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Expressions of Support for This Is Islay
The following statements have been received from members of the Islay community, expressing their support for the This Is Islay podcast project, their experiences in working with us, and reflections on the podcast’s value to the community. These are the views of partners, participants and listeners familiar with our podcast project in 2026.
“We approached This Is Islay last year as we were planning the Rhinns Lighthouse Festival, and they responded quickly to set up an interview, and it was really brilliant in raising awareness of the festival. It’s fantastic that there’s such an effective means of reaching a local audience. This is Islay is a major asset for the island and Jolyon and his team are totally professional in what they do and make the whole process so simple and straightforward for the amateur contributor.”
Angus Ferguson, Rhinns Lighthouse Festival Committee
“This Is Islay contacted me in September last year about promoting Fairtrade Fortnight as part of my Member Engagement role with the Co-op. They came to me to record the podcast, which was incredibly convenient, and alongside what was aired we had the chance to discuss a number of other island issues. It was great to see how connected they are to the community — and to be approached by them, rather than having to seek them out, felt genuinely positive.”
Kate Skinner, Co-op Member Activator, Argyll & Bute
“The Islay podcast has introduced me to people I didn’t know both behind and in front of the camera. I did know Jean MacLellan and when she asked me if I would consent to be interviewed for a podcast I felt quite proud that my contribution to Islay life was important enough to be considered for an interview. I was quite nervous but Jean had done her homework and when she thought I was missing out an important event or episode phrased her next question to jog my memory. I think the podcast contributes to the social history of Islay. It shows how the people who have been born here have a tendency to accept that life won’t change and it takes people from the outside to tell them that’s not good enough and they can change their way of life but always keeping their innate song, dance and warm friendliness at the heart of it.”
Catriona Bell, Bridgend
“Port Ellen Primary pupils and staff have loved working with This is Islay podcast to share our learning with our wider community. We have had so much positive feedback from people all over the Island and further afield about what we do. It has really helped our young learners develop their thoughts and opinions, share their ideas and have a voice.”
Amy Hannett, Port Ellen Primary School
“This Is Islay podcasts have been a fantastic vehicle to let people from all over the world know what’s the burning issues, who we are, what we want for our communities and our trials and tribulations. The breadth and depth of the subjects covered has been amazing and inspiring. I listen to the articles regularly, and have featured on some as well. Most importantly for me however is the fact that the podcasts keep our people who are experiencing social isolation up to date, informed and engaged. I have spoken to many who look forward to new releases, whilst also re-listening to older articles. The podcasts provide a vital service for Islay and its people, and I thank the team for that.”
Councillor Dougie McFadzean
“This is Islay Podcast bravely agreed to take on a difficult subject, which we as Cancer Support Group Islay felt needed to be heard. The interview was handled so professionally yet compassionately we were able to talk openly and honestly not only about living with Cancer but the extra hurdles faced when combined with living on our beautiful, but remote island. We understand our episode has been one of the most listened to and we know from various feedback we have received that it met our aim of being informative, helpful and spreading the message that you don’t have to tackle Cancer alone! This is Islay Podcast made this happen, a real community asset that should be supported.”
Cancer Support Group Islay
“We were both delighted to work with “This is Islay”, it really allowed us to give the community a better understanding of what we do, and the services we provide. It was a very smooth, and simple process and we had lots of positive feedback from the local community who heard the podcast. The topics cover a wide and varied range of issues important to the local community and relevant to all ages. This is a great service for the local community.”
Fiona Kalache MBE, MAYDS Manager
“This Is Islay podcast is a ‘must listen’ for anyone who lives on or loves Islay. It is thoughtfully curated, so that there are a variety of topics and the interviews are sensitively conducted so that the interviewee has time to tell us their story. As a listener, I await the next edition with anticipation, knowing that it will be informative, factual and give me more insight into this wonderful community. Thank you, This Is Islay podcast.”
Gill Chasemore
”This Is Islay podcast has helped to promote the Islay Book Festival through an annual interview with our Chair/Creative Director where the programme of events is discussed and this encourages attendance. It is an additional way for us to reach the local audience and its reach is valuable to us.”
Richard Mansbridge, Islay Book Festival Chair
