
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 Scottis... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 244 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | News | |||

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 exper... more
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 o... more
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Labour MSP, Paul Sweeney to discuss the shock news that Anas Sarwar is set to resign to join new PM Andy Burnham's team in Westminster.
W... more
Andy Burnham is preparing to become Prime Minister—but what does that mean for Scotland, Labour and the future of UK politics?
In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to discuss what Burnham's government... more
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Enjoyed this at the beginning of pod but the two commentators are so obviously SNP through and through, they now need someone with a different political point of view. To say that this PMurell issue wouldn’t have had a bearing on the election outcome is unbelievable. Read the room Andy
see above….
I have listened to Graeme McCormick’s AGFR tax proposals on numerous occasions and to me it is revolutionary, the structure is in place, can be implemented almost immediately, lift everyone out of poverty and impact on land ownership because of the work done on land registry, all in the one parcel. I have constantly begged people to tell me why it cannot work. All I can see is that it will anger landowners and the MOD - that’s it. It was passed at last year’s Alba conference and then disappeared... more
The weekly listen - and more often when there’s a party being kicked out of government and an FM resignation! - for the best informed take on politics in Scotland. And Calum, Andy and Geoff all seem to like each other too which is fun! 😉
Guid banter atween i loons! As a quine fae Aiberdeen it’s affa fine tae hae yon loon Geoff gie a voice tae NE Scotland!
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Apple Podcasts | #129 |
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A analytically rigorous, insider-focused look at Scottish politics, hosted by three veterans with deep government and party experience. Episodes typically feature cross-party debate, live paneling with party leaders or senior insiders, and in-depth discussions on governance, constitutional questions, public services, and energy policy. The show is known for its frank, insider perspectives, candid questioning, and a mix of policy analysis with lively banter. Notable strengths include access to high-profile politicians, a willingness to challenge guests, and a steady stance on practical governance over partisan theatre, making it a strong fit for listeners who want well-informed, nuanced political discourse and cross-party viewpoints.
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1. Scotcast
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3. Matt Forde's Political Party
4. Electoral Dysfunction
5. The News Agents
Holyrood Sources launched 3 years ago and published 244 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Holyrood Sources include:
1. Francesca Brennan
2. Paul Sweeney
3. Andy Maciver
4. Jack McConnell
5. Torcuil Crichton
6. Douglas Lumsden
7. Katherine Sangster
8. Malcolm Offord
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