjoy new music from CampbellGray and a haunting tune from Skyedanc...

The Road Ahead: Scotland After the Independence Referendum

October 13, 2014 00:00 - 1 minute - 45.7 MB

On September 18th, 2014, Scotland made history with a referendum on independence. Tune in as we review the results of the vote and how it has forever changed the face of Scotland and the United Kingdom. Will the dream of independence stay alive? What are the powers promised to the Scottish Parliament? Is this the end of the debate or the beginning of an exciting new chapter? Hear music from the newest and brightest artists in Scotland, including Vigo Thieves, Na Seudan Ur, Jane Jacks...

Scotland in the United Kingdom

September 15, 2014 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MB

In celebration of Scotland's historic referendum on independence, we look back at 300 years of union between Scotland and England. From the Union of the Crowns in 1603 to the Scottish National Party's landslide victory in 2011, we highlight the remarkable events that led to what British prime minister David Cameron calls the "greatest merger in history." Plus, enjoy music from Shooglenifty, Robin Laing, Breabach, and more!

Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 2

July 31, 2014 21:12 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

History, natural beauty, and adventure come together in Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations. You won't find this list in any guide book! In part 2, journey with us to Stirling, home of the Wallace Monument and an amazing castle experience. Then it's on to the charm of St. Andrews and the thrill of Aviemore, gateway to Cairngorms National Park. We conclude with a trip to the tip of the British mainland, John o' Groats, and a visit to the Isle of Skye in Scotland's western isle...

Outlander: A Conversation with Author Diana Gabaldon

June 12, 2014 00:00 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MB

What do you get when you throw a young modern-day English woman into 18th century Scotland at the height of the Jacobite Uprisings? An unforgettable story! We sat down with international bestselling author Diana Gabaldon to discuss the inspiration for her popular Outlander novel series, the importance of research, the new Outlander television series, her favorite place in Scotland, and more! Plus, enjoy music in Gaelic from Capercaillie and new songs from Cherry Grove and Ewan McLenn...

Growing up in Scotland's Capital (Wee Yin #1)

May 08, 2014 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish, between 5 and 10 minutes in length, with a few minutes of commentary on a Scottish topic followed by a great song or tune! On our first Wee Yin, enjoy some recollections of growing up in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh - ice cream vans, riding the city's buses, and the best fish and chips in town! And you'll hear The Referendum, a new tune from Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas that celebrates Scotland's historic choice in 2014. Enjoy...

Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations, pt. 1

April 14, 2014 05:17 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MB

Celebrate our 50th episode with us! History, natural beauty, and adventure all come together in Andrew's Ten Favorite Scottish Destinations. You won't find this list in any guide book! From the gems of the capital to the tranquility of the borders, from the gorgeous Hebridean islands to the snowy peaks of the Cairngorms, this is Scotland at its best, as judged by Scottish writer and Simply Scottish host Andrew McDiarmid. Plus, hear a classic from Deacon Blue and enjoy brand new music...

Sport in Scotland, pt. 3: Curling

February 19, 2014 00:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Join us as we illuminate the history of curling from medieval pastime to modern sport! Just what is curling, and how did it become the popular Olympic event it is today? From the purpose-built ponds of Scotland to the frozen reaches of Canada, from Chamonix to Sochi, celebrate with us this curious mix of athleticism, skill, and strategy on ice. Hear the Curler's Grace, discover the Scottish island where the world's curling stones are made, and enjoy some great Scottish music from Cap...

Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 1: Electricity

January 29, 2014 00:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

It's electric! In a new series called Six Degrees of Scotland, we explore Scotland's connections to the world. On this episode, learn five different ways to connect Scotland to the history and development of electricity, from the groundbreaking work of James Maxwell and Lord Kelvin to the innovation of James Bowman Lindsay, Thomas Edison, and others. Plus, enjoy highlights from the latest issue of Scottish Memories Magazine! We'll explore the transport issue including trams, buses, t...

Scotland's Global Empire: An Interview with Author Jock Gallagher

January 13, 2014 00:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

Roman Empire. British Empire. Scottish Empire? We've all heard of Carnegie, Muir, Lipton, and Connery. Discover all the lesser-known Scots and their lasting contributions to the world in the new book Scotland’s Global Empire. Author Jock Gallagher shares highlights of his book with us and explains his challenge in bringing so many stories together to weave a compelling case for a global Scottish empire. Enjoy music from Rura, Kilmarnock Edition, Eddi Reader, and more!

A Simply Scottish Christmas

December 21, 2013 00:00 - 30 minutes - 43.2 MB

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 my father Andrew McDiarmid Sr. as he shares memories of a childhood Christmas in Scotland in a clip from our radio archives. All this and more awaits you in A Si...

Simply Scottish Radio Archive #71: Isle of Arran and Muriel Spark

November 28, 2013 21:04 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MB

From 1999-2001, Simply Scottish aired as a weekly radio show on stations in the U.S. and Canada. The program, hosted by Andrew McDiarmid Jr. and Sr., was recorded live at the Classic 88FM Studios in South Texas. On episode #71, we welcomed in the year 2000 with a great selection of Scottish and Celtic music, a look at the Isle of Arran in an ongoing feature called Scotland's Small Wonders, and a discussion of the work and life of author Muriel Spark. Enjoy the banter of the two Andre...

Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinare, pt. 2

November 11, 2013 03:04 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

In part 2 of our profile, we look at Lipton the tea baron and avid yachtsman! By age 40, Lipton had built a grocery empire across Great Britain. In the 1890s, he added tea to his product line, introduced America to his teas, and soon boasted great blends at unbeatable prices, direct from the tea garden to the teapot! We'll also explore Lipton's passion for yachting and his valiant attempts to win the prestigious America's Cup trophy. All this plus great new music from Maeve O'Boyle, ...

Sir Thomas Lipton: Businessman Extraordinaire, pt. 1

September 07, 2013 20:38 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Discover the remarkable story of one of Scotland's most successful businessmen, Sir Thomas Lipton. In part 1, we profile Lipton's rise from assistant in his parents' store in Glasgow to overseer of a grocery market empire with over 300 stores all over Great Britain! We reveal the secrets of his success and the innovative methods he used to make his company a household name. Why did he move to the United States as a teenager? Why did he return to Scotland? What does the world's bigges...

Moments in Scottish History, pt. 2

August 05, 2013 00:44 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

This episode features more finalists from our Moment in Scottish History contest, highlighting key events in Scotland's history. Discover how the Scottish Highlands changed forever with a look at the Battle of Culloden and the Highland Clearances. We'll also revisit the moment Skara Brae was discovered, one of the oldest prehistoric settlements in Europe. Other moments include George IV's visit to Edinburgh, a Scottish expedition to the Antarctic, the plight of the Suffragettes, Worl...

Moments in Scottish History, pt. 1

June 29, 2013 20:32 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Take a journey through Scotland's history on this episode of Simply Scottish, featuring finalists from our Moment in Scottish History Contest. What happened to Rome's 9th Legion after they marched into the wild lands of Caledonia? Learn about the famed footprint at Dunadd, seat of the ancient kings of Dalriada. Discover the significance of Dun Nechtain and Athelstaneford, two key battles in early Scottish history. Relive important moments in the life of Robert the Bruce, and uncover ...

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