Best Scots Abroad Podcasts (2024)

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

3h 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

2h 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

4d 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

8d 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

13d 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
In Glasgow's Press Bar - Trump's Big Mistake, Tory Leadership Battle, 2 Child Cap to be Cancelled? 50:04

18d 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
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
Episode 60 - Lords, Clans, Knights and Merchants in 13th Century 42:23

27d ago42:23

42:23

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 60. In this episode, we'll explore the distinct lifestyles of different social groups during this fascinating period. From the noble lords who ruled the land, to the clans that formed the backbone of Scottish society, to the bustling life of merchants, knights, and common folks, each gr…

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

27d 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
Your Questions No3 - General Election Results 29:12

1M 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

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

1M 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
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 …

1
BIG POLL WARNINGS - for Tories, SNP & Biden 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

With some recent polls predicting the SNP and Conservatives will be reduced to a rump of MPs at the General Election on Thurs 4th July, Bernard and Alex have a health warning for pollsters and politicians alike. Can these polls be trusted and do they have the nuance to pick up on constituency level sentiments? Plus, it was the issue the Democrats d…

1
Episode 59 - Parliament of Scotland in 13th Century 33:45

2M ago33:45

33:45

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 59. This week, we're shifting our focus to the Scottish Parliament in the early to late 13th century. We'll explore what role it played in Scotland at this crucial time, how it differed from its English counterpart, and highlight any significant events and decisions that took place with…

1
Your Questions Answered.... 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

Bernard and Alex do their best to answer your questions sent in to ponsonbymassie@gmail.com Questions this episode from; Darren McGarvey @lokiscottishrap (X) Rob Shorthouse @bobtwopointoh (X) John Duffy @johnduffy512 (Youtube) Colin Thompson @colinthompson3111 (Youtube) Argyll Loon @argyllloon (X) Luca Brasi @hickslike22 (X) Ewen Kennedy @ewangkenn…

1
JK Rowling, Nigel Farage & Stampgate 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

Bernard and Alex on ..... The effect of Farage and Reform Will JK Rowling's gender recognition reform criticism of Labour come back to haunt the party? Stampgate - Will allegations of the SNP using MSPs expenses to pay for election campaign stamps re-ignite memories of previous scandals for voters? ... and Scotland exiting the Euros. Bernard and Al…

1
Major Yougov/SKY Poll + SNP & Labour Manifestos 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

Yougov sampled 39,979 in a super poll that shows the Conservatives reduced to 108 seats. The SNP & Labour Manifestos are out. Bernard and Alex give insight and analysis into the latest developments in the UK General Election 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The SNP Malaise - "I think you need Dyno-rod in to that [SNP] front bench" 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

Bernard and Alex discuss the SNP's electoral chances and what the election result means to the SNP's cause of independence. They are joined by former SNP MSP, investigative journalist and life-long independence campaigner, Dorothy-Grace Elder who doesn't hold back in her criticism of John Swinney. DGE describes John Swinney as a "Sturgeonista" who …

1
Who is Keir Starmer? We have the answers from his biographer, Tom Baldwin. 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

"MUST LISTEN" EPISODE - An incredible insight into the man who will most likely be Prime Minister from the man who knows him better than most - his biographer, Tom Baldwin. Tom discusses what makes Keir Starmer tick, his background, his politics and what we can expect from him in Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati…

1
Scottish Leaders' Debate - Euro Fever - Conservative Manifesto 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - TORY MANIFESTO - EURO FEVER * SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - Bernard thinks there may have been a few plants in the audience * CONSERVATIVE MANIFESTO - Massie - Family visa policy is a "Love Tax" * EURO FEVER - Do marginal factors effect marginal constituencies as Scotland and England prepare for the Euros ahead of election? Ma…

1
ASK BERNARD & ALEX - Your Questions Answered 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

Alex and Bernard attempt to answer your questions. *Spoiler Alert" They had 30 or 40 questions to get through and managed about 5 or 6 because they chatted so much. Apologies if you sent in a questions and didn't get it answered! * Alex reminds Bernard of the time he stood as a candidate .... and lost his deposit. * Turnout? * General Election impl…

1
CIVIL WAR IN THE TORY PARTY & GENERAL ELECTION ROUND-UP 39:07

2M ago39:07

39:07

Bernard and Alex summarise the General Election campaign to date and analyse the implications. * Is the Tory campaign the worst in living memory? * Westminster and Holyrood Tories are circling their leaders. * Ponsonby lambasts Sunak over D-Day. * Massie casts the SNP's Stephen Flynn as Cassius with a "lean and hungry look" towards his Caesar, John…

1
UK General Election Predictions From the Team 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

Three very educated guesses on the outcome of the UK General Election as Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh joins Bernard and Alex to talk polls, constituency boundaries and possible Conservative oblivion, a la Canada '93. WARNING - This is a real deep dive. You may wish to don your political anorak, make some strong coffee an…

1
REACTION - To the First Leaders Debate - General election 2024 21:56

2M ago21:56

21:56

Bernard and Alex do not hold back in their criticism of the first Leaders Debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer on ITV. "This was not a serious debate" "entertainment TV" and "a disservice to the viewer". Plus Bernard and Alex give detailed reaction to the performances of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…

1
Welcome - General Election 2024 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Welcome to the NEW Ponsonby and Massie Podcast This week, the two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, review the General Election campaign so far and preview the upcoming leaders debates. Included in this episode PONSONBY - "Starmer is the most anti-left Labour leader since Gaitskell" MASSIE - "Every SN…

1
Episode 58 - Catching up with the Nobles Part 2 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

This week, we will cover various notable figures, including the famous clans that rose to further power during Alexander II’s reign and other significant family members related to the king. These individuals and families were not merely passive subjects of the crown; they were active participants in the shaping of Scotland’s destiny, each with thei…

1
Episode 57 - Catching up with the Nobles Part 1 38:14

3M ago38:14

38:14

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 57. Today, we are taking a slight detour from our usual narrative to catch up with the noble families of Scotland during Alexander II's reign. These episodes are crucial as they help set the context for the forthcoming conflicts and the rise of Scottish national identity. While we have …

1
Episode 56 - Ambitions of Life 34:57

4M ago34:57

34:57

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 56. Well, today we will be bidding farewell to our king, Alexander II. His reign has been eventful, hasn’t it? Many things have been accomplished, and his legacy is undeniable. As is tradition now, I invite you to grab a hot drink, turn up the volume on your radio or headphones, and joi…

1
Episode 55 - The Warrior and Knight 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 55. Our story resumes in the year 1221, a time when Scotland was still stitching itself together from the fabric of feudal loyalties and regional allegiances. Alexander, young and ardently driven, was not content to sit idle while opportunities to fortify his kingdom presented themselve…

1
Episode 54 - Alexander II "The King of Scots" 35:09

4M ago35:09

35:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 54. Today, we turn the pages of history to the son and heir of William I. Alexander II. As we explore the continuation of a royal lineage that profoundly shaped our nation. Born in the year 1198, during a period of relative stability, Alexander II was thrust into leadership, bearing the…

1
Episode 53 - A Lions Rest 34:46

5M ago34:46

34:46

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 53. Today, we pivot back to our political narrative, focusing on the twilight years of William I's reign. Known posthumously as William the Lion, his tenure on the Scottish throne was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Yet, through it all, his leadership ensured Scotland remained a sove…

1
Episode 52 - Crusade Home & Abroad 42:34

5M ago42:34

42:34

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 52. Today's we realign our focus with the political and historical narrative, though with a slight twist. Our spotlight turns to an epoch marked by fervor, faith, and ferocity—the Third Crusade. This chapter in history is not just a tale of battles and sieges; it's a saga of leadership,…

1
Episode 51 - Q&A Special 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 51. Today's focus, however, was on the eagerly anticipated Q&A session, sparked by the plethora of questions submitted by you, our listeners. Your enthusiasm and curiosity have been the driving force behind this episode, and it was my pleasure to address the wide range of topics brought…

1
Episode 50 - Living up to a Legacy 40:48

6M ago40:48

40:48

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 50. Today we revisit the profound impact of the Treaty of Falaise on Scottish sovereignty and William I's determined efforts to restore Scotland's autonomy. It outlines the strategic diplomacy that led to the signing of the Quitclaim of Canterbury in 1189, which nullified the demeaning …

1
Episode 49 - The Nobles of William I 33:27

6M ago33:27

33:27

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 49. Today, we shift the focus to the Scottish nobility under William's reign. The intricate dynamics within his council of nobles, his closest allies, and even his adversaries paint a vivid picture of Scotland during this transformative period. The Gaelic nobles, with their distinct per…

1
Episode 48 - A Lion of Scotland 28:35

7M ago28:35

28:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 48. Today, we shift our focus back to William's reign, a period marked by significant events and intriguing political maneuvers. Our journey begins in the year 1181, a time when the echoes of battle had barely faded, and Scotland stood at a crucial crossroads. We will explore the intric…

1
Episode 47 - A Lion Caged 46:09

7M ago46:09

46:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 47. Today, The Battle of Alnwick, a confrontation marred by strategy, bravery, and ultimately, despair for the Scots, marked a significant turning point. The defeat was not just a military setback but a blow to the Scottish morale and the prestige of their King, William. Today, we will …

1
Episode 46 - The Lion Strikes 33:35

7M ago33:35

33:35

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 46. Our focus today is on a critical juncture in William's reign: his audacious invasion of England between September 1173 and the aftermath of the Battle of Alnwick in June 1174. This period stands as a testament to William's ambition and the turbulent relationship between Scotland and…

1
Episode 45 - Lion of Justice 36:43

8M ago36:43

36:43

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 45. Today, we embark on a new chapter, turning our focus to a figure whose impact on Scottish history is nothing short of legendary. We're going to delve into the reign of William I, also popularly known as William the Lion. A king whose story is woven with the threads of valor, conflic…

1
Episode 44 - Laws, Languages and Culture in 12th Century Scotland 41:20

8M ago41:20

41:20

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 44. Our beloved Scotland, a tapestry of history and tradition, has always been a land of dynamic change and cultural confluence. During the 12th century, it was no different. The kingdom was expanding, stretching its limbs into new territories and embracing diverse influences. This was …

1
Episode 43.2 - An Early Death (Part 2) 39:49

9M ago39:49

39:49

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 43.2 (Part 2). Please note episode 43 has been split into two parts (episodes), EP 43.1 and EP 43.2. This is the second part. Part 2, make sure you have listened to the first part! In today's episode, we delve into the mid to latter years of Malcolm's rule. These years were not just a p…

1
Episode 43.1 - An Early Death (Part 1) 28:12

9M ago28:12

28:12

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 43.1 (Part 1). Please note episode 43 has been split into two parts (episodes), EP 43.1 and EP 43.2. This is the first part, Part 1. Also at the start of the episode it seems the audios a bit glitchy, it does get better and disappear. Sorry for that! In today's episode, we delve into th…

1
Episode 42 - Malcolm IV Early Reign 36:01

9M ago36:01

36:01

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 42. Today, we turn the pages of history to the early to mid-reign of Malcolm IV, known as Malcolm the Maiden. As the grandson of the revered David I, Malcolm IV had a monumental legacy to live up to. His grandfather's reign was marked by profound transformation and growth, leaving an in…

1
Episode 41 - 12/13th Century Scottish Military Tactics 30:48

9M ago30:48

30:48

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 41. Today, we turn our attention to a different yet equally fascinating aspect of Scottish history: military tactics. The 12th and 13th centuries were defining periods for Scottish warfare, marked by significant evolutions in how battles were fought. In this episode, we will delve into …

1
Episode 40 - Scotland and the European Stage 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 40. Today, we're broadening our horizon. We're stepping out of the Scottish borders and onto the grand stage of Europe during the period of 1100 to 1200 AD. It's a time of dynamic change, of kingdoms vying for power, of cultural exchanges, and of wars that shaped the continent's history…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Scots Abroad Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide