Politics Galore! A Scottish Politics Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andrew Jackson
In the last podcast before the summer, we look back on what's been going on in Scottish politics, mainly with the SNP, and wonder "What next?"
The Visitor Levy, dubbed a Tourist Tax by its detractors, could be a win for local democracy - or could it? Why talk politics when you can talk policy? Enjoy!
This week we talk with Fife councillor Graeme Downie about the latest Audit Scotland overview of local government in Scotland. Enjoy!
This week we welcome back Alastair Stewart and talk about Our Scottish Future and where we're at with visions for Scotland, whose visions they are and what information we all need to be able to make up our minds about what they should be.
This week Shona Robison warned of tight budgets ahead whilst The Promise (a flagship initiative of Nicola Sturgeon's government) recommended radical changes to the Children's Hearing System, which could cost a fair whack. How should a Scotland that self-identifies as progressive be spending its money?
"Commissioners to the left of them, commissioners to the right of them, into the valley of oversight rode the public authorities." This week we're talking about... commissioners! Any good? Too many? Not enough? Listen and learn!
We're finally back! Through fire & flood. Sort of. Anyway, this week we talk about continuity radicalism and other absurdities, pedestrian policy proposals; jury-less rape trails; Maggie Chapman's conflict of interest and Lorna Slater's boat. Enjoy!
This week we talk to Gordon MacRae of Shelter Scotland about what's needed to address Scotland's continued need for more affordable housing and to reduce the number of folk who are homeless.
We continue on with a theme from last week and talk about the Health Foundation's January 2023 report on health inequalities in Scotland: 'Leave no one behind.' You can find the report here: https://www.health.org.uk/publications/leave-no-one-behind
This week we talk about health inequalities in the context of the SNP leadership election on the back of the Poverty Alliance & Robertson Trust leadership hustings on solving poverty.
We review the ‘Bloody Tuesday’ STV News SNP Leadership debate, talk about the role of public affairs professionals at times like these and take a look at Scottish government funding transparency.
A bumper episode this week on... what else? The SNP leadership race! May joy be unconfined!
Is a vote for independence a vote to rejoin the EU? Scottish Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, seems to think so. We discuss.
This week we discuss the stramash over the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Act 2022, the UK government's blocking of it with a section 35 order and related issues.
In our first podcast of 2023 we welcome Lucy Miller & Clare Slipper from Women in Public Affairs Scotland and talk about forthcoming big developments for that network as well as what's been on their minds when it comes to Scottish politics.
In our last podcast of 2022, we talk about the division, anger & absence of nuance which continues to characterise our Scottish politics and hope (probably naively) for a better 2023. Ho, ho, ho!
This week, the fallout from the Supreme Court decision on indyref2 and the SNP Westminster group's pistols at dawn feat. the splendidly acidic sarcasm of Pete Wishart. Enjoy!
In this month's Women in Public Affairs Scotland takeover, Clare Slipper, Lucy Miller and Kimberley Somerside talk the Supreme Court ruling on indyref 2, the cost-of-living crisis implications on health equalities and human rights, and Spotify wrapped.
This week the podcast is dusted with sprinklings of the autumn statement, the Fraser of Allander Institute, Audit Scotland's report on Scotland's public finances, the Scottish Green's independence paper and the non-coup not to oust Ian Blackford. Enjoy!
"SNP backbenchers are revolting!" That's a joke, you see, because some of them rebelled in a parliamentary vote, as did a Minister. Plus: did you know there were new rules about fireworks? Us neither! We talk SNP splits and government publicity. Enjoy!
On a momentus day in Scotland for trans rights, as the Gender Recognition Reform Bill clears stage 1 at the Scottish Parliament, we have a recent Women In Public Affairs Scotland interview with campaigner and NUS Scotland president Ellie Gomersall. Enjoy!
This week we look at proposals to add a range of economic, social and cultural rights to Scotland's human rights firmament. The SPICe briefing we refer to can be found here: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefings/Report/2022/3/16/fcf45055-9ebf-48ca-b2b6-11787fcb3232
This week, the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, appeared before the Convenors Group of the Scottish Parliament. What's that all about then?
Trussed up like a Prime Minister: will our new PM stick to the Tories' mandated menu or serve up something less palatable and, either way, how do we ease Scotland's constitutional constipation?
We're back after our summer break to skip once more through the flower-bedecked Elysian fields of Scottish politics. Or at least to take the High Road to get to Scottish politics afore ye. Or something. Enjoy!
This week, WIPA's Lucy Miller, Clare Slipper & Kimberley Somerside sign us off for the summer talking about abortion, buffer zones, independence and what they're looking forward to next parliamentary term. You can donate to Walk the Walk here: https://walkthewalk.enthuse.com/donate#!/ and email WIPA Scotland at wipascotland@gmail.com
Should the SNP be calling pest control? Is the First Minister's sense of good judgement all it's cracked up to be? Plus, strikes, Mick Lynch and whether some journalists are treating the public like mugs. Enjoy!
This week we talk to Councillor Graeme Downie, recently elected to the West Fife and coastal villages ward in Fife, about all things local government. Enjoy!
This week, in a change from our usual Scottish beat, Grainne Walsh from public affairs consultancy, Stratagem, talks us through the current politics of Northern Ireland. Enjoy!
This week features the WIPA team's interview with Mairi McAllan MSP, Scottish Government Minister for the Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform, from WIPA's first in-person live event of 2022.
This week, Sue Gray's report and what good and bad governance means for Scottish independence and devolution. Plus we do a bit of Understanding Scotland via the latest report from the Diffley Partnership.
Scottish Government steps back from going full Wolf Hall, just about swerving an absolute monarchy, plus 'a Bickering of Council Coalitions', if that is the right collective noun (clue: it is). Have fun!
This week we talk to Anna Cowan of the ‘Back Off’ campaign for buffer zones at abortion clinics.
This week the Women in Public Affairs (WIPA) Scotland team speaks to Talat Yaqoob, award-winning campaigner and writer specialising in women’s equality and anti-racism. The episode is a segment from an event focused on Talat's incredible work and women's particpation in politics and public life.
This week we welcome friend of the podcast Alastair Stewart of Orbit Communications and discuss the new Scottish Council on Global Affairs. Enjoy!
This week, we discuss Graham Simpson MSP's proposal for a Removal from Office and Recall (MSPs) Bill. Enjoy!
Ferries in Scotland, democracy accountability, government incompetence plus 'Is the theatre of the Scottish Parliament's convenors' group that of the absurd?' Enjoy! If that's the right word.
This week the Women in Public Affairs (WIPA) Scotland team talk to Charlotte Adamson, chair of WIPA (in London) and an account director at Cicero/amo. Enjoy!
Today we talk about working in public affairs, policy and communications with Clare Slipper, podcast regular in her WIPA role, and Senior Associate at the strategic communications agency, Message Matters. Enjoy!
For this week's Women in Public Affairs Scotland takeover, Kimberley Somerside and Clare Slipper speak to Eilidh Dickson, Policy and Parliamentary Manager at Engender (Scotland). Listen in to their chat about misogyny and criminal justice and the Scottish Parliament's gender audit, plus what they've been enjoying reading!
This week, Freedom of Information, how open is government really, how open could it be & why isn't it? Plus state pensions after Scottish independence as an example of how hard it is for citizens to get hold of the facts.
"It takes two!" sang Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston. Or does it? This week, unicameral and bicameral assemblies and parliamentary innovations with Dr. Andrew Williamson. Enjoy!
This week Kimberley Somerside and Sarah Cowie from WiPA speak to Clare Morrison, Director for Scotland of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, about the National Care Service, NHS Near Me and sustainability in pharmacy.
What do the Scottish Government's proposals for regulating the legal profession tell us about the separation of powers, democracy, politics and the state of our MSPs and the Scottish Parliament?
"Money's too tight to mention". What's in the Scottish budget, what's not and why it's tough to tell one way or the other plus: Is Moray Council gambling with democracy?
This week we’re talking with Dougie Peedle about the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s latest campaign; Help Nature Help Us. Enjoy!
This week, Clare Slipper, Sarah Cowie and Debbie McCreath from Women in Public Affairs Scotland talk about Scotland's growing bioeconomy, and the opportunities that Scottish innovation and technology can create for food production and land management.
This week: what does a good food nation mean if it doesn't mean a right to food and what does a right to food entail? Plus, political divisions around the National Care Service.
This week, we talk with Gordon Johnston from the Scottish Mental Health Partnership on where Scotland is at in improving & treating the population's mental health.
This week: the Miners’ Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill feat. a trip to the 1980s plus a little bit more COP26.
In this week's Women in Public Affairs Scotland takeover, Kimberley Somerside and Clare Slipper talk about the only show in town - COP26. With a guest contribution from Lucy Miller, listen in to their discussion on COP26 ambitions, inspiration from climate activists, and the diplomacy around tackling the climate crisis.
This week, is the UK government putting devolution at risk? Plus the strikes around COP26 and does Glasgow need a pied piper?
This week we talk to one time Parliamentary staffer Ross Sanderson about what it was like to work at Holyrood and at Westminster for MSP and then MP, John Lamont. Plus; those Supreme Court decisions.
This week we’re talking with Dr. Sorcha Hume of Friends at the End, about Liam McArthur MSP's proposed Assisted Dying Bill.
This week: Women in Public Affairs Scotland talks to Jimmy Paul & Denisha Killoh of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance about what wellbeing economics are, why they matter, what people in public affairs can do to influence decision makers and what a wellbeing economy looks like in practice…plus a cat.
This week: political parties as in parties, not Parties (innocent fun or sinister DC-esque swamp?); Humza's tumble; and the Institute for Government reports on borrowing & currency in an independent Scotland.
David's back and we're talking about the Programme for Government, independence, a little bit more about the SNP/Green deal and comedians doing public service announcements. Enjoy!
This week we welcome Alistair Stewart of Orbit Communications back to the podcast to talk about the SNP/Green deal and Scotland’s approach to international affairs. Enjoy!
We're back - and how! This week, we're pleased to welcome Eve Livingston to the podcast to talk about her fantastic new book "Make Bosses Pay: Why We Need Unions" (from Pluto Press). Enjoy!
End of term random ramblings that take us to discussing who the next SNP leader might be... and who it shouldn't be! We break for the summer so see you in the autumn. Have a good one.
This week, WiPA Scotland chat with Scottish Greens Co-Leader and newly elected MSP Lorna Slater on experiences of entering Holyrood, the cooperation agreement talks, the green agenda, and circus skills!
This week, some comparative politics between Sweden and Scotland with Prof. Jonas Hinnfors, Professor of Political Science at the University of Gothenberg and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Stirling. Enjoy!
This week we talk to Graham Atkins of the Institute for Government about their recent report ‘Devolved Public Services: The NHS, schools and social care in the four nations’. How is Scotland doing in the UK context? Listen in & find out! You can find the report here: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publications/devolved-public-services
This week WIPA discuss Covid, the new Scottish Cabinet, Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement of priorities for her ‘first 100 days’, cross-party cooperation, an SNP/Green coalition and our new Scottish parliamentarians.
This week, Gordon MacRae of Shelter Scotland explains what the housing pledges in the SNP & Green manifestos might mean for affordable housing in Scotland in this Scottish Parliamentary session. Enjoy!
This week, we dissect the Scottish election results with Graeme Downie, Director, Orbit Communications inc. how radical might the Greens be & what chance of a second independence referendum? Enjoy!
This week: the Scottish election, dental policy, means testing, candidates to watch (Andy Wightman, Peter Krykant & Bonnie Prince Bob)and a VERY special announcement! Enjoy!
This week, Professor Sir John Curtice of Strathclyde University and What Scotland Thinks & What UK Thinks on the Scottish election. Need we say more? Enjoy!
This week, it's more random ramblings on the Scottish election including manifestos, the dominance of the independence question and a penny bag of Scottish political all sorts. Enjoy!
This week, a random pick 'n' mix of reflections on the election in Scotland so far. Inspirational? Depressing? Listen in and all will be revealed... enjoy!
In a bumper edition this week, as he steps down as an MSP, we talk to John Finnie, about public service, moving parties over NATO, the equal protection law and being a parliamentary parent. Enjoy!
In this episode, we welcome Labour MSP Neil Findlay and talk about his experiences in the Scottish Parliament, his campaigning work on trans-vaginal mesh and life after Holyrood. Enjoy!
This week we interview the outgoing Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Ken Macintosh MSP, on his long career in politics and the development of the Parliament since its inception in 1999. Enjoy!
This week we talk to outgoing MSP Gail Ross about her time in the Scottish Parliament and the ups and downs of being the elected member for the largest mainland constituency in Scotland, and of family, the Faroes & the future. Enjoy!
This week, in celebration of International Women's Day, we hand over the podcast to Women in Public Affairs Scotland (with WIPA organising committee members Kimberley Somerside, Clare Slipper & Debbie McCreath) who are talking Covid-19 lockdowns; the Scottish Climate Change Plan & IWD itself inc. Choose To Challenge. Enjoy!
This week we talk to Emily Gray, MD of Ipsos Mori in Scotland, about their latest poll on voting intentions and what it tells us about where we're heading as we move towards the 2021 Scottish election.
Scottish politics is constipated and the independence issue is the plug in the pipe. Until the country poops it out (one way or the other), we won't be able to stomach the real policy change the nation needs. Plus the Salmond Inquiry. Enjoy!
This week we speak to Anas Sarwar MSP, currently Scottish Labour's spokesperson on constitutional affairs and candidate in the party's leadership election; about his life, his politics and his policies for the future of Scotland. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk to Gail Irvine from the Carnegie UK Trust about the Trust's new report on the minimum wage & work (produced together with the Learning and Work Institute) plus her thoughts on current Scottish politics more widely. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk with Suzanne Martin about the Domestic Abuse (Protection)(Scotland) Bill and mental health in the age of Covid-19. Enjoy!
We're back, after an extended break, with Dr. Coree Brown Swan of the Centre on Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh to talk about the Scottish Citizen's Assembly’s recent report and the relationships between states and citizens and between states. Enjoy!
Tonight's episode: Scottish drugs policy. What's going on and what it tells us about Scottish politics & society; with guest David Scott from Nil By Mouth.
Tonight we talk to Dave Eiser of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde about what Rishi Sunak’s spending review means for Scotland & other matters economic. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk about the fissiparous SNP & its NEC; £500 bonuses for health and care staff, free school meals and whether anyone can figure out how to judge Nicola Sturgeon on her record on education. Enjoy!
It's our 100th episode! In it we talk to Neil Gray MP on the differences between Westminster and Holyrood, his decision to leave the former for the latter and whether a second Scottish independence referendum is imminent. Enjoy!
We talk to campaigner Eireann McAuley about teacher training, oversupply, undersupply & Covid plus the scribbled notes that pass for Scottish Government education policy. Enjoy!
It’s our bumper US election special! With a REAL LIVE AMERICAN (Patrick Hogan)! What does a Joe Biden Democratic presidency mean for the States and for Scotland? Enjoy!
So much for a Scottish green new deal. We talk about the recent STUC report 'Scotland's Renewable Jobs Crisis' with Francis Stuart. Enjoy is probably not the right word this time.
Tonight we welcome friend of the podcast & public affairs guru Graeme Downie of Orbit Communications and talk Covid, the SNP and The Winter's Tale of Jeremy Corbyn (exit pursed by a journalist).
Its SNP-tastic today! Kate Forbes and the Scottish budget; those text messages (yes, the Peter Murrell and Alex Salmond ones)and a bit of Covid stuff, where we feel sorry for Nicola Sturgeon. Blimey, what times we live in!
Do the results of the latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey give Scotland's politicians a licence to be radical? Tax rises for all? Listen on...
In this episode we talk with Alastair Stewart of Orbit Communications about the position of the Scottish Tories and about innovation in community engagement & consultation. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk with Dr. Tim Rideout of the Scottish Currency Group and Modern Money Scotland about currency in a newly independent Scotland. Fascinating and illuminating in equal measure. Enjoy!
"Breaking the Law, Breaking the Law!" No, it's not Judas Priest, it's the UK Government! We discuss why this is manna from heaven for the independence movement. Plus it's a thin line between love and the Hate Crime Bill before Holyrood. Love it? Hate it? Understand it? Listen on...
Here we go again! Tonight: the SNP's performance under Covid19 - and why it no longer matters when it come to independence & indyref2 plus Scottish Labour's latest internecine woes. "Lead On MacDuff(er)!"
We look back on Scottish politics over the last few months (bit of Covid19, not too much tho) and ponder what may (or may need to) come next. Last one for now, back in the autumn. Enjoy!
This week we talk about the possible future make up of the Scottish Parliament after the 2021 Scottish elections, with guest Neil Cardwell. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk about the future of the Scottish political landscape and all things innovation with Adam Lang of NESTA Scotland. Enjoy!
Tonight we're with one of the Scottish Parliament's three Highlands and Islands region Conservative MSPs; Jamie Halcro Johnstone, talking Covid19, virtual parliaments and Scottish education. Enjoy!
Tonight we talk virtual parliaments (and a little. bit of Covid-19) with Director of the John Smith Centre at Glasgow University, Kez Dugdale. Enjoy!
In this special bonus episode we talk to SNP and Yes activist Kairin van Sweden about a Scottish currency, Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and other things economic. Hope you enjoy it!
Tonight we're talking equalities and Covid19 with Vonnie Sandlan of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland. We also namecheck IPPR's Russell Gunson and discuss cloning Katherine Trebeck of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. Enjoy!
This week we're all about a Universal Basic Income (UBI) with Jamie Cooke, who leads the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce)in Scotland. Enjoy!
Escape from Covid19! Instead, on the back of Kevin McKenna's recent article in The National we ask if we really do need 'nasty bastards' in Scottish politics (and the SNP and Yes movement in particular). Enjoy!
We're back after Scottish Parliament recess, talking Covid19. What else? At least for now. If you'd like us to talk about something else or would like to be a guest, by all means get in touch. Enjoy!
Coronavirus straight up with a twist of Scottish politics. Made remotely whilst working from home. Not a baked potato but hey, still a treat! With returning guest, Alastair Stewart of Orbit Communications. "From a social distance there is harmony."
The coronavirus/covid-19 & Scottish politics. We cover the crisis, including how Nicola Sturgeon and Jason Leitch have handled it, and we briefly celebrate Holyrood passing the FGM Act. Take care folks and enjoy!
Tonight we talk to the team from 'Women in Public Affairs Scotland' about the new network and about their take on Scottish politics. Enjoy!
We're at the News Direct 20th birthday party this week with a bumper crop of guests including Kirsty Regan, Gail Irvine, Mark Ballard, Natalie Mauchline & Sarah Cowie. Enjoy!
It's a third sector heavy gig tonight as David goes solo at the SCVO Gathering and produces a patchwork podcast with Frank Toner (British Lung Foundation), Jamie Flaherty (SCVO), Nathan Sparling (HIV Scotland), Kim Atkinson (Scottish Sports Association), Anna Fowlie (SCVO), Adam Lang (NESTA) and Rob Murray (Cancer Support Scotland). Enjoy!
Tonight we're once again unexpectedly guestless as, in the wake of the Derek Mackay scandal, we ask 'Has this SNP government run out of steam?' and 'Why can't politics be more honest about complexity?' Plus a namecheck for James McEnaney. Enjoy!
Tonight: "It's a waste of (Scottish Parliamentary) time if you know what I mean... flag day..." Or is it? With a nod to the Housemartins (a band) we talk flags, Scottish visas, 'big' announcements, independence polls and poor politics. Enjoy!
This week we talk about autism, welfare reform, Scottish Labour & indyref2 with Nick Ward from Autism Scotland. Enjoy!
This week we discuss Monica Lennon MSP's Period Products Bill, which seeks to tackle period poverty and is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament, with Nicoletta Primo from Girl Guiding Scotland. Enjoy!
Happy New Year! We're back, talking about independence. No not that one, we mean for Scottish Labour and the Scottish Tories! We're joined by Alastair Stewart of Orbit & The Scotsman, who raises the intellectual level of the podcast to unheard of highs! Enjoy!
Tonight: General Election post-mortem and, what with one thing and another, we posit that Scotland will be independent by about 2030.
Tonight: Nicola Sturgeon's recent appearance before the Committee Convenors Group at the Scottish Parliament and the SNP General Election Manifesto - and how they are related.
Tonight, the attractions of policy and the problems with politics with special guest, Kirsten Hogg. Enjoy!
A freewheelin' podcast tonight where we reflect on how we feel about being in amongst Scottish politics as the General Election looms and what it looks like to us. Subjective? Yup. Entertaining? Hope so!
It's the general election so we talk about every politicians' favourite political football, the NHS. Which is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. So isn't actually a thing in this election. Except it always is 'eh? Anyway, it's about Audit Scotland's latest report.
We're back after Scottish Parliament recess with (drum roll)... the UK General Election! What else? Enjoy!
The Anatomy of a Campaign: podcast co-host David McColgan talks us through the multi-award winning campaign that he spearheaded to see CPR taught in every Scottish school. Free!
This week, we've Mags Hall, environmental activist & Scottish Green Party staffer at the Scottish Parliament, who, as you'll hear, brings dedication, enthusiasm & an incredible amount of (presumably renewable) energy to tackling the climate emergency. Enjoy!
For one night only! If you have a political problem, maybe Nathan Sparling of HIV Scotland, late of the SNP at Holyrood & Westminster, can solve it. A fascinating interview with a true political insider and part-time agony-aunt drag queen! Enjoy!
This week; campaigning councillor Claire Miller, from Edinburgh, redefines what it means to be green as we talk about what her business background does for her politics and her work on transformational transport & city centre housing. Enjoy!
We're back! We start with the Programme for Government at the Scottish Parliament and spin off into the state of the parties, with elections in mind... and some other Westminstery stuff. Enjoy!
At 20.20 on 20 June in 2019 it's 20 years of the Scottish Parliament! In a podcast that is...oh, 35 minutes long. Well, anyway, hindsight is 20/20 vision and so we talk about the last two decades of Holyrood in all its rags and its riches. Enjoy!
Tonight we welcome the remarkable Lorna Slater: Scottish Green Party activist; engineer & in business with Orbital Marine; talking green politics, women in politics & all sorts of other inc. further plugs for Caroline Criado Perez's book! Enjoy!
This week we welcome journalist Eve Livingston. We talk about her work and the social justice, equality & other political issues that drive her including the representation of women in politics, equal pay, drug treatments and trans rights.
The EU Elections aftermath: what it means for Scotland's immediate political future and where it leaves the Scottish political parties. Plus Tory leadership race chuckles. Enjoy!
This week: Is there a cunning SNP plan behind Green MSP John Finnie's stage 2 'workplace parking levy' amendment to the Transport (Scotland) Bill for have we just drunk too much coffee? YOU DECIDE! By listening. Oh, and some EU Elections stuff too. Enjoy!
In a podcast that will warm the cockles of (Housing Minister) Kevin Stewart's heart, we talk housing in Scotland plus a bit of Brexit and more with Callum Chomzcuk of the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland. Enjoy!
This week: the Scottish age of criminal responsibility rises to 12 but is it enough?; who's for elected committee convenors in the Scottish Parliament? and if there's a climate emergency what, other than retaining ADT, will the Scottish Government do about it? Enjoy!
Political Potlatch! The six tests & the indyref2 SNP currency hoo-haa; the crazy world of Westminster: Williamson sacked, Onasanya recalled; Wishart for Speaker and finally; Return of the Ruth. Enjoy!
What else this week after Nicola Sturgeon's announcement? Indyref2 plus a little bit about EU elections. Enjoy!
This week: Is new campaign #ScotlandIsNow too 'political'? Plus latest ONS poverty statistics: what do they really tell us and what kind of policy response is needed?
On not-Brexit-after-all-day we catch up on the delay to the Scottish Government's '(un?)named person' plan and the Scottish Parliament's new sexual harassment policy, the only proposal to stop things happening that we can all agree on. Enjoy!
This week; land reform: MSP Andy Wightman's recent Scottish Parliament members' debate; reports from Community Land Scotland and the Scottish Land Commission and what does it all mean for the person in the street, lane or open ground miles from anywhere. Enjoy!
This week: Brexit, Indyref2 and the state of the Scottish parties & Scottish politics with one of Scotland's premier plugged-in politicos: Alastair Ross. Enjoy!
David's away so we welcome guest co-host Peter McColl and talk about the so-called 'Green Deal' that got the Scottish Budget through and the state of the parties in Scotland. Enjoy!
Tonight: Is Anna Soubry now Mrs TIGgywinkle? We talk The Independent Group and Scotland. Is the car park tax actually real and will it grind hard-working Scots to penurious dust? Not if you vote Conservative in 2021 apparently. Lastly, Shamima Begum: nothing to do with Scotland... or is she? Enjoy!
This week we talk sustainable development and open government with Ruchir Shah of SCVO. Enjoy!
This week: Ross Greer v. Piers Morgan; HMA v. A. Salmond; the Scottish Budget process v. fundamental misunderstandings about the nature of Scottish parliamentary democracy. Enjoy!
This week Graeme Downie from Orbit Communications joins us to peer into the abyss of a Scottish politics outside Brexit and Alex Salmond's troubles and ask: is there NOTHING ELSE happening and, if there isn't, what should?
This week we talk about Neil Findlay MSP's Member's Bill: "Proposed Restrictions of Outside Remuneration etc. of MSPs" i.e. potentially banning second jobs or other outside earnings for those elected to the Scottish Parliament. Enjoy!
In our first podcast of 2019 we juxtapose the Alex Salmond allegations with the provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament and discuss what this unlikely pairing tells us about the state of Scottish politics. Enjoy!
We reflect on 2018, the Parliamentary gloom, the political doom but also the causes for optimism. Enjoy! And Merry Christmas, Happy Hogmanay and a Prosperous New Year for 2019!
Tonight we talk Brexit (after this week's Westminster farrago); the Scottish Budget and a second independence referendum (indyref2) with special guest host, Peter McColl. Enjoy!
This week we have an interview with Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton with a focus on his leading work to improve mental health services in Scotland. Hope you like it!
2018 is the Year of Young People and we're delighted to welcome Shaun Cairns of the Scottish Youth Parliament to the podcast. This is a great interview! Enjoy!
Health and Social Care Integration is a flagship Scottish Government policy currently under Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman MSP, but according to Audit Scotland's latest report the wheels on that bus just aren't going round. Whit's gaun oan? Listen and learn! Enjoy!
In a special extended podcast we talk to the brilliant James McEnaney, whose adventures on a motorbike across Scotland are as nothing compared to his courageous battles through the hostile jungles of Scottish education policy and Freedom of Information law. Enjoy!
To make up for the technical hitch of a fortnight ago an extended podcast tonight with the especially erudite & enthusiastic expert on all things innovative & creative when it comes to participative democracy: Oliver Escober! Enjoy!
Technical difficulties overcome, we're back and talking about the vision for education and health in Scotland - or possible lack of either inc. the recent work of the Scottish Parliament's Education & Skills and Health & Sport Committees and of Audit Scotland on the NHS. Enjoy!
After some drama up Mt Kilimanjaro, and both hosts having had a bug, we're back w/ David serving as a guest talking health policy; the differences and similarities between the 'devolved nations' polities; top tips for engaging with local government; the state of Scottish politics just now and some reflections on the controversial Sheku Bayoh case. Enjoy.
In a packed podcast tonight we're with Kirsty Regan of News Direct talking Inclusion Scotland's Election Fund for Disabled Candidates; Scottish Government reshuffles & Scottish Parliament committee changes; political engagement, political visions & politicians as people; domestic policy v. Brexit & IndyRef2 and (lastly) HIV Scotland funding. Enjoy!
This week we talk opinion polls and political research with expert pollster and researcher Mark Diffley, previously head of Ipsos Mori in Scotland and now an independent operator. Fascinating stuff! And there's some nice background muzak too. Enjoy!
With apologies for a bit of audio snap, crackle and pop, the latest podcast is here! This week we feature a full length interview with Katherine Trebeck of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance talking wellbeing, radically different economics and giving her take on current Scottish Politics. Enjoy!
Tonight, in the last 'cast before a break for the Scottish Parliamentary recess, we interview Peter McColl of NESTA & talk innovation across communities, tech, politics, parliaments, Brexit & IndyRef2. Enjoy!
This week we're talking about last night's Holyrood Magazine Garden Party & Political Awards with mentions for a (small) galaxy of political stars! Enjoy!
Tonight we gamely wrestle with some economic statistics courtesy of the latest reports from SPICE (the Scottish Parliament Information Centre) and, after taking a beating there, in the wake of another stadium-rock sized SNP conference in Aberdeen, we talk about the pros and cons of these political gatherings. Enjoy!
This week we're outside the Scottish Parliament in the sunshine interviewing Russell Gunson, Director of think-tank IPPR Scotland on Universal Basic Income, Child Poverty, the Growth Commission and the state of Scottish politics. Enjoy!
This week we have a full length interview with Danielle Rowley, MP for Midlothian, recorded at Newbattle Abbey College and kindly arranged by Neil Cuthbert at Public Affairs Co-op. Enjoy!
A bumper edition feat. a full interview with ace-lobbyist Luke Skipper of top PR outfit Weber Shandwick (at circa. 12mins) whilst your regular hosts talks defamation law, Andy Wightman and a quick bit on John Swinney at the Scottish Parliament's Education Committee. Plus a flat earth joke! Enjoy!
This week we talk the EU Withdrawal & Continuity Bills, the SNP long game and a little bit of IndyRef2 (wherein bass virtuoso Pete Wishart gets a mention) plus our fantastic Scottish Parliament Annual Report Quiz! Believe it, it's true. Enjoy!
In an interview special whilst David is off gallivanting, we talk to Fiona Garven of the Scottish Community Development Centre about people-powered politics, community engagement and the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Sorry for the cafe noise, needs must. Enjoy!
This week we welcome Richard Baker of Royal Blind & Scottish War Blinded and talk about his current work and his prior experience as an MSP. We've also got the Prescription (Scotland) Bill which tackles an issue thrown up by the 2004 Stockline factory explosion and we touch on the continuing controversy over the death of Sheku Bayoh in an incident involving Police Scotland.
David is back! We talk EU Withdrawal Bill, devolution & the value of the Scottish Parliament through the prism of its inspiring 3-MSP Committee on the Pow of Inchaffray! No idea what that is? Listen & learn! Enjoy!
We're back after our Easter break talking political inspiration, political activism and how Scottish politics feels right now in a full length interview with one of Scotland's most prominent and tireless independence campaigners; Shona McAlpine. Enjoy!
In Ep15. this week (29 March 2018) we have a full length interview with Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn and convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee. Enjoy!
This week we talk about where Scottish politics is at in the run up to the Scottish Parliament's Easter recess and interview Harriet Hall, Communications Manager at Children 1st, about diversity in the Scottish Parliament and in Scottish political life. Enjoy!
This week we talk about the shocking letter that, in the ongoing Mark McDonald MSP 'unwanted attentions' story, James Dornan MSP has sent to the Scottish Parliament's Standards Committee and we cover Anas Sarwar's new Cross Party Group on Islamophobia. We also have a cracking interview with Chloe Riddell, Policy Manager at the charity Children 1st. Enjoy!
In Episode 12 this week, with guest Neil Cuthbert of Public Affairs Cooperative, we ask how radical can Scottish Labour be and how radical do they need to be? Plus some EU Continuity Bill catch up leads us into the woods! Well, forestry and land reform anyway. Enjoy!
It's the 'Beast From The East' Snow Storm Special, in which we discuss the state of the Scottish Tories as their conference in Aberdeen is snowed off and also ask the question: "Is it a law? Is it a politics (a what)? Yes, er, no, er, both! It's the Scottish Government's 'UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity)(Scotland) Bill'. Try saying that after a couple of Drambuies! Enjoy!
We're back post @scotparl recess and in Episode 10 we welcome the mighty political nouse of Alastair Ross (@AlastairRoss) to the podcast, talking Scottish Budget and the state of the parties in Scotland. This one's a cracker! Enjoy!
This week we have a full length interview with Edinburgh Conservative Councillor Ashley Graczyk, who, after being newly elected in 2017, was described by the Scottish Daily Mail as "a noticeable presence in the Edinburgh City Chambers". Enjoy!
This week David is away but public affairs expert Callum Chomczuk of Pagoda PR is here in his stead. We talk about deal making and Stage 1 of the Scottish Budget, the brand new (hours old!) Domestic Violence (Scotland) Act 2018 and the state of the Scottish parties, with some doubtless unwise forays into election predictions. Enjoy!
This week we feature an interview with Ethan Young from Inclusion Scotland, who's working to make politics and parliament more accessible for disabled people in Scotland. We also touch on diversity and equality in the Scottish Parliament and discuss innovation by its Cross Party Groups.
This week we talk about James Kelly MSP's packed and controversial member's debate on the Scottish Sport Association in the Scottish Parliament and about the Local Government and Communities Committee's thoughtful and frank take on the progress (or lack of it) on Scotland's City Region deals. Enjoy!
In this week's episode we talk about the reform of the Scottish Parliament that will take place in the first half of 2018 and how we think the year might pan out in Scottish politics, with our guest Graeme Downie of top independent Scottish public affairs & PR firm, Orbit.
In a bumper Christmas 'cast before we break for the holidays we talk Scottish Budget, Brexit and Alabama as Caron Lindsay, Editor of Lib Dem Voice, takes us across borders and over the sea, and we feat. an interview with political monitoring guru Kirsty Peebles of News Direct on the imminent arrival of new lobbying law in Scotland.
Episode 3 feat. guest Susan Smith of Third Force News & talking Scottish Parliament Committees on Local Government, Subordinate Legislation, Post-Legislative Scrutiny, Ruth on the DUP, the Leonard-Led-Labour-Leap, ALEO tax breaks and a realignment of realignments in Scottish Politics plus Self Directed Support & Zero Tolerance. Enjoy!
Episode 2 feat. guest @leahfranchetti & talking @ScotParl @SP_HealthSport & 'that letter' to @JohnSwinney from @SP_EduSkills!
This week we discuss #Budget2017, Kez in the jungle, Alex on Russia Today and feature an interview with Kirstein Rummery Prof. of Social Policy of Stirling University. Enjoy!