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It's been a big week, is there any other kind these days, in politics.In Scotland we've seen events to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2014 independence referendum. Lesley was not only a central figure during that campaign but has also taken part in many of those events. We reflect on them and where the Yes movement and the SNP stand today.Lesley also reports back from last weekend's Scottish Currency Group Conference. There were some stellar speakers with some surprising viewpoints on currency and the EU.Check these two sites for possible future videos from the conferencehttps://www.spvr.orghttps://www.reservebank.scotMeanwhile in Liverpool it was the Labour Party Conference. We watched it so you didn't have to. Monday saw Rachel Reeves, Ian Murray, and Anas Sarwar( yup he showed up) take centre stage. We analyse their speeches , particularly what Labour's strategy for Holyrood 2026 will be,  and the "big one" on Tuesday from Sir Keir Starmer. Is there "light at the end of the tunnel", as he claims, or simp

Ten years after the Scottish independence referendum Lesley interviewed First Minister John Swinney in an exclusive for The National. We focus on this and the state of the independence movement and the SNP in the first half of this extended episode.Anas Sarwar emerged from hiding to pontificate on Glasgow hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. We have our say.Much was made in the media of Scotland's lack of spending on remediation work in the wake of the Grenfell Inquiry. The reality is a bit more complicated and nuanced. As Sir Keir Starmer comes under scrutiny for the variety of donations and hospitality he's received we look at both this and Anushka Asthana's new book Taken As Red which lifts the lid on the campaign to undermine and remove Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party.A significant element of the strategy was to paint Corbyn and his supporters as antisemitic. Stephen Pollard, when editor of the Jewish Chronicle, declared "I'm proud that we were relentless in our pursuit of Corbyn".Under the ne

In this episode we begin with today's (Tuesday's) debate and vote on Labour's proposal to scrap winter fuel allowance payments for the vast majority of pensioners.Who among Labour MPs rebelled? How many abstained? Which way did Scotland's new batch of Labour MPs vote?Why did Labour select this particular payment and what does it presage for Reeve's budget in October?We also examine the narratives surrounding the proposal being peddled by both Labour and Conservatives.Naturally we pay particular attention to the impact in Scotland.Lesley was part of the Stand Up To Racism anti-racist counter demonstration in George Square Glasgow last Saturday. She reflects on the day and its events.Lesley also took part in the launch of Building a Local Scotland.https://www.thenational.scot/news/24572042.campaigners-say-scottish-council-areas-large-work-properly/If you want to support this campaign go tohttps://buildlocal.scot/sign-the-declaration/ ★ Support this podcast ★

In this podcast extra we speak with Dr Tim Rideout of the Scottish Currency Group.The Currency Group's conference in Dunfermline on Saturday  the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of September " Preparing the Way for the Scottish Pound & Central Bank" features a stellar line up of economists and banking experts.We focus on the conference but also find out about Tim's background and some really interesting stuff, trust me on this, about the Isle of Man.To find out more about the conference follow this linkhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-currency-group-conference-tickets-965256055847 ★ Support this podcast ★

It's back tae auld claes and porridge fir Pat and it's back frae the SNP annual conference fir Lesley.However we begin with the damning Grenfell Inquiry report detailing the systematic dishonesty of companies, neglect and disregard of local and national governments- Labour ,Tory and LibDem/Tory.The SNP conference saw feisty motions passed from the floor on matters such as creating and implementing a Land Tax. But will it be the same old story of a party leadership too stuck in its centralising ways, and too timid to challenge Westminster "supremacy", to implement these as government policy?Shona Robinson outlined the £500 million cuts to Scottish spending plans. She laid the blame, correctly, at the feet of the new Labour government. However should she have been bolder in declaring precisely what an independent Scotland could do if it had full control of all its resources and fiscal powers? Could she also have taken steps to introduce those tax and spending options suggested by groups like Commonweal and the

As the SNP annual conference looms large on the horizon an air of pessimism seems to be permeating even the most committed supporters of independence. Not about the movement but the performance of the Scottish government and the internal operations of the party.The latest Holyrood opinion polls still suggest that the SNP will be the largest party post 2026 but that Labour could be in the position of cobbling together a Unionist governmental coalition of some sort.Stephen Flynn has been talking about the essence of a team approach. Has the SNP been a team? Why have  innovative ideas from both withing and outwith the closed leadership ranks fallen on deaf ears?We explore what might lie behind this malaise and what can be done to combat it.Part of the fightback might be to focus on Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves austerity measures particularly the means testing of the winter fuel allowance and the 10% rise in consumer electricity and gas prices. Could "It's Scotland's Energy" be the new "It's Scotland's Oil"

Two meetings with Daniela Gradsky, Israel's deputy ambassador to the UK , have dominated the stage this week.We question both the morality and the lack of political judgement of the Scottish government in sanctioning the one with External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson. This has engendered anger and condemnation within the SNP and the wider independence movement.The SNP has been swift in removing the whip from MSP John Mason who tweeted after his meeting with Gradsky. However he has doubled down on his abhorrent comments. Mason is part of the cross party Building Bridges with Israel Group in Holyrood. Who are they and who are their bedfellows?The Labour government seems intent on undermining the devolved settlement that they introduced with the handing over of around £150 million to the Scottish Office to spend directly. Is this a toe in the water to test reaction? Given the somewhat muted response to the means testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance is the SNP government up for the fight?Lesley explores the

In this episode we begin by reflecting on why there have, as yet , been no far-right riots in Scotland. Is it because, as George Kerevan has suggested in The National, that the development of a civic , progressive Scottish "nationalism" has created a different social/political landscape? We also consider his point that a continuing independence project is central to combatting racism.Lesley reflects on the response to her call for independence supporters to turn out in solidarity against the planned "Pro UK" rally in Glasgow on September the 7th.Meanwhile Elon Musk has launched a vitriolic attack on Humza Yousaf with spurious claims of racism. What malignant role is Musk and X playing in fuelling the far-right ? Should we be abandoning the platform?Musk also "interviewed" Trump on X. Pat listened so you didn't have to. We ask, has Trump lost the plot completely in the aftermath of Biden's withdrawal?The Harris/Walz ticket has turned the fortunes of the Democrats round in the US Presidential election campaign.

This episode is devoted almost in its entirety to the far right, Islamophobic, anti-migrant riots taking place across England and in Northern Ireland.Much blame has been laid at the foot of social media but how much responsibility does the press and broadcast media bear for platforming and forwarding far right commentators and views?We also examine the culpability of both the Tories and Labour for allowing the immigration is bad and the root cause of social deprivation narrative to dominate political discourse.Scotland has not seen any of these racist riots but with a "Pro UK" rally planned for George Square in Glasgow on September the 7th what should the response of anti-fascists be? No matter what happens has the majority of the media already written its negative headlines?We also give our thoughts on the Olympics and Lesley has a book recommendation and news of a rally on the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum.https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-bookseller-of-inverness/s-g-maclean/97815294142

The Portree Broadcasting Corporation was a pilot for a series that was never commissioned by BBC Scotland - recorded on Skye and produced by myself in 2004, with the object of letting islanders who never meet one another explore their cultures and take o'er the airwaves for one glorious hour of mayhem. It features Gaelic speakers Prof Norman Macdonald and Cailean Maclean plus Shetlander Phil Goodlad and Orcadian Dave Gray. I made myself the cynical newshound sent north from Glasgow to lick the islanders into shape after the Gaels who took over BBC Scotland decided to shift the newsroom to Skye - hence the name, the Portree Broadcasting Corporation. It's a wee bit of history - 20 years ago there were still tolls on the Skye Bridge and the great Dave Gray was wise-cracking as only he knew how. Dave (just retired as Station Manager at Radio Orkney) died suddenly in February 2024. The historian and BBC Skye reporter Prof Norman Macleod died a year earlier in 2023.Happily Phil, Cailean and myself are still going s

Joe Biden has been replaced by his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential candidate in what seems like lightning speed.We look at how and why it happened , the impact she might have on the Democrats' electoral fortunes, who her running mate might be and the inevitable less than gracious response from Trump and his supporters.However we kick off with the news that Stephen Flynn and the SNP's amendment on scrapping the two child benefit cap will be debated and voted on this evening. Given the ,apparent opposition to the cap by Scottish Labour, how will those 37 Scottish Labour MPs vote?Though we may be sceptical about how much change this new Labour government may bring there is an air of activity and energy about it.In comparison is the SNP leadership still wedded to old ways of centralised party management and control? is this exemplified by the draft agenda for its annual conference in August? An agenda drawn up before the crushing General Election defeat. Is the party , as John Swinney

The King's Speech. The first opportunity to test the reality of Labour's "Change" mantra. We examine what was in it and more importantly what wasn't.The "nationalisation" of rail was much trumpeted in particular but what's the reality of the claim? How symbolic of Labour's "Don't frighten the horses" approach to government is this policy?How will the SNP respond to the apparent vigour of the new Labour government? Will it hunker down and take refuge in old centralised certainties or open itself up to new ideas and ways of working?If we see ourselves as being ignored in Scotland think how it feels in Wales where the resignation of First Minister Vaughan Gethings was ousted from front website news on BBC Wales by Gareth Southgate's resignation as England football manager.We don't fall into that trap but don't just look at Gething's downfall but what it might mean for Welsh Labour and lessons for the SNP.In the flurry of news and opinion on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump many seem to have missed the

In this special Lesley reports from her time at the 2024 Orkney Folk Festival. Celebrating its 41st year the programme featured 52 events, including concerts, ceilidhs, lounge performances, workshops, talks and family events, at venues across Orkney. Designed to offer something for everyone with local and visiting artists, as well as contemporary and traditional folk music. ★ Support this podcast ★

No matter how it's spun last week's General Election result was a disaster for the SNP.Can a detailed analysis of the drop from 50% of the popular vote in 2014 to 30% and the reduction to just 9 MPs be carried out without descending into bitterness and the rabbit hole of recrimination?Where did the disconnect between half the Scottish electorate's desire for independence and the party's poor showing come from?Was it all about getting the Tories out or a verdict on domestic governance?Does the fall in voter turnout signal something deeply broken about politics?Focus is now being turned on what happens next now that Labour is in power at Westminster. Three interviews, one with Anas Sarwar, the others with Ian Murray and Jackie Baillie offered more than a glimpse into the Scottish dimension.Both of these took place within the framework of Rachel Reeves' first statement as Chancellor and the appointment of Sir Alan Milburn as advisor to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.Lesley appeared on The Tortoise podcast which

It's been a disastrous night for the Tories and the SNP but a great one for Labour. In this podcast special we give our immediate reaction to the result of the 2024 General Election.What now for the SNP?How significant is the rise in support for Reform?Can Labour live up to the trust placed in them by the voters? ★ Support this podcast ★

With less than 48 hours until the polls open we focus on Lesley's interviews with Lorna Slater, Alex Salmond and Stephen Flynn.What did we learn about their party policies and strategies? Were there any unexpected revelations?We also reflect on the drubbing Macron's centrist Ensemble party received in the first round of the French elections. Will a Republican coalition front emerge to stop Le Pen's National Rally gaining power? What lessons are there for other centrists like Starmer's Labour ?Lesley will be commentating on the election results on BBC Scotland from 3am-9am on Friday morning, somehow fitting a wee podcast in. ★ Support this podcast ★

For Scotland the men's Euros are over. We try and go beyond the football itself and look at the coverage of Scotland's games ,and if this latest set of defeats at a major competition tells us anything about our Scottish psyche.If the team lost the Tartan Army definitely won the hearts of the German people. What is so special about Scottish fans?It was the turn of the Scottish Tories to launch its manifesto on Monday. Rishi Sunak dutifully took a break from Gamblegate( more of this later) to pop up and offer his support to Douglas Ross. Two soon to be departed leaders? We go over it, so you can avoid the pain.Ross also appeared on Good Morning Scotland and Gary Robertson grilled him on devolution, reserved issues, and the democratic road to indy ref2.Yet another manifesto launch. This time the SNP's Climate and Just Transition. John Swinney has made a direct plea to Sir Keir Starmer to revisit and reinstate Labour's £28 billion green investment spending plan. Has the SNP managed to square that circle of protec

It's half time in the General Election campaign and the manifestos are coming thick and fast.It was Scottish Labour's turn this morning. We give our immediate reaction to the launch event, its narrative and themes , and wonder how, if at all, Scottish it was.Reform have overtaken the Tories in UK polling and look set to damage them in constituencies across England. For Pat's sins he took a look at Reform's manifesto.Much has been made of the predicted demise of the SNP given early polling. There is a fight between the SNP and Labour across Scotland but have certain polls exaggerated Labour support? We discuss the most recent MRP polls and the impact polling can have on voters and suggest that there is a different story unfolding.Scottish Opinion Polls (electoralcalculus.co.uk)The battle for Scottish marginals will be vital on July 4th. Best for Britain claims to give impartial advice on how to vote for pro EU candidates . Lesley questions their judgement and impartiality given their advice to vote Labour in S

In this late night episode we give our immediate reaction to the Scottish Leaders' debate on BBC Scotland.We also look back at a week which saw SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn receive rounds of applause in the 7 way UK equivalent particularly when he took on Farage and the great unspoken-Brexit .Meanwhile on Radio 4's Any Questions John Nicolson got exactly the same rousing response from the audience in Rutland( Yup it does exist in reality not just the fertile imaginations of Eric Idle and Neil Innes).You can listen to John herehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zw62Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for Rishi Sunak he decided to skip the international element of the D Day 80th anniversary commemorations and return home for an ITV interview and an election planning meeting. Is there a Labour plant in the Tory campaign team given the stupidity of that decision?Today also saw the launch of the Tory Party Election Manifesto. Over 70 pages worth but given the state of the polls and the crumbl

Monday saw the first election debate on STV and the return of Farage as leader of Reform and a candidate in the General Election. Farage captured the headlines across the media but how relevant is he and his party to Scotland?STV's "Leaders' Debate" was an odd affair in that it featured four male MSPs none of whom is standing for election to Westminster.We look at the debate and the attack and defence lines all four took.North Sea development and energy issues were central to the debate and Anas Sarwar punted a different line on the role of Labour's Great British Energy Company than that taken by Sir Keir Starmer. He also made promise after promise on spending and borrowing commitments which contradicted Rachel Reeves. Where does the truth lie? Labour sticking to rigid fiscal rules has come under attack by John Swinney and respected economic institutions such as the IFS. How effective will the SNP's ABC mantra- Austerity, Brexit , Cost of Living Crisis- prove to be with the electorate?Diane Abbott has now bee