Unspun Live

The Herald's Political Editor Andrew Learmonth sits down with Scottish Labour leadership contender Michael Marra for a wide-ranging, candid conversation.

Marra reflects on why Labour lost in May, the "black hole" in Scotland's finances, and the crisis facing Dundee's universities. He also opens up about the abuse he and his family face in public life, and why, despite it all, he still believes stepping up is a matter of duty.

Where did it all go wrong for Scottish Labour and Anas Sarwar in the Holyrood election? Joe Fagan dissects the party's performance and reveals whether he has his eye on Bute House. The Scottish Labour leadership hopeful speaks to The Herald's deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy as part of a Scottish Labour leadership special.

Monica Lennon says she feels “refreshed and ready” for the Scottish Labour leadership, and that it would be “silly” to rule herself out before the contest has even begun.

In this episode of Unspun Live, Political Correspondent Hannah Brown speaks to Lennon about her expected return to Holyrood, the barriers women face in being treated as credible political contenders, and what Scottish Labour must do to recover.

The conversation also explores Lennon’s recovery from surgery, the culture of exhaustion in public life, and her campaigning on women’s health.

Political satirist Matt Forde joins The Herald’s Political Correspondent Hannah Brown for a wide-ranging conversation about Scottish and UK politics.

He accuses the SNP of an “absolute allergy to scrutiny”, questions whether parts of Labour are “institutionally sexist” and urges Count Binface to take the Clacton by-election seriously, saying Nigel Farage is “there for the taking”.

Forde also reflects on how cancer changed his outlook, why political comedy can help humanise those in power, and what he hopes to uncover from his Edinburgh guests Anas Sarwar, Stephen Flynn, Rachel Reeves and Malcolm Offord.

Plus, he discusses his new stand-up show, Project Holy Moly, and the return of The Political Party to the Fringe.

In her first major interview since becoming MSP for Shetland and Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad opens up about her background and her priorities in government. She also tells political correspondent Hannah Brown it is “very feasible” that construction work for Shetland's tunnels could get underway before the end of this Scottish Parliamentary term if funding can be agreed and islanders have "outgrown" the ferry service.

Q Manivannan made history when they were elected to Holyrood in May.

Their arrival at parliament brought international attention, security escorts, and a wave of abuse.

But it also brought thousands of letters from migrants, artists and communities across Scotland who saw something of themselves in their story.

Kathleen Nutt sits down with the Green MSP for Lothian to hear about the journey from academic and artist to politician, the immigrant mindset that kept them applying for jobs the week before they were elected, and why they believe caring, joyous politics might just be the most radical thing you can do.

Shelter Scotland's assistant director Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae speaks to The Herald's political correspondent Hannah Brown about how he expects the housing crisis to deepen this year as he voices concerns around the Scottish Government's cabinet secretary role of  housing and social justice. The charity also tell us about worries around what they describe as "racists voices" fuelling divisions in the handling of the housing crisis. 

The SNP is the largest party in Holyrood by a significant margin - but missed out on the crucial majority - so what next for Scottish independence? The Herald's deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy and political correspondent Hannah Brown dissects the election results - from Reform UK's breakthrough, a historic result for the Scottish Greens and the Lib Dems and disaster for Labour and the Tories.

The Herald's Brian Taylor sits down with First Minister John Swinney for his first interview since last week's Holyrood election. And it's a conversation only these two could have.

Speaking at Bute House, Swinney opens up about what it means to finally hold a mandate in his own name, how close he believes the SNP came to collapse in 2024, and what a more personal, liberated second term might look like. He talks tax, public sector reform and independence, and reflects on family and faith.

A live recording of The Herald and Women in Public Affairs Holyrood hustings.

Chaired by The Herald's editor Catherine Salmond, the panel brought together Shirley-Ann Somerville (SNP), Jackie Baillie (Scottish Labour), Sue Webber (Scottish Conservatives), Wendy Chamberlain (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Gillian Mackay (Scottish Greens) and Kim Schmullian (Reform UK) to debate the issues shaping the next parliament.

Recorded at The Herald's Glasgow offices on April 30, 2026.