Blether In The Heather

West Coast Today

Meeting the people behind the places that everybody loves to visit across Argyll and the Isles Discover secret gems , exquisite food , great places to visit and the people behind the scenes that make all the magic happen. Fast, friendly and a bit silly sometimes - there are some delicious treats involved, a bit of quizzing but most importantly really good conversation Sponsored by Wild About Argyll https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/

Episodes

  1. 17h ago

    4-Passion Bottled

    With its stunning castle on the Kintyre coast to award-winning self-catering accommodation, the renowned Beinn an Turic distillery’s Kintyre Gin, delightful café and a pioneering green energy scheme, Torrisdale Estate is a remarkable example of modern diversification within a traditional Highland setting. In this episode of Blether in the Heather, Nicky Murphy meets owner Niall Macalister-Hall to discover how history, innovation and sustainability combine to create one of Scotland's most inspiring destinations. Hear the story behind the estate, the family who call it home, and the passion that drives its diverse businesses. Whether you're fascinated by Scottish heritage, love discovering hidden gems or are planning your next adventure, this episode is full of inspiration. Episode sponsored by Wild About Argyll #torrisdalecastle #kintyredistillery # #kintyre66official #kintyre #wildaboutargyll #explorekintyre #ecotourism #visitscotland #lovekintyre #scottishcastles #beinnanturic #selfcateringscotland #argyllandbute @wildaboutargyll @torrisdalecastleestate @kintyre66 SHOWNOTES: Torrisdale Castle Estate is a 200-year old, multi-generational family-run estate where stunning landscape, history and innovation come together. From its Victorian castle and unique accommodation to its working distillery producing Kintyre Gin, it offers a truly immersive experience. At the heart of it all is Niall McAllister Hall, alongside his wife Emma and their young family, shaping a way of life that blends heritage with sustainability, diversification and a deep connection to the land. Niall is a Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer. He graduated in 1997 with a Masters in Land Economy from the University of Aberdeen and is also the Chairman of the Kintyre 66 marketing group. Busy man! Find out more at www.torrisdalecastle.com Blether in the Heather Team: Podcast presenter: Nicky MurphyPodcast producer: Stephen DayPodcast production assistant: Christine CraigEmail: nmurphy@wyvexmedia.co.uk

    4-Passion Bottled

  2. Aug 12

    3-Jail Break

    Step behind the imposing stone walls of one of Scotland's most fascinating visitor attractions and uncover the gripping stories of crime, punishment and justice. In this episode of Blether in the Heather, Nicky Murphy meets warder Shane Smalley inside the courtroom at Inveraray Jail to explore the remarkable history behind this award-winning attraction, hear about The Escape Room and how they bring it all to life through immersive experiences, costumed characters and captivating storytelling. From notorious prisoners and daring escapes to life inside a 19th-century prison, discover why Inveraray Jail has become a must-visit destination for history lovers, families and anyone curious about Argyll's intriguing past. With thanks to our sponsor Wild About Argyll  SHOWNOTES:Shane Smalley is the rather intimidating prison warder at Inveraray Jail. Actually he’s not intimidating at all - he’s loads of fun as you may have seen from his popular social media reels. Shane is one of the personalities behind Inveraray Jail and Escape Room, bringing plenty of humour, enthusiasm and character to one of Argyll’s best-known visitor attractions. He has a real passion for making history entertaining and accessible, sharing the stories of the people who once passed through the Jail while giving visitors an experience that is anything but a traditional museum visit.Find out more at www.inverarayjail.co.uk Blether in the Heather Team: Podcast presenter: Nicky MurphyPodcast producer: Stephen DayPodcast production assistant: Christine CraigEmail: nmurphy@wyvexmedia.co.uk  @inverarayjail @inveraray @inspireinveraray @wildaboutargyll #wildaboutargyll #visitscotland #escaperoom #inveraray #visitorattraction #argyllvisitorattraction #escaperoom #thingstodoargyll #exploreinveraray #scottishistory #argyllandbute

    3-Jail Break

  3. Aug 5

    2 - Island Spirit

    Bute Yard is the brainchild of the late, great Marquess of Bute, Johnny Dumfries. This purpose-built venue is one of Scotland's most exciting community-led regeneration projects – and is transforming the heart of Rothesay. In this episode of Blether in the Heather, Nicky Murphy meets Distillery and Events manager Iona Buick and discovers how vision, creativity and local collaboration have breathed new life into this vibrant destination. Home to Bute Distillery and Bute Brew with creative spaces and a packed programme of events, Bute Yard has become a place where locals and visitors come together to eat, drink, relax and connect. Discover the inspiring story behind a project helping to shape the future of the Isle of Bute. @buteyard @visitbute @butedistillery @butegin @butebrewco @wildaboutargyll#buteyard #visitbute #rothesay #butedistillery #butegin #wildaboutargyll #visitscotland #scottishproduce #scottishgin #scottishbrewery #islandescape #isleofbute #calmac SHOWNOTES:Iona Buick is the Distillery and Events Manager at the Isle of Bute Distillery and one of the key driving forces behind the success of Bute Yard and its award-winning spirits, beers and lagers. After moving to the Isle of Bute during Covid, Iona has lead the distillery’s innovative approach to product excellence while welcoming visitors from around the world to discover the flavours, stories and spirit of the island at Bute Yard. Find out more at www.buteyard.com Blether in the Heather Team: Podcast presenter: Nicky MurphyPodcast producer: Stephen DayPodcast production assistant: Christine CraigEmail: nmurphy@wyvexmedia.co.uk

    2 - Island Spirit

  4. Aug 5

    1 - Clipper Adventures

    The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the greatest endurance challenges on the planet, taking amateur and previous ‘never stepped foot on a boat before’ sailors on an extraordinary circumnavigation of the globe. In this episode of Blether in the Heather, Nicky Murphy goes behind the scenes to chat with Lauren Groves to discover what made this remarkable life-event so unique and why Oban was such an unforgettable stopover for the fleet of ten Clippers. Hear Lauren’s stories of adventure, teamwork and resilience, while exploring the excitement the race brings. Whether you're passionate about sailing, a complete novice or simply love extraordinary human stories, this episode will leave you inspired – perhaps enough to sign up as a crew member for the 2027 Clipper Race yourself! @ClipperRoundTheWorldYachtRace @clipperrace @tongyeong @loveoban @wildaboutargyll @visitscotland #clipperrace #loveoban #wildaboutargyll #oceanadventures #sailinglife #oban #atlanticcrossing SHOWNOTES: Lauren Groves turned 40 and celebrated by swapping everyday life as a Geography Teacher for one of the world’s greatest sailing challenges when she joined Team Tongyeong for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Taking on the first and last leg of this extraordinary ocean adventure, Lauren embraced life at sea, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone and discovering the resilience, teamwork and determination needed to thrive in one of the toughest endurance events on the planet. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race in 2027 or beyond, go to Become An Ocean Racer   Blether in the Heather Team:Podcast presenter: Nicky MurphyPodcast producer: Stephen DayPodcast production assistant: Christine CraigEmail: nmurphy@wyvexmedia.co.uk

    1 - Clipper Adventures

  5. Jul 14

    Welcome to Blether in The Heather

    Welcome to episode "Zero" of Blether in the Heather, the podcast from West Coast Today, sponsored by Wild About Argyll. Join the host Nicky and Producer Steevie as they explain what the podcast is all about. New episodes launching in the last week of July 2026

  • 5 Episodes

About

Meeting the people behind the places that everybody loves to visit across Argyll and the Isles Discover secret gems , exquisite food , great places to visit and the people behind the scenes that make all the magic happen. Fast, friendly and a bit silly sometimes - there are some delicious treats involved, a bit of quizzing but most importantly really good conversation Sponsored by Wild About Argyll https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/

Information

  • Creator
    West Coast Today
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © West Coast Today
  • Show Website
    Blether In The Heather