Best Holyrood Podcasts (2024)

1
Planet Holyrood - SNP week from hell with cuts, Swinney's limp Programme for Government and Neil Gray's Oasis mess 37:14

8m ago37:14

37:14

Paul Hutcheon is joined by Hannah Rodger and Ben Borland to look at the week in Scottish politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal" 49:05

2h ago49:05

49:05

Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcast A 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal" The best case scenario is a minority Labour government His political roots in family life in Dundee He regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound…

1
Get The Band Back Together 27:26

23m ago27:26

27:26

Podlitical is back as parliaments return from recess bearing bad news for public spending. The new Labour government are pointing the finger at the previous successive Conservative governments for a "£22bn black hole" in the public purse, while drawing fire for their announced scrapping of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. Meanwhile,…

1
SNP CONFERENCE VERDICT - Where is the Policy Prospectus and Indy Strategy? 34:32

1h ago34:32

34:32

In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus. The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about In…

1
Planet Holyrood - Tough talking points of upcoming SNP conference | Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘pain’ speech | Scottish Conservative leadership contest 35:36

2h ago35:36

35:36

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Editor Lorna Hughes and Scottish Express Content Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss the talking points of the upcoming SNP conference as John Swinney says universal benefits will stay but has warned that the Scottish Government has to make "hard choice…

1
Alex Neil - 30 year wait for Independence if SNP lose in 2026 48:54

8d ago48:54

48:54

On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Episode 40: Drew McKenzie Smith, Lindores Abbey Distillery 40:39

4h ago40:39

40:39

In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we speak to Drew McKenzie Smith, Managing Director of Lindores Abbey Distillery. Drew talks about growing up on the farm at Lindores Abbey and how, after a stint working away in England, he and his wife Helen returned to create the distillery we know today. We learn that it was thanks to Michael J…

1
Should SNP Ministers Meet Israelis and Palestinians? 39:11

6h ago39:11

39:11

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week including Fallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats. Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in Scotland The Scottish Conservative leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
I'll Investigate Douglas Ross says Tory Leadership Hopeful, Meghan Gallacher 46:02

1h ago46:02

46:02

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall. Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income Tax Proposes a re-evaluation of Sco…

1
Labour's Paul Sweeney - 2026 Scot Parl Election "High Stakes" for Future of UK 52:41

9d ago52:41

52:41

He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.; 2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in…

1
Is the Era of SNP Austerity Upon Us? 34:27

17d ago34:27

34:27

Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity? The Winter Fuel Allowance means test New GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

1
I VOTED LABOUR - Former Tory MSP, Prof Adam Tomkins 45:45

1d ago45:45

45:45

Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General Election Role of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous" He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir St…

1
Scottish Tory Leadership Candidate, Brian Whittle 45:01

14d ago45:01

45:01

Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay" Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election. Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication. Scottish Tories - t…

1
UK Riots - Starmer's First Crisis - What do they mean? 38:21

22d ago38:21

38:21

Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far? Who is behind the riots? What this says about the UK? Why no riots in Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Independence Referendum II (Re-uploaded Version) 43:47

26d ago43:47

43:47

Bernard and Alex get heated with each other when the subject of a legitimate route to a second independence referendum arises. Also, Tory leadership contest. From the Press Bar on Albion Street in Glasgow. Questions and comments from Lee Carney Jonny Gray Wings Over Scotland Gordon Innes Follow us on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Hosted on Acast. S…

1
Told You So? 25:17

28d ago25:17

25:17

Finger pointing begins as Labour claim they found a "black hole" in public finances. On Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and later said the new government would have to raise taxes due to the discovery of a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances from the last Government, which former Chancellor Jeremy…

1
Episode 39: Gordon Dallas, Rosebank Distillery 41:12

25d ago41:12

41:12

Gordon Dallas is Experiential Ambassador at Ian McLeod Distillers, in this role Gordon brings the stories of Glengoyne, Tamdhu and now Rosebank Distilleries to life with an entertaining flourish! We speak to him about all three distilleries and their delicious whiskies but with a particular nod to Falkirk’s Rosebank Distillery which has recently be…

1
In Glasgow's Press Bar - Trump's Big Mistake, Tory Leadership Battle, 2 Child Cap to be Cancelled? 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

Bernard and Alex retreat to their natural habitat in Glasgow's famous journalists' haunt, The Press Bar on Albion Street, to ponder the stories of the day over a sociable refreshment. Trump's Big Mistake - Alex reckons Trump made a big mistake in his singular determination to unseat Joe Biden before the election. Tory Leadership Battle - Insight in…

1
Pie In The Sky? 27:48

1M ago27:48

27:48

The Podlitical team talk GB Energy, the two-child cap, PMQs, and pies. Following the suspensions of seven rebel Labour MPs for voting against the government on an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the team discuss how the row unfolded, and what this means in terms of the optics that Prime Minister Starmer wants to project. As the ne…

1
MATT FORDE - Joins Bernard and Alex 44:47

21d ago44:47

44:47

Matt joins Bernard and Alex with excellent impressions of ... Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Rachel Reeves Tony Blair Ed Miliband Also What makes Scottish audiences different What makes people walk out Who's taken offence to his impressions His hopes for the new government You can catch Matt's show at the Edinburgh Festival here https://tickets.edfring…

1
JOE BIDEN Goes, MHAIRI BLACK Festival Shows, RACHEL REEVES Public Sector Pay Grows 34:53

22d ago34:53

34:53

Bernard and Alex tackle the stories of the week; JOE BIDEN - Both Bernard and Alex are keen observers of US Politics - their thoughts on Joe Biden agreeing to step down as Presidential Candidate. MHAIRI BLACK - After standing down at the General Election, the former SNP MP announced her Edinburgh Festival show "Politics Isn't For Me" as well as wor…

1
Pomp and Policy 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

What does the King's Speech tell us about the new Labour government's priorities? Beyond the ceremony and pomp of the day, the team discuss the policies and priorities of the new government, including the future of devolution, what might impact devolved areas (and what won't), and what's been left out. How did the speech sit with opposition parties…

1
King's Speech Reaction - A Return to Big Government? 32:02

1M ago32:02

32:02

Bernard and Alex bring you an instant briefing on the King's Speech with the first legislative agenda for Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. Is it a return to big Government (as some critics have said) or a different type of intervention? Headlines on the bills Watch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government. Hosted on…

1
SNP - Explosive Interview with Stewart McDonald 55:31

1M ago55:31

55:31

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie speak to Stewart McDonald, SNP front bencher who lost his seat at the General Election ..... and he had a lot to say. ON 2026 HOLYROOD ELECTION 25:32 MASSIE: "Do you think getting "horsed" in 2026 is now the most likely outcome of the Holyrood election?" McDONALD: "Yes" ON INDEPENDENCE 35:07 "The hard pause has been…

1
Commons People 29:24

2M ago29:24

29:24

With the election aftershocks settling, what does the "new normal" in politics look like? As MPs finish being sworn in after several days, the shape of the House of Commons sees an emboldened Labour and a much diminished Conservatives and SNP. With Ian Murray MP announced as the new Scotland secretary, what does this new office-holder and new polit…

1
Paint The Town Red? 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

The new intake of MPs are sworn in as Labour begins governing. What do we know about the new Labour-majority House of Commons, and the initial priorities of the Labour government? As Keir Starmer addresses the Commons for the first time as Prime Minister, the team discuss the shape of the parties following the general election, what signs we have o…

1
Your Questions No3 - General Election Results 29:12

2M ago29:12

29:12

Your questions on the General Election result directly to Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie This episode, questions from: Peter Hardy - @PeterHardyAG (X) Ian Jones - @Salop_Ian (X) Michael Apter - @Michael_Apter (X) Andrew Brophy - @AndrewBrophy3 (X) LTW Anderson - @ltwanderson (X) Mark Brown - Via Email Gordon Dudman - Via Email Andrew McCall - Via…

1
New Cabinet. Also, what now for the Tories and SNP? 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

In this episode, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss The new Labour Cabinet The future propects for the Conservatives and SNP .....and the former TV cameraman who out-predicted the pollsters. Bernard and Alex also reference a previous episode with Tom Baldwin discussing Keir Starmer in great detail. It's really worth a listen and gives unrival…

1
Labour Landslide (General Election 2024) 30:29

2M ago30:29

30:29

Labour sees a landslide general election victory, what's next for Scotland? While Keir Starmer's Labour celebrated massive gains, and the Lib Dems saw a comeback, it was a punishing night for the Tories and the SNP. As the parties reflect on the results, and Labour prepares for Government, the team discuss the big moments of the night, and ask what…

1
Planet Holyrood - SNP decimated in Scotland and Tories wiped out but what comes next from new PM Sir Keir Starmer and his triumphant Labour Party 45:08

2M ago45:08

45:08

Lorna Hughes is joined by Hannah Rodger and John Ferguson to examine the fallout from the general election results and to assess the big winners and losers as the political landscape in the UK sees a huge change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
UK General Election Result - The Verdict ... 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

We've been up all night. Here is the hot-off-the-press take on the UK General Election result from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Labour joy Conservative and SNP election woes. What will the parties do next? What should they do next? Plus, highlights of selected seats and stories. #generalelection2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…

1
Election Eve (General Election 2024) 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

On election eve, the team considers the state of the parties after the six week campaign. From gaffes to being grilled in front of live audiences, wacky stunts to serious statements, the team looks back at the 2024 general election campaign in Scotland and the wider UK, and discuss how the parties have shaped up ahead of the polls opening on Thursd…

1
Planet Holyrood - Your thoughts on the election, campaigning apathy and Boris is back 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

Lorna Hughes, Hannah Rodger and Andrew Quinn get together for the last Planet Holyrood before the polls open. We discuss what matters to you, our listeners, whether politicians should be out and about more meeting regular people and what impact the late return of Boris Johnson will have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…

1
Planet Holyrood - Friday night dinner, the postal vote issues and Reform's trojan horses 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

Lorna Hughes, John Ferguson and Douglas Dickie chew the fat after a busy day on the campaign trail with Starmer's Friday plans coming under scrutiny, the postal vote issues continuing and Reform claiming the Tories have tried to sabotage some of their efforts with 'trojan horse' candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…

1
Planet Holyrood - The final stretch - where has the election been won and lost across the UK? 24:12

2M ago24:12

24:12

Paul Hutcheon, Chris McCall and Molly Finlay discuss the latest as we enter the final week of the General Election campaign for 2024. We look at the the dismal Tory campaign, Labour playing it safe, the SNP and whether they can remain as Scotland's biggest party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Interview: John Swinney, SNP (General Election 2024) 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

Martin Geissler sits down with SNP leader John Swinney. His party are coming into this general election off the back of what he himself described as a “rough time”. They’re offering voters “a new chapter”, with calls for more powers for Scottish Parliament, and eventually, they hope, full independence for Scotland, but given they’ve been in power i…

1
Manifestos: Social Policy (General Election 2024) 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

What do the manifestos say about welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, social issues, and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on social issues for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland. Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto top…

1
Manifestos: Climate (General Election 2024) 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

What do the manifestos say about climate change, green policies, and oil & gas? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on climate policy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland. Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topi…

1
OUR BIG ELECTION NIGHT PREVIEW 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

YOU CAN GET OUR FREE WALLCHART HERE - https://x.com/PonsonbyMassie/status/1806349078093087015 This Episode is in 2 parts PART 1 - 0 mins - 17 mins - ELECTION NIGHT INSIGHTS - Alex asks Bernard to share his insights on how presenters cope with overnight election programmes. PART 2 - 17 mins - 39mins - WHAT TO WATCH FOR - Bernard and Alex give you a …

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