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Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media
SNP
Scottish Parliament
Scotland
Reform UK
Scottish Government
Labour Party
Scottish Politics
Scottish Independence
Anas Sarwar
Scottish Labour Party
John Swinney
Scottish National Party
Devolution
Scottish Conservatives
Renewable Energy
Scottish Labour
Donald Trump
Nicola Sturgeon
Offshore Wind
Scottish Conservative Party

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes233Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Holyrood Sources

Latest Episodes

On today's episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a bombshell week in Scottish politics.

Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzlement from the SNP. What does this mean for the party, T... more

On this special live episode of Holyrood Sources: Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by MSPs, journalists and backroom staff at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, a stone's throw from The Scottish Parliament.

They are joined by ... more

YouTube

On this special edition of Stormont Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver from the Whitehall Sources and Holyrood Sources podcasts join David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss how the results of the Welsh, Scottish and English el... more

On today’s episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver analyse the results of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and what comes next for Scottish politics. 

The Prime Minister and the First Minister are set to me... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Katherine Sangster
Scottish Labour MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East
Scottish Labour
Episode: Scotland's New MSPs: Live from Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Malcolm Offord
Leader of Reform UK in Scotland and MSP for the West of Scotland
Reform UK Scotland
Episode: Scotland's New MSPs: Live from Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Calum Macdonald
Host of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Shortbread Media leader
Holyrood Sources / Shortbread Media
Episode: Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results
Andy MacIVER
Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives
Holyrood Sources / Shortbread Media
Episode: Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results
Joanna Cherry
Former SNP MP
Scottish National Party
Episode: Scottish Election Results Live from Holyrood
Angus Macdonald
Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Skye and Ross
Liberal Democrats
Episode: One Week To Go: The Path to Bute House and the 'Scunner Factor'
Mason Higgins
Journalist providing media perspective
Times (Reporter)
Episode: SNP Leads Labour in 2026 Poll: Is a majority within their reach?
Russell Findlay
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives
Scottish Conservative Party
Episode: The Interviews: Russell Findlay
Fergus Ewing
Former SNP MSP, long-time ministerial figure
Scottish National Party
Episode: Scunnered or Stable? | The Final Day, Part 2

Hosts

Calum Macdonald
Host of Holyrood Sources with deep ties to Scottish politics.
Geoff Aberdein
Co-host with credentials as former Chief of Staff to the First Minister; frequent political commentator.
Andy Maciver
Co-host and former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives; experienced political communicator.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 190 ratings
  • another all male blokey irrelevant podcast

    see above….

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    scotsnik
    United Kingdom2 years 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 praise the show for fearless, incisive analysis and balanced debates.
The show is valued for depth over soundbites, though some reviews note a male-dominated tone.
Guests and hosts are often described as knowledgeable with strong insider perspectives.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#169
United Kingdom/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results
Q: What is the significance of the SNP winning a fifth term but losing some seats and votes?
The panel suggests that while SNP remains dominant in Scotland, the smaller gains by Reform and Greens alter the math for a majority and signal shifts in how independence might be pursued, possibly moving towards formal arrangements rather than immediate referendum triggers.
The Interviews: Russell Findlay
Q: What is the main line of attack against Reform UK and why is it effective or not?
Findlay argues Reform UK has been ambiguous on independence and has soft stances on the Union, while stressing the need to highlight their policy positions and the risks they pose to the United Kingdom and to Scotland's future.
The Interviews: Ross Greer
Q: Well, we are very grateful you're here. Does it ring in your mind about whether the Greens are tarnished by your previous stint in government with the SNP?
Greer acknowledges the past coalition but frames Greens' current record as a basis to argue delivery and polling strength, emphasizing the need to prove they can deliver on promises rather than dwell on past compromises.
The Interviews: Malcolm Offord
Q: What is your stance on offshore wind subsidies and the energy transition?
Offord contends subsidies distort the energy market, calls for a balanced energy system, and suggests domestic North Sea gas could provide a cheaper transition while supporting a local supply chain.
The Interviews: Malcolm Offord
Q: Why is Reform UK seen as brave in standing for Scotland?
Offord argues the party is disrupting the status quo with fresh ideas and a focus on working people, acknowledging it's a new approach that resonates with voters who feel nothing changes despite traditional voting patterns.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood Sources

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

The show offers in-depth, insider-style analysis of Scottish politics, featuring hosts with roots inside government and party communications. Episodes commonly blend political strategy, policy detail, and electoral dynamics, with guests ranging from party strategists to academics and industry voices who illuminate campaigns, polling, and public policy. A recurring strength is its candid, behind-the-scenes perspective on leadership decisions, constitutional questions, and policy trade-offs, all delivered with a mix of rigor and banter. The format often includes data-driven context, practical campaigning insights, and lively debates, making it a go-to for listeners who want a nuanced view of Scotland's political landscape and the actors shapi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Holyrood Sources?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Holyrood Sources:

1. The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast
2. Scotcast
3. Electoral Dysfunction
4. The News Agents
5. Newscast

How many episodes of Holyrood Sources are there?

Holyrood Sources launched 3 years ago and published 233 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. Katherine Sangster
2. Malcolm Offord
3. Calum Macdonald
4. Andy MacIVER
5. Joanna Cherry
6. Angus Macdonald
7. Mason Higgins
8. Russell Findlay

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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