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Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media
Scottish Parliament
SNP
Devolution
Labour Party
Scottish Conservative Party
Scottish Independence Referendum
Independence Referendum
Brexit
Scottish Government
Scottish Conservatives
Erasmus Scheme
Scotland
VAT Cut
Westminster
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Donald Dewar
Reform UK
Public Finances
Scottish Independence
Gaza Conflict

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes198Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Holyrood Sources

Latest Episodes

The fallout from Rachel Reeves’ first Labour budget has dominated Scottish politics — and in this episode of Holyrood Sources, recorded live in Malone’s Pub in Edinburgh, we unpack the political chaos, the polling shockwaves, and what it all means fo... more

In today’s deep-dive episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down one of the most contentious and politically charged budgets in years — Rachel Reeves’ first full Labour Budget. With Scotland at the centre of the economic and political fallout, the tea... more

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In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Conservative MSP Maurice Golden

In this episode, we chat about:

🔹 Budget Day – Rachel Reeves’ survival strategy, the U-... more

Scotland are going to the World Cup — and the Holyrood Sources team are buzzing. But after the celebrations, Geoff, Andy and Calum dig into a huge week in Scottish and UK politics.

➡️ ExxonMobil shuts Mossmorran, putting 400 jobs at risk — Geoff exp... more

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Recent Guests

Maurice Golden
Scottish Conservative MSP, not seeking re-election in 2026
Scottish Conservatives
Episode: It's Budget Day and the future of the Scottish Conservatives with Maurice Golden MSP
Russell Findlay
Scottish Conservative party leader
Scottish Conservatives
Episode: It's Budget Day and the future of the Scottish Conservatives with Maurice Golden MSP
Pam Duncan-Glancy
Scottish Labour MSP
Scottish Labour
Episode: Scotland’s Win, Exxon’s Exit & Party Support Ceilings... Plus, Pam Duncan-Glancy
Liam McArthur
Liberal Democrat MSP and proponent of the Assisted Dying Bill
Episode: What Rachel Reeves’ Budget Means for Scotland... plus Assisted Dying amendments
Gillian Mackay
Co-leader of the Scottish Green Party, on maternity leave
Scottish Green Party
Episode: Is Badenoch finished? Swinney heckled... Plus Greer and Mackay on Scottish Greens
Malcolm Offord
Shadow Energy Minister for the Conservative Party
Conservative Party
Episode: Healthier, Wealthier, and Better Educated... with Malcolm Offord
Ayesha Hazarika
Labour Peer and former Labour advisor
Labour Party
Episode: Swinney in the Oval Office & Starmer's Reshuffle... with Ayesha Hazarika
Kate Miller
Representative from OceanWinds
OceanWinds
Episode: Offshore Wind & Fuel Poverty | The Future of Energy Part 2
Donna Hutchinson
Chief Executive of Aberdeen Sudanians
Aberdeen Sudanians
Episode: Offshore Wind & Fuel Poverty | The Future of Energy Part 2

Hosts

Calum Macdonald
Co-host of the podcast with extensive experience in Scottish politics as a Special Adviser to the Scottish Government.
Geoff Aberdein
Former Chief of Staff to the First Minister and co-host of the podcast, bringing critical insights into Scottish governmental strategies and operations.
Andy Maciver
Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives, co-host with notable expertise in political communication and strategy.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 183 ratings
  • another all male blokey irrelevant podcast

    see above….

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    scotsnik
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Progressive Taxation

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    🔬8
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • The best bar none for Scottish political thought

    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! 😉

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    robbie77
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Making Scottish politics Informative and entertaining

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Michelle Shortt
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Intelligent, compelling analysis of politics in Scotland

    Every week, I find myself wondering how the podcast will handle the latest events in Scottish politics. It’s fearless, incisive and - sometimes- humorous.

    An excellent listen, subscribe now.

    Disclosure- I am not related to any of the presenters. Indeed, never even met them!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caz Stirling
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the in-depth political analysis and insider perspectives provided by the hosts.
The humor and rapport among hosts contribute to an engaging listening experience.
Some comments indicate a desire for more diverse guest representation, particularly from different political viewpoints.
Overall, the podcast is regarded as a valuable source for understanding Scottish politics, balancing rigor with accessibility.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#249
United Kingdom/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Budget Shockwaves: Two-Child Cap, Oil & Gas Crisis & Reeves Booed at Business Dinner
Q: What do you think about the energy investment environment in Scotland now?
The investment environment is awful, and there's a risk of losing businesses to more favorable jurisdictions.
Budget Shockwaves: Two-Child Cap, Oil & Gas Crisis & Reeves Booed at Business Dinner
Q: What are you thinking about the budget Rachel Reeves delivered?
It was aimed at her MPs to keep them solid in their jobs, lacking a realistic approach to economic growth.
It's Budget Day and the future of the Scottish Conservatives with Maurice Golden MSP
Q: What can the government do to help decarbonise, to reduce HGV traffic and boost the economy using our rail network?
Infrastructure limits exist, but utilizing low-carbon fuels could significantly reduce emissions in the haulage industry.
It's Budget Day and the future of the Scottish Conservatives with Maurice Golden MSP
Q: At what point do we need to just stop the mad spending and means test all benefits in order to relieve our public finances and make room for tax cuts?
Applying means testing can be bureaucratic and may add costs, but a government achieving economic growth could then afford more generous social measures.
Scotland’s Win, Exxon’s Exit & Party Support Ceilings... Plus, Pam Duncan-Glancy
Q: What would happen if the assisted dying legislation passes without the amendments that you're advocating for?
Pam expresses concern that it may suggest a devaluation of lives that have lost function, potentially leading vulnerable individuals to consider ending their lives instead of receiving adequate support.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood Sources

What is Holyrood Sources about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast provides an insightful exploration of Scottish politics, primarily through discussions led by hosts with firsthand experience as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP, and opposition parties. The dialogue captures the complexities and dynamics of political events, electoral strategies, and policy discussions while maintaining a humorous tone that makes it accessible to a broad audience. In addition to current political analyses, the hosts often invite guests from various political backgrounds, allowing for diverse perspectives on pressing issues.

Listeners can expect a unique blend of personal anecdotes and deep political insights that reflect the hosts' extensive background in the political arena. With a focus on th... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Holyrood Sources?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Holyrood Sources:

1. Scotcast
2. The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast
3. Matt Forde's Political Party
4. Electoral Dysfunction
5. Political Currency

How many episodes of Holyrood Sources are there?

Holyrood Sources launched 3 years ago and published 198 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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What guests have appeared on Holyrood Sources?

Recent guests on Holyrood Sources include:

1. Maurice Golden
2. Russell Findlay
3. Pam Duncan-Glancy
4. Liam McArthur
5. Gillian Mackay
6. Malcolm Offord
7. Ayesha Hazarika
8. Kate Miller

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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