This Is Islay

15/12/2025

🎙️ This Is Islay – E46 – Port Ellen Primary School: Neurodiversity

Recorded by the staff in Port

Recorded by the staff at Port Ellen Primary School, this episode joins Mrs Clark and Primary 6 & 7 pupils for a brilliant, thoughtful conversation.

The pupils share their perspectives on neurodiversity, chat about the books they’re currently reading, explain their school houses — Orsay, Texa and Nave — and talk proudly about going for Gold in the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).

An inspiring listen that celebrates pupil voice, inclusion, and ambition.
🎧 Tune in now to hear it for yourself.

https://thisisislay.co.uk/e46-port-ellen-primary/

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

Recorded by the staff in Port Ellen Primary School we join Mrs Clark and primary 6 and 7 students as they discuss Neurodiversity, books they are currently re...

13/12/2025

🎙️ This Is Islay – Behind the Mic (look back April 2025)

We gathered the This Is Islay team in the Islay High School studio for a special conversation pulling back the curtain on how the podcast comes together.

Join Gordon Bermingham, Jean MacLellan, Tom O’Farrell, Glen Roberts, and Jolyon Thurgood as we chat about our favourite episodes, what’s coming next, and the challenges and opportunities of creating an Islay-focused podcast rooted in community.

🎧 Listen now and get a glimpse behind the scenes of This Is Islay.

https://thisisislay.co.uk/e33-behind-the-scenes/

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay/episodes/Behind-The-Scenes-e30abdc

11/12/2025

🔥🎧 Double the Catriona, Double the Inspiration! 🎧🔥

If you loved yesterday's This Is Islay episode celebrating Catriona Bell’s 90th birthday, you definitely need to go back and listen to Part 1 too!

🟣 Part 1 – Life On Islay with Catriona Bell
👉 https://thisisislay.co.uk/e37-catriona-bell-life-on-islay-1/
This episode kicks off Catriona’s incredible journey — from island life memories to early contributions that shaped our community.

🟢 Part 2 – Out Now!
Today’s release continues her story — including the epic journey to get Islay its first indoor swimming pool 🏊‍♀️ and the beginnings of The Ileach 📰

🎉 So if you haven’t already — start with Part 1, then dive into Part 2!
Two brilliant episodes, one remarkable life.

💬 Share with a friend who loves Islay stories!

10/12/2025

🎉🎂 NEW PODCAST DROP + A BIG BIRTHDAY! 🎂🎉

Today’s episode of the This is Islay podcast is extra special — it’s released to celebrate Catriona Bell’s 90th birthday! 🥳
Happy Birthday, Catriona, from everyone on the podcast team 💐

Catriona is a true Islay legend, and in this episode she continues sharing her amazing story — including the long journey to getting Islay its first indoor swimming pool 🏊‍♀️ and the fascinating early days of The Ileach 📰

If you love Islay stories, community history, and a bit of island grit and determination, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and raise a cuppa to Catriona!
🔁 Catch up too: Episode 37 (1 July 2025)
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e45-catriona-bell-life-on-islay-2/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay

08/12/2025

Only 2 days until our next special episode is released!
In the meantime, catch up with Part 1 of our interview with Catriona Bell and hear all about life on Islay.
🎙️ Listen now:

Catriona Bell is well known on Islay for her various contributions to the community over many years. She was one of those who set up and managed The Ileach i...

06/12/2025

Only 4 days until our next special episode is released!
In the meantime, catch up with Part 1 of our interview with Catriona Bell and hear all about life on Islay.
🎙️ Listen now: https://thisisislay.co.uk/e37-catriona-bell-life-on-islay-1/

04/12/2025

We’ve got our Spotify highlights for This Is Islay and we’re buzzing! 🎉
Come and see what’s been making waves on the island 🎧

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

02/12/2025

🎙️ This Is Islay – have you listened to the Catriona Bell episode, part 2 coming out soon.

Catriona Bell is a name many on Islay will recognise — from helping launch The Ileach to playing a key role in bringing our swimming pool to life, her impact on the island runs deep.

In Part One of our conversation, Catriona takes us back to her early days: growing up in Brora, arriving on Islay to teach at the High School, and how the island became home. It’s a warm, reflective listen full of island history and personal stories.

👉 Listen now — and keep an eye out for Part Two, coming very soon!
https://thisisislay.co.uk/e37-catriona-bell-life-on-islay-1/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay/episodes/Catriona-Bell---Life-on-Islay-1-e34s3db

01/12/2025

🎙️ Don’t panic — you haven’t missed our 1st December episode!
We’re holding it back for a very special reason… more news coming soon! 👀

22/11/2025

🎙️ Meet Jolyon — one of the voices behind This Is Islay!

“I love being part of This Is Islay. Podcasting was completely new to me when we first started, so I can hardly believe we’ve been doing it for over five years now.
We’ve got a great mix of skills and talents in the team, and everyone contributes in their own way.
I enjoy the tech side of things, but the best part is meeting people and helping them share their stories — it’s a wonderful way to celebrate this special place we call home.”

Jolyon’s enthusiasm, curiosity and love of Islay continue to help shape the podcast into something truly special. 💛

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

20/11/2025

With the first snow and hail making an appearance this week, we’re looking back to sunnier days on Islay ☀️❄️ The Rhinns Lighthouse Festival 2025 was pure BBQ weather — hard to believe it was only a few months ago!

Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive the warmth of summer:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thisisislay/episodes/Rhinns-Lighthouse-Festival-e365ecd

Come join us in the sunshine again 🌤️✨

16/11/2025

🎙️ Meet Glen Roberts — one of the founders of This Is Islay!

"I came to live on Islay around 20 years ago, after working in the hotel, catering and leisure industry on the mainland. Now I’m retired and enjoying every minute of it.

The idea for the podcast began with Ishbel Capper — a way to share the stories of the island and the people who live and work here. For me, it was also a way of saying thank you for welcoming me into the community.”

Glen’s love for Islay and its people helped shape This Is Islay into what it is today — a place where island stories can be heard, celebrated and preserved. 💛



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