Episodes
Podcast Type
By Year
Featured People
Our Latest Podcasts:
-
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E53 Port Ellen Primary School – Vikings -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E52 – Marvellous Materials -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E51 – Housing on Islay – Part 4 – Numbers and Issues -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E50 – Celebrating 50 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E49 – My Early Days on Islay – Margaret Storrie -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E48 – “Lady Charlotte Bury” by Margaret Storrie -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E47 – Pickups 4 Peace – Beth Newman -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E46 – Port Ellen Primary School: Neurodiversity -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E45 – Catriona Bell – Life on Islay 2 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E44 – Housing on Islay – Part 3 – Wakey-Wakey Islay -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E43 – Housing on Islay – Part 2 – A Builder’s Perspective -
Podcast Type :
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. […]
Listen Here: E42 – I’d Be Dressing A Banana -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E41 – Autumn Music on Islay and Jura ft Islay Jazz Festival -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E40 – Housing on Islay – Part 1 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E39 – 2025 Islay Book Festival -
Podcast Type :
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…
Listen Here: E38 – Rhinns Lighthouse Festival 2025 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E37 – Catriona Bell – Life on Islay 1 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E36 – Primary Schools Reading Changemakers and Citizens -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E35 – Islay Primary Schools Collab -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E34 – Cancer Support Group Islay -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E33 – Behind The Scenes -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E32 – Gus Newman – A Port Ellen Lad -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E31 – Islay Book Festival 2024 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E30 – What makes someone an Ileach? -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E29 – The view from 2 wheels -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E28 – Slowing Down on Islay – A Whisky Tourist’s Perspective -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E27 – MAYDS at MYCOS -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E26 – Mental Health Support for Islay Youth -
Podcast Type :
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, […]
Listen Here: E25 – The Ileach is 50 Years Old! -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E24 – Art on Display – Interactions -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E23 – Return of Feis-Ile 2023 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E22 – 2022 – The Year in Review -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E21 – Christmas In The (Islay) Air -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E20 – Best Ports Improve with Age -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E19 – What’s new at Bruichladdich Hall -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E18 – The Ileach (Fortnightly) -
Podcast Type :
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. […]
Listen Here: E17 – Music Music Music -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E16 – Islay Show Day – Since 1838 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E15 – Snowball Earth and FilmG -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E14 – Fairtrade and Fèis Ìle -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E12+1 – Land of the Ilich – Past and Present -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E12 – Christmas 2021 -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E11 – COP26: Islay Perspectives and The Islay Times -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E10 – Run the Runway and Bowmore’s Running Water -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E09 – Portraits and Partnerships -
Podcast Type :
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. […]
Listen Here: E08 – Tea with Cantilena -
Podcast Type :
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. […]
Listen Here: E07 – Spring Arrivals and Islay Faces -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E06 – Òran Mór and More Cyber -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E05 – Always Heat the Haggis -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E04 – Christmas 2020 on Islay -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E03 – Islay Community Access Group -
Podcast Type :
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. […]
Listen Here: E02 – Islay Resilience and Trip to India -
Podcast Type :
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 […]
Listen Here: E01 – Welcome to This is Islay