March on Calton Hill

March on Calton Hill

From The Lesley Riddoch Podcast by Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson

March 31, 2026 · 1h 15m · Episode 921

About this episode

Lesley and Fraser discuss the recent 'Believe in Scotland' march in Edinburgh and analyze various political and media issues surrounding it.

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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Lesley Riddoch, Fraser Thompson

Topics covered

  • independence movement
  • media analysis
  • political engagement
  • public service broadcasting
  • energy crisis
  • activism

Keywords

  • independence
  • BBC
  • Channel 4
  • energy crisis
  • activism
  • politics
  • media
  • Guga hunt

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC, Channel 4, BBC Alba, Maersk, Google

Places: Edinburgh, Calton Hill

More episodes of The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Lesley Riddoch Podcast podcast page.