LATEST EPISODE:
The Life & Legacy
of Robert Burns
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AUTHOR GORDON MACLEOD AND A STORY OF THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES
DISCOVERING
STIRLING CASTLE
INTRODUCE YOUR KIDS TO THE SCOTS LANGUAGE
Since 1999, SimplyScottish.com has been a source for the best of all things Scottish and a popular destination for Scotland lovers all over the world! Originally a companion website to Simply Scottish Radio, the site has a brand new look and is now home to the Simply Scottish podcast! Get regular updates and chances to win prizes on our Facebook site. And tune in to the Simply Scottish Podcast every week to discover the best of Scotland.
Enjoy your visit!
Andrew McDiarmid
Creator, SimplyScottish.com
DESCRIPTION:
Scotland's most famous poet, Rabbie Burns is celebrated the world over for his Scots and English language poetry. More than just a writer, Burns is part of our social consciousness today and embodies the ideas we continue to hold dear, including the equality of humankind, liberty, and brotherhood. Tune in to learn more about Burns' life, loves, and legacy. Listen to stirring arrangements of Burns' songs from Eddi Reader, George Duff, Phil Coulter, Mae McKenna, Alan Reid & Sylvia Barnes.
MUSIC PLAYLIST:
Eddi Reader - "Green Grow the Rashes, O"
"Willie Stewart / Molly Rankin"
Phil Coulter - "Red Red Rose / Bonny Mary"
George Duff - "Ithers Seek"
Mae McKenna - "Ae Fond Kiss"
Sylvia Barnes & Alan Reid - "Rantin' Rovin' Robin"
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Burns Country - Encyclopedia, Poems & Songs
Burns World Federation - Membership, Resources
Burns Birthplace Museum - official site
#8: THE LIFE & LEGACY OF ROBERT BURNS
#7: LULU, THE KING JAMES BIBLE, AND THE BICYCLE
Scottish innovation and creativity have benefited the world in many ways. On this episode of Simply Scottish, we look at just three of Scotland's contributions - the inimitable Lulu, the best-selling King James Bible, and the pedal-driven bicycle. Did you know Lulu was barely into her teenage years when she started singing publicly? Or that it took a team of several dozen translators seven years to produce their new English translation of the Bible under King James? And if people considered early velocipedes a thrill, wait until they saw what Kirkpatrick Macmillan came up with! All this plus music from The Silencers, Lulu, Niamh Parsons, and more!
#6: ANDREW CARNEGIE, EMPIRE BUILDER
A rags to riches story that typifies the American Dream...tune in as we explore the life of Andrew Carnegie on this episode of imply Scottish, part of an ongoing series on famous Scots and their contributions to the world. Learn about Carnegie's humble childhood in Scotland and how a combination of hard work, ingenuity, and providence would help him achieve unparalleled success as a businessman and philanthropist during America's industrial age. Hear music from Blair Douglas, John Spillane, the Battlefield Band, and more!
#5: EXPLORING SCOTTISH CUISINE, pt. 2:
MODERN DISHES & SHORTBREAD
What do people in Scotland eat today? What's a Scotch pie? Do restaurants in Scotland serve traditional or modern dishes? Why is shortbread called "short" bread? Tune in to this episode of Simply Scottish, the 2nd in a series exploring Scottish cuisine. Enjoy music from Capercaillie, Phil Cunningham, the Bluebells, and more!
#4: THE SCOTTISH NEW YEAR:
HOGMANAY & EDINBURGH CASTLE
On this episode of Simply Scottish, find out how people in Scotland ring in the New Year! Learn all about Hogmanay - traditions, key events, and more. We'll also take a closer look at Edinburgh Castle, the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland. Hear music from Dougie Maclean, The Band of the Black Watch, Leahy, and others, all on this episode of Simply Scottish.
#3: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN SCOTLAND
On this episode of Simply Scottish, explore how Christmas is celebrated in Scotland. We'll look at the history of the holiday and discuss examples of traditions that have stood the test of time. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, sip something warm, and tune in to this special Christmas edition of Simply Scottish. This episode features music from Aine Minogue, Deacon Blue, Robin Spielberg, and Andrew Young.
#2: EXPLORING SCOTTISH CUISINE, PT. 1: HISTORY & INFLUENCES
On this episode of Simply Scottish, the first of a series on Scots Cuisine, we explore the history and development of Scottish food from medieval times to the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. You'll find out how the plates of the wealthy and titled differed from those of farmers. We'll take a closer look at Scotland's national dish, haggis, and discuss the characteristics and common ingredients that make Scots cuisine distinct and appetizing. Tune in now! This episode features music from Runrig, Ian Bruce, and Alasdair Fraser.
#1: FROM RADIO SHOW TO PODCAST
THE BEST OF ALL THINGS SCOTTISH...AGAIN!
On this inaugural episode of Simply Scottish in podcast form, host Andrew McDiarmid speaks with his father, Andrew McDiarmid Sr., about the experience of starting and producing a Scottish radio program in South Texas in 1999. For three years, the father and son duo shared the best of all things Scottish - music, features, commentary, and interviews - with audiences in Texas, northern Mexico, and later Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Ontario, Canada. Returning to the airwaves in a new podcast format in 2011, the future looks bright for this entertaining and informative program. Tune in to our first episode and enjoy the best of all things Scottish! This episode features music from The Proclaimers, Florie Brown, and Enya.
Automatically receive upcoming episodes every week by subscribing to Simply Scottish in iTunes!
!HISTORY
From 1999-2001, Simply Scottish aired as a one-hour weekly radio program on NPR affiliate and independent radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. The show was co-hosted by Andrew McDiarmid Jr. and his father Andrew Sr. In 2011, Simply Scottish returned as an informative and entertaining weekly podcast, with Scottish music, features, interviews, and more!
WHAT LISTENERS ARE SAYING
by SamScot2011
Refined as ever, easy to listen to, and so informative!
by NoahD99
I learn interesting things every time I tune in! The Scottish and Celtic music is really cool too! Can't wait for the next episode!
by kjjbu
I love the mix of music and commentary. I especially liked learning the history of Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's celebrations.
by Nwerunga
Wonderful work! Exciting and refreshing.
Keep up the world class work!
YOUR HOST!
Andrew McDiarmid was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1990, he immigrated to the US with his family, living a decade in south Texas before moving to the Seattle area. He holds an undergraduate degree in English: Creative Writing from the UW and a Master's in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. In addition to podcasting and writing, Andrew enjoys his job as a media relations specialist at the Discovery Institute in Seattle.
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Did you know?
SimplyScottish.com worked with Scotsman.com to pioneer the web's first Scottish-source news feeds and was the first website on the internet to incorporate them.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
In 2001, we sat down with Craig and Charlie Reid, The Proclaimers, at the Gorge Amphitheater in Central Washington, USA. We chatted with the brothers about their album 'Persevere', about having their music featured in one of the biggest summer movies in the United States (Shrek), about the current state of Scotland, and more.
AVAILABLE SHORTLY...
"It's got to be perfect," the song goes. In 1988, everything was perfect for Eddi Reader and the rest of Fairground Attraction, who had a #1 hit in Scotland, England, and Wales with "Perfect", from their platinum-selling album First of a Million Kisses. Between then and now, it's been quite a musical ride for Reader. SimplyScottish.com talks to one of Scotland's most vibrant artists.
Stirling Castle has a long and storied past. A multi-million pound project by caretakers Historic Scotland aims to bring its colorful history to life. Find out how in our feature, coming soon!
The Hunt of the Unicorn (1495-1505)
Recently woven reproductions of the tapestries now adorn the walls of the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, forced and often brutal evictions of tenants from their homes in the highlands and islands resulted in thousands of families being displaced and forever changed the clan system of chieftain responsibility and allegiance. A new novel tells the story of one man'’s journey to discover how the clearances changed his family and ancestry forever. Read the interview.
Melrose Abbey stands today as one of the best examples of Scotland’s sacred houses of worship. SimplyScottish.com went on location to talk to the experts managing this beautiful church ruin in the Scottish Borders. Interview coming soon!
Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136 by David I, was the first monastery of the Cistercian order established in Scotland. Despite frequent damage from war, it was used as a parish church from around 1600 until 1810.
New features exploring Scottish patriot and freedom-fighter William Wallace coming soon!
Publisher of bestselling books in Scots for children and young people, including original titles like Katie’s Beasties along with popular favorites like Winnie the Pooh in Scots!
tchy Coo also promotes the Scots language in schools and to a wider public through liaison with the Scottish Parliament, national organisations and at an international level.
Purchase Itchy Coo titles:
Amazon.com (USA)
Amazon.co.uk (Scotland, England, Wales)
Visit www.itchy-coo.com today!
Now available in Blu-ray and DVD, The Hour is an intriguing, edgy spy thriller set in the world of television journalism in 1956. The BBC, which we love to hate and hate to love, is the setting for this mini-series. A news show called “The Hour” has just launched. At the heart of the show are three contrasting journalists and an enigmatic producer, entangled in an interplay of politics, ambition, and romance against a backdrop of murder and conspiracy.
Order The Hour at BBC America .
Do you have Scottish Ancestors? Let Scottish Roots professional genealogy service trace your Scottish genealogy and family tree. Experienced genealogy researchers provide you with detailed ancestral research, searching only authentic records. Learn about your past today!
Visit www.scottishroots.com today and begin your search!
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1. What is 76 about?
76 is about one man's quest to trace his ancestry and to mark, in his own unique way, the Clearances in Scotland. It outlines the history of one township on the Isle of Arran which was cleared, and takes us across other parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland that experienced similar events.
Primarily, it is these historical events that are the theme of the novel, but it is also contrasting them with the migration that still occurs, particularly from the islands of Scotland for economic reasons in modern day Scotland.
Also intertwined in the story line are sub themes of separation and loss and mankind's inhumanity to his own kind.
2. Why does the story of 76 need to be told today?
There is a lack of knowledge about the Clearances that affected Scotland, at both a national level, and an international level. It is my aspiration that 76 will help to tell that story to an audience both home and abroad.
3. What sets 76 apart from other books about the Highland Clearances?
Aside from the song, the lyrics of which appear in the text, which the writer wrote to explain the Clearances and what happened to the people from one township on Arran, there are few works of fiction which are based solidly on the actual events that occurred there.
4. Describe 3 events in your life that led to you writing this book.
(i). I did not intend to write a sequel to my first novel, 'Silicon Glen', but some of the characters still had a story to tell and play a major role in this my second novel. There was some unfinished business that still had to be dealt with in terms of their lives, and 76 gave them the chance to conclude it.
(ii). I passionately believe in ensuring the younger generation do not grow up like myself, in ignorance of the story of their own nation's history. If I can help raise their awareness of a significant period from it, then I will have achieved much of what I set out to do. If I have helped people of my own age group to learn a little more about that too, then I will have been even more successful than I could have imagined.
(iii). The third reason is purely selfish, in so much as I was disappointed that my first novel, although it did relatively well, was not published in either paper back or hard back by a publisher. I wanted to produce something that might be noticed by a reputable publishing house. I also had an idea for another novel, which I have just completed, so wanted to finish this work first.
5. Historical fiction is a powerful genre, combining the reality of true history with the moving power of well-crafted story-telling. What other novels have you enjoyed that tell Scotland's story in this way?
'Kidnapped', by Robert Louis Stevenson encompasses all the features of combining historical events with masterful story telling. In that work we learn a lot of what happened in the aftermath of the battle of Culloden, the last battle to be fought on British soil.
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76 is currently available in electronic format. It can be read on Kindle e-readers, as well as iPhone, PC, Mac, iPad, or Blackberry devices. Order the book online on Amazon.com .
Connect with author Gordon MacLeod and learn more about his books.
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