This Is Scotland with The Scots Magazine

How historically accurate is Outlander? Why are Scotland's native languages still so fiercely debated? And what makes the Hebrides one of the country's most extraordinary places?
In this episode of This is Scotland with The Scots Magazine, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, explore the remarkable legacy of Outlander, revealing how Diana Gabaldon's meticulous research helped create one of the world's most successful historical dramas - and why fans continue to flock to Scotland in search of Jamie Fraser.
The conversation then turns to Scotland's languages, as Ally and Coinneach discuss the histories of Gaelic and Scots, why both matter today, and how other countries have successfully protected their native tongues.
Finally, they head to the Hebrides to share some of their favourite places to visit, before ending with another fascinating tale from Scotland's past.
Expect history, humour, travel inspiration and lively debate as they uncover the stories that continue to shape Scotland today.
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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles

The listener Q&A edition of This is Scotland returns as Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, tackle one of Scotland's biggest debates: where do the Highlands actually begin?
This week, they reveal the places in Scotland that inspire them most, uncover the surprising history behind Scotland's native dog breeds, and share their favourite islands to explore without a car.
Along the way, they tell the brutal tale of the king who threw a poet off a bridge, discuss how climate change could reshape Scotland's future, and ask what really makes somewhere part of the Highlands.
Expect fascinating history, practical travel tips and plenty of laughs inspired by your questions.
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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles

How do you land a plane on a beach? Why is Scotch whisky so closely tied to Scotland's identity? And what does the word ceilidh really mean?
In this episode of This is Scotland, Ally Heather and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, journey from Barra's extraordinary beach airport to Edinburgh's famous skyline, before uncorking the remarkable history of Scotland's national drink. Along the way, they explore the rise and fall and rise again of Campbeltown as the world's whisky capital, uncover the true story behind Whisky Galore!, and share some of their favourite distilleries, castles and summer road trip stops.
They also celebrate Scotland's living traditions, from ceilidhs and Gaelic to the stories, songs and communities that continue to shape the country today. Expect fascinating history, plenty of laughs and enough travel inspiration to start planning your next Scottish adventure.
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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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 favourite places to cool off on a summer's day, celebrate one of Scotland's quirkiest competitions, debate whether Highland cows have become the country's unofficial influencers, and reveal whether they'd travel back to the time of the Picts or the Jacobites if given the chance.
Along the way, expect stories from across Scotland, plenty of laughs, a few surprising historical facts and, as always, lively debate inspired by your questions.
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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic 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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles

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.comGallivant Scotland: www.gallivant.scotFollow us on Instagram for BTS content: @thisisscotlandpod
Hosted by Ally Heather & Coinneach MacLeodProduced by Rachel McConachieEdited by Beth McHughMusic by Paper Rifles