The Thistle & Dram

From the spectacle of WrestleMania 42… to the seriousness of the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026 — this week had everything.What do wrestling, politics, and public opinion have in common? More than you might think.This episode is where culture, politics, and people all collide.Big events. Big questions. And Scotland right in the middle of it all.And for the first time — we’re bringing your questions into the conversation.From global spectacle to national debate — this episode brings everything together.In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we cover a wide range of topics shaping conversation right now. From a review of WrestleMania 42, to a breakdown of the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026, and for the first time, listener questions that bring your voice into the podcast.We discuss:WrestleMania 42 and my high-level thoughts on the PPV as a whole. Key moments and takeaways from the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026.Listener questions on Scotland, identity, media, and the futureThe growing role of audience conversation in shaping the podcastThis episode marks a milestone — bringing together culture, politics, and your perspectives as the podcast continues to grow.

Scotland is a small country, but does it have a bigger voice than we think?From culture to politics, Scotland’s influence reaches far beyond its borders.In a global world, where does Scotland actually fit?Is Scotland defined by its past… or shaping its future?This isn’t just about Scotland — it’s about how small nations make a big impact.Scotland is a small country — but its influence reaches far beyond its borders.In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a step back and look at Scotland in a global context. From cultural identity and international perception to economic influence and political positioning, this episode explores where Scotland fits in an increasingly connected world.We discuss:How Scotland is seen around the worldThe idea of “Brand Scotland” and global perceptionCultural exports — from music and film to literatureScotland’s role in the global economyWhether Scotland is building its future — or relying on its pastHow globalisation is shaping identityThis episode marks a turning point — widening the lens from Scotland itself to Scotland’s place in the world.💬 Join the conversation: Does Scotland punch above its weight globally?

Scotland and the United Kingdom — a partnership, or a growing divide?Is the Union still working… or starting to fracture?Who really makes the decisions for Scotland?This isn’t just politics — it’s about identity, power, and the future.What defines the relationship between Scotland and the United Kingdom today?In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we explore one of the most important and debated topics in modern Scotland — its place within the UK.We break down:The role of Westminster and devolved powersPolitical tensions and differing prioritiesCultural identity and what it means to be Scottish and BritishThe arguments shaping the future of the UnionThis is a complex conversation — and one that goes far beyond simple headlines.💬 Join the conversation: Is the current relationship working — or does it need to change?

How is news reported in Scotland — and can we trust it?In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we explore the Scottish media landscape and the growing questions around trust, bias, and influence.We discuss:How news is reported across ScotlandDifferences between Scottish and UK-wide mediaThe decline of trust in traditional outletsThe rise of social media as a news sourceWhat’s missing from today’s conversationsThis episode goes beyond headlines — and asks how media shapes not just what we know, but how we think.💬 Join the conversation: Where do you get your news — and do you trust it?

Where is Scotland heading in the next 10–20 years?In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we look ahead — exploring the forces that will shape Scotland’s future. From economic challenges and opportunities to demographic shifts and evolving cultural identity, this is a conversation about what comes next.We break down:The future of Scotland’s economy and key industriesPopulation trends and what they mean for societyCultural identity in a changing worldThe opportunities — and risks — aheadThis is not just about politics — it’s about people, choices, and the direction of a nation.💬 Join the conversation: Where do you think Scotland is heading?

From the haunting sound of the bagpipes echoing through the Highlands… to global chart-topping hits heard around the world…Scotland’s music has always had a voice far bigger than its size.But what is it about Scottish music that makes it so distinctive?And how has it evolved from traditional folk songs, sung in small communities… to shaping the global music scene today?So pour yourself a dram, get comfortable… and join the conversation.

From the rebellious streets of Edinburgh in Trainspotting to the sweeping Highland drama of Braveheart, Scotland has produced some unforgettable moments in cinema.But how accurately do these films portray the country?And why does Scotland continue to captivate filmmakers from around the world?In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we explore the films, actors, and directors who have helped bring Scotland to the big screen.So pour yourself a dram, settle in, and join the conversation.Scotland’s landscapes, history, and culture have long inspired filmmakers.In this episode we explore how Scotland has been portrayed on screen—from romantic Highland epics to gritty urban dramas set in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.We discuss iconic films set in Scotland, the global impact of Scottish actors, and the directors who have helped shape modern Scottish cinema.Along the way, we ask an important question:Do films show the real Scotland—or the Scotland people want to see?

Scotland has produced some of the most powerful voices in modern literature—but what do those stories actually tell us about the country?From the gritty streets of Edinburgh in Trainspotting to the emotional world of Glasgow in Shuggie Bain, Scottish writers have captured identity, class, community, and change in ways that resonate far beyond Scotland itself.In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we explore the books and authors that bring Scotland to life on the page.Scottish literature has always been deeply connected to the country’s culture, landscape, and people.In this episode, we explore the rich tradition of Scottish storytelling—from the rural communities of Sunset Song to the urban realism of writers like Irvine Welsh and Douglas Stuart.We also look at how Scottish literature often reflects key themes such as identity, class, politics, and language, and how different regions—from Glasgow to the Highlands—have shaped very different kinds of stories.Along the way, we highlight some of the books that anyone interested in Scotland should read.So pour yourself a dram, find a comfortable chair, and join the conversation.

More than a decade after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, the country is still wrestling with big questions about identity, independence, and its future within the United Kingdom.In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a step back and look at the bigger picture—from the history of Scottish politics to the debates shaping the country right now.Scottish politics has always been passionate, complex, and deeply tied to questions of identity.In this episode, we explore how modern Scottish politics developed—from the creation of the Scottish Parliament to the political shockwaves of Brexit.We also look at the current political landscape, including the role of parties like the Scottish National Party and the ongoing debates surrounding independence, public services, and Scotland’s place in the world.But beyond the headlines, we ask a bigger question:What conversations about Scotland’s future are we not having?So pour yourself a dram and join the conversation.

Why the podcast existsThe state of Scottish conversation and mediaWhat listeners can expect