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PODCAST

Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media

The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they"ve been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable

news

All Episodes

1:10:47

Anas Sarwar & Jackie Baillie

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/02/19

We're joined by the Scottish Labour leader and Scottish Labour deputy leader, Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, to discuss their route to victory in 2026, NHS reforms, regionalisation of Scotland, nurse Sandie Peggie, energy policy and more.In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the challenges faced by the Scottish Labour Party under the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Bailey. The conversation explores the

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44:55

Labour's Promises and Your Questions Answered

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/02/12

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on Labour's recent pledges to maintain free services, the challenges of political messaging, and the ongoing crisis in the NHS. They discuss the implications of Anas Sarwar's commitments, the effectiveness of Labour's strategy, and the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare. The conversation also touches on the performance of

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46:54

Sarwar's Dilemma; Swinney's Past

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/02/05

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on key figures like Anna Sarwar and the implications of Westminster's decisions on Scottish Labour. They discuss Sarwar's recent comments regarding potential collaboration with Reform UK, the impact of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields decision, and the public's perception of Sarwar's leadership. The conversation highlights the need for a more substantial policy discussion

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50:57

Getting Stuff Done - the budget and coalitions

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/29

We're joined by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver discuss the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the recent budget negotiations involving the Scottish government and the Liberal Democrats. They explore the dynamics of political collaboration, the implications of the rise of the Reform Party, and reflections on political messaging in both Scottish and US contexts

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34:48

Anthony Scaramucci... on Trump and Scotland

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/26

In this engaging conversation, Former White House Communications Director for President Trump, Anthony Scaramucci - who famously held the job for 11 days - discusses the evolution of Donald Trump since his first term. He delves into the implications of tariffs on UK industries, the complexities of Trump's relationship with Scotland, and the contrasting energy policies between the US and Scotland. Scaramucci also reflects on the rise of nationalism and its historical context, emphasizing the need for

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35:41

Optimistic Vision, Trump's Inauguration, Coalition...

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/22

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 like

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48:47

Reform UK Defection... and Coalition Polling

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/19

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 importance

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39:39

Exclusive: Scotland-wide Polling... with Prof Sir...

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/15

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

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1:26:47

Exclusive: The First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/08

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, the

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1:20:33

Scotland’s Ageing Population… and how to pay for it

Holyrood Sources ·

2025/01/01

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. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for

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1:15:21

Christmas Special 2024

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/12/23

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

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46:29

Humza Yousaf, WASPI vs Sarwar and the A9

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/12/18

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 projects

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41:20

“Hope” for 2026 & Talking to Trump

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/12/11

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. Become a member at

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30:06

The Scottish Government's Budget - Analysed

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/12/05

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 budget

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47:28

The Scottish Budget Preview

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/12/04

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

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58:16

The Rise of Reform UK in Scotland

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/11/27

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 and

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40:12

Double Jobbing & Vote Labour to Stop Labour

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/11/21

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 on

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55:12

Stephen Flynn's MSP Bid: The Dual Mandate

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/11/13

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

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40:56

Trump and Problems for Scottish Labour

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/11/06

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. z Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.Hosted on Acast. See

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1:34:12

The UK Government Budget

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/10/30

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

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181 results

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