Subscribers - The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

from Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson

March on Calton Hill

In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser reflect on a weekend that saw thousands take to the streets of Edinburgh for the "Believe in Scotland" march. From the fair old "pech" up to Calton Hill to the "tremendously cheery" atmosphere at the front of the pack, we discuss why the energy of the independence movement is far from fading. We also look at the power of "normal" language as Brian Cox takes the stage, and why some politicians still struggle to connect without an iPhone in hand.

We analyse the BBC’s decision to use a massive national event merely as a backdrop for doorstepping politicians and what the appointment of an ex-Google boss as the new Director General means for the future of public service broadcasting. From the vital role of BBC Alba to the international reporting standards of Channel 4, we ask: who is actually telling our stories?.

Plus, we dive into the Ferries as many folk look towards the Easter Weekend. We discuss activists targeting the Guga hunt in Ness, the ongoing and escalating energy crisis caused by Donald Trump's Iran War.

Links
Upcoming film screenings https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Support the podcast https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Former director of Maersk shipping predicting this could get as bad as the 1970s https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78lj4976lvo

The Parkinsons drugs warnings and excellent R4 progs
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg0xxwn041o

Channel 4 Seconder Kermani moving report on the paramedics kiled by the IDF
https://www.channel4.com/news/funeral-for-two-young-lebanese-paramedics-killed-in-israeli-strike

Danish centrist government gubbed
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-social-democrats-losing-election/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=alert&utm_campaign=Why%20Europe

Surfing prog BBC Alba 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dn7

Talking Up Scotland on ferries and islanders 
https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/03/30/scotland-subsidises-its-ferries-far-more-than-any-other-country-subsidises-island-life-far-more-than-any-other-part-and-the-mull-service-is-98-reliable-for-half-empty-vehicle-decks/