Simply Scottish

Andrew McDiarmid
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

Scottish history and culture with a mix of traditional and modern Scottish music. Take a virtual trip to Scotland on every episode!

  1. 08/11/2025

    James Clerk Maxwell: The Scottish Mind Behind Modern Physics

    He’s one of the most significant scientists of the nineteenth century, and his work laid the foundation for modern physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Scottish physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell is a pivotal figure in the history of modern science. On this episode, host Andrew McDiarmid speaks with mathematics educator, curriculum designer, and medical physicist Amos Tarfa to better understand the great scientist’s contributions and lasting influence. Maxwell is considered by some to be the greatest scientist between Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. As if to confirm this, when asked if he stood on the shoulders of Newton, Einstein once replied, “No, on the shoulders of Maxwell.” Maxwell also had a strong belief that nature showed evidence of intelligent design. Tarfa discusses how Maxwell harmonized his faith and reason, and gives examples of how his discoveries point toward deeper questions about order, design, and meaning in the universe. Plus, enjoy new music from Kim Carney and Gnoss!

    36 min

  2. 24/12/2024

    The Night Before Christmas in Scotland

    "Twis th' nicht afore Christmas whin aw aboot th' hoose, nae creature wis stirrin', no even a moose. Th' stockings wur hung by th' auld lum wi care in hopes that ol' Santae soon wid be there..." On this episode, Scottish author Kirsty Strange reads her Scots translation of the famous Christmas poem "The Night Before Christmas." Plus, listen to a Highland bagpipe rendition of a classic yuletide carol and enjoy new songs from Siobhan Miller and Church Street Shuffle. Add some Scottish flavor to your Christmas celebrations!

    22 min
  3. Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4

    12/06/2024

    Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4

    Need a song or a poem to brighten your day? In the 4th installment of our Poetry & Song series, enjoy inspiring verse from Scottish national poet Kathleen Jamie, World War I poet David Mackie, and composer Hugh Roberton. Plus brand new music from trad fusion band DLU, a lovely rendition of the famous Highland air "Westering Home" from the Highland Music Ensemble, and an upbeat track from pioneering band Shooglenifty. Take a virtual trip to Scotland right now with Simply Scottish!

    20 min

  4. 21/12/2023

    A Simply Scottish Christmas

    It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss what the phrase "Simply Scottish" means, and you'll hear from Andrew's father Andrew McDiarmid Sr. as he shares memories of a childhood Christmas in Scotland in a clip from our radio archives. Wishing you and your family a blessed and merry Christmas! This episode was originally released in December 2013.

    31 min
  5. Planning Your Trip to Scotland

    01/11/2023

    Planning Your Trip to Scotland

    On this episode, Andrew shares 11 top experiences you'll want to add to your own Scottish itinerary! From the summit of Arthur's Seat and the peak of Ben Nevis to the villages along the North Coast 500 and the fresh cuisine on the Isle of Skye, be inspired by these memorable places and activities. Plus, enjoy music from newcomer Katie McFarlane, pianist Neil Pearlman, Gaelic supergroup Daimh, and the Northern Soul sounds of Glasgow musician Kenny Lee Roberts. Want more? Get exclusive episodes, articles, and more when you join our Patreon clan. Learn more at Patreon.com/simplyscottish.

    31 min
  6. Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3

    12/05/2023

    Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3

    On this episode of Simply Scottish, journey with us to two Edinburgh landmarks as Andrew shares more memories of his childhood in the Athens of the North. Today, The Meadows is a beautiful city park. Discover how the space has been used across the centuries by locals, from drinking water and war garden to derby soccer and the world's fair. Andrew also shares two memories connected to the city's ancient volcano Arthur's Seat, adored by hillwalkers and climbers alike and home to the best views Edinburgh can offer. Along the way, enjoy new and stirring music from Joy Dunlop, Celtic Worship, and Iain Fraser!

    26 min
  7. Finding John Muir, pt. 1

    24/03/2023

    Finding John Muir, pt. 1

    Journey with us in the footsteps of Scottish-American naturalist, conservationist, and inventor John Muir! Host Andrew reports on an extraordinary experience visiting the Muir Papers and exhibit at the University of the Pacific in California. Hear what it's like to open and examine boxes of Muir's original papers, letters, and fragments. Plus, a selection of great music as always, including Sheena Wellington, Valtos & Project Smok, and Doron Diamond. And don't miss Finding John Muir, pt. 2 - available to members of our Patreon Clan. Join today!

    20 min
  8. Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America

    10/02/2023

    Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America

    Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has had a profound impact on the United States since the early years of the republic. On this episode, Andrew talks to nationally syndicated radio host and fellow Scot Janet Parshall on how Burns inspired countless Americans, including two leaders instrumental in America's fight to end slavery: abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Douglass found great encouragement in Burns and considered himself Scottish at heart. At a Burns celebration in New York in 1849, he mused, "If a warm love of Scotch character—a high appreciation of Scotch genius—constitute any of the qualities of a true Scotch heart, then indeed does a Scotch heart throb beneath these ribs." Plus, we dip into the Simply Scottish Radio Archive to bring you a 1999 reading from my father and former co-host Andrew Sr. He delivers the famous Burns poem "A Man’s A Man For A’ That." And as usual, you’ll hear some lovely Scottish music, this time from Graham Mackenzie, Amer//Hawskworth//Munro, and The Proclaimers.

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Scottish history and culture with a mix of traditional and modern Scottish music. Take a virtual trip to Scotland on every episode!

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew McDiarmid
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2025
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Andrew McDiarmid
  • Show Website
    Simply Scottish