Holyrood Sources

Nov 06 2024 123 ep. 50 mins 91

Holyrood Sources Podcast artwork

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. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics.

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Trump and Problems for Scottish Labour

Nov 06 2024 40 mins

Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the recent reelection of Donald Trump and its implications for both US and Scottish politics. They explore voter sentiment, the effectiveness of political messaging, and the challenges faced by Scottish Labour in light of the UK government's budget. The conversation also touches on the tax strategies of former First Ministers and the public's perceptio

The UK Government Budget

Oct 30 2024 94 mins

In our first ever crossover episode with the Whitehall Sources podcast, we assess the implications of the UK Government budget.The first section of both podcasts features former advisers from across the political spectrum.The podcasts then return to their own list of guests and commentators and analysts. Search Whitehall Sources to listen to our sister podcast.Holyrood Sources is s

Salmond Protocol; MSPs in the USA; Education staff on strike

Oct 23 2024 47 mins

Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss Scotland's handling of the aftermath of Alex Salmond's death, and what has to change in the event another current or former First Minister dies while abroad. Plus, David O'Connor, Unison Scotland's lead for local government, discusses the reasons behind the strike, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and the challenges of negotiating fair pay in the c

Remembering Alex Salmond

Oct 16 2024 43 mins

Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the political life and legacy of Alex Salmond: their first encounters with him, his greatest achievements, what he was like to work with and what comes next for Scotland.Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasuredSponsored by SSE: to verify what you

The Islands Tour: Lerwick

Oct 08 2024 93 mins

Welcome to the final episode of our Islands Tour, recorded in Lerwick, Shetland with: Kate Forbes - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic Alistair Carmichael - Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland Emma Macdonald - Leader of Shetland Islands Council Andy Sloan - MD and Senior Vice President, COWIRonan O’Hara - CEO, Crown Estat

Housing, Climbing The Tory Mountain and The Zeitgeist

Oct 02 2024 50 mins

Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the next leg of the Islands tour, the implications of GB Energy's announcement in Aberdeen, and the challenges facing the Scottish Conservatives (and their Westminster allies) under new leader Russell Findlay. Plus the housing crisis in Scotland, the role of private investment, and the recent political strategies of the Labour Party.Become a member at

Michael Moore, Former Secretary of State for Scotland

Sep 26 2024 52 mins

With former Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore. The conversation revolves around the significant themes of the Scottish independence referendum, the strategies employed during the campaign, and the dynamics of coalition politics. Michael Moore reflects on the emotional and political impact of the referendum, the effectiveness of the campaigns, and the lessons learned fr

A New Proposition for Independence and the Parliament?

Sep 24 2024 59 mins

Guests Kezia Dugdale, former Scottish Labour leader and leading figure in the 2014 Better Together campaign, and Stephen Noon, former SNP strategist, and formerly Chief Strategist for Yes Scotland, join us to discuss their new paper which looks at a new way forward for political discourse and decision making in Scotland. Geoff Aberdeen and Andy Maciver analyse their suggestions as

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - Brian Taylor and Bernard Ponsonby

Sep 18 2024 19 mins

We hear from the the two men who have covered more gossip and policy and politics than anyone else in the story of Scotland. Brian Taylor, formerly of BBC Scotland, and Bernard Ponsonby, formerly of STV News consider Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014.Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more ab

IndyRef 10 Years; Devolution 25 Years - Alex Salmond

Sep 17 2024 23 mins

We hear from one of the most pivotal figures in the story of Scotland. Alex Salmond reflects on 25 Years of Devolution and the Independence Referendum of 2014.Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasuredSponsored by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change Become a