In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum, Geoff, and Andy delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the independence movement, the challenges faced by the SNP leadership, and the potential for a coalition between the SNP and Labour. They discuss public sentiment regarding independence, the impact of political changes on everyday life, and the importance of providing a clear vision for the future. The conversation also touches on the influence of figures l...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode, the conversation revolves around Thomas Kerr's recent defection from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK. Kerr discusses the circumstances surrounding his decision, the dynamics of political defection, and the implications for Scottish politics. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and the potential for coalition politics in Scotland. The speakers reflect on the need for a clear political vision and the importa...
Jan 19, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, along with Geoff Aberdein, Andy Maciver, and Professor Sir John Curtice, delve into the current polling landscape in Scotland as it pertains to the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026. We reveal results of our exclusive poll and analyse the implications. They discuss the implications of recent polling data, the rise of the Reform Party, and the challenges faced by both the SNP and Labour. The conversation also touches on the perfo...
Jan 15, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 2
The conversation revolves around the political dynamics in Scotland, focusing on the budget discussions and the implications of minority government. We discuss the importance of collaboration across party lines to ensure the budget passes, addressing public priorities such as child poverty and local government funding. They also touch on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry and the need for a balanced approach to economic growth. We discuss the complexities of minority government, th...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Calum, Geoff and Andy host a special podcast in association with Phoenix at Standard Life House in Edinburgh. Along with a gathered group of experts, we discuss Scotland’s ageing population and how to pay for it. Adding policy solutions to the conversation are Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director at the Centre for Public Policy - and former leader of Scottish Labour - and SNP MSP Michelle Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 77
In this festive special of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum, Geoff, and Andy reflect on the significant moments of 2024 in Scottish politics. They discuss their favourite podcast moments, including their island tour and energy debates, and delve into the political landscape, highlighting the end of the Bute House Agreement and the implications of a new Labour government. The conversation also touches on the ongoing investigation into the SNP's finances and the potential impact on future...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 76
Calum, Andy and Geoff analyse Humza Yousaf's challenges as First Minister and his political legacy, while also exploring the critical issue of infrastructure funding in Scotland. The conversation highlights Fergus Ewing's strong stance on the A96 and the need for more political accountability among MSPs. The conversation delves into the dynamics of government and party unity, highlighting the challenges faced in infrastructure and economic growth, particularly in relation to offshore wind projec...
Dec 18, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 75
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the SNP's budget strategy, recent polling trends, and the challenges faced by the Labour Party. They discuss the implications of John Swinney's recent conversation with Donald Trump and the emergence of Reform UK as a significant player in the political landscape. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
Dec 11, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 74
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Scottish Government budget announcement, focusing on key elements such as the two child benefit cap, council tax implications, and funding for the NHS and energy sectors. The conversation highlights the political strategies behind the budget, the challenges facing opposition parties, and the potential for collaboration between different political factions. The hosts also reflect on the broader implications of the budge...
Dec 05, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 73
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the upcoming budget announcement, reflections on Alex Salmond's memorial, and Angus MacNeil's recent move to the Alba Party. The conversation delves into the implications of the budget for the Scottish government, the challenges facing the NHS, and the importance of energy infrastructure in Scotland's future. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Become a m...
Dec 04, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 72
Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Reform UK's Scottish Campaigns Director, Martyn Greene, to discuss the challenges of building party infrastructure, the contentious net zero debate, immigration issues, the future of devolution, and the impact of Brexit on the political landscape - as Reform UK's popularity continues to grow in Scotland. Plus, Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, joins to analyse the upcoming Scottish Government budget, focusing on funding allocations a...
Nov 27, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 71
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of Scottish politics, focusing on the recent controversies surrounding double jobbing, particularly in relation to Stephen Flynn's ambitions within the SNP. They also reflect on the political dynamics within Scottish Labour, especially Anas Sarwar's recent statements regarding the winter fuel payment and the implications of these decisions on the party's future. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of Scottish politics, focusing o...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 70
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss recent by-election results in Scotland, the implications of SNP's potential coalition with the Lib Dems for budget negotiations, and Stephen Flynn's bid for a dual mandate as both an MSP and MP. SNP MSP Emma Roddick also joins to give her view on the Stephen Flynn saga. WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Become a member at http...
Nov 13, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 69
Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the recent reelection of Donald Trump and its implications for both US and Scottish politics. They explore voter sentiment, the effectiveness of political messaging, and the challenges faced by Scottish Labour in light of the UK government's budget. The conversation also touches on the tax strategies of former First Ministers and the public's perception of these actions. WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured camp...
Nov 06, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 68
In our first ever crossover episode with the Whitehall Sources podcast, we assess the implications of the UK Government budget. The first section of both podcasts features former advisers from across the political spectrum. The podcasts then return to their own list of guests and commentators and analysts. Search Whitehall Sources to listen to our sister podcast. Holyrood Sources is sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at sco...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss Scotland's handling of the aftermath of Alex Salmond's death, and what has to change in the event another current or former First Minister dies while abroad. Plus, David O'Connor, Unison Scotland's lead for local government, discusses the reasons behind the strike, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and the challenges of negotiating fair pay in the current political climate - and is it acceptable for Alex Cole Hamilton to campaign for Kamala Harris, or if the Labo...
Oct 23, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the political life and legacy of Alex Salmond: their first encounters with him, his greatest achievements, what he was like to work with and what comes next for Scotland. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Sponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 16, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Welcome to the final episode of our Islands Tour, recorded in Lerwick, Shetland with: Kate Forbes - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic Alistair Carmichael - Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland Emma Macdonald - Leader of Shetland Islands Council Andy Sloan - MD and Senior Vice President, COWI Ronan O’Hara - CEO, Crown Estate Scotland Daniel Lawson - Executive Officer at Shetland Fishermen Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the next leg of the Islands tour, the implications of GB Energy's announcement in Aberdeen, and the challenges facing the Scottish Conservatives (and their Westminster allies) under new leader Russell Findlay. Plus the housing crisis in Scotland, the role of private investment, and the recent political strategies of the Labour Party. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Sponsored by Scottish Whiskey Association and SSE. Hosted on Acast. See a...
Oct 02, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 63
With former Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore. The conversation revolves around the significant themes of the Scottish independence referendum, the strategies employed during the campaign, and the dynamics of coalition politics. Michael Moore reflects on the emotional and political impact of the referendum, the effectiveness of the campaigns, and the lessons learned from the past. The discussion also touches on the current political landscape, the role of the Liberal Democrats, and ...
Sep 27, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Guests Kezia Dugdale, former Scottish Labour leader and leading figure in the 2014 Better Together campaign, and Stephen Noon, former SNP strategist, and formerly Chief Strategist for Yes Scotland, join us to discuss their new paper which looks at a new way forward for political discourse and decision making in Scotland. Geoff Aberdeen and Andy Maciver analyse their suggestions as we discuss the current state of Scottish politics, particularly in light of the recent Labour Party conference and t...
Sep 25, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 61
We hear from the the two men who have covered more gossip and policy and politics than anyone else in the story of Scotland. Brian Taylor, formerly of BBC Scotland, and Bernard Ponsonby, formerly of STV News consider Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Sponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse....
Sep 19, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 59
We hear from one of the most pivotal figures in the story of Scotland. Alex Salmond reflects on 25 Years of Devolution and the Independence Referendum of 2014. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Sponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 18, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 58
We hear from former First Minister Jack McConnell who considers Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Sponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 57
We hear from the architects of devolution who consider Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured Sponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 16, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the new BBC Scotland documentary on the alliance between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, their public feud, and the transformation of the SNP. Plus, the potential risks and strategies surrounding the Scottish budget and the support of the Scottish Greens. We also explore the possibility of an early Hollyrood general election and the implications for the different political parties. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out...
Sep 11, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 55
The conversation discusses the recent announcement of £500 million worth of cuts in the Scottish government's budget. Calum and Andy are joined by John Boothman from The Times and The Sunday Times, as well as Mairi Spowage from the Fraser of Allander Institue, and Fergus Mutch - former SNP adviser, and Geoff's boss, to disucss: the numbers and the impact of the cuts. One area of concern is the need for transparency and efficiency in government spending. We also discuss the use of the ScotWind fu...
Sep 06, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 54
The three candidates to be the next leader of the Scottish Conservative party join the podcast to discuss the issues of the campaign. Meghan Gallacher, Murdo Fraser and Russell Findlay talk about the difficulties of the campaign, how they'd form an effective opposition, whether they think they can ever be First Minister, how they feel about the rise of Reform UK in Scotland and what would define their leadership. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss and debate with them. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky ...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Live from the pub at SNP Conference in Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 31, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 52
Calum, Andy and Geoff are back together to discuss the results of a poll suggesting that the SNP would win the most seats but not have enough support to form the government in the 2026 election. It means the potential for Anas Sarwar to become the first minister of a minority government. Plus Alex Salmond would return to Holyrood, but is the Alba Party doing enough? This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 28, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 51
