Simply Scottish

Visit landmarks of Scotland’s history on this episode of Simply Scottish. Discover the work of Historic Scotland as we journey to two of the top historic attractions in Scotland today – the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace and the breathtaking prehistoric village of Skara Brae, a World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Western Europe. All this plus great music from Blair Douglas, Dougie Maclean, Old Blind Dogs, and more!

Scots have made significant contributions throughout the history of medicine and health. On this episode of Simply Scottish, we look at the achievements of three pioneers in particular – Joseph Lister and his revolutionary use of antiseptic, Elsie Inglis and her dedication to women’s health and war-time medical aid, and Alexander Fleming with his life-changing discovery of penicillin. You’ll also enjoy great Scottish and Celtic music from Runrig, Niamh Parsons, The Clumsy Lovers, and more. This and all future episodes of Simply Scottish are dedicated to my mother Samantha McDiarmid, who passed away on April 18th, 2012. She embodied what it meant to be "simply Scottish" and was the biggest fan of Simply Scottish. I know she's still listening.

Scots have made significant contributions throughout the history of medicine and health. On this episode of Simply Scottish, we look at the achievements of three pioneers in particular – Joseph Lister and his revolutionary use of antiseptic, Elsie Inglis and her dedication to women’s health and war-time medical aid, and Alexander Fleming with his life-changing discovery of penicillin. You’ll also enjoy great Scottish and Celtic music from Runrig, Niamh Parsons, The Clumsy Lovers, and more. This and all future episodes of Simply Scottish are dedicated to my mother Samantha McDiarmid, who passed away on April 18th, 2012. She embodied what it meant to be "simply Scottish" and was the biggest fan of Simply Scottish. I know she's still listening.

Profiles of Scottish-Americans who made significant contributions to a young United States on this episode of Simply Scottish. Learn more about Tam Blake, the first recorded Scot in the New World, Founding Father John Witherspoon, Navy captain John Paul Jones, and naturalist John Muir. We'll also look at the history and significance of National Tartan Day in the U.S. and Canada. Enjoy music from Karen Casey & John Doyle, Capercaillie, Natalie MacMaster, and more.

Profiles of Scottish-Americans who made significant contributions to a young United States on this episode of Simply Scottish. Learn more about Tam Blake, the first recorded Scot in the New World, Founding Father John Witherspoon, Navy captain John Paul Jones, and naturalist John Muir. We'll also look at the history and significance of National Tartan Day in the U.S. and Canada. Enjoy music from Karen Casey & John Doyle, Capercaillie, Natalie MacMaster, and more.

Enjoy poems from Scotland's writers past and present on this episode of Simply Scottish, with selections from Robert Louis Stevenson, Edwin Morgan, Iain Crichton Smith, Kathleen Jamie, and others. Embark on a journey from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from a child's bed to a lonely moor. Along the way, listen to music from Alasdair Fraser, Fiona MacKenzie, Runrig, and others.

Enjoy poems from Scotland's writers past and present on this episode of Simply Scottish, with selections from Robert Louis Stevenson, Edwin Morgan, Iain Crichton Smith, Kathleen Jamie, and others. Embark on a journey from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, from a child's bed to a lonely moor. Along the way, listen to music from Alasdair Fraser, Fiona MacKenzie, Runrig, and others.

The story and song of Scottish singer-songwriter Maeve O'Boyle is featured on this episode of Simply Scottish. Born and bred in Glasgow of Irish parents, O'Boyle began singing at an early age, eventually gaining mainstream attention at Celtic Connections in 2006. An acclaimed debut album followed in 2009, and O'Boyle is now working on her follow-up. She spoke to Simply Scottish about her musical roots, creating a first album, and what she likes to do outside of music. You'll also hear some great music from O'Boyle's debut album All My Sins.

The story and song of Scottish singer-songwriter Maeve O'Boyle is featured on this episode of Simply Scottish. Born and bred in Glasgow of Irish parents, O'Boyle began singing at an early age, eventually gaining mainstream attention at Celtic Connections in 2006. An acclaimed debut album followed in 2009, and O'Boyle is now working on her follow-up. She spoke to Simply Scottish about her musical roots, creating a first album, and what she likes to do outside of music. You'll also hear some great music from O'Boyle's debut album All My Sins.

Explore the close ties between Ireland and Scotland on the second of a two-part series on the common bonds of these two prominent Celtic nations. Discover the shared Celtic culture of Ireland and Scotland with examples from politics, sport, the arts, food and drink, and more. You'll also enjoy a great selection of Celtic music from Liz Carrol, Niamh Parsons, Jean-Yves Le Pape, and others!

Explore the close ties between Ireland and Scotland on the second of a two-part series on the common bonds of these two prominent Celtic nations. Discover the shared Celtic culture of Ireland and Scotland with examples from politics, sport, the arts, food and drink, and more. You'll also enjoy a great selection of Celtic music from Liz Carrol, Niamh Parsons, Jean-Yves Le Pape, and others!

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, this episode kicks off a two-part series exploring the connections between Ireland and Scotland, two Celtic countries whose histories and cultures are interwoven. Learn about the six Celtic nations and their ancestors from continental Europe. Hear musical examples of Irish and Scottish Gaelic, and discover what is being done today to preserve cultural and linguistic traditions. All this plus great Irish and Scottish music from the Chieftains, Capercaillie, Maeve O’Boyle, Altan, and more!

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, this episode kicks off a two-part series exploring the connections between Ireland and Scotland, two Celtic countries whose histories and cultures are interwoven. Learn about the six Celtic nations and their ancestors from continental Europe. Hear musical examples of Irish and Scottish Gaelic, and discover what is being done today to preserve cultural and linguistic traditions. All this plus great Irish and Scottish music from the Chieftains, Capercaillie, Maeve O’Boyle, Altan, and more!

A castle, a palace, a cathedral, and more! Explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile on this episode of Simply Scottish! The magnificent St. Giles Cathedral has been a focal point of Edinburgh's faithful for hundreds of years. Learn some surprising facts about the High Kirk of the capital city. And what do you get when you combine the vision of a world-class architect with Scotland's landscape, history, and culture? Learn about one of Edinburgh's most distinct buildings, the Scottish Parliament. All this plus music from Heidi Talbot, Old Blind Dogs, Runrig, and more!

A castle, a palace, a cathedral, and more! Explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile on this episode of Simply Scottish! The magnificent St. Giles Cathedral has been a focal point of Edinburgh's faithful for hundreds of years. Learn some surprising facts about the High Kirk of the capital city. And what do you get when you combine the vision of a world-class architect with Scotland's landscape, history, and culture? Learn about one of Edinburgh's most distinct buildings, the Scottish Parliament. All this plus music from Heidi Talbot, Old Blind Dogs, Runrig, and more!