PODCAST · society
This Is Islay
by ThisIsIslay
This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School, and with MYCOS and their programmes in support of local young people. We actively seek volunteers to join our podcasting team. Contact us at e-mail: [email protected]. Follow on Twitter & Facebook @ThisIsIslay .
Episodes
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When The Call Comes
In this episode, This Is Islay's Richard Mansbridge is in conversation with David Protherough, a Senior Coastguard Operation Officer with responsibility for Islay, Jura and Colonsay. We learn what happens when the call comes, and the role of the Coastguard working in conjunction with RNLI and…
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Reading Fun at Port Ellen Primary - Part 2
Continuing our collaboration with Islay primary schools, this episode features the students across Port Ellen Primary discussing their favourite fact-finding books, as well as characters from their most-loved storybooks. Students also offer their reading recommendations to their friends and...
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Reading Fun at Port Ellen Primary - Part 1
Marking the new school year, and continuing our collaboration with Islay primary schools, this episode features the students across Port Ellen Primary discussing their favourite fact-finding books, as well as characters from their most-loved storybooks. Students also offer their reading...
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2026 Islay Book Festival
Discover what makes the Islay Book Festival unique. In this episode, This Is Islay's Jolyon Thurgood chats with Charlène Busali, Creative Director of the 2026 Islay Book Festival, We learn about the book creators and special guests who make up the festival and how its events engage the Islay...
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Young Minds & Big Topics at Islay High School
In this episode, a group of students from Islay High School have created their own podcast. They did so as part of their journalism and media studies, as a result of a two day Media Skills programme sponsored at the High School by the National Union of Journalists and led by Fiona Macdonald, a…
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Caring for Older People - Part 1: Policies, People & Partnerships
This episode launches a new four-part series on Caring for Older People. Part 1 – Policies, People & Partnerships - lays out the care framework by providing an overview of how national and local policies and services impact our lives as we get older, through Scottish Government policies for older...
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Argyll College on Islay - part of UHI
In this episode, This Is Islay's Jean MacLellan is in conversation with Mairi McCuaig, manager of Argyll College on Islay, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands and offering further and higher education across Argyll. The conversation also include Andrew Davis, a Social Sciences...
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The Museum of Islay Life
In this episode, we meet with Malcolm Ogilvie, Deputy Chair of the Museum of Islay Life, and the 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 Acknowledgments: Many…
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Port Ellen Primary School: Vikings
Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features the students of Primary 1 and 2 and their older students of Primary 6 and 7, together with staff at Port Ellen Primary School, discussing the Vikings. What did we know before and what did we learn? One thing we know...
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Port Ellen Primary School: 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...
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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....
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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. Acknowledgements: The This…
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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...
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"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. Lady Charlotte's oldest son was…
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Pickups For 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, Islay's local vet whose practice is based in Bowmore, tells…
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Port Ellen Primary School: Neurodiversity
Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features students and staff at Port Ellen Primary School discussing neurodiversity, school houses (Orsay, Texa and Nave) and the Gold: Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA), awarded by UNICEF UK. Acknowledgements: Many…
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Catriona Bell - Life on Islay 2
This episode is released today to mark Catriona Bell's 90th birthday - Happy Birthday from This Is Islay! Catriona 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…
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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…
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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...
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I'd Be Dressing A Banana
In a conversation with Jean MacLellan, Kate Skinner tells us about the Coop'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...
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Autumn Music Events around 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 talks to Jazz Scotland about the Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival taking place September 19-21 2025: 21 events, 9 venues across Islay. Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival - September 19-21 Islay Local Mod /…
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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...
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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 https://islaybookfestival.co.uk or...
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Rhinns Lighthouse Festival
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...
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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…
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Primary Schools: Reading Changemakers and Citizens
As part of our collaboration with Islay Primary Schools (episode June 1, 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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Gus Newman - A Port Ellen Lad
In May 2024, This Is Islay joined Gus Newman in his corner office in Lagavulin. In our conversation Gus introduces us to his life and times in and on the waters surrounding Islay. He talks of the family ventures and adventures, including Storm-Cats, Storm-Pods and Islay Sea Adventures. Gus's…
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Islay Book Festival 2024
This Is Islay's Jean MacLellan in conversation with Charlène Busali, Chair of this year's Islay Book Festival. Together they discuss various elements of the festival, its events and activities which take place between 29 August and 1 September 2024. For more information visit...
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What Makes Someone An Ileach ?
This episode launches Season 3 of our community podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura. This episode focuses on the people of Islay, and specifically "What makes someone an Ileach?" Greig Barker interviews Islay High School students, Russell Pollock speaks to Samantha...
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The View From Two Wheels
In this episode, Sharon Jones, on her third visit to Islay together with husband Mike, contributes her own recording to our podcast series. She relates her experiences travelling the highways and byways of Islay by e-bike. This episode was recorded, by Sharon, in September 2023. This is our very...
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Slowing Down on Islay - A Whisky Tourist's Perspective
In this episode, Lars Weitbrecht, a traveller from Germany shares his discovery of Islay whisky, the Islay landscape and the Islay community, in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. This episode was recorded in September 2023.
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MAYDS at MYCOS
In May 2023, Jolyon interviewed Fiona Kalache MBE who manages Mid Argyll Youth Development Services, 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 formerly known as...
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Mental Health Support on Islay
This episode features Glen in conversation with Lynn Johnstone, part of Mid-Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS), focussing on the mental health support she provides at Islay High School. More information is available at https://www.exchange-counselling.com/ .
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The Ileach is 50 Years Old
The Independent Newspaper for Islay and Jura, the Ileach, was founded in 1973. To mark the occasion, Glen Roberts sat down with current editor Brian Palmer and past editor Calum Murray to discuss all things Ileach, and in particular the role of this publication in the local community. The Ileach…
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Art on Display: Interactions
Three Scottish Artists - Anne Campbell, Pauline McGee and Cathy Wilson - discuss their art and inspirations in conversation with Jolyon Thurgood. The three artists have an Exhibition, "Interactions", taking place at the Gaelic Centre near Bowmore (until August 11th 2023). Open Monday to Friday...
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The Return of Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival - 2023
In this episode Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts talk with Lesley McCall, Secretary of the Fèis Ìle Committee, as she and her colleagues get ready for the Islay Festival which takes place from May 26th to June 3rd 2023. Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival - is a gathering of whisky and Islay fans from...
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2022 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…
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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…
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The Best Ports Improve With Age
Islay's new ferries are eagerly awaited. In this episode, a conversation with Nasir Udin, Senior Civil Engineer with CMAL – Caledonian Maritime Assets – and This Is Islay's Glen Roberts, discussing the upcoming port improvements which will take place in Port Ellen as well as Port Askaig, Colonsay...
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What's New at Bruichladdich Hall
Glen speaks with Angus Rice about the recent updates at Bruichladdich Hall, and upcoming events planned for the Hall. Angus Rice is the Chairman of the Bruichladdich Hall Committee. Many thanks to the various teams of volunteers and contractors who assisted with the work, including the efforts of...
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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...
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Music Music Music
Introduced by Jolyon Thurgood, this episode highlights the upcoming music events on Islay and Jura: Jura Music Festival, September 23-25 2022. More at juramusicfestival.com Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, October 9-11 2022. More at islayjazzfestival.co.uk Islay Sessions, November 11-13 2022. More…
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Islay Show Day - Since 1838
An interview with David McArthur, President of the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Association. This Is Islay is a community-led podcast celebrating the people, places and events of Islay and Jura. Extra Information here This episode marks the launch of Season 2 of This Is Islay and the...
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Snowball Earth, Back to Islay and FilmG
This is Episode 15 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. This episode is hosted by Jolyon Thurgood and Glen Roberts, and production was led by Tom O'Farrell . Thanks to the Port Charlotte Hotel for hosting our Rhinns...
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Fairtrade and Feis Ile - Islay's Festival of Music and Malt
This is Episode 14 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. We’re excited to welcome Florence Grey as co-host to this episode, assisted by Jolyon Thurgood. The goal of This Is Islay is to use podcasting to foster community...
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Land of the Ilich - Past and Present
This is Episode 12+1 of This Is Islay, a volunteer-led podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections of Islay and Jura. All are invited to join our 1st Annual General Meeting via Zoom on Thursday 17th March 2022 at 7pm by clicking here...
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Christmas 2021
This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce and promote content for a worldwide audience. We collaborate with Islay High School, and with MYCOS and their programmes in support of local young people. We actively seek volunteers to join our podcasting team. Contact us at e-mail: [email protected]. Follow on Twitter & Facebook @ThisIsIslay .
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ThisIsIslay
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does This Is Islay have?
This Is Islay currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is This Is Islay about?
This Is Islay is a community podcast celebrating the people, places, events and connections which shape the Hebridean island communities of Islay and Jura. Our goal is to use podcasting to foster community involvement, education and training, providing resources and facilities to research, produce...
How often does This Is Islay release new episodes?
This Is Islay has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to This Is Islay?
You can listen to This Is Islay on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts This Is Islay?
This Is Islay is created and hosted by ThisIsIslay.
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