The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson
  • 4.6 (263)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Sailing home to victory?

    In this week's eposide it's the final sprint to the line or should that be tacking or gybing or something more nautical. We look at the current state of the campiagns including Lord Offord's run down of his wealth indicators and the many boats he has at his dispoal. Fraser reports back from the mood on the doors in the final week of the election including insight into how people are splitting their vote across the constituency and list ballots. We discuss the fall-out of the sucess in remoing whisky tarrifs to the USA following the state visit and the stooshie over who gets the credit. And where next after polling day. LinksNeil Mackay interview with Stephen Boyd - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26074300.not-one-political-party-offering-scotland-really-needs/ Scotonomics change to Resilient Economy -  www.resilienteconomy.org Kevin McKenna hatchet job on Malcolm Offord - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26076979.underdogs-reform-uk-scottish-greens-much-common/ Film CrowdfunderThe Women who Won https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 18min

  2. 28 APR

    Mandates, Mandarins and the Mandelson Shadow

    Lesley and Fraser dive into a week of high-stakes testimony, "shadowy" Westminster figures, and the emeerging cross-party consensus in Scotland on when our children should actually start school. The Whitehall "Schmozzle" We look at the recent Foreign Affairs Committee sessions featuring the "Whitehall Mandarin" Philip Barton and Keir Starmer’s strategist, Morgan McSweeney. It was a masterclass in the "dark arts" of Number 10, with Emily Thornberry leading a blistering critique of the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador before his security vetting was even complete. From the "knife through the soul" of the Epstein revelations to the bizarre "Blitzkrieg" strategy to install Mandelson over George Osborne, we ask: is this just "jobs for the boys" by another name?. The Kindergarten Revolution Lesley reports back from a fascinating Upstart Scotland hustings where, for once, there was a strange glimmer of cross-party agreement. Even the "new man" Tory candidate seemed to accept the logic of raising the school starting age to seven. But while the Greens and Lib Dems are on board, the SNP government remains oddly "wobbly" on putting a proper kindergarten stage in their manifesto. We also look at the latest news on Ferry procurement, the SNP pledge on a section 30 order vote and constitutional convention and much more! LinksNOKUT (Norway): Developed a toolkit for recognising refugees' qualificationshttps://www.sciencenorway.no/immigration-integration-refugees/who-is-best-at-getting-refugees-into-the-workforce-norway-sweden-or-denmark/2082005 Highland Clearances; communities fight backhttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 26min

  3. 21 APR

    Green Room Deals

    In this week’s episode, we look at Kier Starmer’s ongoing Mandelson woes. We discuss the wildly oscillating Scottish opinion polls and MRP extrapolations that come from them and what they mean for the Scottish election campaign and the future of the independence movement. We discuss what you need to get over the line on the regional list and the prospect of smaller independence-supporting parties.  We also look at the brouhaha which got up around Labour and Reform and whether Anas Sarwar had asked Malcolm Offard to do a deal to keep the SNP out of power. We take a dig into the recent party manifestos and the reaction to some of the more eye-catching ideas. Watch the Finland Film on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 14min

  4. 14 APR

    He's not the Messiah

    In this week’s episode, Lesley and Fraser navigate the "actual apex of insults to humanity," as AI-generated imagery and global conflict collide. From Donald Trump’s bizarre portrayal of himself as a "healer of men" to the first American Pope taking a stand against the destruction of civilization, we analyse a world that feels increasingly discombobulated. Closer to home, the Scottish election is picking up pace with the first leaders debate we look at what was said, and how it came across. With a "contemptuous, sniffy" response from Labour’s Wes Streeting regarding independence we also discuss why Anas Sarwar "hardly needs enemies" with friends like these. LinksHungarian dancing MP https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/hungary-mp-dancing-orban-video-b2957061.html Upstart Scot hustings - onlinehttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/upstart-scottish-parliamentary-election-hustings-2026-tickets-1985674562068 ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 12min

  5. 7 APR

    Little April Shower

    How many crises can unfold over a single bank holiday weekend? This week, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson try to make sense of a surreal and frightening international backdrop as Donald Trump issues terrifying new threats against Iran. Closer to home, Lesley shares her experiences travelling around the Northwest of Scotland filming about the clearances in Strathnaver and she highlights the very real local anxiety over petrol shortages and the impact of the NC500 "boy racers" sooking up all the fuel. We look again at CalMac ferries. The MV Lord of the Isles might be back in service, but a new tender for her replacement has been published with zero "social value" criteria baked into the scoring—meaning local companies won't get extra points over foreign competitors. We discuss the unions' anger and the structural split between CMAL and CalMac. We look at the Scottish election campaign. With discussions around whether to vote SNP with both votes, we examine the tactical voting dilemma, the Lib Dems snapping at the heels of the SNP in the Highlands, and the urgent need for a bold 'Highland manifesto'. Plus, a look at the struggles of Reform UK and a plea for some real, breakthrough domestic policies from the SNP. In this episode: International Crisis: The escalating tensions between Donald Trump and Iran, and the global anxiety it is causing.Highland Fuel Shortages: The impact of the NC500 on local communities and the anxiety over petrol in the Northwest.Ferry Procurement: Why the new tender for the Lord of the Isles replacement lacks "social value" criteria.CalMac & CMAL: The structural issues dividing the two bodiesScottish Election: SNP list seat strategies, the Lib Dem challenge in the Highlands, and why the SNP needs a distinct Highland manifesto.Reform UK: Their disastrous start to the Holyrood campaign.Links: Talking Up Scotland blog Union angry at no 'social value' score in new shipbuilding contract Barren Scotland - double bill film screeningSunday 12 April at 2pm, Newport on Tayhttps://www.ticketsource.com/the-larick-centre-tayport-community-trust/t-dkkjorm ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr

  6. 7 APR

    Little April Showers

    How many crises can unfold over a single bank holiday weekend? This week, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson try to make sense of a surreal and frightening international backdrop as Donald Trump issues terrifying new threats against Iran. Closer to home, Lesley shares her experiences travelling around the Northwest of Scotland filming about the clearances in Strathnaver and she highlights the very real local anxiety over petrol shortages and the impact of the NC500 "boy racers" sooking up all the fuel. We look again at CalMac ferries. The MV Lord of the Isles might be back in service, but a new tender for her replacement has been published with zero "social value" criteria baked into the scoring—meaning local companies won't get extra points over foreign competitors. We discuss the unions' anger and the structural split between CMAL and CalMac. We look at the Scottish election campaign. With discussions around whether to vote SNP with both votes, we examine the tactical voting dilemma, the Lib Dems snapping at the heels of the SNP in the Highlands, and the urgent need for a bold 'Highland manifesto'. Plus, a look at the struggles of Reform UK and a plea for some real, breakthrough domestic policies from the SNP. In this episode: International Crisis: The escalating tensions between Donald Trump and Iran, and the global anxiety it is causing.Highland Fuel Shortages: The impact of the NC500 on local communities and the anxiety over petrol in the Northwest.Ferry Procurement: Why the new tender for the Lord of the Isles replacement lacks "social value" criteria.CalMac & CMAL: The structural issues dividing the two bodiesScottish Election: SNP list seat strategies, the Lib Dem challenge in the Highlands, and why the SNP needs a distinct Highland manifesto.Reform UK: Their disastrous start to the Holyrood campaign.Links: Talking Up Scotland blog Union angry at no 'social value' score in new shipbuilding contract Barren Scotland - double bill film screeningSunday 12 April at 2pm, Newport on Tayhttps://www.ticketsource.com/the-larick-centre-tayport-community-trust/t-dkkjorm ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr

  7. 31 MAR

    March on Calton Hill

    In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser reflect on a weekend that saw thousands take to the streets of Edinburgh for the "Believe in Scotland" march. From the fair old "pech" up to Calton Hill to the "tremendously cheery" atmosphere at the front of the pack, we discuss why the energy of the independence movement is far from fading. We also look at the power of "normal" language as Brian Cox takes the stage, and why some politicians still struggle to connect without an iPhone in hand. We analyse the BBC’s decision to use a massive national event merely as a backdrop for doorstepping politicians and what the appointment of an ex-Google boss as the new Director General means for the future of public service broadcasting. From the vital role of BBC Alba to the international reporting standards of Channel 4, we ask: who is actually telling our stories?. Plus, we dive into the Ferries as many folk look towards the Easter Weekend. We discuss activists targeting the Guga hunt in Ness, the ongoing and escalating energy crisis caused by Donald Trump's Iran War. LinksUpcoming film screenings https://lesleyriddoch.com/events Support the podcast https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Former director of Maersk shipping predicting this could get as bad as the 1970s https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78lj4976lvo The Parkinsons drugs warnings and excellent R4 progs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg0xxwn041o Channel 4 Seconder Kermani moving report on the paramedics kiled by the IDF https://www.channel4.com/news/funeral-for-two-young-lebanese-paramedics-killed-in-israeli-strike Danish centrist government gubbed https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-social-democrats-losing-election/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=alert&utm_campaign=Why%20Europe Surfing prog BBC Alba  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dn7 Talking Up Scotland on ferries and islanders  https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/03/30/scotland-subsidises-its-ferries-far-more-than-any-other-country-subsidises-island-life-far-more-than-any-other-part-and-the-mull-service-is-98-reliable-for-half-empty-vehicle-decks/ ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 15min

  8. 24 MAR

    Can Holyrood handle the really big issues?

    In this episode, Leslie and Fraser discuss the recent failure of the assisted dying bill in the Holyrood Parliament and the disconnect between parliamentarians and public opinion. They discuss why a Citizen’s Assembly would have been a better way to resolve this issue. They also cover ScotRail’s train procurement, the ethical concerns surrounding Palantir's NHS contracts, Reform’s Scottish rally and the fall out of their candidate selection. Plus the war in Iran and the impact on the global economy.  Support the podcast - https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Finland Film Screenings - https://lesleyriddoch.com/events Portugal train purchasing - https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-supply-153-trains-comboios-de-portugal-and-establish-manufacturing-facility-portugal ROSCOs https://weownit.org.uk/news/riding-rosco-gravy-train/ ★ Support this podcast ★

    1hr 4min
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4.6
out of 5
263 Ratings

About

Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ℗ © 2025 A Feisty Production
  • Show Website
    The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

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