Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media

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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S5 · E58
Friday · 45 min
US Midterms Special... with D.C. Sources
Welcome to a special bonus episode from the Sources podcast family, brought to you by D.C. Sources! On the midterm special D.C. Sources podcast, Maura Gillespie, Meghan Hays and Eli Stokols are joined by Reid Epstein of the New York Times, Maya Davis of the Wall Street Journal and Lauren McCauley of the Maine Morning Star. The team unpack a sweeping set of results for the Democrats, the questions lying ahead for Republicans and the issues that cut through to voters most in each corner of the USA. 📬 Connect With Us: Email: hello@dcsources.us Socials: @DCSourcesPod #Politics #WhiteHouse #IowaPolitics #Midterms #DCSources #ElectionIntegrity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E57
Wednesday · 28 min
Q&A: The State of Scotland's Civil Service & More!
On a special Q&A episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver answer some of your questions! Was Andy Burnham playing politics with the timing of the Jackdaw announcement? Is the argument that Jackdaw will help reduce carbon emissions in the long term actually misleading? Is there a wider problem with the civil service in Scotland? How is it fixed? And how does Scotland make an economic case for independence? Hear all this, and more (including the story of when Geoff dressed up as Ginger Spice...!) on this week's episode of Holyrood Sources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E56
October 28 · 43 min
The Budget: What Does it Mean for Scotland?
On a special episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, recorded in the afternoon of Wednesday the 28th October, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down John Healey's first ever Budget... what does it mean for Scotland... did it all feel a bit underwhelming? Stephen Boyd, Director of the IPPR Scotland joins the podcast to add his perspective. Later. Geoff, Andy and Calum discuss the Sunday Times report that suggests that the Scottish Government continues to pay salaries worth a total of £27 million of public sector workers whose role's no longer exist.... And ,are free schoolbags a good idea... or are they a waste of money that could be spent on other aspects of education? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E55
October 21 · 56 min
Jackdaw Approved, BBC Scotland Channel scrapped and John Swinney's Conference Speech.
The UK government has approved extraction from the Jackdaw gas field near Aberdeen What does this mean for Scotland's economy and the future of North Sea oil and gas? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver breakdown the big political stories in Scotland this week, .We speak with Prof. John Underhill, Director for Energy Transition at the University of Aberdeen about what this decision actually means for UK gas supply, scope 3 emissions, domestic jobs, and the new North Sea Energy Wealth Fund. Will Rosebank be next? As Amanda Bland resigns from Reform UK, rendering Labour the second-largest party in Holyrood.. Is Reform's Scottish insurgency already falling apart? Did John Swinney deliver the detail Scotland needed in his conference speech, or was it high on rhetoric and low on public service reform? The BBC Scotland channel is moving online-only, as part of the corporations latest round of cost-cutting measures. What does this mean for Scottish broadcast media, regional journalism, and public service broadcasting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E54
October 17 · 59 min
Live from the pub at SNP Conference
Calum and Geoff are live from the pub at SNP conference. They take the temperature of the party ahead of John Swinney's speech this weekend and are joined by party representatives, pollsters and experts to diagnose the health of the SNP going into 2027. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E53
October 14 · 42 min
Is The SNP's Independence Strategy Broken? and Andy Burnham visits Scotland
This week on Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver preview the SNP conference with The Scotsman's Rachel Amery. For the first time ever, John Swinney leads a conference with a mandate as First Minister... how will he shape the event as his own? Will the focus be on independence or we will see deeper policy on other issues in Scottish Politics. What will the talk be on energy? and how strange is it Gillian Mackay, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens is set to make an appearance? Andy Burnham is also set to visit Scotland on Friday, what will his visit entail? Will we see an announcement on local government reform, and how will it differ to the Scottish Government's proposal from a few weeks ago? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E52
October 7 · 44 min
Will the Conservatives take power AWAY from Holyrood?
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dive into the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. We are joined by Rachael Hamilton MSP, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, to react to Kemi Badenoch’s proposed review of the Scotland Act and reported plans to curtail Holyrood's powers—including over education. We discuss "true conservative values," energy bills, public sector reform, and whether the UK Tory vision aligns with Scottish voters. Plus, the team breaks down Nicola Sturgeon’s claims of Labour's "glaring contradictions" on referendums, Andy Burnham's political standing, and the soaring UK welfare bill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E51
October 4 · 24 min
Bonus Episode: 24 Hours at Labour Conference
On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more. Presented by Joe Hawkins. ************* 🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics! 📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E50
October 2 · 27 min
What Great British Grid Means for Aberdeen | Holyrood Sources x Energy Voice
Welcome to another energy special episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast in partnership with Energy Voice. Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Ryan Duff and Floyd March: Aberdeen Features Lead and North West Correspondent at Energy Voice. The group discuss the impact Great British Energy and the newly announced Great British Grid across Scotland, why its energy sector faces competition from other parts of the UK and how Miatta Fahnbulleh differs from Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary. 🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics! 📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E49
September 30 · 35 min
The PM Speaks... Will Scotland Listen?
Is Andy Burnham’s vision for the UK realistic, or is he setting Labour up for a major fall ahead of the upcoming budget? On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver review Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first speech to the Labour Party Conference. From hints on rejoining the EU and scrapping the pension triple lock to fund a National Care Service, to what this all means for Scotland and John Swinney, we break down the style, substance, and political tactics. Later, Glasgow South West Labour MP Dr. Zubir Ahmed joins us straight from conference to share his take on Burnham’s speech. Plus, Scotland 2050 founder Barry Cunning shares his thoughts on Grangemouth and the long-term future of Scottish politics. 📩 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more insider analysis on Scottish and UK politics! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E48
September 23 · 50 min
Local Council Overhaul & Michael Marra's Chance of Labour Victory
In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the Scottish Government's local government proposal that could see Scotland's 32 councils reduced to just 6... Professor Michael Keating joins the show to discuss the convoluted history of local government reform in Scotland and what changes now could mean for you. Following his election win over Joe Fagan, will Michael Marra lead Scottish Labour to electoral success, or is his political fate tied to Westminster? And Geoff Aberdein recounts his meeting with King Charles in Aberdeen this week... he explores a stark contrast between green energy ambitions, North Sea job losses, and political double-speak on domestic energy vs. imports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E47
September 16 · 44 min
Is the End of the UK Inevitable? Inside the First Ministers’ Cardiff Summit
Are the days of the United Kingdom numbered, or was the recent Cardiff summit between First Ministers just political theatre? Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver are joined by SNP National Secretary Alex Kerr MSP to discuss the summit and ask whether it puts Scotland (and Wales and Northern Ireland) any closer to independence. They also discuss Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent comments at PMQs and whether Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland share a viable constitutional roadmap to independence. Later, Andy and Calum discuss the possibility of a unionist party pact, amid reports that Scottish Labour are considering trying to form an alliance to lock out the SNP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E46
September 9 · 1 hr 17 min
The Scottish Labour Leadership Hustings | Joe Fagan v Michael Mara
On a special hustings episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Labour's leadership candidates: Joe Fagan and Michael Marra. The two leadership contenders debate their visions for the party's future, how to reconnect with working-class voters across Scotland, and the scale of the challenge ahead. What sets Michael and Joe apart, and how they plan to rebuild Scottish Labour across every region? How can Scottish Labour become a power contender again? They also share their immediate reactions to Andy Burnham's comments on a second independence referendum at Prime Minister's Questions. To round off the show, Calum and Andy are joined by Lindsay Paterson, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Edinburgh, on fixing Curriculum for Excellence, after this year's PISA statistics were revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E45
September 2 · 39 min
Rosebank & Scotland’s Energy Future | Holyrood Sources x Energy Voice
On the first of our Holyrood Sources energy specials in partnership with Energy Voice, Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Energy Voice News Editor Erikka Askeland (live from Stavanger) and Editorial Director of DC Thomson, Dave Lord. Together, the panel breaks down the high-stakes political and economic battles that will define the energy debate in Scotland and across the UK in the coming months. Will Rosebank and Jackdaw be approved? What does the future of Scotland's renewable future look like? and how will this all affect Scotland's economy? 🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics! 📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E44
August 26 · 31 min
Is £860m Extra Actually Good News? And John Swinney's World Cup Flights
The Scottish Fiscal Commission just revealed an extra £860 million in the budget for this financial year—but is it actually good news for public spending, or a sign of deeper structural issues caused by devolution? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down the latest fiscal update, public service reform under Ivan McKee, and incoming tax pressure from the UK Treasury. Plus, they debate the headline-grabbing £45,000 taxpayer bill for John Swinney’s trip to the World Cup in America. Was it bad optics during a cost-of-living squeeze, or vital trade promotion for Scottish business? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E43
August 19 · 35 min
Labour Leadership, GERS Figures and Data Centres
In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack another week Scottish politics. The team reacts to the official Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures, analysing Scotland's £25.3 billion public spending deficit, falling North Sea oil revenues, and what upcoming public service reforms mean for John Swinney’s government. We also dive deep into the Scottish Labour leadership contest as candidates Joe Fagan and Michael Mara prepare to battle it out following Monica Lennon’s exit. Plus, the team addresses listener questions on the environmental impact and energy demands of large-scale data centres versus net zero targets, and runs a political thought experiment: what would Scottish politics look like today if Rishi Sunak had won the 2024 general election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E42
August 12 · 28 min
Can John Swinney escape Nicola Sturgeon’s Legacy?
Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver break down Scotland's latest GERS figures, examining revenue vs. public spending, the Barnett Formula, and Scotland's fiscal deficit. Plus, the Holyrood Sources team discuss the realities of North Sea oil vs. renewables, and whether John Swinney can escape Sturgeon’s legacy. Later, George and Andy share their thoughts on former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's comments that the House of Lords should be abolished. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E41
August 5 · 47 min
Nicola Sturgeon vs SNP Cabinet... and Tax Debate Continues.
Nicola Sturgeon faces fierce backlash from her own former cabinet colleagues after criticising the SNP's election strategy in a new book foreword. Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down the response from the First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries. Plus, as the Scottish Labour leadership contest opens with Monica Lennon, Michael Marra, and Joe Fagan announcing their leadership, we ask: what is Labour’s long-term plan to challenge the SNP, is there any possibility of a party win in 2031? Later, we revisit Scotland’s income tax debate. Economist Laurie Macfarlane (Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland) responds to Dan Neidle’s analysis on Scotland’s 48p top tax rate. Does the data really show a £22m loss, or are volatility and broader economic factors being overlooked? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E40
July 29 · 56 min
£22 Million Tax Drop and Inside the Scottish Labour Leadership Contest
Why did Scotland’s new 48p top rate of income tax actually backfire and lose £22 million in revenue? On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver analyse the fallout from Scotland's tax policy with tax expert Dan Neidle from Tax Policy Associates. Will John Swinney reverse a major policy decision originated by his predecessors, Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon? We also discuss the Scottish Labour leadership contest following Anas Sarwar’s departure to the House of Lords. We're joined by Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Councillor and Scottish Representative for Labour in Local and Regional Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E39
July 24 · 1 hr
Live on Downing Street | Andy Burnham Becomes PM
Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016. Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government. In this episode: - Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace. - Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief. - Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday). - Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 💬 What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert UK political analysis from The Sources Podcast network! #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #DowningStreet #Number10 #BritishPolitics #LabourParty #UKPrimeMinister #TheSourcesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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