Scottish Island Adventures

In this special, festive edition of Scottish Island Adventures, Coinneach MacLeod - The Hebridean Baker - takes us on a magical winter journey across the isle of Arran, uncovering what makes the Scottish islands so magical when the summer season ends and the temperature drops. We start off our hygge journey at Stonesthrow Sauna where Coinneach goes from 100 degree heat to freezing water in the shadow of the Holy Isle, before stopping for lunch at Cafe Thyme, a legendary local eatery with a Turkish flair. From there he catches up with local crocheter Lou from Gleann Co. before stopping in for a wee dram to coorie in with Graham from Lagg Distillery. Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all the topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast [http://calmac.co.uk/podcast]

In this special episode of Scottish Island Adventures, Natalie Galloway - NATI - takes us to the Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) on Benbecula! She meets Christina from Croft & Cuan, the incomparable Ruairidh Gray, Arabella Manchester and her band, Cammy Barnes, the lovely folks from North Uist Distillery, Stevie Jukes from Saint Phnx, as well as loads of revellers and volunteers who are all set to enjoy a spectacular weekend in the Outer Hebrides.  Then it's back to the studio where Nati and co-host Coinneach MacLeod - the Hebridean Baker - are joined by The Laurettes to talk about the magic of playing festivals on the Scottish islands! Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all the topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast [https://bit.ly/3B0lIj9]

In this special episode Nati takes you to Lochmaddy in North Uist to discover some fragments of the fascinating history of Caledonian MacBrayne which goes all the way back to 1851. Back in the studio Coinneach and Nati have a special guest. We hear from; Mary Morrison (Port Manager at Lochmaddy) John MacDonald (Owner of the exhibition artefacts and calmac employee and enthusiast) Norman MacLeod (Operations Manager at Taigh Chearsabhagh and Curator of the exhibition) Iain Quinn (Volunteers on the world's last remaining sea-faring paddle-steamer, The Waverley) Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast [https://bit.ly/3B0lIj9]

Over 130 years since the first ever Royal National Mòd, in this special episode Coinneach takes you into the heart of the Mòd as it takes place in its birthplace, Oban, in 2024. Diving into competitions and in conversation with some of the biggest names around town, we hear from; Innes MacQueen (Local organiser) James Graham (Chief exec. of An Comunn Gàidhealach) Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod (singer) John Joe Macneil (Barra choir conductor, singer, composer and head of Ceolas) Mary Ann Kennedy (Musician, Broadcaster and Co-curator of Jessie MacLachlan exhibition) Cynthian Knight (Singer and New York mod winner) Joy Dunlop (Broadcaster and singer) Alice MacMillan and Ryan Johnston (Gold medal winners 2024) Cathy MacDonald (Broadcaster) Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast [https://bit.ly/3B0lIj9]

SCOTTISH ISLAND ADVENTURES: ARRAN GUEST: KIRSTY WARK Arran Just off the west-coast, Arran is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. Its location makes it ideal for a day-trip, mini-break, or extended stay and whether you want to roam the island’s natural landscapes or browse the boutique shops, there is such a wide array of visitor attractions that you certainly won’t get bored quickly!  Otter’s Tail Before you set off on your own island adventure, consider using Otter’s Tail who will make sure you’re kitted out with the right equipment and an experienced guide to help you make the most of the island. They offer three different packages including sea-kayaking, hill-walking, and gorge-walking, so whatever side of the Arran you’re into, Otter’s Tail have got you covered.  Arran Dairies Arran Dairies are the farmers behind the award-winning Arran Ice Cream, whose sensational flavours are made with milk straight from the farm’s own cattle herd. Products from Arran Dairies are high-quality and well worth a taste.  Brodick Castle Owned and looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, Brodick Castle is the perfect family day out. Have a look round the castle full of fascinating artefacts from paintings and period furniture to sporting trophies and learn about the castle’s old inhabitants from the 16th century onwards. Alternatively you can explore Britain’s only island country park complete with fairy trails, immaculate gardens, and cascading waterfalls. Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast [http://calmac.co.uk/podcast]