The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics.
Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com
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The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics.
Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Conservative MSP Maurice Golden
In this episode, we chat about:
🔹 Budget Day – Rachel Reeves’ survival strategy, the U-turn on income tax, the OBR downgrading UK growth, and how Labour MPs may break with leadership.
🔹 Reform UK’s surge – After a razor-thin by-election in Dumfries & Galloway, what does Reform’s rise mean for the Scottish Tories?
🔹 Maurice Golden’s candid take – On why the Conservatives can’t “out-Reform Reform”, populist positioning under Russell Findlay, and internal disagreements over energy policy.
🔹 The Net Zero fight – Offshore wind vs fishing, oil & gas realities, community benefit, and whether the Conservatives now want a moratorium on offshore wind.
🔹 Scottish infrastructure and manifesto strategy – A9 dualling, airport links, ports, rail freight, and whether voters want practical projects or political theatre.
🔹 Inside the Scottish Parliament exodus – With over 40 MSPs standing down, what does that mean for the quality of debate?
👉 Subscribe for full episodes, political insight, and analysis ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election.
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