Holyrood Sources

By Shortbread MediaNews

Holyrood Sources episodes

June 06, 2025 Labour WIN Hamilton by-election
Labour defeats the SNP to win the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse - a Scottish Parliament seat - with Reform UK finishing third. We bring you instant analysis.
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28 min
June 04, 2025 Farage in Scotland and Labour's By-Election Shambles
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver focus on retail politics, election strategies, and the implications of Nigel Farage's recent visit to Scotland. They discuss the effectiveness of political messaging, the challenges faced by the Labour Party, and the need for a more substantial political offer in the upcoming election. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing voter concerns and the risks of dismissive rhetoric towards emerging political parties like Reform UK. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the current political landscape in Scotland, focusing on the upcoming by-election and the performance of various political candidates. They evaluate the Labour Party's leadership under Anas Sarwar and the pressures he faces, particularly if Labour performs poorly in the by-election. The discussion also touches on Keir Starmer's recent visit to Scotland and his stance on independence, as well as the implications of English nationalism on Scottish politics. The hosts explore the potential strategies for the SNP and the Labour Party in navigating the independence debate and the challenges ahead.
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50 min
May 28, 2025 Will Reform UK win an MSP in Scotland?
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, focusing on the dynamics between the SNP, Labour, and Reform UK. They explore the impact of controversial campaign tactics, the reception of candidates, and the shifting sentiments among voters. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of Scottish politics and the significance of this by-election in shaping future political narratives. With journalists Catriona Stewart and Associated Editor at The Scottish Sun Chris Musson.

The candidates for the by-election are as follows:

Collette Bradley - Scottish Socialist Party

Andy Brady - Scottish Family Party

Ross Lambie - Reform

Katy Loudon - SNP

Janice Mackay - UK Independence Party

Ann McGuinness - Greens

Aisha Mir - Liberal Democrat

Richard Nelson - Conservative

Davy Russell - Labour

Marc Wilkinson - Independent
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50 min
May 21, 2025 Betrayal? The EU reset and Scottish fishing
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts focus on the potential for federalism as a solution to constitutional questions. They discuss the challenges faced by the SNP and unionist parties, particularly in relation to devolution and the energy sector. The conversation also highlights the fishing industry's struggles with EU negotiations and the broader implications for local communities in Scotland. The conversation looks at the implications of Brexit on Scotland's fishing industry, as well as Sir Keir Starmer's reset of relations. Plus, we discuss the upcoming by-election and its significance for the SNP and Reform UK, and the controversy surrounding the Flamingo Land development. The speakers discuss the mixed reactions to Brexit's impact on fishing, the strategies employed by political parties in the by-election, and the potential consequences of local developments on broader political dynamics.

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54 min
May 17, 2025 Michael Shanks, Energy Minister, on the North Sea Transition
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Energy Minister Michael Shanks discusses the establishment and significance of Great British Energy, the investment commitments associated with it, and the potential of floating offshore wind. The conversation also considers into the challenges posed by policies affecting Scotland's renewable energy sector, as well as the transition of jobs from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy roles. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the urgent need for a balanced energy transition in the UK, emphasising the importance of oil and gas alongside renewable energy sources. They explore the challenges faced by the industry, including job losses and the need for community involvement in energy projects. The conversation also highlights the significance of carbon capture technology in achieving climate goals and the necessity for government support in facilitating these transitions.
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1 hr 2 min
May 14, 2025 How close is Scotland to legalised assisted dying?
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into key issues in Scottish politics, including the decentralisation of governance, the recent debate on assisted dying legislation, and the implications of current polling trends for political parties. They discuss the emotional and personal nature of parliamentary debates, the challenges faced by MSPs in articulating their positions, and the potential future of Scottish independence amidst rising nationalism.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43 min
May 08, 2025 One Year to Election Day
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver discuss the recent Programme for Government announced by John Swinney, the implications for the upcoming 2026 election, and the impact of Nicola Sturgeon's comments on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the definition of a woman. The conversation also touches on the rise of Reform UK and the challenges it poses to traditional Scottish parties, as well as speculations about potential cabinet reshuffles ahead of the election.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41 min
May 07, 2025 One year until Holyrood elections
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver discus the recent Program for Government announced by John Swinney, the implications of upcoming elections, and the internal dynamics of the SNP regarding independence. They also reflect on Nicola Sturgeon's recent comments following a Supreme Court ruling and speculate on the political speeches from various leaders as the election approaches. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies facing the SNP and the potential impact of rising English nationalism on the union.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34 min
April 30, 2025 Blair's Net Zero Attack & Local Elections
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, discussing Tony Blair's recent comments on net zero policies and their implications. They explore the recent Canadian election results and what they mean for political dynamics in Scotland. The discussion also revolves around the upcoming local elections in England, focusing on the significance of Reform UK and its potential impact on the Conservative and Labour parties. Adam Boulton provides insights into the electoral landscape, the implications of Reform UK's rise, and the challenges faced by Labour under Keir Starmer's leadership.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
58 min
April 23, 2025 What is a woman? With Susan Smith
We consider the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman by biological sex under equalities law. The discussion features insights from political figures and grassroots activists, particularly Susan Smith from For Women Scotland, who reflects on the ruling's impact on women's rights and the ongoing political discourse surrounding gender identity. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in leadership, the challenges faced by women and trans individuals, and the potential for future political movements focused on women's rights in Scotland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
55 min

About Holyrood Sources

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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.…