Holyrood Sources
By 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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Latest episode
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Humza Yousaf, WASPI vs Sarwar and the A9
Calum, Andy and Geoff analyse Humza Yousaf's challenges as First Minister and his political legacy, while also exploring the critical issue of infrastructure funding in Scotland. The conversation highlights Fergus Ewing's strong stance on the A96 and… -
“Hope” for 2026 & Talking to Trump
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 si… -
The Scottish Government's Budget - Analysed
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 s… -
The Scottish Budget Preview
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 ch… -
The Rise of Reform UK in Scotland
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 im… -
Double Jobbing & Vote Labour to Stop Labour
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 politica… -
Stephen Flynn's MSP Bid: The Dual Mandate
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 Rod… -
Trump and Problems for Scottish Labour
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 o… -
The UK Government Budget
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… -
Salmond Protocol; MSPs in the USA; Education staff on strike
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 loca…
