Holyrood Sources

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the most heated moment of the campaign so far: the Channel 4 leaders' debate. We break down the explosive exchange between Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar and Reform UK’s Malcolm Offord, and ask if the alleged "backroom deal" has any basis in reality. In this episode: The Debate Fallout: Was the Sarwar-Offord clash a turning point or just "petulent nonsense"? Polling Deep Dive: We analyse the latest YouGov MRP poll—is an SNP majority of 67 seats actually possible? Manifesto Week: Breaking down the key pledges from Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens. The "Battle Bus" Myth: Geoff reveals why you rarely see leaders actually traveling on their branded buses. Listener Questions: From the UK’s counter-argument for independence to the journey of a barrel of North Sea oil. --- Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.com Email us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.com Drop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver take you inside the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election. We analyse the newest IPSOS Scottish Political Monitor results with Mark McGeoghegan, exploring why the Reform UK vote is the ultimate "spoiler" for Labour and the Conservatives. Calum, Geoff and Andy also reflect on Holyrood Sources: The Interviews, which you can listen back to or watch on YouTube now! We look at the u-turn that made the political headlines and ask which of the party leaders stood out on the night. The guys also tackle the big policy and election headlines of the week: Energy: The Treasury’s refusal to scrap the windfall tax despite a £17.5B investment offer. Manifestos: Russell Findlay’s vision for the Scottish Tories. Infrastructure: John Swinney’s £10M island business fund vs. the ongoing CalMac ferry crisis. Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final installment of our Leaders Special, we sit down with the leader of Reform UK in Scotland, Malcolm Offord. As Reform surges in the polls, Offord addresses the "racist scaremongering" accusations from the Scottish Greens, explains why the party is targeting disillusioned voters, and outlines their plan to scrap Net Zero subsidies in favor of North Sea gas. In this episode, we discuss: Why 80% of Reform UK candidates have never been in politics. The "Scotland is at Breaking Point" campaign and the Glasgow asylum seeker debate. Malcolm Offord’s response to Patrick Harvey and the "racist" allegations. The future of North Sea oil and gas vs. offshore wind subsidies. Can Reform UK win constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament? Offord’s past "bad joke" and his transition from the Conservative Party to Reform. Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for deep dives into the heart of Scottish politics. #ScotlandElection #ReformUK #MalcolmOfford #ScottishPolitics #NigelFarage #Holyrood #NetZero #Immigration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton joins Holyrood Sources: The Interviews in Edinburgh to tackle the "Ferry Fiasco," the NHS crisis, and the future of the Union. Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss with him: The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry fiasco. Does Scottish politics have a central belt bias? What does it mean to be a Liberal Democrat today? Why he would resign before supporting Swinney or Reform. Sponsored by: The Scotch Whisky Association’s "Made to be Measured" campaign. Subscribe for more interviews with Scotland's party leaders! ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Holyrood Sources special, the team sit down with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ahead of the upcoming election. Sarwar outlines a "boldly different" vision for Scotland, addressing the growing crisis in the NHS, the decline in Scottish education, and the future of clean nuclear energy. He responds to tough questions on the Grangemouth refinery, the procurement of buses from China over Scottish firms, and his public call for Keir Starmer to resign. Is Scottish Labour truly different from the SNP? Can Anas Sarwar move from opposition to Bute House? In this episode: NHS Emergency: The plan to ramp up operations and let "money follow the patient." Education Crisis: Addressing the 19% drop in ASN teachers and banning mobile phones in classrooms. Industry & Jobs: The fallout at Alexander Dennis and the future of North Sea energy. The Starmer Dynamic: Why Sarwar stood by his call for the PM to step down. Subscribe for more interviews with Scotland’s political leaders. #ScottishPolitics #AnasSarwar #ScottishLabour #SNP #Holyrood #ScotlandElection #NHSScotland #KeirStarmer ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Russell Findlay conceded defeat already? What can his party offer going into the election? In this special edition of 'The Interviews' from Holyrood Sources, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives Russell Findlay speaks to Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver in Edinburgh. "common-sense" vision for the 2026 election. From the rise of Reform UK to the 14-year legacy of the UK party. In this episode: The Reform Threat: Why Findlay calls Reform UK "soft on the Union." Alternative Government: Why the Tories are focusing on stopping an SNP majority rather than the First Minister's office. The "Badenoch Factor": How the relationship with Kemi Badenoch is changing the Scottish campaign. Working with the SNP: Would the Tories ever vote with John Swinney? Sponsored by: The Scotch Whisky Association’s "Made to be Measured" campaign. ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Ross Greer, MSP and co-leader of the Scottish Greens, to discuss the party's future following their stint in government with the SNP. We dive deep into the heated debate surrounding North Sea oil and gas: Is it pragmatic to use our own hydrocarbons, or is opening new fields like Rosebank a "dead-end" for the planet? Greer challenges the capitalist model, argues for a "well-being economy," and explains why the Greens believe a pro-independence majority is about more than just the SNP. Key Topics Covered: The Green record in government: Free bus travel and rail fares. The "Scientific Reality": Why 2030 is the tipping point for climate feedback loops. Carbon Capture: A "dead-end technology" or a vital bridge? The Independence Strategy: Why "show, don't tell" is the path to 60% support. Criticism of global leaders and the Green campaigning style. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association. ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is John Swinney the right person to lead Scotland after May 7th? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 In this special edition of 'The Interviews' from Holyrood Sources, First Minister John Swinney sits down with Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver at an undisclosed location in Edinburgh. From the "logjam" of Scottish independence to the future of North Sea oil and gas (Jackdaw and Rosebank), no stone is left unturned. In this episode: The "Job Interview": Swinney reflects on his first two years as First Minister and why he's "loving it." Energy & Economy: A deep dive into the climate compatibility test and the shift in geopolitical energy security. Infrastructure Failures: Why is the Sheriffhall roundabout still a bottleneck after 18 years? The Independence Mandate: What happens if the SNP fails to secure a majority on May 7th? 🎙️ About Holyrood Sources: Bringing you inside the room of Scottish politics with the people who were actually there. Sponsored by: The Scotch Whisky Association’s "Made to be Measured" campaign. Subscribe for more interviews with Scotland's party leaders! #ScotlandElection2026 #JohnSwinney #SNP #ScottishPolitics #HolyroodSources #Independence ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final day of the parliamentary term, the Holyrood Sources team (Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver) head outside the Scottish Parliament to capture the raw emotions of outgoing and campaigning MSPs. As Scotland prepares for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, we sit down with key figures from across the political spectrum to discuss the SNP’s record, the potential for a Labour minority government, and the "scourge factor" of the polls. In this episode, we explore: Ivan McKee (SNP) on the "unarguable" case for an independence referendum and the metrics for success. Fergus Ewing (Independent) on why he left the SNP after 50 years and his "iceberg" warning for the current government. Monica Lennon (Labour) on the "toxic" atmosphere of the chamber and reaching "abandoned" voters. The Reform UK Factor: How Nigel Farage's party is influencing the strategy of the Scottish Conservatives and the SNP alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Holyrood broken? On the final day of the parliamentary session, the Holyrood Sources team (Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver) are LIVE from outside the Scottish Parliament. As 42 MSPs prepare to walk out of these doors for the last time, we speak to the politicians left standing. From the "Tory Trinity" to the SNP's internal shifts and the growing shadow of Reform UK, this episode dives into the fractious nature of the last session and what the "long campaign" means for your pocketbook. Key Topics Covered: The Energy Crisis: Why the North Sea is the ultimate political football. The Reform Threat: Will the next parliament be the "Wild West"? Legacy vs. Reality: Has Holyrood become too distant from the people? The 1999 Club: Who is left from the original parliament? Featured Guests: Brian Whittle (Con), Michelle Thompson (SNP), Marie Todd (SNP), Emma Roddick (SNP), Megan Gallacher (Con), Jackson Carlaw (Con), Murdo Fraser (Con), and Graham Simpson (Reform). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver are joined by The Scotsman’s Catriona Stewart and former headteacher Carole Ford to dissect the "abysmal" data surrounding Scottish attainment. From the "opaque" Curriculum for Excellence to the 43% of pupils now identified with Additional Support Needs (ASN), we ask: Is the system sustainable? We are also joined by Thomas Robertson, teacher at Saint Andrews RC Secondary School and Janine Leonard from StandUK, a charity that supports autistic and neurodivergent children , who add their own perspectives from within the industry. They ask: Why is it nearly impossible for parents to see how schools are performing? Has the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) hollowed out real learning? Why 43% of pupils have 'additional support needs' Will any party be brave enough for radical reform? Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. GET TICKETS NOW FOR OUR LEADERS SPECIAL: Click holyroodsources.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein break down another week of Scottish politics and reflect on the continued fighting in the Middle East. They discuss the global energy crisis and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz disruption and debate the future of North Sea oil and gas policy Political scientist Ailsa Henderson joins the podcast to explain the latest polling trends from the Scottish Election Study ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. She suggests how the SNP have managed to maintain popularity for so long and whether the UK Conservatives can learn anything from the downfall of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in the 1990s. This episode is also the first in our series of election candidate interviews. Calum, Andy and Geoff meet three of the candidates who the podcast will follow through the election campaign. They are joined by Lloyd Melville from the SNP, Isla McCay from Labour and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie from the Liberal Democrats. Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the ongoing situation in Iran and across the Middle East from a Scottish perspective. They are joined by Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, Lecturer at The University of St Andrews, to discuss: Whether the Iranian regime can survive the assassination of its Supreme Leader How the UK government is responding — and whether Starmer is being “nimble” enough The implications for Scottish politics and First Minister John Swinney Later in the show they break down the latest major poll ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, Mark McGeoghegan from Ipsos, joins the show. The SNP hold firm but Labour is up four points and Reform UK seem to have slipped back slightly. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the implications of this and ask whether Scotland is moving back towards left-right politics rather than the constitutional question. Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@holyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss a brand new MRP poll which suggests that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could win an outright majority at Holyrood — something not seen since 2011 under Alex Salmond. Calum, Geoff and Andy also consider the future of the Additional Member System, whether Holyrood needs reform, and what Denmark’s energy U-turn means for the North Sea debate. We're also joined by Shona Haslam from Logos Scotland, to discuss Christians in Scotland's views ahead of the election. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down: 📊 The Stonehaven MRP poll and what it means for John Swinney 📉 Labour’s collapse under Anas Sarwar 📈 The rise of Nigel Farage and Reform UK in Scotland 🗳️ Candidate list rankings from the SNP and Scottish Labour ⛪ How faith and values are shaping political identity ahead of 2026 Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the latest bombshell polling that shows a record low for Scottish Labour and a stunning breakthrough for Reform UK. With the Scottish election looming, can Anas Sarwar distance himself from a struggling Keir Starmer, or is the SNP set to dominate once again? What we discuss: The Sarwar vs. Starmer Rift: 52% of Scots support Sarwar’s call for Starmer to resign—but will it save Labour at the polls? The Reform UK Surge: Analyzing the projection of 22 seats for Nigel Farage’s party in Scotland. The IFS Warning: Is Scotland’s "free stuff" culture sustainable? We discuss the looming cuts to tuition and prescriptions. Business in Crisis: A listener’s warning on business rates and the risk of mass redundancies before May. The Islands Forum Scrapped: Why has the UK government axed a key link for Scotland's island communities? Connect with us: 📧 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dissect further fallout from Anas Sarwar's dramatic calls for Keir Starmer to resign. Now the dust has settled we break down the political implications and potential outcomes heading into the Scottish Parliament election. Was this a failed coup? A bold strategic move? Or the beginning of a fundamental split between Scottish Labour and Westminster? Why did Sarwar make his move against Starmer now and will John Swinney and the SNP be able to exploit the fallout? We also remember former Scottish Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, who passed away this week at the age of 72. And stay tuned until the end of today's episode to hear your questions answered. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss citizen's assemblies in Scotland, exploiting Scotland's wind energy potentially and whether or not the mainstream media is unfair towards Reform UK. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign — and the political fallout could reshape the Holyrood election. In this special Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a day of extraordinary political drama. 👉 Is this a bold act of leadership — or a desperate gamble? 👉 Does this prove Scottish Labour is still just a “branch office”? 👉 Could this actually help Sarwar in May’s election? 👉 What happens if Starmer survives? With Labour infighting, cabinet briefings, Westminster chaos and Scottish election strategy all colliding, this could be one of the most consequential political days in years. Topics covered: Why Sarwar made his move now Labour Party civil war and briefing battles The “branch office” problem for Scottish Labour How voters might react What this means for the SNP and Reform Is this political bravery or a Hail Mary? 🎧 Holyrood Sources brings insider analysis from people who’ve run campaigns at the highest level of UK and Scottish politics. 📩 Get in touch: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we remember Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by former Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott to discuss Jim's political career and legacy. Before that, this episode also discusses reports that the Scottish Greens will stand aside in most constituency seats, giving the SNP a clear run — and whether this could boost John Swinney’s chances of an outright majority. Andy and Geoff also examine the growing impact of Reform UK, and why they may be the SNP’s biggest unintended ally. The panel also reacts to Anas Sarwar’s pledge to ban trans women from female prisons, exploring Labour’s U-turns on gender policy and the risks for the Scottish Government as a court challenge unfolds. Later, Calum speaks to Chris Herd, founder of Firstbase, who explains why he had to leave Scotland for the US to build a nine-figure tech company — and what Scotland must change to stop the flight of talent and capital. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) break down the early battle lines of the Scottish parliamentary election. This episode discusses: 100 days to go until the Holyrood Election Reform UK’s tax-cut pledge and Malcolm Offord’s rise Why SNP messaging is focused on “sacking Keir Starmer” Labour’s “100 days to save the NHS” pitch — and why it may fall flat The political fallout from Andy Burnham being blocked from returning to Westminster 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Voters in Falkirk, one of Scotland’s key constituencies, give their brutally honest verdict on the politicians who will shape the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, we partner with polling experts More In Common to bring you a rare focus group of Labour 2024 voters — now drifting towards the SNP, Reform UK, or undecided. 🎧 You’ll hear unfiltered views on: John Swinney and whether the SNP has “lost its way” Anas Sarwar and Labour’s Westminster problem Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, trust, and the winter fuel payment backlash Nigel Farage and Reform UK — and why his brand may be “detoxified” in Scotland The issues voters care about most: cost of living, NHS waiting times, education, immigration, and trust in politics Hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond and Andy Maciver, former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives are joined by Luke Tryl, UK Director at More In Common. This episode takes you inside the minds of undecided Scottish voters — and shows why the next Holyrood election could be far closer than many expect. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.