The #ScotsInUs Podcast from the American-Scottish Foundation is released every two weeks featuring guests from across our American-Scottish community sharing their love of Scotland as well as sharing news, celebrating Scottish culture and our community.
Our first episode was released in April 2020 and we have released 30 episodes so far.
The podcast is now available in video format and as an audio podcast program which available on our Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Anchor platforms. Below you will find our podcast library in both video and audio formats.
We are always happy to hear suggestions for potential topics to explore and guests to appear on the ScotsInUs podcast. We welcome your suggestions and encourage you to contact us at americanscottishfoundation@gmail.com
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ScotsInUs Podcasts episodes:
Edinburgh Festivals Spotlight – June 21st, 2021
We spotlight the upcoming Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe – two of Scotland’s premiere cultural events.
We are joined in conversation with:
Francesca Hegyi, Executive Director of the Edinburgh International Festival
Lyndsey Jackson, Deputy CEO of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
We explore the challenges and opportunities available to these events and festivals in a time which has caused great uncertainty to the event industry in Scotland. This year the Edinburgh Festivals look forward to welcoming appreciative returning crowds after having to postpone in person events last year. We hear what the Edinburgh Festivals have got planned for us this year.
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Scottish Literature and Book Festivals – June 7th 2021
In this episode we are shine a spotlight on Scottish literature and upcoming book festivals in Scotland.
We are joined in conversation with Vikki Reilly from Publishing Scotland who shares with us news of the upcoming Scottish Books Long Weekend which takes place online June 10 – 13.
We are joined by Caroline Knox and James Knox, Directors of the Boswell Book Festival, taking place this year as a fully online event from June 10 – 16 featuring a program of readings, discussions and workshops from guests including Bill Paterson, Andrew Marr, Janey Godley, Rory Stewart and Chris Bryant MP.
We’re joined in converstion with award winning author Aminatta Forna who shares with us her influences, inspiration and insight into her new book The Window Seat.
WHISKY SPOTLIGHT – MAY 31st 2021
Join us as we spotlight Scotland’s leading export – whisky. We are joined by three leading representatives from the whisky sector in Scotland who join us for a fascinating insight into their organizations and their passion for whisky.
Lindores Abbey Distillery – Drew McKenzie Smith, Managing Director joins us as we learn of Lindores history which recognizes the Abbey as the Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky. Records show that distilling first started on the site in 1494 – or before.
Bonhams, Edinburgh – Martin Green, Whisky Specialist joins us to discuss Bonhams upcoming Whisky Sale on June 1st. We learn of some of past record prices attained and gain insight into upcoming lots offered next week, including The Macallan (1938), Black Bowmore (1964) and Bowmore (1955) as well as how you can participate in the upcoming whisky sale.
Edinburgh Whisky Academy – Jack Dalton introduces us to EWA sharing with us the opportunities available through their accredited online or in person courses to develop better understanding of whisky. For the whisky Ambassador or whisky lover. The in-person courses are delivered at the Georgian mansion, Arniston House, just outside Edinburgh.
Aye Write Festival Special – May 17th 2021
Join us for this Aye Write Festival Special podcast as we are joined in conversation with Bob McDevitt – Programmer for the Aye Write Festival and authors Kirstin Innes (Fishnet and Scabby Queen) and Robbie Morrison (Edge of The Grave).
Culloden, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Inverness Castle Spirit of the Highlands Project – May 17th 2021
We shine a spotlight on Culloden, the 275th Anniversary, Inverness Castle regeneration – The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs today.
Donald MacLaren of MacLaren, Convenor of The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs who speaks to us of his role as Convenor and the role of a Clan Chief.
Professor Donna Heddle, Chair of the University of the Highlands and Islands Tourism and Director of the Institute of Northern Studies shares the major regeneration project under way at Inverness Castle and around the espande
Kirstin Bridier, Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA speaks to us of the plans surrounding the 275th Anniversary of the Battle of Culloden and work of the NTS in their oversight of the historic battlefield.
Scottish Art – Gerard Burns and Bonham’s Scottish Art Sale – May 3rd, 2021
Join us for the new episode ScotsInUs Podcast as we explore Scottish Art and culture with three brilliant guests. We are joined in conversation by internationally renowned Scottish artist Gerard Burns as we explore his influences and his incredible artwork.
May Mathews, Scottish Picture Department, Bonham’s speaks of the upcoming Scottish Art sale at Bonham’s and shares her passion for the Scottish Colorists.
Bob McDevitt, Programmer of the Aye Write Book Festival in Glasgow joins us to discuss the upcoming literary festival May 14th – 23rd.
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ScotsInUs Audio Podcast Library
Tartan Day Lookback & Earth Week – April 19th, 2021
We’re joined in conversation with John King Bellassai – President of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations & Vice President of the National Capital Tartan Day Committee as we reflect on the events and experiences of National Tartan Day celebrated on April 6th.
We’re joined in conversation with Rodrick B McLennan – an archaeologist and environmentalist. Maclennan, an ASF member, has led several expeditions to Scotland. His most recent being the Isle of Vallay Archaeology Climate Change Expedition.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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The History, Heritage & Organic Growth of National Tartan Day – April 5th, 2021
We learn about the history, heritage and organic growth of National Tartan Day celebrated on April 6th and are joined in conversation by
John King Bellassai, President of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, Vice President of the National Capital Tartan Day Committee
James Morrison, Secretary for the National Capital Tartan Day Committee
Kenneth C Donnelly, Chairman of the American-Scottish Foundation
Kimberlee Bradford, President of the Saint Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles
Donovan Murray, Co-producer of Tartan Day South
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Abbotsford House, Bonham’s Dunrobin Attic Sale and The Caledonian Club London – March 16th, 2021
Giles Ingram Chief Executive of Abbotsford The Home of Sir Walter Scott joins us to discuss the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest ever literary figures. Giles will be sharing with us Abbotsford’s exciting plans for the year ahead.
Charlie Thomas, Director House Sales, Private & Iconic Collections at Bonhams shares exciting news about the upcoming Dunrobin Castle Attic Sale.
We are joined by David Balden, Secretary of The Caledonian Club, described as ‘A little bit of Scotland in the heart of London’. Founded in 1891, this exquisite private Members’ Club is situated in the grand and beautiful surroundings of Belgravia, London.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Scottish American Diaspora 2021 – March 2nd, 2021
On the new episode of the #ScotsInUs Podcast we are joined by Viscount Dunrossil, Andrew Morrison as we learn about Clan Morrison and about how the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs has increased visibility in the US and their plans at this very critical time for Highland Games and Clan organizations.
We also speak with David Hannay, Chief of Clan Hannay Society and learn of how the Scottish American diaspora is helping in the restoration of Sorbie Tower in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Kilt Skate Goes International – February 16th, 2021
Don Cummer of the Scottish Society of Ottawa joins Camilla G. Hellman to discuss the phenomenon that is Kilt Skate!
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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In Conversation with Rt. Hon. Viscount Thurso, Chairman of VisitScotland – February 2nd, 2021
Join us In Conversation with Rt Hon Viscount Thurso, Chairman, as he speaks of his role leading Scotland’s tourism body, VisitScotland. Lord Thurso outlines new initiatives and plans for 2021 and beyond as we traverse the “new normal”.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Celebrating Robert Burns – January 19th, 2021
Kenneth C. Donnelly, Chairman of the American-Scottish Foundation and President of the Burns Society of The City of New York and Scottish music maestro Alistair McCulloch join us in conversation to reflect on the life and legacy of Robert Burns and why he is still relevant today.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Looking Back and Looking Forward – January 5th, 2021
In this episode we take a look back and reflect on some of the wonderful conversations and guests that we had on the ScotsInUs Podcast in 2020.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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The Impossible Row with Jamie Douglas Hamilton – December 2020
Jamie Douglas-Hamilton and his team of rowers became the first to row from Cape Horn in Chile to Antarctica, battling brutal storms and freezing conditions in the notorious Drake Passage – the world’s most treacherous stretch of water. Jamie and his crew became the first group to row the body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands by human power.
Jamie Douglas Hamilton joins Camilla G. Hellman to take us through this historic row and record breaking row.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Revisiting Organizations Helping Young People – December 2020
We’re joined by Virginia Radcliffe and Ruby Zajac from Glasgow based theatre company Licketyspit who share with us their innovative ways they connect and engage with young people and their families using music, drama and play.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Shetland Island Wool and Textiles – November 2020
We are joined in conversation with Oliver Henry from Jamieson and Smith, leading wool brokers in Shetland and Janette Budge as we learn of the process of working in the renowned Shetland wool industry, the skills and knowledge of which have been passed down over the generations.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Interview with Mara Shea – Studying in Scotland – November 2020
Jamie McGeechan had a conversation with musician Mara Shea from North Carolina to find out about her experiences spending a year living and studying at the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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The New Normal – October 2020
We discuss our recent online event delivered in partnership with Mary’s Meanders. Anne Daly of Mary Meanders delivered a wonderful talk all about Mary Queen of Scots And The Men Who Influenced her life.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Our Global Community – October 2020
In this podcast we are joined by Sean Cairney, Director of The Scottish Banner. Based in Sydney, Australia, The Scottish Banner has been keeping our Scottish global community informed for over 40 years!
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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2020: The Challenges and Way Forward – September 2020
In this episode we are joined by Joni Smith, the Scottish Government’s Counsellor for Scottish Affairs to North America and Gus Noble, President of Chicago Scots and CEO of Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Re-emerging, reflecting and remembering – September 2020
Camilla G. Hellman is joined by Laura McGhee, who reflects on her musical contributions to moments of 9/11 Commemorations she was involved in in both New York and London.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Spotlight on Sounds From Scotland – August 2020
In this episode we shine the spotlight on Sounds From Scotland and some of the many brilliant music artists who the American Scottish Foundation have engaged with over the years.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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The Highland Games go Virtual – August 2020
We are joined in conversation by Peter Wilson of Great Scot International and Scottish Heritage USA, Deb Dalziel, Fergus Scottish Games, Amy Lehman, New Hampshire Highland Games and Gus Noble, President of the Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Midsummer Burns – July 2020
Join us as we explore the legacy of Robert Burns through conversation, music and poetry.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Exploring Scottish Roots – July 2020
We are joined in conversation by renowned genealogist Dr Bruce Durie who tells us how to explore our Scottish ancestry and how best to discover our Scottish roots.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Spring Roundup – June 2020
In this episode we take a look back at our first four episodes of our podcast.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Come Dance – The World of The Ceilidh – June 2020
We are joined in conversation with Whisky Kiss – the chart topping Ceilidh Band and award winning musical theatre composers Noisemaker as both groups share their stories, inspirations and influences with us.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Words, Music, Whisky, Gin – June 2020
Camilla G. Hellman is joined in conversation with Greg King, Brand Ambassador for GlenDronach and BenRiach and we are joined by David Stirling, Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador for Arbikie Highland Estate as we learn all about Arbikie’s award winning gins and environmentally conscious approach to production.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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The Clans, The Highland Games, COSCA & The Lord Lyon – May 2020
Camilla G. Hellman, President of the American-Scottish Foundation and John Bellassai, President of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA) discuss the Scottish Highland Games, Scottish Festivals in North America, the role of COSCA and the Lord Lyon.
Listen on Spotify, Anchor or Apple Podcasts
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Welcome to American-Scottish Foundation Podcast – April 2020