Best Scottish Enterprise Podcasts (2025)

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Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere OPIN 50:37

Play Pause

8h ago50:37

50:37

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature. In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recove…

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Covering the Croft and Common 39:19

1M ago39:19

39:19

Insurance for Crofters and Common Grazings. Welcome back to Crofting Matters! In this episode, Siobhan is joined by Jonathan Hogg, a rural insurance expert from NFU Mutual’s Dingwall branch. Johnny has an agricultural background, works in a crofting area and understands the issues that crofters and grazing committees face with access, theft and wea…

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Reflections from the Nature Friendly Farming Summit 43:45

9d ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland’s first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can bu…

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The Free Company 54:30

2M ago54:30

54:30

In this episode, we sit down with Angus Buchanan-Smith, Co-Founder and Director of The Free Company, an organic farm and restaurant guided by regenerative methods, at the foot of the Pentland Hills. We explore the history of the business, the transition to organic farming and the various complimentary enterprises they operate, from their onsite res…

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Starting up in Crofting 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

Welcome back to Crofting Matters. On today’s episode, Siobhan is joined by Graham Fraser (SAC Lerwick) to discuss an often asked question – how to start up a croft, smallholding or farming business. The Farm Advisory Service has an Advice Line – free to call or email for advice. Every year the team receives lots of questions about starting up a far…

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Charles Kergaravat: Founder of the Interceltic Business Forum 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

In this episode of the Scottish Business Network Podcast, we sit down with Charles Kergaravat, a New Yorker with Breton roots who has built a remarkable career bridging cultures, business, and innovation across the Celtic nations.Charles shares his journey from Wall Street to Brittany, France, where he left behind a finance career to embrace a new …

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Breaking the Grass Ceiling - Women in Crofting 19:16

3M ago19:16

19:16

Please note: We recorded this episode while out at an event, therefore the audio quality varies throughout. Interviewees: Prof Sally Shorthall Karis Beattie Haley Shepherd The Grass Ceiling is an EU-funded project that helps rural women become leaders in innovation—especially in farming and sustainable rural development. It runs from 2023 to 2025 a…

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Landscape Enterprise Networks – Leven LENs 50:40

3M ago50:40

50:40

In this episode, we catch up with Amelia Heath (Co-Director, Forth Rivers Trust), Clara Schade-Poulsen (Leven LENs Project Officer), and Tom Brown (Senior Programme Manager, LENs Scotland) to explore how the Leven LENs is taking shape following its launch. We discuss what LENs really means on the ground: how farmers and businesses are partnering to…

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Croft Diversification - New Enterprises in Uist 49:12

4M ago49:12

49:12

Thinking of diversification projects on the croft? Hear from two entrepreneurs who have set up shops, campsites and tours in Uist, and are managing to bring in tourists and have a healthy footfall. They discuss the issues with funding on croftland, ferries, finishing animals, abattoirs, Instagram posts, Scottish Agritourism, and Enterprise agency s…

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Galvanising Change through Natural Capital - James Hutton Institute 46:07

4M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode, we dive into how Natural Capital is reshaping land use, farming, and business decisions with our guest, Dr Kerry Waylen. She shares her insights and working examples, to explore how land managers, farmers, and policymakers measure nature’s value, access carbon markets, and plan for long-term sustainability.We discuss topics includi…

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Episode 102: Stephen O’Donnell on Engineering, Enterprise, and Giving Back 46:24

5M ago46:24

46:24

In this insightful episode of the Scottish Business Network Podcast, host Ewan Dunbar is joined by Stephen O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of the Scottish Business Network, whose remarkable career spans engineering, global tech leadership, private equity, and now philanthropy.Stephen shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey—from humble beg…

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FFIS, CAGS, WFP and Greening for Crofting 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) grant scheme is a new scheme in 2025, allowing crofters and farmers to invest to improve business efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming. The FFIS offers flexible capital grants to support investments with tiered levels of funding available. There are other changes affecting crofters, such as a s…

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NatureMetrics - eDNA 50:48

5M ago50:48

50:48

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species …

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Changes to Improve Welfare of Lambs 26:18

6M ago26:18

26:18

A game changer for sheep on hill grazings? It’s very tricky to castrate and tail lambs within 7 days unless lambs are born inbye. Could two new techniques, that allow castration and tailing up to 3 months of age, not only reduce pain levels in lambs, but allow better and easier management on commons and hills? The all-important intake of colostrum …

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John Wright - Hedgerows, Ditches, and Drystane Dykes 54:07

6M ago54:07

54:07

Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they ca…

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Episode 101: Navigating Global Opportunity with Doug Stevenson 32:12

6M ago32:12

32:12

Welcome to the Scottish Business Network podcast. In this episode of the Scottish Business Network Podcast, host and SBN's Chairman Russell Dalgleish sits down with Doug Stevenson, the Network’s San Francisco Ambassador, for a dynamic conversation spanning continents, industries, and insights.Doug shares his personal background and early career, of…

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Biodiversity Funding on Farms 41:19

9M ago41:19

41:19

We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits. In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunitie…

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Clean Heat with Snugg 26:35

10M ago26:35

26:35

Welcome to the latest Scottish Enterprise ‘Think’ podcast about Clean Heat. Broadcast to you in advance of the Scottish Enterprise Clean Heat 2025 Conference in March. The podcast is hosted by SE’s Energy Transition Specialist, Catriona MacTaggart, in conversation with Robin Peters, Co-Founder and CEO and Michelle Robinson, Head of Business Develop…

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Combating Nature Loss - Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 48:28

10M ago48:28

48:28

The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and S…

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Tackling the Climate and Biodiversity Crises 59:06

11M ago59:06

59:06

Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them. In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who…

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Fungi: The forgotten kingdom? 57:17

12M ago57:17

57:17

Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight. Rhizocore T…

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Female Leaders with Milly Batchelor 29:38

1y ago29:38

29:38

By Scottish Enterprise

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Female Leaders with Bayile Adeoti 21:02

1y ago21:02

21:02

By Scottish Enterprise

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Female Leaders with Pheona Matovu 34:55

1y ago34:55

34:55

In this episode we’re joined by Pheona Matovu, founder and CEO of Radiant and Brighter, who tells us about her work as a business leader and champion of migrants and ethnic minorities in Scotland. Hear her take on antiracism, the importance of building more inclusive policies, and why she chooses to surround herself with fantastic women. Throughout…

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Female Leaders with Celia Hodson 35:02

1y ago35:02

35:02

By Scottish Enterprise

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Episode 100: An interview with SBN Chair and Founder Russell Dalgleish 35:12

12M ago35:12

35:12

Welcome to the Scottish Business Network podcast. For the 100 episode of the SBN podcast I had the pleasure of speaking with a truly remarkable individual, Russell Dalgleish, the founder and chairperson of the Scottish Business Network. Russell is a dynamic leader with a career that spans decades and industries, from technology to global networking…

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Matchmaking New and Retiring Crofters (Updated) 38:30

1y ago38:30

38:30

Many aspire to having and working a croft, however crofts are difficult to obtain, at least in the more productive and scenic areas. At the same time, retiring crofters sometimes find it hard to give up their business, their source of income and home. The Scottish Land Matching Service is designed to help aspiring new producers, whether crofters or…

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Pivotal - Nature is Invaluable 50:28

1y ago50:28

50:28

We are joined by Jonathan Morley from Pivotal, to discuss the importance of robust, reliable and verifiable data and how digital biodiversity monitoring is part of this. Pivotal are a biodiversity monitoring and analytics company working with a range of Natural Capital managers, funds and organisations across the world, providing data from both the…

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Subsidy and Support Changes for Crofting 39:35

1y ago39:35

39:35

Support is changing, and although not all details are clear, crofters claiming subsidy need to have specific items and plans in place by next spring. Listen in to hear the essential information you need for next year’s Basic Payment Scheme claim. We simplify one aspect of the new system, which is called the Whole Farm Plan. The WFP is actually made…

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NatureScot Biodiversity Audits 29:08

1y ago29:08

29:08

In this episode we speak to Celine Delabre from NatureScot to inform listeners on the upcoming requirement to complete biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan and how NatureScot’s farm biodiversity app can help to deliver these in the future. We discuss the important details that farmers requiring the audit need to know to help them comp…

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The Royal Highland Education Trust 51:59

1y ago51:59

51:59

The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is a charitable organisation that looks to bring farming, the working countryside, and Scotland’s Natural Capital to life for young people. The trust aims to connect Scotland’s youth to the countryside, and give insight into food, farming and countryside management in Scotland. The trust achieves this throu…

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The Big SBN Interview With Martin Perry 36:00

1y ago36:00

36:00

Welcome to today's episode, where we have the absolute honour of hosting a remarkable individual who epitomises resilience, determination, and the sheer power of the human spirit. Our guest today is none other than Martin Perry, a phenomenal Paralympian who is about to embark on yet another incredible journey—competing in the Paris Paralympics in t…

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Livestock Disease Risks on Crofts 47:44

1+ y ago47:44

47:44

Disease risk in livestock, and biosecurity is something we perhaps don’t consider as much in crofting areas as farmers might in more intensive systems. Crofting tends to be more extensive, with lower densities of stock, but we often share bulls, and graze on common ground. In this episode I’m joined by Kythe MacKenzie, who is a vet with SRUC, and K…

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Loch Leven's Larder 37:26

1y ago37:26

37:26

Loch Leven’s Larder is an enterprise with the farm to fork concept at its core, with the farm providing produce to the café and shop. Since 2005, the larder has put community and sustainability at the forefront of its operations, to provide the Loch Leven area a place to enjoy locally sourced healthy food in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the l…

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Routes to Crofting 41:13

1+ y ago41:13

41:13

This episode hears from 2 crofters with two different routes into crofting. In this episode we discuss how they gained their croft, what they found were barriers, and hints and tips for aspiring or new crofters. I’m delighted to be joined by Derek Dick, who is a relatively new crofter in Berneray, and Angus Ferguson, who is an experienced crofter i…

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LENs and Forth Rivers Trust 29:03

1+ y ago29:03

29:03

Forth Rivers Trust leads the Leven LENs, a collaborative project that aims to match investors with local activities and projects, that preserve and enhance the Leven catchment’s natural assets. This strategy for long-term investment will deliver a healthy productive landscape, while benefitting the environment, boosting biodiversity and uplifting l…

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Lessons from Ireland 39:48

1+ y ago39:48

39:48

In this episode we look at what we can learn from the Irish system, where farms are similar to our crofts. A group of crofters are just home from a study tour to Ireland, and we hear from Derek Jamieson who crofts in Unst, Shetland, what he took from this exchange of knowledge. We also hear from Keith Fahy, advisor with Teagasc, explaining the Iris…

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Crofting Commission Chief Executive 40:38

1+ y ago40:38

40:38

Gary Campbell is our guest this week. Gary is the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission, having just started his role in January this year. With a background working in both the public and private sectors he talks us through his previous roles, his own family crofting story, what he is planning to achieve in his new CE role and his vision …

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Trees on Farm 40:58

1+ y ago40:58

40:58

It’s a brand-new series of Natural Capital with a brand-new host! To kick things off Harry speaks to Scottish Forestry’s Lyn White, who is their forestry and farming development officer. Lyn promotes an integrated approach to farming and forestry, to aid understanding and explore opportunities for them to work more effectively together. We discuss …

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Biodiversity Net Gain 34:50

1+ y ago34:50

34:50

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory; developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity following their development of 10%. In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consu…

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Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) 35:58

1+ y ago35:58

35:58

Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood…

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Green Finance 28:37

2y ago28:37

28:37

In this episode of Natural Capital, we are talking about the issue that underpins every topic we cover, and that is finance and funding! With the economic and other pressures that landowners are facing it is great to be joined today by Steve Dunkley the Regional Agriculture Director at HSBC, and Martin Hanson the Head of Agriculture for HSBC, to sh…

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Rothiemurchus Estate & their Christmas Trees 46:25

2y ago46:25

46:25

For our final episode of 2023 we are getting a bit festive and are speaking to Ollie Mackay at Rothiemurchus Estate. Rothiemurchus is a special and beautiful place in the Highlands of Scotland, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Ollie is the Head Ranger on the estate and we chat about all the estate’s natural capital assets and his role.…

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Islay Geese 42:16

2y ago42:16

42:16

We visit the beautiful island of Islay, finding out about the unique habitats, species and important natural capital assets the island supports. The RSPB Islay reserves have internationally important populations of wintering Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted geese, and are also important for breeding Chough, Corncrake, Lapwing and a range of oth…

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Common Grazing Finances: Common Issues 39:47

2y ago39:47

39:47

We are at Dornie hall, talking to clerks and committee members about the issues they face when trying to run the common grazing, especially when it comes to finances. Firstly, we talk with Finlay Beaton from the Crofting Commission, about the problems that they deal with and the solutions for clerks. Finlay also has the advantage of having worked w…

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Calpa Nàdarra – Gaelic, culture and crofting 39:01

2y ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of Natural Capital Ross Mackenzie and Janette Sutherland visit Sam Thorburn’s croft on the Isle of Skye. They discuss the natural capital on the islands, Gaelic culture, biodiversity, and crofting life. Gaelic language provides a unique insight and understanding of Scotland’s nature, helping us to understand it better. Central to al…

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Iseabail Mactaggart: Scottish Salmon & the Sushi Chefs of Brazil 22:32

2y ago22:32

22:32

Welcome to the last of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.And here's a questions for you... Did you know that one of the most popular dishes in Brazil is sushi? …

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Subsidy Future & Current Schemes 31:28

2y ago31:28

31:28

Don’t miss out on the current schemes which boost income and improve animal and soil health! We discuss the PSF scheme, the future of subsidy, recent changes to the Croft House Grant and what we should all do now to prepare for the 2025 change. We cover: What the term ‘conditionality’ means PSF Animal Health & Welfare Eligibility How to carry out a…

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Drones, Data and Decision Making 38:25

2y ago38:25

38:25

In this episode of Natural Capital we are getting techy, discussing all things drones, data and technology and how this can be used by land managers to assess, monitor and improve their natural capital assets. Understanding the natural capital you have on your land, its condition and scale is essential to effective land management. To help us under…

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Spencer Mahony: Our Man in Mexico 16:08

2y ago16:08

16:08

Welcome to the second of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.In this episode, it' a great pleasure to hear from Spencer Mahony, His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commiss…