Holyrood Sources

By 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. J

... more

· News

5

11 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Holyrood Sources:

How many episodes does Holyrood Sources have?

The podcast currently has 183 episodes available.

Holyrood Sources episodes:

June 26, 2025 John Swinney & Anas Sarwar | The Battle for Bute House
With John Swinney and Anas Sarwar.
This podcast special focuses on the upcoming Scottish parliamentary elections, featuring discussions on the current political landscape, the impact of geopolitical issues, and the challenges facing the Scottish government. Key themes include the need for bold political conviction, the implications of welfare reforms, and the ongoing debate around independence. The conversation also highlights the importance of education and energy policy in shaping 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 41min
June 18, 2025 Will John Swinney deliver independence?
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the potential for a coalition between the SNP and Labour, the implications of John Swinney's renewed focus on independence, and the challenges surrounding economic policies in Scotland. They also explore the concept of a minimum income guarantee and its feasibility in addressing poverty while maintaining economic sustainability.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
40min
June 11, 2025 By-election Aftermath... and Reform UK defector
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the latest developments in Scottish politics, including the upcoming spending review and its implications for key projects like carbon capture and a new supercomputer. They analyse the recent by-election results, focusing on the defection of Councillor Jamie McGuire from Scottish Labour to Reform UK, and explore the reasons behind this shift. The conversation also touches on the language used in political discourse, the potential for another independence referendum, and the future policy directions of Reform UK.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
47min
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
28min
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
50min
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
50min
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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
54min
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 2min
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.
...more
43min
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.
...more
41min

FAQs about Holyrood Sources:

How many episodes does Holyrood Sources have?

The podcast currently has 183 episodes available.

More shows like Holyrood Sources

The Political Party by Avalon

The Political Party

72 Listeners

The New Statesman: politics and culture by The New Statesman

The New Statesman: politics and culture

145 Listeners

Politics Unpacked by The Times

Politics Unpacked

115 Listeners

Newscast by BBC News

Newscast

650 Listeners

Westminster Insider by POLITICO

Westminster Insider

44 Listeners

The Rest Is Politics by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Politics

3,243 Listeners

Electoral Dysfunction by Sky News

Electoral Dysfunction

101 Listeners

The News Agents by Global

The News Agents

1,001 Listeners

Whitehall Sources by Shortbread Media

Whitehall Sources

1 Listeners

Political Currency by Persephonica

Political Currency

120 Listeners

Politics At Sam and Anne's by Sky News

Politics At Sam and Anne's

36 Listeners

How To Win An Election by The Times

How To Win An Election

21 Listeners

Talking Politics by ITV News

Talking Politics

20 Listeners

Not Another One by Steve Richards, Miranda Green, Tim Montgomerie and Iain Martin

Not Another One

26 Listeners

The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast by Solid Media

The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

5 Listeners

Scotcast by BBC Radio Scotland

Scotcast

12 Listeners

Stormont Sources by Shortbread Media

Stormont Sources

1 Listeners