This Is Islay

15/07/2026

🎙️ New Episode Out Now!

🎧 This Is Islay Podcast | Episode 57
Young Minds. Big Conversations.

Students from Islay High School take the mic after a hands-on media workshop with BBC journalist Fiona Macdonald, supported by the NUJ.

They dive into two big topics shaping their future:
🥃 The changing whisky industry
🤖 The rise of AI

Fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and inspiring voices from Islay’s next generation.

👉 Listen now on Spotify
"https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nRwjJkNbYOLWZNkPHdmv6?si=9fQL5mKuTNqFfD2l2KF5Eg" (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nRwjJkNbYOLWZNkPHdmv6?si=9fQL5mKuTNqFfD2l2KF5Eg)

This Is Islay · Episode

01/07/2026

Last week, our efforts were recognised at the - no, we didn't win but we think being shortlisted out of over 400 entries is worth celebrating! As did Tracey and Jean who were able to attend the special Awards event.
This week - stay tuned for Part 1 of our Series on Care for Older People - coming very soon.

24/06/2026

Episode 55 - UHI Argyll College on Islay is now available - Listen Now at https://thisisislay.co.uk/e55-argyll-college-on-islay-part-of-uhi/

20/06/2026

We are so excited to share the news that our little podcast https://thisisislay.co.uk has been shortlisted for the Scottish Podcast Awards in the Community Impact category. We will be attending the Awards event in Glasgow on June 25 when winners will be announced.

14/04/2026

We’re continuing our collaboration with primary schools across Islay! 🎙️

In this latest episode, we visit Port Ellen Primary School, where pupils and staff explore the fascinating world of “Marvellous Materials.”

Tune in to hear their ideas, discoveries, and creativity in action!
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e52-marvelous-materials/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay

Continuing our collaboration with primary schools on Islay, this episode features students and staff at Port Ellen Primary School discussing “Marvellous Materials”. Acknowledgements:Many thanks to the staff and students of […]

06/04/2026

Average wait for housing on Islay? Nearly 2 years.

That’s not just a statistic, it’s people waiting, stuck in limbo, trying to build a life without a stable place to live.

In Episode 4 of our housing series, we break down the real numbers behind the waiting lists and what they actually mean for the community.

🎧 Listen now:
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e51-housing-on-islay-part-4-numbers-and-issues/

04/04/2026

Demand vs Supply - the gap is clear.

When you compare the number of applicants to what’s actually being built, it becomes obvious why waiting lists remain so long.

We look at recent developments, allocations and what they mean for those still waiting.

🎧 Listen now:
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e51-housing-on-islay-part-4-numbers-and-issues/

03/04/2026

Why is housing so difficult on Islay?

• High demand
• Limited new builds
• Long waiting lists
• Very few private rentals

It’s a complex issue but understanding it is the first step towards change.

In this episode, we break it all down using real data and local insight.

🎧 Listen now:
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e51-housing-on-islay-part-4-numbers-and-issues/

22/03/2026

🎙️ 50 Episodes Strong!

After six years, This Is Islay has officially hit a huge milestone — 50 episodes! 🥳

To celebrate, Tom O’Farrell brought the team together in the studio for a special episode. We looked back on our journey to becoming Highlands and Islands Media Awards Podcast of the Year, shared how the podcast has grown over time, and talked about what’s next for This Is Islay.

Thanks to everyone who’s listened and supported us along the way — here’s to the next 50! 🎧✨

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lUUDG6UKAKNqsJd8UQaRo?si=N2bFGwQ8R7ewmSg12uXLtA

https://thisisislay.co.uk/e50-celebrating-50/

01/03/2026

🎙️ New Episode – E49: My Early Days on Islay – Margaret Storrie

The story continues in this second of two special episodes featuring Dr Margaret Storrie, recorded in October 2025.

In this episode, Margaret shares the moment she first discovered Islay as a student, and reflects on the journey that took her from London back to the island she would come to call home. She also recounts the path that led to the publication of her landmark book Islay: Biography of an Island in 1981 — now in its third edition.

A longtime resident of Port Ellen, Margaret’s memories offer a fascinating personal window into Islay’s recent past and the making of one of the island’s most important modern histories.

🎧 Listen now and step back into Margaret’s early days on Islay.


https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay

https://thisisislay.co.uk/e49-my-early-days-on-islay-margaret-storrie/

This is the second of two episodes based on a conversation with Dr Margaret Storrie recorded in October 2025. In this episode, Margaret reveals how she first discovered Islay as […]