The Shetland Times Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Shetland Times
The UK's most northerly newspaper speaks to Shetlanders at home and abroad about the fascinating archipelago we call home. Musicians, writers, artists, politicians or simply someone with a story to tell our podcast will feature them all. Email editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk if you are interested in taking part or would like to suggest and interviewee.
Shetland folk/rock band The Revellers are approaching their 10-year anniversary.
Singer and guitarist Magnus Bradley talks to podcast host Marjolein about their journey from a cover band to one of Shetland's most popular acts.
He has plenty of stories and some anecdotes from previous gigs.
Charlie Gifford served as a lighthouse keeper throughout Scotland. In this episode of The Shetland Times podcast he shares stories of his career with Marjolein.
Didier and Valerie first came to Shetland for a visit 30 years ago. They have returned many times since, both for holidays and work. Now they have made the move and talk to podcast host Marjolein about this, and their new business, the cafe, C'est La Vie on Commercial Street.
Walls Brownies' leader Angela Leask speak to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about the Waas Up Helly Aa. On this Friday, 30th, March, the Brownies will don their Viking outfits to celebrate the last Up Helly Aa of the season. Angela explains the origins of the 30 year old celebration on the Westside and talks about the benefits for the bairns involved and the community as a whole.
Established in 1950 Islesburgh Drama Group has entertained many over the decades.
Martin Summers and Morag Mouat talk to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about past plays, the workings of the group and the upcoming exhibition in the Shetland Museum's Gadderie.
That display will give the public an insight to the workings of the group and will show off some of the amazing costumes from previous productions.
They also reveal the next exciting play from Islesburgh Drama Group coming this spring.
Freelance writer Louise Thomason speaks to podcast host Marjolein about her work, including her own blog: https://www.girlinthenorthsea.com/
They talk about the need for self discipline when working from home, finding creativity and living and writing in Shetland.
It is an environmentally-focused episode this week as Shetland Island's Councillor Ryan Thomson speaks about his campaign to encourage businesses to stop using single-use plastics.
Ryan explains to host Marjolein Robertson the dangers of plastics and the pair discuss different ways in which businesses and individuals can tackle this growing problem.
From a young age Hylton has been spending his time on the sea in his Dad's fishing boat and also on the Aith Lifeboat, joining his dad, who was Coxwain for trips. Hylton has just retired from serving as Aith Lifeboat's Coxswain for 28 years and speaks to podcast host Marjolein about his service.
Lewie Peterson, banjo player with Vair and the Revellers talks to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about their upcoming gig at Celtic Connections.
He also talks about his time at university, involvement in Up-Helly-A' and his journey into music.
Niki Thomson, originally from Bradford, moved to Shetland in the 1980s after originally travelling up for a holiday.
She has since worked as a warden in Noss as well as at Happy Hansel Primary School and the ASN Department at the Anderson High School.
A fan of yoga since the 1990s she now teaches it at the Aith Leisure Centre and talks to podcast host Marjolein about her interest in the discipline and the benefits it has on both your physical and mental health.
Podcast host Marjolein Robertson has been on a journey of discovery learning about Shetland's past traditions of the eight Helly Nichts (Holy Nights) of Christmas.
Listen as guest Roseanne Watt, who created the journey, and Marjolein explain the eight nights and what the customs are for each.
Father Christmas himself graces the Shetland Times Podcast to speak to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about all things Christmas.
They discuss his work over the festive period, his favourite Christmas films and Marjolein explains some of Shetland's Christmas traditions including the Helly Nichts (Holy Nights).
Young East Voe farmer Jakob Eunson won the agricultural category award in the Lantra Awards.
He talks to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about this experience, as well as his new role as an ambassador for farming and crofting and the importance of apprenticeships.
In this week's episode, podcast host Marjolein interviews Sandra Jamieson, weel kent in the world of Shetland sports.
She has excelled in and taught archery as well as being one of the figureheads involved with winning the bid and the hosting of the NatWest Island Games in Shetland in 2005.
Sandra was also awarded the prestigious Lifetime Endeavour Award at the Shetland Sports Awards 2017 and speaks about the night and her experience.
Shetland born Maxie Bain has returned home after living south most of his life, both teaching and painting.
With his current exhibition in Bonhoga Beach Scenes and other obsessions he talks to podcast host Marjolein about his life's journey and craft.
Comedian Sara Pascoe was in Shetland last weekend for a stand up show at Mareel.
She speaks to fellow comedian and podcast host Marjolein Robertson about the world of stand up.
Pascoe discusses how she first began performing stand up, as well as the ins and outs of touring. And she tells more about appearing on panel shows including QI and Mock The Week.
The stand up show is reviewed in 24th November edition of The Shetland Times.
Ashlea Tulloch talks to podcast host, Marjolein Robertson, about the Shetland Befriending Scheme.
It is a voluntary organisation providing one-to-one support for people of all ages within Shetland.
Ashlea tells how she first became involved, explains the scheme and discusses previous voluntary work she has done including Oxjam Music Festival and a sponsored motorbike run.
This week Marjolein Robertson talks to her Dad, Frank Robertson about his life on the croft as a boy.
This episode was first recorded as a trial, but we thought it was too good to let it go without publishing it.
Frank shares anecdotes from working with the crops and animals on the croft. To talking about the changes in Shetland since the oil.
We hope you enjoy his stories.
Karen Cunningham is this year's Wordplay curator.
Cunningham has previously worked as the head of libraries in Glasgow where she founded and directed the Glasgow book festival, Aye Write! Her love of Shetland began when visiting a friend here 10 years ago. Since then she has returned many times to visit. She speaks to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about her involvement in Wordplay, the thinking behind this year's programme and the events to come.
Ghosts, skeletons and a spooky tale...
In celebration of Hallowe'en this week's podcast focuses on the infamous Windhouse in Yell.
Podcast host Marjolein Robertson speaks to Davy Cooper, storyteller, about the various myths and legends behind house. Next, Val Turner joins to talk about recent findings discovered at Windhouse that have been featured in The Shetland Times and the national news.
Finally, Mike Grundon, BBC Radio Shetland presenter, shares an incident when he visited Windhouse several years ago. Enjoy our Hallowe'en special! If you have any suggestions for future podcasts please do email them to:editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk
Bruce Gilardi, owner of the Waas Bakery, speaks to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about his beginnings in California, born to a Shetlander; his travels over the years, his jobs – including working for the US Navy during the cold war – through to his purchase of the Waas Bakery and what Shetland means to him.
Alan Gifford, of the Accordion and Fiddle Festival Committee, relives the highlights of the 30th Festival with podcast host Marjolein. He also speaks about his introduction to the fiddle and his bands over the years as well as his role in teaching strings in Shetland.
Shetland storyteller Davy Cooper joins podcast host Marjolein to discuss his journey into the world of storytelling. He talks about the art form as well as looking into what makes Shetland storytelling unique.
Jim Sim is a missionary from Shetland.
He is based in Houston, Texas, and has worked throughout South America. Recently he has been involved in working in Panama and building houses.
On a return trip to Shetland, he speaks to Marjolein about his life in the Americas and work as a missionary.
Shetland born and bred textile designer, Ella Gordon, speaks to host Marjolein Robertson about her love of Shetland knitwear.
Ella talks about her textiles studies at the Shetland College, bringing her into the world of knitwear and designing she thrives in today – even acting as Patron for the Shetland Wool Week 2016.
Listen to her story, find out more about her interests and some information on what to expect at Shetland Wool Week 2017. For more information about Ella's work, and the online shop to buy her knitting patterns visit: https://ellagordon.wordpress.com/
Chef Akshay Borges shares his story on this week's podcast, from leaving his home in Mumbai to study in Edinburgh, then his chance move to Shetland where he began working in the kitchen of Scalloway Hotel. Now, a trained chef, Akshay is pursuing a number of interesting projects within Shetland and also to promote Shetland food to a world wide audience. He discusses all of this and shares information about this year's Shetland Food Fair, on this weekend, with podcast host Marjolein Robertson.
Now, a trained chef, Akshay is pursuing a number of interesting projects within Shetland and is also keen to promote Shetland food to a worldwide audience. He discusses all of this and shares information about this year's Shetland Food Fair, on this weekend, with podcast host Marjolein Robertson.
He discusses all of this and shares information about this year's Shetland Food Fair, on this weekend (15th-17th September 2017), with podcast host Marjolein Robertson.
Shetland born and bred Thomas Jones left the isles to study music and sound production after he finished his education at the Anderson High School.
Since then he has travelled the world working in different productions and tours.
After returning to Shetland a little over three years ago he has begun working for Shetland Arts as well as taking part in numerous arts projects and the band Big Time Quell.
He speaks to podcast host Marjolein Robertson about these endeavours as well as upcoming music festival extravaganza Bop Stock And Three Smoking Venues.
As the curtain closes on another Screenplay film festival The Shetland Times Podcast goes to the movies.
Marjolein Robertson interviews volunteer coordinator Cara McDiarmid, director Hope Dickson Leach, professor Phil Scraton, actor George MacKay and festival co-curators Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams.
The Heavy Metal Buffet podcast began in the summer of 2012.
From its inception five years ago the podcast grew into an online video channel and annual rock festival. Though, this weekend (25th-28th August) will be the last ever Buffet rock festival.
Founder and host Dirk Robertson tells host (and his sister) Marjolein Robertson, all about his background and how much he has enjoyed promoting music in the isles.
Listen on for a potted history of Heavy Metal Buffet.
When the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's Brigadier David Allfrey first visited Shetland he discovered the heart of Shetland's musical heritage – the fiddle. When he requested a troupe of Shetland fiddlers to perform at the 2014 tattoo Margaret Robertson formed, along with others, Hjaltibonhoga.
Since then Hjaltibonhoga have been invited back time and time again – they are now one of three pillars of the REMT. Hear Margaret's story and insights into Hjaltibonhoga's experiences at the military tattoo.
Joe Christie, a Shetland student in Edinburgh, is performing in the musical Company at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Join host Marjolein and Joe as they discuss this year's production as well as performances he has taken part in a previous Fringe as well as at home in the Shetland Youth Theatre.
Comedian Phill Jupitus has been touring his latest show Juplicity and gave some time to The Shetland Times podcast to give an update on his tour and discuss his time in Shetland so far.
Thor speaks to Andrew Harmsworth of Wester Quarff about being an incomer to Shetland in the 70s.
They discuss changes in Shetland crofting and politics.
Thor speaks to Mark Wylie, award winning trampoline and gymnastics coach originally from Shetland, and now running skylinetrampoline.co.uk in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.
Marjolein Robertson will be hosting the weekly podcast from the start of August. Here's a quick introduction from her about the podcast and herself. Please visit The Shetland Times home site www.shetlandtimes.co.uk to suggest guests for the show and buy the newspaper. The new host is Shetland born Marjolein Robertson, find her on Twitter @MarjoleinR
Thor Holt speaks to John and Jane Coutts, who met while living in Fetlar and now bide in Spain.
They explain what took them to the Mediterranean and how life is similar – and different – to that in Shetland.
Today's podcast guest, James John Paton, was born in Shetland in 1961 and speaks with Thor about his reasons for leaving "wonderful Shetland".
The one time Shetland Islands councillor is now resident in Skipton, North Yorkshire, where he maintains an active interest in politics.
Here he discusses life away from the isles, why he believes powere should be devolved and his attempt to host an Up-Helly-A' style event down south!
Thor Holt speaks to Shetland Island Games secretary Bob Kerr of @TeamShetland ahead of next week's games in Gotland.
A team of 129 competitors, coaches and backroom staff have made the journey to the Swedish isle. And Shetland Times reporter Adam Guest has made the trip, too.
He will be doing daily updates on shetlandtimes.co.uk and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. A special pull-out supplement will be included with the paper on Fridays 30th June and 7th July.
Our coverage of the island games is sponsored by Harper Macleod, RSM, Shetland Powertools and TL Dallas.
Shetlander @JacquyWatt enjoys a conversation with @ThorHolt about what made her move from Shetland and how she ended up living near Melbourne.
The chat takes in her university days in Edinburgh, working alongside Morgan Goodlad in the "first and only politically coloured council" and the similarities between Shetland and Australia.
Part of Jacqui's work in Shetland involved "engaging with the community on what we could afford". She admits questions remain about how successful that was.
And she recalls the summer of 2005 when the island games were hosted in Shetland.
Down Under she lives in a town akin to "Lerwick without the sea" and admits she is puzzled by the "hot north wind".
Enjoy Thor's chat with Jacqui and please let us know if there are any ex-pat Shetlanders you'd like to hear interviewed.
Thor Holt talks to Tom Morton about the latest on Promote Shetland.
He offers his point of view on the situation that is developing in the aftermath of Shetland Islands Council's decision to not award a contract for the service.
There's full coverage in this week's Shetland Times.
Today’s guest, Gavin Bell, is a speaker, blogger, and founder of Edinburgh-based social media agency, @BlueCliffMedia. Gavin is proud to tell everyone that he grew up in Shetland.
Gavin is proud to tell everyone that he grew up in Shetland and explains to Thor Holt how a childhood in Shetland shaped his future.
From tales of clambering up the cliffs, to leaping into the sea and coping with being the son of a police area commander. You won't want to miss Gavin's chat with Thor.
Anderson High School teacher Kirsti Leask and SIC Active Schools coordinator Sanna Aitken are two of the Shetland netball team's top performing players.
They were recently selected to take part in Netball Scotland’s Performance League, which acts as a bridge between local and elite level competition.
The duo speak to host Thor Holt and educate him on the ways and whys of Shetland netball and explain what they hope to achieve with the new-found skills they have developed on the back of the performance league.
Shetland ex-Whalers Association chairman, Gibbie Fraser shares some of his memories of the industry.
Shetland comedian Marjolein Robertson is on tour in New Zealand. She took time out from her schedule, which has included avoiding southern hemisphere hurricanes, to talk comedy and tell stories with Thor Holt.
Catch up with Marjolein on Twitter @MarjoleinR or YouTube
Filming has started on the fourth series of acclaimed BBC One drama, Shetland so Thor Holt spoke to the award-winning producer, Eric Coulter.
He tells us more about the process of shooting the crime drama, the challenges associated with five weeks of filming in Shetland and how to work with the dialect.
Thor Holt spoke to Sandra Vabarna in Estonia before Trad.Attack! travelled to Shetland for the folk festival.
Trad.Attack! were one of the most talked about visiting acts at this year's festival.
If you loved their music then you need to listen to Sandra explain more about how they find inspiration from archive recordings of the great Estonian folk singers and instrumentalists who created and performed music for work, leisure and festivities in the old times.
Sometimes starting with scratchy recordings of long vanished village voices Trad.Attack! takes it from there and brings their voices and their music to 21st century. Their signature sound involves building pulsating rhythmic structures, creating an impressively big sound from acoustic 12-string guitar, drums, an array of whistles, bagpipes and jew’s harps.
TradAttack website
He's known for his fiddling prowess – but there are more strings to Aly Bain's bow.
Thor Holt speaks to Aly about the good things in life: food, travel and music.
From sharing a dressing room with former miners' leader Arthur Scargill to where to get the best steak in the USA, Aly shares some of his memories.
Find yourself a spare half hour, sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of Shetland's best musicians.
http://www.philandaly.com/
Thor Holt speaks to Louise Johnson of @shetlandfolk festival with some tips for anyone heading to the festival for the first time.
Visit: www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
Fast-rising rockers Hunter & the Bear are heading to the isles in May as part of a national tour.
The group tipped as this year’s “ones to watch” is credited with pioneering a resurgence in rock and roll and they will perform at Lerwick British Legion on Friday 26th May on the back of the release of the self-titled debut album. Hunter & the Bear’s combination of melodic sensibility with riff-laden tunes has been quoted as representing “the very best of guitar driven music today”.
From quality airtime on the BBC and national commercial radio, to an enviable slot supporting Eric Clapton on his recent arena tour, the band’s deft employment of rock riff’s and melodic song craft has seen them championed by some of the biggest names in rock, including Clapton himself.
The four-piece are said to generate a momentous buzz wherever they tour, performing at increasingly large venues and festivals throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.
Band member Will Irvine talks to Thor Holt about the band, its name and the upcoming tour.
Today's guest is Lord Norman Lamont of Lerwick. Lord Lamont served in multiple Conservative Governments under Margaret Thatcher.
He speaks to host Thor Holt about an official visit to Sullom Voe, his memories of Shetland and his father who was a surgeon in the isles.
Marketing advisor and coach Megan Burns from Unst speaks about her life in Glasgow, growing up in Shetland and travelling across America.
Today’s guest is Jenna Reid. Jenna is a fiddler, nominated as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ at the 2007 Scots Trad Awards and she was born and brought up in Quarff.
Jenna was taught by some of the greatest names in Shetland fiddling, Dr Tom Anderson MBE and Willie Hunter, and she’s played all over the world with groups such as Filska, Deaf Shepherd and Dochas,
Today’s guest, Yell man, actor and musician, Robert Williamson is best known for getting stuffed in a BAFTA-winning film, The Taxidermist (2011). second of four offspring to Rev. Magnus and Eunice Williamson, he was born in The Manse on
He is the second of four offspring to the Rev Magnus and Eunice Williamson, and was born in The Manse in Eday, Orkney but grew up in Shetland. He says Island life was extremely agreeable and particularly free, especially the air, which as Shetlanders know, often arrives at 100 miles an hour!
Music was his first foray into performance, he learned piano, fiddle and acoustic guitar, before settling for electric bass, playing rock n roll as a teenager – he still plays bass and guitar.
He now works with theatre companies in Edinburgh,
Three of his screen works have attracted BAFTA award nominations with one winner.
To accompany his podcast Fiddler Kevin Henderson gave The Shetland Times permission to upload Da Foula Reel from his album Fin Da Laand Ageen. Enjoy!
Today’s guest, Kevin Henderson, began playing the fiddle aged nine and has studied under both Trevor Hunter and the late, great Willie Hunter, who was arguably Shetland's finest fiddler.
He’s a founding member of award-winning Shetland powerhouse, Fiddlers’ Bid, formed in 1991, has been a member of folk music legends, Boys of the Lough, since 2001, a member of Scottish super-group Session A9 since 2004 and co-founded the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc in 2009.
In 2011 he released his debut solo album, Fin Da Laand Ageen, to great critical acclaim.
He’s toured throughout the world including the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe….performed on TV and radio programmes all over the globe and has featured on many albums over the years
Catch Kevin and Nordic Fiddlers Bloc at thenordicfiddlersbloc.com on social media @nordicfiddlers3 and @khendersonmusic
Thor Holt of Shetland Times Podcast talks to guest Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera Stanhope novels and the Shetland books: Raven Black, Red Bones, White Nights, Blue Lightning, Dead Water.
Cold Earth is Ann's latest in the much-praised series, her 30th book in as many years, and is now available - check it out at Ann's Amazon page
Visit the Shetland Times website http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/podcast or http://www.facebook.com/shetland.times to send us suggestions for who you'd like us to interview.
Visit The Shetland Times home site www.shetlandtimes.co.uk to suggest guests for the show and buy the newspaper to get the latest on full launch date. Due early March 2017.
The Shetland Times podcast host is Shetland born coach and interviewer Thor Holt - say hello www.thorholt.com or Twitter @thorholt