In this special episode Nati takes you to Lochmaddy in North Uist to discover some fragments of the fascinating history of Caledonian MacBrayne which goes all the way back to 1851. Back in the studio Coinneach and Nati have a special guest. We hear from; Mary Morrison (Port Manager at Lochmaddy) John MacDonald (Owner of the exhibition artefacts and calmac employee and enthusiast) Norman MacLeod (Operations Manager at Taigh Chearsabhagh and Curator of the exhibition) Iain Quinn (Volunteers on...

Over 130 years since the first ever Royal National Mòd, in this special episode Coinneach takes you into the heart of the Mòd as it takes place in its birthplace, Oban, in 2024. Diving into competitions and in conversation with some of the biggest names around town, we hear from; Innes MacQueen (Local organiser) James Graham (Chief exec. of An Comunn Gàidhealach) Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod (singer) John Joe Macneil (Barra choir conductor, singer, composer and head of Ceolas) Mary Ann Kennedy...

SCOTTISH ISLAND ADVENTURES: ARRAN GUEST: KIRSTY WARK Arran Just off the west-coast, Arran is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. Its location makes it ideal for a day-trip, mini-break, or extended stay and whether you want to roam the island’s natural landscapes or browse the boutique shops, there is such a wide array of visitor attractions that you certainly won’t get bored quickly!  Otter’s Tail Before you set off on your own island adventure, consider using Otter’s Tail who will...

Scottish Island Adventures - Barra, Vatersay and Eriskay with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Tony Kearney Barra, Vatersay, & Eriskay As you approach Castlebay with the wonderful Kisimul Castle keeping watch, you’ll soon realise that a trip to these islands is a trip into the very heart of Scotland’s natural beauty. Long stretches of coastline evoke a rich sense of solitude making a visit to one (or all three) of the islands an ideal way to escape the commotion of...

Scottish Island Adventures - Bute - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Janice Forsyth Bute  It might be just 15 miles long but this compact island is brimming with culture, history, wildlife, and arts. Given the title of the best place to live in Scotland by The Times in 2022, the Isle of Bute has certainly earned its place as a top visitor destination. Mount Stuart House No trip to Bute would be complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Stuart House. With the firth...

Scottish Island Adventures - Harris - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Emma Macleod Harris  Harris, with its long-standing customs, beautiful landscapes and tight-knit community, offers a special kind of welcome to island life. As with many of the other Scottish island communities, Gaelic is the first language for a majority of Harris natives and is a hugely rich and important aspect of Harris’ history. It is famed for its breathtaking beaches which no trip to...

Scottish Island Adventures - Islay/Jura - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest John Carmichael Islay and Jura Islay and Jura are the southernmost islands of the Hebrides and have been inhabited since 10,000 BC.  The Islands are surrounded by a vast expanse of turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sailing kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you prefer to stay dry there are lots of opportunities for walking, climbing, or golfing making Islay and Jura a great option for an...

Scottish Island Adventures - Lewis - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Cathy MacDonald From the neat Victorian homes lining the streets of Stornoway in the east, to the stretching white sands of Bosta on Great Bernera in the west, where the clear Atlantic waters sound the evocative toll of the Time and Tide Bell as a reminder of the link between us and the elements, Lewis is an island of exciting contrasts and diverse experiences and the largest of the Outer...

Scottish Island Adventures - Mull - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Colin MacIntyre The Isle of Mull is a standout island with dramatic bays and beaches all along the Island’ coastline. It is home to an impressive array of animals making it a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast. You can also take a boat from Mull to the Island of Iona to visit the incredible Iona Abbey and hear tales of the Viking settlers who came to the shores.  Hebridean Whale Trail  In...

Scottish Island Adventures - Skye - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Sarah Cruickshank The Isle of Skye  Skye is the largest of the Islands belonging to the Inner Hebrides at 50 miles long. The Isle’s picturesque scenery attracts visitors from all over the world who can take on its many hill walks and engage in all kinds of outdoor activities from Kayaking in the beautiful Lochs to spotting protected wildlife species such as the Sea Eagle or Red Deer.  Skye has a...

Scottish Island Adventures - South Uist - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Kathleen MacInnes South Uist  South Uist is an island of two faces with lofty mountains to the east, and long stretches of sandy beaches to the west. Take yourself off on an adventure with challenging hikes or wander among the ruins of a 13th century church. South Uist is a real mix of history, culture, and unspoilt natural landscapes.  Long Island Retreats Experience true island living with...

Scottish Island Adventures - Stornoway - with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Cathy MacDonald Stornoway Stornoway is the main town and port on Lewis and is accessed by a ferry from Ullapool on the mainland. Roughly a third of Lewis’ total population live in Stornoway and the town has many facilities such as a sports complex and golf course to service the bustling community. At Lews castle you can find a wide variety of woodland walks and in the summer months visitors are...