It’s a tale of two islands and two very different political visions this week. With Lesley broadcasting from the quiet, remote shores of Gola Island in Donegal and Fraser pitching up on the Isle of Bute, the pair unpack a massive week of infrastructure breakthroughs, constitutional questions, and sporting heartbreak. From Shetland finally securing a green light for subsea tunnels to Andy Burnham’s bold decentralisation agenda shaking up Manchester and Westminster alike, we ask whether Scotland’s highly centralised governance is ready to respond to fresh thinking. Plus, we mourn the Tartan Army's World Cup exit, take a look at the state of youth football coaching (not our area).

Links
https://labourlist.org/2026/06/is-fiscal-devolution-the-missing-piece-of-manchesterism/

Could a little noticed Bill passed in Holyrood this spring transform Scotland into a  prosperous and powerfully local country? 

Neil Mcinroy believes it can. 

He's Global Community Wealth Building lead for the Democracy Collaborative – an American tank. But this well travelled, experienced Scot works across the world from his home in Argyll and is helping drive the CWB agenda here.

The new Act requires public bodies from councils and hospitals to quangos and central government to use their procurement clout and purchasing power to support local businesses, coops and individuals instead of boosting the profits of multinationals.

It's already transformed Cleveland, Ohio where the idea began and Preston, Lancashire. Neil was involved in both places.

The new Scottish legislation places a duty on all public bodies to ensure prosperity flows towards workers, families, and neighbourhoods by retaining and circulating wealth within communities.

Every council will be drawing up plans so it's vital local activists get up to speed now.

Links
Scottish Parliament briefing https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/

Lesley's National column https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/

King of the North, By-Election Blues, and Tartan Army Joy

Well, the by-elections were well worth waiting for. In this delayed "wait for it" by-election special, Lesley and Fraser digest a massive week in UK and Scottish politics. Andy Burnham has secured a predictable but comprehensive landslide in Mackerfield, leaving everyone wondering how quickly he might challenge Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10. Meanwhile, the SNP faces a disappointing loss in Aberdeen South, prompting questions about energy policy, land taxes, and rural trust. Plus, the Tartan Army takes over America with an incredible display of joy and cultural diplomacy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Burnham's Path to Number 10: Andy Burnham defeated Reform, Restore, and the Tories combined with 55% of the vote in Mackerfield. We look at his victory speech, the rumors of cabinet resignations, and why Keir Starmer is stubbornly hanging on despite plummeting popularity.

• Aberdeen South & SNP Frustrations: The SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election to the Conservatives, the first Tory by-election win in Scotland since 1973. We discuss how Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood triggered the vote and whether he will take a hit for it. We also dive into the Scottish Government's lack of action on community wealth-building opportunities like onshore wind repowering and land taxes.

• Tartan Army Takeover: From securing Haggis approvals in Massachusetts to twinning with Glasgow, the Scotland fans are outclassing everyone with their energy and charity work. We contrast their joyful behavior in Boston with the rather more hostile chants coming from England fans in Dallas.

• Highland Clearances on Film: Lesley shares updates from a poignant filming trip to the clearance site at Rosal in Strathnaver. We discuss the rich oral traditions kept alive by the community, the struggle to find authentic black Highland cows, and how crofters actually lived in longhouses the size of modern three-bedroom bungalows.

• Upcoming Schedule: There will be no podcast next week as Lesley heads off to an island in Donegal with her bike, panniers, and absolutely no Wi-Fi or potable water. 

Links

• Highland Clearances Interview: Watch the interview with Professor James Hunter on the main Lesley Riddoch YouTube channel.
  https://youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8
• Equitable Energy research about communities taking on repowering contracts -   https://ruralsehub.net/onshore-wind-re-powering-report/

Well, folks, it’s been a week of delayed recordings and riveting exchanges. This week, Lesley and Fraser weigh in on a fair old rammy at Holyrood regarding the SNP, plus the deeply troubling scenes playing out on the streets of Belfast and beyond. From a Scottish Parliamentary debate that saw the Green amendment triumph, to the surprising political unity across the water in Northern Ireland, we try to make sense of a highly charged political landscape. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Peter Murrell Scandal & Holyrood’s Response: We unpack the recent debate on whether there should be a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry into the SNP's financial scandal. Fraser argues Holyrood has ducked out of the thornier issues regarding the separation of powers and the Crown Office, leaving the door wide open for Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee to step in. Lesley, however, reckons an independent inquiry—sparked by the successful Green amendment—is actually the better move, meaning politicians won't just be marking their own homework.
• A Question of Competence: Does the Scottish Parliament even have the legislative authority to investigate political parties, or is that strictly reserved to Westminster under the Scotland Act? We get into the weeds of who actually holds the power to scrutinise party registration and funding.
• The Future of Independence Funds: With Peter Murrell reportedly offering to voluntarily repay embezzled funds, we ask what should happen to that money. Fraser suggests a new, democratic independence vehicle should be established to take the ring-fenced crowdfunder cash, rather than simply returning it to the SNP's coffers.
• Far-Right Riots and The Belfast Response: We turn to the appalling, racist violence in Belfast and across the UK, fueled by outside agitators and Nigel Farage's "pure cold fury" remarks. Yet amidst the nightmare, there is a surprisingly upbeat takeaway: the refreshingly robust, united front from Northern Irish politicians across the divide. From the SDLP to the Democratic Unionists, local leaders have explicitly repudiated the racism and told the armchair warriors exactly where to go.

Well, it seems the big men being laid low is the theme of the moment. Lesley and Fraser are back to discuss a busy week. Lesley has been in all parts, taking in the incredible Orkney Folk Festival and witnessing the seamless infrastructure of the Netherlands, before returning to the rather less seamless Edinburgh Airport. Back in Scotland, the Peter Murrell narrative has been laid out, leaving many in the Yes movement feeling directionless. We look at the abject failure of governance within the SNP. Plus, a look down South at the latest Mandelson revalations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Orkney and the Netherlands: Lesley reflects on a week of incredible, volunteer-led musicianship at the Orkney Folk Festival. We also compare the well-maintained, cycle-friendly infrastructure of the Netherlands with the sad state of Edinburgh Airport's rolled-up corrugated paper door wedges.
• Operation Hingaboot Mark II: A large crowd gathered outside Holyrood for the Section 30 request vote. We discuss the ongoing disconnect between the SNP corporate leadership and the grassroots Yes movement
• Peter Murrell and SNP Governance: Following Peter Murrell's guilty plea, we unpack the agreed narrative of financial mismanagement. We examine the culture of deference that allowed £12,500 of Apple products and a £3,500 silver wine coaster to be coded without curiosity, and how those who tried to raise concerns—like the "Good Guys" slate on the NEC and members of the Finance and Audit Committee—were sidelined and frustrated.
• Labour's Leaks and Leadership: The latest document dump reveals damning WhatsApp connections between Peter Mandelson and Pat McFadden, who seems to lament the idea of taxing to pay benefits. With Keir Starmer's slow-moving demise, Andy Burnham's by-election date set, and Tony Blair wading into the policy debate, Labour is looking increasingly rudderless.
• Education and NEETs: Reflecting on Alan Milburn's report on young people not in employment, education, or training. We compare the UK's approach to the Dutch system's high engagement in vocational education and the need for a shift away from traditional, purely academic routes.

Links

• Highland Clearances; communities fight back - Crowdfunder
• Clearance site event at Rosal on June 12th-14th June 

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So much for the week off. Fraser and Lesley rush to the microphones for an unexpected, emergency podcast following Peter Murrell's guilty plea in Edinburgh.  With Lesley literally broadcasting from a hotel car park in Wick on her way to the mass rally outside Holyrood, we unpack what this catastrophic pivot moment means for the SNP and the wider independence movement.  In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Smoke-Filled Room": Why did the party choose to ignore the glaringly obvious warning signs for so long? * The Closed-Shop Legacy: Reflecting on the Sturgeon-Murrell era and how internal critics like Joanna Cherry and Douglas Chapman were sidelined.
• Corporate Festival vs. Grassroots Campaigning: How the party tilt shifted toward "Heathrow Lounges" and away from its own members.
• Taking Back the Mojo: Why the Yes movement needs to become a self-organising, self-authorising force rather than waiting on a nod from ANY party HQ.

From the incoming First Minister to an impending vote on a Section 30 order and a row brewing over William Wallace's safe conduct letter.

We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion.

• Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.
• New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?
• Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. 
• Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?
• Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham’s push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.
• The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.

Links
The rose of all the world is not for me.

I want for my part

Only the little white rose of Scotland

That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.
Hugh MacDiarmid

Professor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_g

Who is josh simons? His greatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham

In this week's bumper post-election edition—recorded at a frantic 2:06 PM on Tuesday as Jess Phillips resigns and the Westminster cabinet jitters intensify—Lesley and Fraser dissect a week of "wooden" communication and grassroots resilience. From Keir Starmer’s Scunthorpe gamble to the Saltires fluttering in the background of the BBC’s Holyrood studio and the singing Welsh.

We discuss some of the comings and at time of recording not yet goings at Westminster as Keir Starmer looks increasingly shoogly in Number Ten. Before turning to look at all the post election news from Scotland – muse on the outcome and commiserate on the lack of cut through for smaller indy parties. 

Links
Andrew Tickell on Anas Sarwar https://www.thenational.scot/politics/26092818.anas-sarwar-came-saw-lost-still-dont-learn/

Psalm of the People - https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/
Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing. An entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive.

Songs to learn

1. Freedom Come all Ye - Hamish Henderson Lyrics - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/freedom-come-all-ye/

Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRyANctEHBs

2. Cap in hand - Proclaimers

https://genius.com/The-proclaimers-cap-in-hand-lyrics

3. Mountain Thyme - ancient Scottish/Irish 

https://irish-song-lyrics.com/Wild_Mountain_Thyme.shtml

Poets mentioned
Gerda Stevenson - Quines - poems in tribute to women of Scotland https://luath.co.uk/products/quines?srsltid=AfmBOoq45f__MfEiouXPAzL0LSYPp1-9E7Q4I6RPJxVLkloUjEtpOsE8

Aonghas MacNeacail - https://www.scottishreviewofbooks.org/2012/06/black-angus-at-70/

In this week's eposide it's the final sprint to the line or should that be tacking or gybing or something more nautical. We look at the current state of the campiagns including Lord Offord's run down of his wealth indicators and the many boats he has at his dispoal.

Fraser reports back from the mood on the doors in the final week of the election including insight into how people are splitting their vote across the constituency and list ballots. We discuss the fall-out of the sucess in remoing whisky tarrifs to the USA following the state visit and the stooshie over who gets the credit. And where next after polling day.

Links
Neil Mackay interview with Stephen Boyd - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26074300.not-one-political-party-offering-scotland-really-needs/

Scotonomics change to Resilient Economy -  www.resilienteconomy.org

Kevin McKenna hatchet job on Malcolm Offord - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26076979.underdogs-reform-uk-scottish-greens-much-common/

Film Crowdfunder
The Women who Won https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back

Lesley and Fraser dive into a week of high-stakes testimony, "shadowy" Westminster figures, and the emeerging cross-party consensus in Scotland on when our children should actually start school.

The Whitehall "Schmozzle" We look at the recent Foreign Affairs Committee sessions featuring the "Whitehall Mandarin" Philip Barton and Keir Starmer’s strategist, Morgan McSweeney. It was a masterclass in the "dark arts" of Number 10, with Emily Thornberry leading a blistering critique of the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador before his security vetting was even complete. From the "knife through the soul" of the Epstein revelations to the bizarre "Blitzkrieg" strategy to install Mandelson over George Osborne, we ask: is this just "jobs for the boys" by another name?.

The Kindergarten Revolution Lesley reports back from a fascinating Upstart Scotland hustings where, for once, there was a strange glimmer of cross-party agreement. Even the "new man" Tory candidate seemed to accept the logic of raising the school starting age to seven. But while the Greens and Lib Dems are on board, the SNP government remains oddly "wobbly" on putting a proper kindergarten stage in their manifesto.

We also look at the latest news on Ferry procurement, the SNP pledge on a section 30 order vote and constitutional convention and much more!

Links
NOKUT (Norway): Developed a toolkit for recognising refugees' qualifications
https://www.sciencenorway.no/immigration-integration-refugees/who-is-best-at-getting-refugees-into-the-workforce-norway-sweden-or-denmark/2082005

Highland Clearances; communities fight back
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back