Holyrood Sources

Dec 11 2024 129 ep. 50 mins 94
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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“Hope” for 2026 & Talking to Trump

Dec 11 2024 41 mins  
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the SNP's budget strategy, recent polling trends, and the challenges faced by the Labour Party. They discuss the implications of John Swinney's recent conversation with Donald Trump and the emergence of Reform UK as a significant player in the political landscape. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more

The Scottish Government's Budget - Analysed

Dec 05 2024 30 mins  
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Scottish Government budget announcement, focusing on key elements such as the two child benefit cap, council tax implications, and funding for the NHS and energy sectors. The conversation highlights the political strategies behind the budget, the challenges facing opposition parties, and the potential for

The Scottish Budget Preview

Dec 04 2024 47 mins  
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the upcoming budget announcement, reflections on Alex Salmond's memorial, and Angus MacNeil's recent move to the Alba Party. The conversation delves into the implications of the budget for the Scottish government, the challenges facing the NHS, and the importance of energy infrastructure in Scotland's future. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association'

The Rise of Reform UK in Scotland

Nov 27 2024 58 mins  
Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Reform UK's Scottish Campaigns Director, Martyn Greene, to discuss the challenges of building party infrastructure, the contentious net zero debate, immigration issues, the future of devolution, and the impact of Brexit on the political landscape - as Reform UK's popularity continues to grow in Scotland. Plus, Mairi Spowage, Director of the Frase

Double Jobbing & Vote Labour to Stop Labour

Nov 21 2024 40 mins  
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of Scottish politics, focusing on the recent controversies surrounding double jobbing, particularly in relation to Stephen Flynn's ambitions within the SNP. They also reflect on the political dynamics within Scottish Labour, especially Anas Sarwar's recent statements regarding the winter fuel payment and the implications of these d

Stephen Flynn's MSP Bid: The Dual Mandate

Nov 13 2024 55 mins  
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss recent by-election results in Scotland, the implications of SNP's potential coalition with the Lib Dems for budget negotiations, and Stephen Flynn's bid for a dual mandate as both an MSP and MP. SNP MSP Emma Roddick also joins to give her view on the Stephen Flynn saga. WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made t

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