Holyrood Sources

“This is all people are talking about… I think there is a role for Parliament here” @alex.scotlibdems.org.uk says that there might be a need for a parliamentary investigation into the Peter Murrell scandal. He asks "was the Scottish Government actively participating in a criminal conspiracy?”

What will Nicola Sturgeon's legacy look like? Andy Maciver suggests that the former First Minister could be remembered for things other than what she would consider her personal achievements.

“That’s the party that will be the most successful in this debate” Geoff Aberdein sums up frustrations that Scotland's energy industries has with different political parties, and what he thinks John Swinney could do to get them on his side.

How will Ivan McKee do as Cabinet Secretary? Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss their admiration for Ivan McKee and suggest that John Swinney was right to promote him to Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.

“A betrayal of party members” Geoff Aberdein reflects on Peter Murrell’s guilty plea, suggesting that SNP members will feel utterly betrayed and let down by his actions.

Andy Maciver suggests that whilst it’s easy to laugh at the list of purchases by Peter Murrell using embezzled SNP finances, how important it is not to undermine the seriousness of the crime.

“The financial situation doesn’t allow for a continuation of that” Andy Maciver suggests that this new Scottish government has to forge its own path and be totally different from previous SNP administrations. Can (and will) the SNP succeed during another term in power?

“The success of the Swinney government will be how different it can be” Andy Maciver sums up his thoughts on how John Swinney can be successful as First Minister now he has a mandate of his own.

“I want a transition that involves us using, as our transition fuel, North Sea gas” Geoff Aberdein asks Malcolm Offord to set out his party’s views on offshore wind, and whether it will be part of Reform’s energy strategy.

“That involves you leaving behind a lot of 2016 SNP policy” Andy Maciver asks whether the SNP has been too focused on welfare and if now is the time to try to grow Scotland’s economy. Stephen Flynn argues that his party can achieve both. Is this an unrealistic expectation for the SNP government?

Now that Scottish Labour have failed to meet their goal of being the biggest party in parliament and Anas Sarwar is not First Minister… what actually is Labour’s purpose, and what can they achieve in opposition? Calum Macdonald asks new MSP Katherine Sangster.

Are the SNP now irrelevant at Westminster? Stephen Flynn doesn’t think so, he has resigned his seat alongside Stephen Gethins to take up posts at Holyrood, but claims that the SNP House of Commons group punches above their weight at London despite massive losses at the last general election.

Geoff Aberdein reflects on John Swinney’s personal achievement on being re-elected First Minister, but points out just how fine the margins were in the SNP’s victory. He claims that all people in Scotland want to see now is real world change and actual policy delivery.

Stephen Flynn answers the question as to whether he wants to be First Minister one day and if that is why he made the move from London to Edinburgh. He suggests that instead one of the main reasons for his move to Holyrood was to spend more time with his own family and not to pursue high office.

“The public have told that we are three headed monsters that eat babies” Malcolm Offord sets out what his goals are for Reform UK during this parliamentary session. He suggests that his MSPs will have to prove that they are ‘decent, sensible people that really care about Scotland’.

“People didn’t believe that we could fix it” @kathsangster.bsky.social tries to summarise where things went wrong for Labour at the Scottish Parliament Election, ultimately suggesting that the focus wasn’t on Scotland and that the party’s record at Westminster paid a huge part.

“The fox is always cunning and smart” Malcolm Offord suggests that the 2026 parliamentary and local elections across the UK have confirmed that Reform UK is now a UK wide party. He says that despite opposition parties' reluctance to work with them, it’s his job to be a fox in a hen house.

"Will you be the energy secretary?" Last night, ahead of today's cabinet appointments, Stephen Flynn was asked by Calum Macdonald if he would take up the role of energy secretary... Would he be a good appointment for John Swinney?

"Will you be the energy secretary?" Last night, ahead of today's cabinet appointments, Stephen Flynn was asked by Calum Macdonald if he would take up the role of energy secretary... Would he be a good appointment for John Swinney?

Would further fiscal autonomy for the Scottish Parliament lead to independence? Would further powers bring Scotland one step closer to independence… or would it be, as Andy puts it, ‘the best strategy unionists have’?

Should Scotland have an agreed threshold for a Referendum? Geoff Aberdein wonders if, now that John Swinney’s mandate for independence hasn’t been met, whether it would be wise for political parties to agree on a threshold for a second referendum in future elections.

Should Scotland have an agreed threshold for a Referendum? Geoff Aberdein wonders if, now that John Swinney’s mandate for independence hasn’t been met, whether it would be wise for political parties to agree on a threshold for a second referendum in future elections.

“Their decision has been made for them” Will the fact that Reform was locked out of post-election talks, lead to them doubling down as the ‘disruptors’ at Holyrood?

Andy Maciver reacts to the news that Douglas Lumsden is set to run in the Aberdeen South Westminster by-election, just a few days after being re-elected to The Scottish Parliament. The seat will be vacated by Stephen Flynn who is leaving Westminster for Holyrood.

“Really bad politics from him as well, I’m afraid” Geoff Aberdein suggests that Russell Findlay’s decision not to meet the First Minister for post election talks is a really poor political decision. Why would they refuse a chance to get their policy priorities on the record?

“I’m tired of people whining about it afterwards… go and vote” Andy Maciver reflects on the Scottish election results, and suggests that the system could function better if different, Scotland only, political parties ran for election to Holyrood.

"Getting a majority is not what's supposed to happen" Andy Maciver suggests that a majority in parliament for the SNP after tomorrow’s election proves that the system does not work properly.

“If it was a trap… fair play to them” Geoff Aberdein reacts to John Swinney claiming responsibility for Donald Trump’s removal of whisky tariffs, and asks whether the ensuing social media war was a deliberate campaign strategy from the SNP.

“For the SNP to get a majority they would pretty much have to win every marginal” Andy Maciver sets out how the SNP could achieve their coveted majority, and that it would take more than a couple of lucky results if they were to pull it off.

Will Russell Findlay lose his seat? Andy Maciver looks through The Times Scotland's constituency-by-constituency poll. He points out that if it’s correct and Jackson Carlaw remains an MSP, it could very well result in Russell Findlay losing his seat...

“The influence of Nicola Sturgeon on the SNP manifesto is far greater than I expected” Andy Maciver points out that the SNP's manifesto policies are very similar to those of Nicola Sturgeon’s: there is a great focus on social issues, but not so much on the economy…

“They are disruptors… that is what they do” Geoff Aberdein looks back at Reform UK Scotland’s campaign for Holyrood and concludes that they have done a good job at breaking the system, even if they are not aiming for government quite yet.

“If you don’t meet that self metric for success… the result will be viewed as a failure” Geoff Aberdein asks what a good result for the SNP may look like, and why they may have shot themselves in the foot with their national seat target.

“That’s the sort of debate we should be having” Andy Maciver says that Ross Greer and Malcolm Offord’s spat on last week’s STV debate has sparked something that the campaign has been missing: actual philosophical debate on how to run the country.

“I don’t believe any of them” Calum Macdonald reads a message from one of Scotland’s modern studies teachers who suggests that they have no idea who they will vote for, and that they might even spoil their ballot. Another example of voter apathy: will we see a record low turnout?

“He doesn’t even have to look at them” If Reform UK and the Scottish Conservatives have a chance to elect Labour’s Anas Sarwar as First Minister, will they do so? Andy Maciver explains why he thinks that they won’t have a choice.

Could the SNP change their strategy after the election? Geoff Aberdein wonders if the SNP could take a step back from independence and focus on working in tandem with other parties public service reform, if they fail to earn a majority in the Scottish Parliament.

Does an SNP majority actually rely on Reform success? Andy Maciver suggests that SNP achieving their target of a majority in the Scottish Parliament could come down o how much Reform is able to split other parties’ vote on polling day.

“People expected more from this government” Geoff Aberdein reacts to another week of scrutiny and pressure on Keir Starmer, and suggests that people are simply seeing more of the same from Labour, after being promised change.

“We’re in a bit of a nadir in terms of our political options” Andy Maciver points to a lack of positivity during the Scottish Parliament election campaign and suggests that most people will feel as if they are voting for the ‘least worst option’.

Will Reform do better than expected? Geoff Aberdein questions whether there is hidden support for Reform UK across Scotland that hasn’t been picked up in the polls, and how that could affect the outcome of next Thursday’s election.

Negative campaigns everywhere… but where’s the vision? Without clear solutions—on the NHS or anything else—it all starts to ring hollow. Voters hear the noise. They’re still waiting for the answers. #Scotland #Politics #Elections #NHS #UKPolitics

“None of these gimmicks make any difference” Food price caps might win headlines in a campaign – but strategically? A disaster. #Scotland #Politics #Economy #Elections #UKPolitics

Labour at a crossroads… but which way do they turn? Pulled between left and centre, with no clear direction. And in politics, you don’t get endless chances—pick the wrong leader, and the clock starts ticking. #UKPolitics #Labour #Elections #Leadership #Politics

Anas Sarwar — clear, confident and bold… but is anyone listening? Strong in interviews, sharp on tax, growth and education. But when Westminster looms large, even the clearest message gets drowned out. #Scotland #Politics #Elections #UKPolitics

When even Pat McFadden can’t defend Starmer, you know it’s serious. Olly Robbins out over the Mandelson scandal - is the PM on the brink? Careful words, half-answers… In politics, hesitation speaks loudly… But who’s ready to step up? #UKPolitics #Labour #Leadership #Westminster #Politics

John Swinney is skipping Question Time tonight… smart move or missed moment? When you’re ahead, the risk isn’t losing ground—it’s making a mistake. But aren’t big platforms there to be taken? #Scotland #Politics #SNP #Elections #BBCQuestionTime

“This is always going to be a trick for unionist parties” Geoff Aberdein speaks on unionists parties' refusal to mention independence, reflecting on Malcolm Offord’s suggestion that there could potentially be a referendum down the line.

Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver discuss Reform’s recent Aberdeen rally, where Nigel Farage suggested that the party can take power at Holyrood in 2031… not in 2026 as Scottish leader Malcolm Offord has previously claimed.

The SNP’s secret weapon? Andy Maciver suggests that the lack of a Scottish Greens candidate in most constituency seats, will aide the SNP. The latest YouGov projection has taken this into account and it awarded John Swinney’s party an even higher number of seats than in previous polls. |

“The gap in the market is to be pro devolution” Andy Maciver Suggests that Scotland is in need of a pro-devolution party that wants to utilise both Westminster and Holyrood, and that it could be the key to electoral success in the Scottish Parliament.

“He’s having a decent campaign” Geoff Aberdein looks back at this week’s manifesto launches for Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens, pointing out merits in both.

A moment... of sorts? Geoff Aberdein reflects on the political implications of last night's Scottish leaders debate, and the notable spat between Anas Sarwar, Malcolm Offord and John Swinney.

“Like pin the tail on the donkey” Andy Maciver suggests that predicting a number of seats for any party is almost impossible, pointing to the fluctuating numbers of SNP seats in opinion polls.

@markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social asks what the dynamic will be in marginal constituencies across Scotland, pointing out that in most cases tactical voting seems to be to against Reform UK. He questions whether that will help the SNP or Labour the most…

“In order to be a nation that builds ships, we need to be a nation that has ships” Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein agree that Scotland should be a nation of shipbuilding… but that currently Scotland’s infrastructure won’t allow for that to happen.

“There’s a possibility of an SNP majority” @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social points to polling that suggests that despite the SNP being down in the polls since 2021, that there is an outside chance of an SNP majority going into the election.

Andy Maciver blames the SNP for the ongoing issues with ferries to and from Scotland’s Western Isles, pointing out that coastal and rural infrastructure across the country leaves much to be desired.

"They tell you what they think" Andy Maciver suggests that Reform UK and the @scottishgreens.org have an unusual similarity... that being that they actually answer questions.

"There's no point cutting emissions if the rest of the world doesn't do that" Malcolm Offord responds to a question from Scottish Greens leader @ross-greer.bsky.social, as to whether or not climate change is real, suggesting that people should "follow the science".

@alex.scotlibdems.org.uk reflects on the ongoing shortage of functional ferries serving the Western Isles and outlines the reasons that he thinks it merits a recall of the Scottish Parliament.

@anassarwar.bsky.social claims that the culture at Holyrood does not focus on growing the Scottish economy and that he would be best placed to change its approach as First Minister.

"Starmer is not strong: he could concede on independence" @russellfindlay.bsky.social suggests that he thinks that it's not improbably that Keir Starmer could grant a second independence referendum if there is a pro-indy majority following the election.

NEW: @russellfindlay.bsky.social concedes that it would be a bad campaign move for him to suggest that he might be First Minister after the election and suggests that the UK party's record in government is to blame.

"Greens don't shy away from our policy positions" @ross-greer.bsky.social defends campaign strategies used by the England and Wales Greens during the Gorton and Denton by-election, and suggests that he would be comfortable with that style of campaigning in Scotland.

"Why not invest in industries that will guarantee jobs for the future?" @scottishgreens.org co-leader @ross-greer.bsky.social suggests that Scotland should invest in creating jobs in the renewable industry sector.

"My acceptance that not all has been well has resulted in me becoming First Minister of Scotland" @johnswinney.bsky.social reflects on his premiership and suggests that the tide is turning on public support for SNP governance and policies.

NEW: Live on our podcast, @johnswinney.bsky.social reverses the SNP's position on oil and gas. He says the war in the Middle East "changes the balance of the arguments".

Join us at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh as we record the biggest episode of Holyrood Sources yet as Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein interview the leaders of Scotland's six major political parties! Tickets available at: holyroodsources.com/live

"If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows." argues that Malcolm Offord choosing Reform UK as a route to get into the Scottish Parliament has put him in a "very difficult position." "He has invited this [scrutiny] on himself." |

Join us at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh as we record the biggest episode of Holyrood Sources yet as Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein interview the leaders of Scotland's six major political parties! Tickets available at: holyroodsources.com/live

Is Holyrood being "shrouded out" by global events? Energy prices, Middle East conflict, and the Trump White House: the issues dominating the doorsteps often aren't the ones MSPs can actually fix.

Join us at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh as we record the biggest episode of Holyrood Sources yet as Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein interview the leaders of Scotland's six major political parties! Tickets available at: holyroodsources.com/live

"Exams are not an intelligence test" Modern studies teacher, Thomas Robertson suggests that exams don't always provide an accurate measurement of a young person's potential.

Join us at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh as we record the biggest episode of Holyrood Sources yet as Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein interview the leaders of Scotland's six major political parties! Tickets available at: holyroodsources.com/live

"Poverty is like an anchor" Modern studies teacher Thomas Robertson, explains how poverty affects young people on a day-to-day basis in Scotland.

"You're severely limiting yourself" Andy Maciver suggests that the current Nat 5 system used in Scottish schools makes it hard for some young people to reach their full potential.

Are too many people going to university? The Scotsman's Education Correspondent, Catriona Stewart, reacts to Malcolm Offord's comments on university attendance in Scotland. She asks if it is, in fact, the right destination for everyone.

Andy Maciver questions Janine Leonard, from STAND UK, on the fact that 43% of young people in Scotland's classrooms receive some level of ASN, and whether this dilutes the assistance available for those most in need.

"It's not going to happen overnight" Geoff Aberdein shares his thoughts on the UK Government's windfall tax, and urges the energy secretary Ed Miliband to focus more of his time on the oil and gas sector.

Cllr Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh Northern, shares her view of the Lib Dem mindset heading into the election, and that Holyrood politicians should be more willing to work together.

Isla McCay, Labour candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch suggests to Calum Macdonald that voters are more concerned with devolved issues going into the Scottish Parliament election.

"Reform clearly benefits from that" @ailsahenderson.bsky.social, from the University of Edinburgh, suggests that Reform's messaging is resonating somewhat well with Scottish voters, but suggests that it's not the first time a party in Scotland has attempted to shake-up the status quo.

"Should this new mechanism come in place for 2027, industry will come to the table with significant multi-billion pound investment." Geoff Aberdein considers the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy prices - and why the UK Government needs to unlock domestic potential.

"Maybe it's time to get away from it all" @lloydmelville.bsky.social, SNP candidate for Angus South suggests that people have had enough of the Labour government at Westminster and that constitutional change is an issue that will drive voters to the polls at this May.

Why are the SNP not paying the cost of governing? @ailsahenderson.bsky.social from the University of Edinburgh points out that the SNP seem to bucking the trend of long-term governments waning in popularity, with the party ahead in every Scottish Parliament election opinion poll.

"The Scottish Greens' brand is STRONG?" @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social, Andy Maciver and Calum Macdonald discuss the Greens unique brand within Scottish politics and how that could help them during election campaigns.

"We don't know what the endgame is" Geoff Aberdein asks Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi from the University of St Andrews, his thoughts as to how the ongoing conflict in Iran might come to an end.

40% of voters could change who they support...? @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social implies that almost half of Scottish voters could be persuaded to change their ballot ahead of the election.

"A deeply seated enmity towards Iran" Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi comments on the UK and Europe's lack of response towards the conflict in Iran, and suggests reasons why.

"The most disproportional election post devolution" @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social from Ipsos, suggests that the first-past-the post element of the Holyrood electoral system could result in a disproportionate outcome.

"The end of the Islamic Republic" Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi shares his views on the impact of the conflict on Iranian citizens.