The Scottish English Podcast

Kilted English

Kilted English is the home of the Scottish English podcast - a podcast which supports people to improve their English while learning about Scottish culture and history. Watch the videos which accompany this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KiltedEnglish Download the transcripts which outline key words from each episode and include collocations, idioms and other useful phrases: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/

  1. Scotland's Role in Slavery

    10/13/2025

    Scotland's Role in Slavery

    Did you know that 1 in 3 white men in Jamaica in the 1800s was Scottish? In this episode of the Scottish English Podcast, I delve into Scotland's deep connections to the transatlantic slave trade, challenging the misconception that slavery's impacts were distant. I look at Glasgow's prosperity from the tobacco and sugar industries, the role of Scots in Caribbean plantations, and the lingering effects of this history. This episode emphasises the importance of reckoning with these uncomfortable truths, modern debates on statues of slave-linked figures, educational reforms, and the question of reparations to build a truth-based Scottish pride. ⬇️Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/ ❓Are you ready for your C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/learning-community/ 🎙️Consider giving the Scottish English Podcast a tip or become a member! Find out how you could get the opportunity to request your own episode topics: https://the-scottish-english-podcast.captivate.fm/youtube 00:00 Introduction and Support 00:42 Scotland's Ties to Slavery 01:08 Glasgow's Tobacco and Sugar Trade 01:50 Scottish Role in the Colonies 02:37 The Human Cost of Slavery 03:14 Modern Reckoning with Slavery 03:51 Reparations and Justice Today 04:31 Conclusion and Future Episodes Mentioned in this episode: Join the Scottish English Podcast Membership Community

    6 min
  2. The Hidden Stories of Black Jacobites

    10/06/2025

    The Hidden Stories of Black Jacobites

    This episode of the Scottish English Podcast dives deep into the untold stories of black Jacobites during the 17th and 18th-century uprisings in Scotland. We'll explore how black individuals became entwined in the Jacobite cause, challenging traditional narratives of this historic rebellion. Through the lens of figures like Scipio Kennedy, we'll unpack the complexities of Jacobitism and its ties to empire, slavery, and global migration. Join me as I discuss these overlooked voices and examine how their experiences reshape our understanding of Scottish history. Remember to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for our next episode addressing Scotland's connection to the legacy of slavery. ⬇️Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/ ❓Are you ready for your C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/learning-community/ 🎙️Consider giving the Scottish English Podcast a tip or become a member! Find out how you could get the opportunity to request your own episode topics: https://the-scottish-english-podcast.captivate.fm/youtube 00:00 Introduction to Black History Month Special 00:37 Unveiling the Black Jacobites 01:07 Who Were the Jacobites? 01:50 Enslaved Lives in the Highlands 02:49 Black Soldiers in the Jacobite Cause 03:32 The Aftermath and Historical Suppression Mentioned in this episode: Join the Scottish English Podcast Membership Community

    6 min
  3. Scotland's Black Pioneers: Forgotten Figures from History

    09/29/2025

    Scotland's Black Pioneers: Forgotten Figures from History

    Welcome back to the Scottish English Podcast! In honour of Black History Month in the UK, I'm launching a special series dedicated to the often overlooked stories of Black Scots. In this episode, we explore the lives of extraordinary individuals who shaped Scotland’s history from the 18th century to modern times. We'll delve into the courageous story of Joseph Knight, who won his freedom through the Scottish legal system, and James McCune Smith, the first African American to earn a medical degree at the University of Glasgow. We'll also highlight Andrew Watson, the world's first Black international footballer, and celebrate the contributions of Black artists to Scottish music. Join me as we uncover these vital stories that reshape our understanding of Scotland's past, present, and future. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more! ⬇️Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/ ❓Are you ready for your C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/learning-community/ 🎙️Consider giving the Scottish English Podcast a tip or become a member! Find out how you could get the opportunity to request your own episode topics: https://the-scottish-english-podcast.captivate.fm/youtube 00:00 Introduction and Black History Month Special 00:58 Scotland's Black Pioneers 01:42 Early Black Lives in Scotland 02:02 Joseph Knight: A Landmark Legal Case 03:07 James McCune Smith: Scholar and Activist 04:18 Pioneers in Sport and Music 05:35 The Importance of These Stories Mentioned in this episode: Join the Scottish English Podcast Membership Community

    8 min
  4. Voices from Scotland | Peter - Poland

    09/22/2025

    Voices from Scotland | Peter - Poland

    In this episode of the Scottish English Podcast, we meet Peter, originally from Poland, who has lived in Scotland for over a decade. He shares his fascinating journey of how he came to feel a strong connection to Scotland, the cultural and linguistic differences between Poland and Scotland, and some humourous language mishaps. Peter also discusses his love for the Scottish accent and how he feels a sense of belonging in Scotland. This episode provides a heartwarming and insightful look at the life of someone coming to Scotland and embracing its culture and identity. ⬇️Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/ ❓Are you ready for your C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/learning-community/ 🎙️Consider giving the Scottish English Podcast a tip or become a member! Find out how you could get the opportunity to request your own episode topics: https://the-scottish-english-podcast.captivate.fm/youtube 00:00 Welcome to the Scottish English Podcast 00:39 Meet Peter: A Decade in Scotland 00:55 Cultural Differences and Language Mishaps 01:44 Peter's Journey to Scotland 06:15 Settling in Edinburgh 08:07 Embracing Scottish Identity 15:15 Scottish Words and Phrases 19:59 Understanding English Through Music 20:56 The Beauty of Scottish English 22:28 Cultural Differences in Communication 25:56 Advice for Non-Native English Speakers in Scotland 30:19 Humourous Misunderstandings in Language 36:09 Embracing Language Imperfections 38:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell Mentioned in this episode: Join the Scottish English Podcast Membership Community

    40 min
  5. The World of Scottish Whisky

    09/08/2025

    The World of Scottish Whisky

    Welcome to the Scottish English Podcast! In this episode, I dive into the rich history, tradition, and production of Scotland's most famous export: whisky. Learn about the origins of whisky production, different types of Scotch whisky, and the influence of Scotland's geography on whisky flavours. We also explore famous distilleries, whisky's role in Scottish traditions, and tips on how to appreciate and taste whisky. Whether you're new to whisky or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers insights and stories that connect you to the heart of Scotland. ⬇️Download the FREE transcript from this episode here: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/ ❓Are you ready for your C1 Advanced Cambridge English Exam? I'm working on a course and community of learners - get involved: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/learning-community/ 🎙️Consider giving the Scottish English Podcast a tip or become a member! Find out how you could get the opportunity to request your own episode topics: https://the-scottish-english-podcast.captivate.fm/youtube Slàinte! 00:00 Welcome to the Scottish English Podcast 00:56 Introduction to Scotch Whisky 01:43 Origins of Whisky Production 02:39 Different Types of Scotch Whisky 03:48 The Distillation Process and Geography's Influence 04:44 Famous Scottish Distilleries 05:37 Whisky in Scottish Traditions 06:26 Tasting Notes and Whisky Appreciation Mentioned in this episode: Join the Scottish English Podcast Membership Community

    9 min

About

Kilted English is the home of the Scottish English podcast - a podcast which supports people to improve their English while learning about Scottish culture and history. Watch the videos which accompany this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KiltedEnglish Download the transcripts which outline key words from each episode and include collocations, idioms and other useful phrases: https://kilted-english.com/index.php/home/scottish-english-podcast/

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