The ScotsCare podcast - with Marcus Railton

In this episode of the ScotsCare Podcast, Marcus Railton sits down with Scots poet and social media phenomenon Len Pennie for an open conversation.Len reflects on a pivotal 2025 – from launching poyums annaw to navigating personal healing and mental health. She shares insights into anxiety, explaining how she manages nerves on stage and why showing vulnerability can be an act of strength.A passionate champion of the Scots language, Len discusses dialects, identity and why celebrating linguistic diversity matters. She talks about accessibility in poetry and how social media has democratised the art form, making space for new voices and younger audiences.Len also speaks bravely about her experience of domestic abuse, how writing became a way to reclaim her voice, and why she continues to advocate for survivors. The episode features a powerful reading of her poem “Honey”, offering a moving example of her raw, rhythmic and emotionally incisive work.This thoughtful conversation explores creativity, resilience, language, and the role poetry can play in helping us understand the most difficult parts of life.If you have suffered or are suffering from domestic abuse:For women, who would like some support, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for residents in England. https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.ukIf you are in Scotland please call 0800 027 1234. https://www.sdafmh.org.uk/en/If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, please call the Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0800 8010327. https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Christopher Tait - Bringing Robert Burns to the WorldIn this special Burns episode, Marcus Railton sits down with Christopher Tait, Scotland’s leading Robert Burns performer—a man who has spent more than three decades bringing the Bard to life across the globe.Christopher first stepped into character as Burns in 1994, winning a national talent competition with his vivid portrayal of the poet’s life. Since then, his journey as Rabbie has taken him to 15 countries and 44 cities, from Seattle and Toronto to Dubai, Singapore, and London. He has fronted New York’s Tartan Day celebrations, shared a stage with the legendary Ronnie Corbett, and even came close to being arrested in Moscow after an impromptu performance in Red Square.His career highlights include fronting the Homecoming Scotland celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Burns’s birth, hosting the Ulster Orchestra Burns Concert, appearing on The Amazing Race, and helping schoolchildren stage a Burns Supper for BBC Scotland’s Cooking up Burns. His theatre work has also been captured by BBC Northern Ireland.Join Marcus and Christopher as they explore the universal appeal of Robert Burns, the adventures of performing Scotland’s national poet on the world stage, and the enduring magic that keeps the Bard’s words alive today.https://www.robertburns.live/

Ross King is one of Scotland’s best loved broadcasters, who is well known to many of us as the Los Angeles Showbiz Correspondent for ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine or even from the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing.He comes from Glasgow, and cut his teeth on hospital radio, then onto London and the stage. He’s now been in LA for 25 years, presenting and interviewing A list Hollywood starts like Al Pacino.Ross chats to Marcus about his journey and ambition, and how when he came to London he realised the work ScotsCare does is so important to so many that have no one to rely on in a big city.

Alistair Heather is a Scottish historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his passionate work promoting Scots language, history and culture. He’s a regular voice on radio and podcasts, often exploring identity, heritage, and social justice. Historic Ally's evident passion for his subject has made him a hit on social media, where he's pulled in millions of viewers to his quick sketches about interesting historic Scottish facts.Marcus and Alistair chat about how his social media success grew and blossomed, the darker parts of history, Scottish culture, background and identity, as well as a subject close to Alistair's heart - Scots language. Learn how it is a Germanic language, just like English and how pride and practice in the language and culture are in a healthy and growing place at the moment in Scotland. Many Scots question their place and identity in the world, and Alistair brings an honest positive viewpoint on what it is to be a Scot.

Lawson Muncaster is the co-founder of City A.M., joins us to share his remarkable journey—from a dyslexic student to leading London’s daily business newspaper. He opens up about discovering his dyslexia at 30, how it shaped his communication and leadership style, and why relationships are at the heart of business. Lawson reflects on the impact of Covid and reinventing the paper’s digital presence, and why print still matters. With stories of resilience, reinvention, and the buzz of London life, this episode explores leadership, print and online media, and the future of news through Lawson’s lens.

Denise Mina's debut novel Garnethill was a bestseller and won the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Award for best debut. It was followed by Exile and Resolution, completing a trilogy of novels featuring Maureen O’Donnell, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In this episode topics range from women in literature, success, empathy, image, social media and the effects of AI to come.

John Gordon Sinclair is a Glaswegian actor, best known for playing Gregory in the 1981 cult classic film Gregory's Girl. Aside from films, he's been in many TV shows and plays like Death in Paradise and An Actor's Life for Me. Acting wasn't his destiny, he just as easily could have ended up as an electrician, training as he was when he first entered the theatre.Marcus and John talk about 'home', roots, family, education, the creative process, social anxiety and lucky breaks, and also acting with Brad Pitt in World War Z.

Jill Douglas is a journalist and sports presenter from the Borders, where she grew up in a small community on the family farm. How did she get from there to being one of the first female presenters on typically male dominated sports such as rugby union? Marcus chats about how she was set on becoming a journalist, what makes a good interview, as well as her great late friend Doddie Weir and the impact of M.N.D. She is the CEO of My Name is Doddie, the charity set up in his name that has had great success in channelling funding into research for the disease. Jill also talks about what it's like to interview sports stars that also happen to be friends or even a husband!