Episodes
Podcast Type
By Year
Featured People
Our Latest Podcasts:
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E54 – The Museum of Islay Life
In this episode, Jolyon meets with Malcolm Ogilvie, Deputy Chair of the Museum of Islay Life, and Museum Manager Christine McPhie. We learn about the origins of the Museum in Port Charlotte, and take a tour of its highlights. Find out more at https://www.islaymuseum.org . Acknowledgements:Many thanks to Malcolm Ogilvie and Christine McPhie of the Museum…
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E53 Port Ellen Primary School – Vikings
Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features the students of Primary 1 and 2 together with older students from Primary 6 and 7, guided by Mrs Amy Hannett and other staff at Port Ellen Primary School discussing the Vikings. What did we know beforehand and what did we learn? Acknowledgements:Many thanks…
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E52 – Marvellous Materials
Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features students and staff at Port Ellen Primary School discussing “Marvellous Materials”. Acknowledgements:Many thanks to the staff and students of Port Ellen Primary School who contributed to this episode through recordings made by them at the school.Production: Jolyon Thurgood, Gordon BerminghamMusic : – 335607-Happy Kids Cartoon
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E51 – Housing on Islay – Part 4 – Numbers and Issues
Continuing our series on housing on Islay, Tom, Russell and Jean review our coverage to date, and discuss in more detail current housing demand on Islay and recent allocations at the new Port Charlotte housing development, using the results of a Freedom of Information Request from HomeArgyll. FeaturingHost: Jean MacLellan, Russell Pollock and Tom O’FarrellProduction:…
Listen Here: E51 – Housing on Islay – Part 4 – Numbers and Issues -
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E50 – Celebrating 50
After six years, This Is Islay has reached 50 episodes. To mark the occasion, Tom O’Farrell assembled the team in the studio where we discussed our journey to become Highlands and Islands Media Awards Podcast of the Year, how we’ve grown, and our plans for the future. FeaturingHost: Tom O’Farrell AcknowledgementsOur supporters, listeners, guest hosts,…
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E49 – My Early Days on Islay – Margaret Storrie
This is the second of two episodes based on a conversation with Dr Margaret Storrie recorded in October 2025. In this episode, Margaret reveals how she first discovered Islay as a student, and recalls the path which led her via London back to Islay, and then to the publishing of her first book “Islay: Biography…
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E48 – “Lady Charlotte Bury” by Margaret Storrie
In this episode, Dr Margaret Storrie talks about her latest book, focussing on the unconventional life of Lady Charlotte Bury Campbell, who was known as a notorious diarist (think Lady Whistledown) in the time of George IV, a popular novelist and mother of 11 children. Lady Charlotte’s oldest son was Walter Frederick Campbell, who became…
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E47 – Pickups 4 Peace – Beth Newman
At the end of November 2025, Beth Newman returned from her second visit to Lviv, Ukraine in support of Pickups For Peace, a charity initially organised by Scottish farmers to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. Beth, our local vet based in Bowmore, tells Glen and Jolyon about her experience driving from Islay to…
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E46 – Port Ellen Primary School: Neurodiversity
Recorded by the staff in Port Ellen Primary School we join Mrs Clark and primary 6 and 7 students as they discuss Neurodiversity, books they are currently reading, school houses (Orsay, Texa and Nave) and going for the Gold: Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA) UNICEF UK. FeaturingGuests: p6 and p7 pupilsHost: Mrs Clark AcknowledgementsMany thanks…
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E45 – Catriona Bell – Life on Islay 2
This podcast has been released today (10th December) to mark Catriona’s 90th birthday. Happy Birthday Catriona, from all on the podcast team. Catriona Bell is well known on Islay for her various contributions to the community over many years. Continuing our conversation with Catriona, in this episode she describes the long path leading to success…
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E44 – Housing on Islay – Part 3 – Wakey-Wakey Islay
We continue our exploration of local housing issues on Islay and Jura. This time Russell discusses the core issue of land ownership and particularly the role of community buyouts with Lesley Riddoch, the award-winning broadcaster, journalist, author, cyclist, land reform campaigner and lover of all things Nordic. You can contact her via her website Lesley…
Listen Here: E44 – Housing on Islay – Part 3 – Wakey-Wakey Islay -
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E43 – Housing on Islay – Part 2 – A Builder’s Perspective
This Is Islay continues the conversation on housing issues on Islay, exploring the unique challenges and issues which face individuals and families seeking a place to live in our island community. In this episode, we share the perspective of local housing builder, MacLeod Construction, who holds multiple contracts with housing associations on Islay as well…
Listen Here: E43 – Housing on Islay – Part 2 – A Builder’s Perspective -
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E42 – “I’d Be Dressing A Banana”
In a conversation with Jean MacLellan, Kate Skinner tells us about the Co-Op’s history with Fairtrade, and how Fairtrade and buying Fairtrade products makes a difference all over the world. Fairtrade Fortnight in 2025 runs from September 22nd to October 5th, with special promotions in the Coop and online. As Kate says: “I’d be dressing…
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E41 – Autumn Music on Islay and Jura ft Islay Jazz Festival
In this episode, This Is Islay gives an update on music events coming up this month and beyond, and Jolyon Thurgood talks to John Youngs of Jazz Scotland about the Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival taking place September 19-21 2025. Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival – September 19-21 Islay Local Mod / Mod Ile –…
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E40 – Housing on Islay – Part 1
This Is Islay turns to the issue of housing on Islay, exploring the unique challenges and issues which face individuals and families seeking a place to live in our island community. In this episode, the first of a multi-part series, Glen Roberts speaks with local councillor Dougie McFadzean who tells us how many people are…
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E39 – 2025 Islay Book Festival
This Is Islay’s Jean MacLellan in conversation with Charlène Busali, Chair of Islay Book Festival, discussing the festival programme, authors, events and activities. The 2025 Islay Book Festival takes place across Islay 28-31 August. For more information visit or find “Islay Book Festival” on Facebook. FeaturingGuest: Charlène BusaliHost: Jean MacLellan AcknowledgementsCharlène Busali, Islay Book Festival Committee…
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E38 – Rhinns Lighthouse Festival 2025
The Rhinns Lighthouse was engineered by Robert Stevenson and became operational in 1825. To mark its 200th birthday, local communities have organised the Rhinns Lighthouse Festival to take place over the weekend of August 8-10, 2025. To learn more about the festivities, Jolyon Thurgood met with Mairi Trawber and Angus Ferguson, members of the Festival…
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E37 – Catriona Bell – Life on Islay 1
Catriona Bell is well known on Islay for her various contributions to the community over many years. She was one of those who set up and managed The Ileach in its early days and she played a significant role in the establishment of our swimming pool. In this first conversation for the This is Islay…
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E36 – Primary Schools Reading Changemakers and Citizens
As part of our collaboration with Islay Primary Schools (episode 35-1 June, 2025), this episode presents recordings made in Bowmore and Port Ellen primary schools as part of their reading programmes, and was produced by This Is Islay. Ann an co-obrachadh le Bun-sgoiltean Ìle (prògram 1 Ògmhios, 2025), chaidh am prògram seo a chlàradh ann…
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E35 – Islay Primary Schools Collab
In September 2024, we recorded a conversation with Islay primary school teachers Amy Hannett (Port Ellen Primary) and Morvern Scott (Gaelic Medium, Bowmore Primary) about plans to work with This Is Islay to record activities at primary schools across Islay, including both English and Gaelic language material.In followup episodes we will hear directly from students…
Listen Here: E35 – Islay Primary Schools Collab -
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E34 – Cancer Support Group Islay
In May 2025, This is Islay chatted with Cancer Support Group Islay (CSGI), shortly after its first birthday. Three founding members: Jennifer Gillies, Jo O’Farrell and Agnes McEachern, discuss why their informal support group was set up, how group members help each other, and recent successes in bringing mainland expertise to Islay.Living with Cancer is…
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E33 – Behind The Scenes
A conversation with the This Is Islay team gathered in the Islay High School studio, including: Gordon Bermingham, Jean MacLellan, Tom O’Farrell, Glen Roberts, and Jolyon Thurgood. We pull back the curtain on the behind the scene workings of This Is Islay – we discuss our favourite episodes, future plans, and the challenges and opportunities…
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E32 – Gus Newman – A Port Ellen Lad
In May 2024, we joined Gus Newman in his corner office in Lagavulin. In this first conversation with Gus, he tells us about his life, ventures / adventures in the sea around Islay. We also include Gus’s mother, Ann Newman. Written, produced and presented by: Gordon Bermingham, Jean MacLellan, Jolyon Thurgood. Written, produced and presented…
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E31 – Islay Book Festival 2024
This episode features a conversation between our own Jean MacLellan and Charlène Busali, chair of the Islay Book Festival committee. They discuss this year’s festival, programmes and activities for different venues and activities which will take place between 29 August and 1 September.For more information about the Islay Book Festival, visit islaybookfestival.co.uk.Many thanks to Charlène for…
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E30 – What makes someone an Ileach?
Greig Barker interviews Islay High School students, Russell Pollock speaks to Samantha MacArthur and the podcast team gathers various views on the subject. We would like to thank Islay High School students Diura Paterson and Matthew Campbell, and Glasgow University student Samantha MacArthur for their participation in this episode. We would also like to thank…
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E29 – The view from 2 wheels
Sharon Jones, enjoying her island holiday, took to two wheels along with her husband Mike, and recorded this contribution to our podcast series as they cycled the highways and byways of Islay. Presented by Glen Roberts Special Guest Featured Sharon Jones, a regular visitor to Islay from her home in Liverpool (and who just happens…
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E28 – Slowing Down on Islay – A Whisky Tourist’s Perspective
In this episode, Lars Weitbrecht, a traveller from Germany, shares his introduction to Islay whisky from his father, then his own discovery of more Islay whisky, the Islay landscape and the Islay community, in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. We learn the meaning of the German words entschleunigung and fernweh . This episode was recorded in September 2023. Presented by…
Listen Here: E28 – Slowing Down on Islay – A Whisky Tourist’s Perspective -
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E27 – MAYDS at MYCOS
In May 2023, Jolyon interviewed Fiona Kalache MBE who manages Mid Argyll Youth Development servies, known as MAYDS. In this role, Fiona provides support and guidance to the programmes offered on Islay by the Mactaggart Youth and Community Outreach Services (MYCOS). MYCOS was formely known as MYFOS and the Mactaggart Cyber Cafe in Port Ellen,…
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E26 – Mental Health Support for Islay Youth
Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) work with Exchange Counselling to provide mental health support for young people at Islay High School. In this episode, Glen speaks to Lynn Johnstone about her work and her role in providing this very valuable support. Presented by Glen Roberts Special Guest Featured Lynn Johnstone, MAYDS and Exchange Counselling
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E25 – The Ileach is 50 Years Old!
The Independent Newspaper for Islay and Jura, The Ileach, was launched in 1973. In this episode, Glen Roberts talks with Brian Palmer, the current editor, and Calum Murray, past editor, who reflect on The Ileach’s role in the community. More information at ileach.co.uk . Presented by Glen Roberts Special Guest Featured Brian Palmer and Calum…
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E24 – Art on Display – Interactions
Three Scottish Artists – Cathy Wilson, Anne Campbell and Pauline McGee – discuss their art and inspiration to put on their Exhibition “Interactions” taking place at the Gaelic Centre near Bowmore until August 11th, 2023. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood Special Guest Featured Anne Campbell, Pauline McGee and Cathy Wilson.
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E23 – Return of Feis-Ile 2023
We speak with Lesley McCall, Secretary of the Fèis Ìle Committee, about the Festival, which takes place across Islay and Jura over 10 days at the end of May, and celebrates whisky, music, Gaelic culture and the local community spirit. The 2023 Fèis Ìle takes place between Friday May 26 and Saturday June 3. More…
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E22 – 2022 – The Year in Review
Glen and Tom look back over This Is Islay’s activities and podcasts during 2022, a year of transition after restrictions imposed by COVID. We published 9 episodes and expanded our reach to 17 countries. In addition, we continue to spread the word around Islay and Jura. We thank you our listeners as well as the…
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E21 – Christmas In The (Islay) Air
It’s the end of the year, Christmas is coming very soon, and we present our last episode of 2022. Glen talks with Maureen MacDonald, Headteacher of Port Ellen Primary School – Gold Award winner Primary School of the Year (UK) from Pearson National Teaching Awards, and recently featured on BBC One’s ONE Show. Glen and…
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E20 – Best Ports Improve with Age
This Is Islay talks with Nasir Udin, Senior Civil Engineer with CMAL – Caledonian Maritime Assets – about the improvements to be made to the harbours at Port Ellen and Port Akaig in preparation for the new ferries currently under construction in Turkey, and planned to be in service on the Islay run by 2025.…
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E19 – What’s new at Bruichladdich Hall
This Is Islay talks with Angus Rice, Chairman of the Hall Committee, about the improvements recently made to the village hall in Bruichladdich. Ready for many upcoming events, including The Islay Sessions coming up in November 2022. Presented by Glen Roberts Special Guest Featured Angus Rice
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E18 – The Ileach (Fortnightly)
This Is Islay in conversation with Brian Palmer, a big wheel in the Islay cycling world, a drummer, and also full-time editor of the Ileach, Islay’s own award-winning newspaper. How did he join the Ileach (many years ago) and how does he balance the editorial and commercial sides of running a newspaper. Recorded in June…
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E17 – Music Music Music
Introduced by Jolyon Thurgood, this episode highlights the upcoming music events on Islay and Jura. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood. Special Guest Featured Jura Music Festival, September 23-25 2022. More at juramusicfestival.comLagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, October 9-11 2022. More at islayjazzfestival.co.ukIslay Sessions, November 11-13 2022. More at FraserShawTrust.com Music From Islay’s own Mairi McGillivray, a track from…
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E16 – Islay Show Day – Since 1838
This episode features David McArthur, the President of the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Association. Their annual Show has since 1838 been THE day of the year in the island calendar, this year taking place on August 11th. Presented by Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood, production by Tom O’Farrell. Special Guest Featured More information at www.islayshow.co.uk
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E15 – Snowball Earth and FilmG
In this episode we hear Alasdair Skelton, frequent Islay visitor otherwise at Stockholm University, who tells us about Snowball Earth, his return to Islay and attendance at COP26, in conversation with Glen. In addition, we hear from Iain Beggs, Gaelic teacher at Islay High School, and his award-winning, film-making students, who tell us about FilmG.…
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E14 – Fairtrade and Fèis Ìle
In this episode we meet Fairtrade advocates Petra Pearce and Gill Chasemore, and Glen has a spirited conversation with Florence Grey about the history of Fèis Ìle and its return May 27th – June 4th. Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt presents the best of Islay’s heritage, culture, people and spirit – yes, that means…
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E12+1 – Land of the Ilich – Past and Present
In this episode, we discuss the recently published “Land of the Ilich: Journeys into Islay’s Past” authored by Steven Mithen, and we hear from Gillian Nelson-Edwards of Sidekick, a newly formed charity created to support local children and young people affected by disability. Presented by Tom O’Farrell and Jolyon Thurgood, and interviews by Glen Roberts.…
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E12 – Christmas 2021
In this episode, we hear holiday greetings from various members of the This Is Islay team, and we talk to Joanne Hamilton about the Bowmore Christmas Party committee and their special activities for youngsters around Christmas. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood. With festive greetings from the This Is Islay Team Special Guest Featured Joanne Hamilton –…
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E11 – COP26: Islay Perspectives and The Islay Times
In this special episode we discuss climate change and all things COP26. Featuring an update from two Islay High School Students about The Islay Times a new newspaper written by some of the students. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood & Tom O’Farrell. With interviews from Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts. Production by Tom O’Farrell and team.…
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E10 – Run the Runway and Bowmore’s Running Water
In this episode, we re-visit October’s Run The Runway event at Islay Airport, which raised funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, and we hear from Scottish Water about their major project in Bowmore which will replace water mains over the next 15 months. We also provide an update on the official opening of the Lochindaal…
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E09 – Portraits and Partnerships
In this episode, Glen Roberts interviews Lord George Robertson, we announce a new partnership with Mactaggart Youth and Families Outreach Services (MYFOS), and hear local music produced and reorded in Cyber Sounds studio in Port Ellen. Presented by Larah McKay and Jasmine Middleton. With interview from Glen Roberts. Special Guest Featured Lord George Robertson, discussing…
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E08 – Tea with Cantilena
In this episode, we hear from Les Wilson about his new book “Putting the Tea in Britain” and get an update from the Cantilena Festival Players. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood. With interviews from Glen Roberts and Russell Pollock. Special Guest Featured Les Wilson – “Putting the Tea in Britain”Cantilena – 2021 Cantilena Festival online
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E07 – Spring Arrivals and Islay Faces
In this episode, we get an update on the Bruichladdich to Port Charlotte path, learn about lambing and hear from a local artist about his exhibition at the Gaelic Centre. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood. With interviews from Glen Roberts and Russell Pollock. Special Guest Featured Pat McGrann – Islay Community Access GroupKathryn MacPherson – LambingDietmar…
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E06 – Òran Mór and More Cyber
This is Episode 6 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. This month’s podcast is hosted by Gemma MacLean and Jolyon Thurgood and features Glen Roberts with Larah McKay, Manager at the Mactaggart Youth Community Cybercafe (the “Cyber”) together with Orla Campbell and Mara…
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E05 – Always Heat the Haggis
This month’s podcast is hosted by Gemma MacLean and Jolyon Thurgood and features Nicholas Bowman and Jenny Featherstone describing their lockdown journey around Islay – on foot and by kayak – to bag all 34 trig points, Glen Roberts in conversation with Iain Gibson discussing Robert Burns, Burns Night, “Address to a Haggis” and much…
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E04 – Christmas 2020 on Islay
This episode features Jolyon Thurgood and guest host Frazer Campbell, from Campbell’s of Islay, and a High Street Hero nominated as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign for their support of the community during challenging times of 2020. Presented by Jolyon Thurgood and special guest host, Frazer Campbell. With interviews from Glen Roberts. Special…
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E03 – Islay Community Access Group
Jolyon and latest volunteer, Tom, present this months episode featuring Glen interviewing Dr Pat McGrann from the Islay Community Access Group (ICAG) about connecting Islay’s communities via pathways and Jolyon discusses Islay Sessions with Greig Shaw of the Fraser Shaw Trust. Music from David Foley, Jack Smedley, Jenn Butterworth & Maeve Mackinnon. Presented by Jolyon…
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E02 – Islay Resilience and Trip to India
Islay Resilience Group discuss their fantastic work supporting the community during lockdown with Glen while Jolyon & Glen chat with former Islay High students about their 2019 trip to India. Presented by Greig Barker, Sharon McHarrie, Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood. Special Guest Featured Dougie McFadzean & Gill Chasemore – Islay Resilience Group.Helena, Maisie, Russell and…
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E01 – Welcome to This is Islay
Glen and Jolyon present the very first episode of This Is Islay when they discuss their plans and thoughts for the coming episodes. Includes interviews with Brendan O’Hara, Iain Gibson and Ella Edgar. Presented by Greig Barker, Sharon McHarrie, Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood. Special Guest Featured Brendan O’Hara, Iain Gibson and Ella Edgar.
Listen Here: E01 – Welcome to This is Islay