Holyrood Sources

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will step down at the 2026 Holyrood election. In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Comms for the Scottish Conservatives) unpack the political shockwave.

👉 What does this mean for John Swinney's leadership?

👉 Is the SNP losing its most economically credible ...

In this powerful episode of Holyrood Sources, historian and author James Hawes explains why Scottish independence is inevitable and argues the UK has been in terminal decline since 1922.

Speaking with host Calum Macdonald, Hawes discusses:

• Why Labour’s 2024 landslide won’t save the Union
• The rise of Reform UK and Nigel Farage’s “naked English nationalism”
• The SNP’s crisis — and its historical parallel with Irish nationalism after P...

Donald Trump’s whirlwind visit to Scotland left behind more than photo ops — it’s shifted the tone of UK and Scottish politics. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Director of Communications) unpack the chaos, optics, and opportunities of Trump’s trip to Ayrshire and Aberdeen.

From whisky tariffs and oil politi...

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, we reflect on, the recent Tall Ships event in Aberdeen, the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway and the ongoing debate about zonal pricing in electricity. The conversation also touches on infrastructure challenges in Scotland, the implications of President Trump's visit, concerns over social unrest, and the trust deficit in political leaders, particularly among young people.

In this conversation, Ross Greer discusses his candidacy for the leadership of the Scottish Greens, his relationship with the SNP, and the party's stance on various issues including taxation, council tax reform, and the impact of second homes on rural communities. He emphasises the importance of policies over personalities and addresses the complexities of political alliances in a minority government. The discussion also touches on...

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss Labour's recent welfare reforms, and the potential emergence of new political parties in Scotland. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by political leaders and the implications of their decisions on the future of governance in Scotland. We're joined by Calum Steele, a former General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, and former general secreta...

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the discussion revolves around the upcoming 2026 Scottish parliamentary election, featuring insights from political analysts including Professor Sir John Curtice on the performances of key figures like John Swinney and Anas Sarwar. The conversation highlights the current public sentiment, the challenges faced by both the SNP and Labour, and the implications of the independence debate...

With John Swinney and Anas Sarwar.

This podcast special focuses on the upcoming Scottish parliamentary elections, featuring discussions on the current political landscape, the impact of geopolitical issues, and the challenges facing the Scottish government. Key themes include the need for bold political conviction, the implications of welfare reforms, and the ongoing debate around independence. The conversation also highlights the i...

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the potential for a coalition between the SNP and Labour, the implications of John Swinney's renewed focus on independence, and the challenges surrounding economic policies in Scotland. They also explore the concept of a minimum income guarantee and its feasibility in addressing poverty while maintaining economic sustainability.

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, focusing on the dynamics between the SNP, Labour, and Reform UK. They explore the impact of controversial campaign tactics, the reception of candidates, and the shifting sentiments among voters. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of Scottish politics and the significance of this by-election in...

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts focus on the potential for federalism as a solution to constitutional questions. They discuss the challenges faced by the SNP and unionist parties, particularly in relation to devolution and the energy sector. The conversation also highlights the fishing industry's struggles with EU negotiations and the broader implications for local communities in Scotland. The conversatio...

We consider the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman by biological sex under equalities law. The discussion features insights from political figures and grassroots activists, particularly Susan Smith from For Women Scotland, who reflects on the ruling's impact on women's rights and the ongoing political discourse surrounding gender identity. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in leaders...