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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
VAT Cut
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Westminster
Scotland
Donald Dewar
Public Finances
Reform UK
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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes186Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Latest Episodes

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Head of Comms) deep dive into the week’s biggest political stories.

👉 We ask: has it been a ... more

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has secured a rare audience in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump — a diplomatic coup that could shape both Scotland’s international standing and the next Holyrood election.

In this episode of Holyrood... more

Part 2

The future of energy in Scotland is at a crossroads. In this special podcast edition, leading politicians Michael Shanks, Claire Coutinho, and Kate Forbes join the discussion on:

* ⚡ Offshore wind challenges – 400% increase in transmission ... more

The future of oil and gas in the UK is one of the most pressing political questions of our time — and it’s at the heart of this debate. With the North Sea basin still a major source of energy and jobs in Scotland, how should the UK balance the demand... more

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Recent Guests

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
Murdo McCritchie
Works in the oil and gas industry
Oil and Gas Operator
Episode: Offshore Wind & Fuel Poverty | The Future of Energy Part 2
Michael Shanks
Energy Minister and Labour MP for Rutherglen
UK Government
Episode: North Sea Oil: Jobs vs Net Zero? | The Future of Energy Part 1
Paul DeLue
Director of Robert Gordon University's Energy Transition Institute
Robert Gordon University
Episode: North Sea Oil: Jobs vs Net Zero? | The Future of Energy Part 1
David Linden
SNP candidate for the 2026 Holyrood election and former Westminster MP
Scottish National Party
Episode: The SNP, Reform UK and 2026 – David Linden, SNP candidate
Donald Anderson
Former leader of Edinburgh City Council and director of Playfair Scotland
Playfair Scotland
Episode: Nicola Sturgeon’s "Frankly" & Scotland’s Elected Mayors

Hosts

Calum Macdonald
Host providing thoughtful insights on Scottish politics; experienced as special adviser and commentator.
Geoff Aberdein
Former Chief of Staff to the First Minister; co-host bringing robust political analysis.
Andy Maciver
Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives; co-host contributing insights from a political communications perspective.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 177 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 Kingdoma year 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 Kingdoma year 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 Kingdoma year 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 Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the insightful analysis and depth of knowledge the hosts bring to Scottish political issues.
Overall, the show is described as entertaining and engaging, balancing serious analysis with humor.
The podcast is touted as a significant resource for understanding the complexities and latest developments in Scottish politics.
Some feedback suggests a desire for more diversity in guest backgrounds, highlighting a perceived over-representation of male voices.

Top News Podcasts

Newscast
NewscastBBC News
Today in Focus
Today in FocusThe Guardian
Americast
AmericastBBC News
The Daily
The DailyThe New York Times
Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
Page 94: The Private Eye PodcastPage 94: The Private Eye Podcast

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Healthier, Wealthier, and Better Educated... with Malcolm Offord
Q: What has gone wrong in Scotland's healthcare system?
The system is not focusing enough on patient outcomes and is too ideological; doctors say they can do better.
Healthier, Wealthier, and Better Educated... with Malcolm Offord
Q: Why has Scotland's performance in PISA, these international education assessments, why has it dropped significantly over the past 25 years?
There is a notable shift in ideology, with increased centralization and bureaucratic management in education.
Healthier, Wealthier, and Better Educated... with Malcolm Offord
Q: Does your report suggest that this is a good chance, that now is a good time to sort of take stock to evolve the Scottish Parliament and what it's doing?
Yes, I fundamentally believe that. It's a milestone after 25 years and a review is necessary to assess outcomes.
Offshore Wind & Fuel Poverty | The Future of Energy Part 2
Q: What can the UK and Scottish governments do to secure adequate community benefit and part ownership for communities affected by wind farms?
It's critical for community benefits and ownership to be prioritized, ensuring that communities hosting infrastructure genuinely benefit from it and have decision-making roles in such projects.
Offshore Wind & Fuel Poverty | The Future of Energy Part 2
Q: What is going to bring down consumer energy bills, and when?
Energy bills are being addressed through strategies like Clean Power by 2030 which aims to bring down costs in the long term. Investments in the network are expected to reduce constraint payments, but immediate results will be difficult.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood Sources

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

This podcast provides an in-depth analysis of Scottish politics, drawing on the personal experiences of the hosts, who are well-connected insiders with a history of serving as Special Advisers across various Scottish government administrations and political parties. The discussions encompass the latest political developments, policy debates, and electoral strategies while engaging with a range of notable guests. Noteworthy themes include the changing dynamics within major political parties, the implications of public policy on citizens, and reflections on significant events shaping Scotland's political landscape, including issues surrounding leadership, welfare reforms, and local elections. This unique insider perspective combined with the ... 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. Electoral Dysfunction
4. Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government
5. The Political Party

How many episodes of Holyrood Sources are there?

Holyrood Sources launched 3 years ago and published 186 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. Malcolm Offord
2. Ayesha Hazarika
3. Kate Miller
4. Donna Hutchinson
5. Murdo McCritchie
6. Michael Shanks
7. Paul DeLue
8. David Linden

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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