Holyrood Sources

On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss a brand new MRP poll which suggests that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could win an outright majority at Holyrood — something not seen since 2011 under Alex Salmond.

Calum, Geoff and Andy also consider the future of the Additional Member System, whether Holyrood needs reform, and what Denmark’s energy U-turn means for the North Sea debate.

We're also joined by Shona Haslam from Logos Scotland, to discuss Christians in Scotland's views ahead of the election.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down:
📊 The Stonehaven MRP poll and what it means for John Swinney
📉 Labour’s collapse under Anas Sarwar
📈 The rise of Nigel Farage and Reform UK in Scotland
🗳️ Candidate list rankings from the SNP and Scottish Labour
⛪ How faith and values are shaping political identity ahead of 2026

Connect with us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507
🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the latest bombshell polling that shows a record low for Scottish Labour and a stunning breakthrough for Reform UK. With the Scottish election looming, can Anas Sarwar distance himself from a struggling Keir Starmer, or is the SNP set to dominate once again?

What we discuss:
The Sarwar vs. Starmer Rift: 52% of Scots support Sarwar’s call for Starmer to resign—but will it save Labour at the polls?
The Reform UK Surge: Analyzing the projection of 22 seats for Nigel Farage’s party in Scotland.
The IFS Warning: Is Scotland’s "free stuff" culture sustainable? We discuss the looming cuts to tuition and prescriptions.
Business in Crisis: A listener’s warning on business rates and the risk of mass redundancies before May.
The Islands Forum Scrapped: Why has the UK government axed a key link for Scotland's island communities?

Connect with us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507
🎙️ Subscribe for weekly inside tracks on Scottish politics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dissect further fallout from Anas Sarwar's dramatic calls for Keir Starmer to resign. Now the dust has settled we break down the political implications and potential outcomes heading into the Scottish Parliament election.

Was this a failed coup? A bold strategic move? Or the beginning of a fundamental split between Scottish Labour and Westminster?
Why did Sarwar make his move against Starmer now and will John Swinney and the SNP be able to exploit the fallout?

We also remember former Scottish Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, who passed away this week at the age of 72.

And stay tuned until the end of today's episode to hear your questions answered. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss citizen's assemblies in Scotland, exploiting Scotland's wind energy potentially and whether or not the mainstream media is unfair towards Reform UK.

📩 Join the conversation:
WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign — and the political fallout could reshape the Holyrood election.
In this special Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a day of extraordinary political drama.

👉 Is this a bold act of leadership — or a desperate gamble?
👉 Does this prove Scottish Labour is still just a “branch office”?
👉 Could this actually help Sarwar in May’s election?
👉 What happens if Starmer survives?

With Labour infighting, cabinet briefings, Westminster chaos and Scottish election strategy all colliding, this could be one of the most consequential political days in years.

Topics covered:
Why Sarwar made his move now
Labour Party civil war and briefing battles
The “branch office” problem for Scottish Labour
How voters might react
What this means for the SNP and Reform
Is this political bravery or a Hail Mary?
🎧 Holyrood Sources brings insider analysis from people who’ve run campaigns at the highest level of UK and Scottish politics.
📩 Get in touch: 0333 404 6507
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we remember Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by former Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott to discuss Jim's political career and legacy.

Before that, this episode also discusses reports that the Scottish Greens will stand aside in most constituency seats, giving the SNP a clear run — and whether this could boost John Swinney’s chances of an outright majority. Andy and Geoff also examine the growing impact of Reform UK, and why they may be the SNP’s biggest unintended ally.

The panel also reacts to Anas Sarwar’s pledge to ban trans women from female prisons, exploring Labour’s U-turns on gender policy and the risks for the Scottish Government as a court challenge unfolds.

Later, Calum speaks to Chris Herd, founder of Firstbase, who explains why he had to leave Scotland for the US to build a nine-figure tech company — and what Scotland must change to stop the flight of talent and capital.

📩 Join the conversation:
WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.