Scotland has a population of about 5 million people, but Russell Dalgleish says there’s about another 20 to 30 million worldwide who identify as Scottish. We talk about what’s meant by diaspora, how Scottish diaspora can help Scotland and how four hours standing on a plinth in a kilt led to the Scottish Business Netowrk. Russell has a thriving career as not only a serial entrepreneur but an investor, strategist, director and member of the Advisory Board at the Scottish Government’s...

Scottish At Heart Episode 8 - Eilidh McRae on Scottish history and why it’s popular Eilidh McRae, with her husband Kieran, host one of Scotland’s best loved podcasts Generally Spooky History. In this episode we hear from Eilidh about why people love Scotland’s stories so much, her favourite stories and the place she is hesitant to return to.  Eilidh’s links:  Generally Spooky History: https://generallyspooky.com/  The podcast:...

Scottish At Heart Episode 7 Madeleine Black This episode discusses sexual violence and trauma. Madeleine Black is a Glasgow-based public speaker, courage cultivator and author of the memoir, Unbroken. Her personal story is one of sexual violence and trauma, and, ultimately, healing, forgiveness and profound personal courage. In this episode we talk about how a Jewish woman from London found herself living in Glasgow and why she will never leave. We talk about nature, munro bagging...

Scott Carmichael is the host of the Carmichael Clan Radio podcast and a passionate clan member. Clan Carmichael USA is a Scottish-American clan society of persons bearing the ancient name of Carmichael, or who have relatives or ancestors so named, or who are members of Carmichael families, or are persons interested in the heritage and history of the Carmichael name which originated in the 11th century. In this episode you will hear how Scott got involved with his clan, his family history...

Andrew Douglas is a prolific practitioner of the bagpipe, active at the highest level of pipe bands, solo competition, teaching, and creative endeavors for the past 20+ years. Andrew is the co-founder, owner, and leader of Dojo University, the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping school in the world. Dojo U was the first online bagpiping school of its kind – and it's still the largest and most successful – where thousands of pipers from around the world learn at their own...

After working as a freelance artist, project manager, trainer and consultant for 10 years, Julie grew her first ever online business to six figures, with her content being seen by millions of people around the world. Her story has been shared on media channels in more than 50 countries. Since then she’s worked with more than 20,000 individuals around the world helping them to think bigger and do better,by taking radical self responsibility and making more of the most valuable and limited...

Kyle Dawson is the President of the New York City Tartan Week, the largest celebration of Scotland outside of the UK.  Tartan Week is held in April and has grown from a single day to an extra-long weekend of Scottish celebrations, the main event a parade with a post-parade party. Kyle tells us how New York City Tartan Week got started, his own involvements - they are all volunteers by the way - plus how he loves to fly across the Atlantic for a long weekend of his own in Scotland. Kyle’s...

In episode two we meet singer, songwriter and artist Sue Pyper. She is a London-born daughter of a Scot who now lives in Vancouver Island, Canada. Sue wrote a song called Highland Clearance, which we talk about and which Sue kindly gave me permission to share, you can hear that at the end of our conversation. In this episode we talk about growing up with a Scottish parent, choosing where to live and the inspiration to her song.  Sue’s links:  Music: https://suepyper.com/  Art:...

When you first hear her, Kathi Kamleitner sounds like she has lived in Scotland all her life, but then you hear another string to her accent and your interest piques. Kathi has lived in Scotland for 10 years, she made it her home after moving from Austria (via Germany) to study in Glasgow. In this episode you will hear what it was that made her feel like she was in a place she could call home, her first experience of travelling around Scotland and how she would spend her ideal 24...

Welcome to Scottish At Heart. I’m your host Alison Fraser. My name tells you I have Scottish ancestry but I don’t have the accent to match.  I’ve lived all over, from my early beginnings as an army brat living on UK army bases through to emigrating to New Zealand in my 20s. But for me Scotland is home. I’m a writer, a beginner bagpiper and a fan of the Outlander books and TV show. I’ve been learning Gaelic and I drink Irn Bru. I couldn’t be any more Scottish if I tried, if only I had the...