In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Head of Comms) deep dive into the week’s biggest political stories.

👉 We ask: has it been a good week for John Swinney and a bad week for Keir Starmer?

👉 We discuss the fallout from the Mandelson–Epstein scandal, Starmer’s leadership under fire, and what it means for Scottish Labour.

👉 Then we welcome Lord Malcolm Offord, UK Government Minister and author of the report Wealthy Nation, Healthy Nation, to debate how Scotland can improve outcomes in health, education, energy, and the economy after 25 years of devolution.

Topics include:

• The whisky trade & Trump visit diplomacy 🇺🇸🥃
• Scotland’s economic growth (or lack thereof) 📉
• NHS waiting lists & health reform 🏥
• Education decline and the Curriculum for Excellence 📚
• The “just transition” vs “affordable transition” in energy policy ⚡
• Scotland’s constitutional future: has Holyrood lost focus? 🏛️

🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for insider Scottish politics every week.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments – should Scotland rethink its approach to health, education, and economic growth?

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Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has secured a rare audience in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump — a diplomatic coup that could shape both Scotland’s international standing and the next Holyrood election.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff, Andy Maciver and Ayesha Hazarika break down:

• Why this Oval Office meeting is such a big win for Swinney’s leadership.
• The Scotch whisky tariffs — Scotland’s largest export industry is on the line. Could Swinney negotiate a breakthrough deal with Trump?
• How this plays into Swinney’s election strategy: “standing up for Scotland” on the world stage.
• The SNP’s shifting position on Donald Trump — from heavy criticism to pragmatic diplomacy.
• Whether this actually cuts through to ordinary Scots facing the cost of living crisis.
• The comparison with Keir Starmer: has Swinney managed to outmanoeuvre the Prime Minister on international diplomacy?

We also explore the optics of Swinney’s Washington trip, the political theatre around international diplomacy, and whether this moment really elevates him as Scotland’s statesman.

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth Scottish politics analysis every week.

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Part 2

The future of energy in Scotland is at a crossroads. In this special podcast edition, leading politicians Michael Shanks, Claire Coutinho, and Kate Forbes join the discussion on:

• ⚡ Offshore wind challenges – 400% increase in transmission charges threatening Scottish projects
• 🏠 Fuel poverty – 1 in 3 Scottish households face rising bills despite Scotland’s energy wealth
• 🔌 Grid reform – Can strategic energy planning and investment finally cut costs?
• 🏘️ Community benefit & ownership – Should local communities see direct rewards from wind farms?

Hosted by Calum Macdonald, with post-match analysis from Geoff Aberdeen & Andy McIver, this conversation digs into the clash between industry costs, consumer bills, and community fairness.

👉 Do you think Scotland is getting energy policy right? Email us [email protected]

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more debates on politics, energy, and Scotland’s future.

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The future of oil and gas in the UK is one of the most pressing political questions of our time — and it’s at the heart of this debate. With the North Sea basin still a major source of energy and jobs in Scotland, how should the UK balance the demands of energy security, climate change targets, and community livelihoods?

In this special discussion, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP (Labour), UK Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Claire Coutinho MP, and Deputy First Minister of Scotland Kate Forbes MSP (SNP) join host Calum Macdonald to debate:

• Should the UK continue issuing new North Sea oil and gas licences — or focus on a full energy transition? Does it need to be a binary choice?
• What does a true “just transition” for workers look like?
• How can Scotland and the UK lead in renewable energy while safeguarding existing industries?
• Who should pay for the costs of moving to net zero — taxpayers, energy companies, or both?

🔥 Key themes explored in the debate:

• Labour’s push for a phased transition and “mission-driven” investment in renewables.
• Conservative arguments that new oil licences are essential for jobs and energy security.
• SNP concerns about protecting communities while driving forward Scotland’s renewable future.
• The tension between climate goals and short-term energy needs.
• The global context: what the UK does (or doesn’t) means little if countries like China and India don’t follow suit.

Scottish politics, the future of energy, and the road to net zero.

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth analysis of Scottish and UK political debates.

Part 1 of 2.

In association with the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Shepherd and Wedderburn.

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Scotland’s energy future is at a crossroads.

In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, recorded live at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, we bring together leading voices to debate oil, gas, renewables, community power projects, and the politics driving the UK’s energy transition.

Guests include:

• Claire Mack – Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables
• Andrew Bowie MP – Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine, Shadow Minister for Energy
• Angus Macdonald – Community energy company director from the Western Isles

Topics covered:

• The oil vs renewables binary: false choice or political reality?
• Grid failures & why community projects can’t get connected
• Net Zero deadlines: realistic or damaging?
• How UK & Scottish Governments can fix energy investment challenges
• The future of Grangemouth, Sullom Voe & North Sea oil assets
• Why ordinary households are paying the price for failed energy policy

🎧 Tomorrow’s follow-up episode features a major debate with:

• Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland
• Michael Shanks, UK Government Energy Minister
• Claire Coutinho, Shadow Energy Secretary

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Nicola Sturgeon’s new book is causing controversy. On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Geoff Aberdein - former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond - directly challenges several claims, including:

• Did Alex Salmond really leak allegations against himself?
• Was Salmond disengaged from the 2013 independence White Paper?
• Did he oppose same-sex marriage?

Geoff says these stories are “falsehoods and fabrications” — and sets the record straight.

Later, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver (former Director of Comms, Scottish Conservatives) debate:

• The fallout for John Swinney as Sturgeon’s book dominates headlines
• What rising concern over immigration means for Scottish politics
• Energy bills, community power, and whether Scotland is missing its renewable energy jackpot
• James Hawes’ claim that Scottish independence is “inevitable”

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth political analysis from inside Scottish politics.

🎧 Watch on YouTube.

📲 Keep in touch with us:

• WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: hollyroodsources.com
• Follow on X & TikTok: @HolyroodSources

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Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has released her long-awaited memoir Frankly — and it’s already sparking old feuds, reigniting the Alex Salmond debate, and deepening divisions inside the SNP.

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver unpack:

• Sturgeon’s claims about Alex Salmond during the independence referendum
• The SNP’s internal factions: Team Sturgeon, Team Salmond & Team Swinney
• Her reflections on Gender Recognition Reform and the Isla Bryson case
• How her leadership shifted SNP ideology — and her political legacy
• The election wins and controversies that defined her time in power

Later, former Edinburgh Council leader Donald Anderson joins to debate the future of local government in Scotland:

• Should Scotland follow Manchester’s Andy Burnham model with city region mayors?
• Is Holyrood too centralised for effective local democracy?
• Reforming (or replacing) council tax and giving councils more power to raise revenue
• Could stronger local leadership transform Scotland’s economy?

📩 Get in touch: [email protected] | WhatsApp 0333 404 6507

🎧 Full podcast available wherever you get your podcasts

🎟 Join our Future of Energy event in Aberdeen (2 Sept) with Kate Forbes & Claire Coutinho — use code holyrood25 for a discount

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Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will step down at the 2026 Holyrood election. In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Comms for the Scottish Conservatives) unpack the political shockwave.

👉 What does this mean for John Swinney's leadership?

👉 Is the SNP losing its most economically credible voice?

👉 Could this pave the way for Stephen Flynn or Màiri McAllan?

👉 What’s next for Scottish politics?

We also hear listener reactions and discuss Kate Forbes' relationship with the SNP's internal culture, business community, and independence strategy.

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth Scottish political analysis: https://holyroodsources.com

📩 Send your comments or voice notes for our next episode to: 0333 404 65

📱 Follow us on Twitter/X for the latest updates: https://twitter.com/HolyroodSources

#KateForbes #SNP #ScottishPolitics #JohnSwinney #Holyrood #IndyRef2 #ScottishIndependence #StephenFlynn #MàiriMcAllan

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