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.
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.
A major new Ipsos poll drops — and the implications for Holyrood 2026 are huge. The SNP hold a stable lead. Labour has fallen sharply. Reform UK has surged into second place in the constituency vote, fuelled by the rise of immigration as a top concern for Scottish voters.
• Why Reform UK is gaining Scottish voters from both Labour and the Conservatives
• How immigration became a top-three issue in Scottish politics
• Why the SNP vote remains “sticky”
• Labour’s worsening poll numbers after Keir Starmer’s difficult months
• The Greens’ highly effective regional-vote strategy
• Whether Reform has reached its ceiling in Scotland
• What demographic groups are driving Reform’s rise
We also speak to Mark McGeoghegan of Ipsos, who analyses the polling in depth — approval ratings, demographic breakdowns, voting-intention shifts, and how Scottish voters feel about taxation and public spending.
And later: an interview with Michael Matheson, the outgoing SNP MSP, and former Transport Secretary. Will the A9 ever be fully dualled? Has the Scottish Government failed on delivery? Matheson responds.
Finally, we react to your messages about Malcolm Offord’s defection to Reform UK, including whether he boosts their credibility, fundraising and appeal — or whether he’s tied to rhetoric that will hurt the party in Scotland.
📲 Send us a message anytime
WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507
Email: hello@holyroodsources.com
If you enjoy Holyrood Sources, hit subscribe — we drop new episodes weekly, plus bonus interviews.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.