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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

1:34:12

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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47:16

Salmond Protocol; MSPs in the USA; Teacher’s on strike

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/10/23

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 Labour

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43:18

Remembering Alex Salmond

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/10/16

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/madetobemeasuredSponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.Hosted on Acast. See

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1:33:35

The Islands Tour: Lerwick

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/10/09

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 GaelicAlistair Carmichael - Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and ShetlandEmma Macdonald - Leader of Shetland Islands CouncilAndy Sloan - MD and Senior Vice President, COWIRonan O’Hara - CEO, Crown Estate ScotlandDaniel Lawson - Executive Officer at Shetland FishermenSponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign

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50:17

Housing, Climbing The Tory Mountain and The Zeitgeist

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/10/02

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. Become a member at

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52:39

Michael Moore, Former Secretary of State for Scotland

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/27

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 the

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59:08

A New Proposition for Independence and the Parliament?

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/25

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 the

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19:58

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - Brian Taylor...

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/19

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/madetobemeasuredSponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click

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23:39

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - Alex Salmond

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/18

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

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24:41

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - Jack McConnell

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/17

We hear from former First Minister Jack McConnell who considers Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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51:10

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - The Origins

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/16

We hear from the architects of devolution who consider Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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34:16

Salmond and Sturgeon, Greens vs SNP

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/11

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 more

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47:34

Cuts or Savings? The Programme for Government

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/06

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 fund

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1:14:30

Scottish Conservative Leadership Special

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/09/04

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

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1:00:14

SNP Conference: Kate Forbes, Michelle Thomson, John...

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/08/31

Live from the pub at SNP Conference in Edinburgh Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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48:07

Sarwar, Swinney and Salmond - How to Win in 2026

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/08/28

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

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1:04:20

A Quiet Summer... with Angus Robertson

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/08/21

The Scottish government has announced it will not hold any more meetings with Israeli ambassadors until progress is made in ceasefire talks. The SNP has faced criticism after External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson met Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK. Angus joins Calum and Andy to explain his stance on the conflict, and also what more Scotland needs to do to improve its international standing. Plus, The Spectator's Lucy Dunn and Catriona Stewart unpick the state of the Scottish Conservatives

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1:44:40

The Islands Tour: Kirkwall

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/08/14

The Holyrood Sources Island Tour continues at the Orkney Distillery in Kirkwall and Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by new local Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur, Scottish Labour Economy Spokesperson Daniel Johnson and Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee to pick apart the details of immigration, housing, skill retention and so much more.The Islands Tour is powered by SSE. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at

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36:28

The Politics of Riots, Results and Murdo Fraser...

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/08/07

Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the fallout from rioting across England over the past week, and why there hasn't been any in Scotland. Plus, Murdo Fraser enters the Scottish Conservative leadership race, it's results day, and dressage isn't a real Olympic sport. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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30:49

Who Should Lead The Scottish Conservatives?

Holyrood Sources ·

2024/07/31

Calum, Geoff and Andy debrief on last week's candid interview with Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, as well as assess Rachel Reeves's less-than-optimistic speech on the state of the economy this week. Plus, what would a positive SNP conference look like? And would a particular new leader of the Scottish Conservatives get the party out of it's electoral rut - or does something more significant have to change?This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at

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182 results

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