The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson
  • 4.9 (10)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    St Patrick's Day and the joys of spring

    In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser navigate a blustery start to the week. Lesley recounts her experience at the Irish Consul's celebration in Edinburgh, noting Ireland's cultural confidence. The discussion turns to the "heating oil headache" facing off-grid Scots, with the UK government’s £35 support package being branded as woefully inadequate. We look to our Northern neighbours for solutions, analysing how district heating and hydro energy allow countries like Finland to maintain energy security while the UK remains tethered to volatile fossil fuel markets. The mood shifts as we examine the continuing escalation in the Middle East. We discuss Donald Trump's "wasp's nest" approach to Iran, the tragic bombing of a girls’ school in Minab linked to outdated AI data, and the growing criticism of the BBC’s "sanitised" coverage of the conflict. We discuss the count down to the election and the SNP’s campaign conference at the weekend with some headline grabbing announcments. Plus the news that ‘Your Party’ like the Alba Party, won’t be contesting the Holyrood elections.  Plus, we look at the potential for political upheaval in Hungary, the latest goings on surrounding Peter Mandelson’s departure, and Lesley’s whirlwind tour of Scotland with her Finland film screenings. In this episode: St Patrick's Day Confidence: What Scotland can learn from the Irish approach to history and culture.The Heating Oil Crisis: Why £35 is a "hotchpotch" response to doubling energy bills for rural households.District Heating – Why Wait?: Analysing the Scandinavian model, where wasting industrial heat is against the law.Iran & The AI Failure: The devastating consequences of old data and the "distancing" language of modern warfare.BBC Under Fire: Ben Depeer’s critique of "if it bleeds, it leads" and the challenges of reporting from a bunker.The Mandelson Payoff: The "brazenness" of a £547,000 request following a reputational meltdown.Links Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Finland Film Screenings & Events Check the latest dates for Lesley's screenings across Scotland. https://lesleyriddoch.com/events Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey https://www.facebook.com/p/Metagama-An-Atlantic-Odyssey-61557037868810/ 17 March: Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy 18 March: Universal Hall, Findhorn 19 March: Community Hall, Kincraig 20 March: Macphail Centre, Ullapool 21 March: Stratherrick Public Hall, Gorthleck 22 March: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye 24 March: Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, Inverness 25 March: Appin Village Hall, Argyll 26 March: The Tolbooth, Stirling Tickets for village halls:https://tickets-scotland.com/events.html... Tickets for Macphail Centre:https://tickets.highlifehighland.com/.../highlife.../2031529 Tickets for all other venues:From venue box office & websites  'This acclaimed 5* live stage show tells the story of 1920s mass emigration from the Hebrides, featuring some of Scotland's top folk musicians and singers. The show has played to capacity audiences across the Highlands and Islands, Celtic Connections and HebCeltc Festival, with the current 2026 Scottish tour supported by Creative Scotland.'' ''The quality of the music is astonishing. A MUST LISEN! *****'' Folk London magazine''A story full of imense contemporary resonances. ****'' Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman''Top drawer music.'' Gary West, piper and piping podcast presenter''A night of exquisite music and storytelling. *****'' Inverness Courier An ensemble of acclaimed musicians and singers will carry you aboard the Metagama, a journey that will take you to the lakes and plains of Canada, to 1920s Detroit and Prohibition, through the ebb and flow of fortunes on both sides of the Atlantic.Join award-winning writer Donald S Murray, musician Liza Mulholland, actor and 7:84 Theatre founding player Dolina MacLennan, noted Gaelic singer John Joe Macneil, fiddler Charlie Mackerron of Capercaillie, singer-songwriter Willie Campbell, young up-and-coming cellist Juliette Lemoine, and visual artist Doug Robertson, in marking this historic event with an evening of music, song and story. This five-star show toured to great acclaim and capacity audiences in the Highlands & Islands in 2023 and followed this with a sell-out concert at Celtic Connections 2024. This current tour in March 2026 has secured support from Creative Scotland, ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 17m

  2. MAR 10

    Rugby, Rockets, and Robots

    In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser digest a whirlwind week that saw Scotland’s rugby players secure another win—but this time, there’s a trophy involved with a very specific history. Fraser reveals his own "tangential" role in the creation of the Old Alliance Trophy and why it’s definitely not a cup. The mood shifts as we analyse the terrifying escalation in the Middle East following the bombing of a girls' school in Minab, South Iran. We discuss the chilling rhetoric of the US administration, the surge in oil prices, and the stark contrast in European leadership—from Spain’s firm "no" on base access to the "swithering" internal dynamics of the UK Labour Party. Closer to home, we look at a genuine medical breakthrough: a pioneering study at NHS Grampian showing that AI can increase breast cancer detection by 10%. But it's not all good news for the tech world; we discuss Donald Trump’s targeting of Anthropic (the makers of Claude) and what the future holds for software development jobs. Plus, Lesley shares how she’s using AI to sift through a decade of Nordic research, and we look ahead to the march on Calton Hill on the 28th. In this episode: The Old Alliance Trophy: The story behind the silverware and Scotland’s continuing rugby streak.Iran & The "Short-Term Excursion": Analysing the school bombing in Minab and the global fallout of $120-a-barrel oil.Spain vs. The White House: Why Pedro Sanchez stood his ground while the UK government remains internally divided.AI—The Life Saver and the Supply Chain Risk: From the NHS Grampian breakthrough to Trump’s "stushie" with Anthropic.Gathering Again: March on Calton Hill on the 28th and Links Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Pioneering study finds AI increases cancer detection by more than 10 per cent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd9gn4j7dyo Andrew Redman’s "The March on Calton Hill" print https://andrewrbarr.com/portfolio/march-on-calton-hill/(Fraser highly recommends this one for your wall!) Lesley Riddoch: Reading Scotland at Newbattle Abbey College 12th March https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lesley-riddoch-reading-scotland-tickets-1982952469215 Finland Film Screenings - see all here https://lesleyriddoch.com/events Next up Dunfries - Friday 13 March https://rbcfilmtheatre.co.uk/all-listings/lesleyriddoch Greenock - Saturday 14 Marchhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-didnt-exist-tickets-1980199784862?aff=oddtdtcreator Artists for Independence - Oran Mor 14th March https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakz The 28th March And Rally Edinburghhttps://www.believeinscotland.org/march_and_rally_for_independence. The Lesley Riddoch Podcast with Fraser Thompson FYP4LeHoqefkfw4kYYtQ ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 8m

  3. MAR 3

    Iran War - can the UK stay out?

    In this episode, we analyse the recent escalation in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran and discuss the potential for regional conflict and the broader impact on global stability. We consider the broader US and Israeli strategies, the prospects for peace, and how these developments affect Europe, Scotland and NATO. Closer to home, we discuss the ongoing fallout over the Lord Advocate briefing John Swinney on the indictment of Peter Murrell and the conflict inherent in the dual role the Lord Advocate holds and the difficulty in parliamentary scrutiny. We look at the joint report from Scotonomics and the Scottish Currency Group - Scottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselves, highlighting the failure of the Scottish Government to consider independence when planning their bond issue and how the current framework for bonds continues the extractive nature of Scotland’s economy with an over-reliance on foreign direct investment.  Also in this episode, Labour’s one-day conference, Community energy news, data centres, and UK Labour’s problems following the Green win in the Gorton and Denton by-election. LinksSupport the podcasthttps://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Scottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselveshttps://scotonomics.org/scottish-government-bonds-and-investing-in-ourselves/ Community energy - heat from Polmaise pit at Fallinhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25606042.scottish-village-hopes-use-abandoned-mine-thermal-energy Film Screeningshttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 7m

  4. FEB 25

    Legal woes

    How many legal problems can you fall into in the space of a single podcast? This week, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson navigate a potential minefield of four major legal and political controversies. We dive into the ongoing sagas involving Peter Mandelson and the Trade Ambassador formerly known as Prince Andrew. Closer to home, we dissect the row over the Lord Advocate and the revelations surrounding the timing of Peter Murrell’s charges being shared with the First Minister. We also look at the shock announcement that the Alba Party are unlikely to contest the Holyrood election, blaming financial and regulatory problems alleged to have been caused by their former General Secretary. But it’s not all legal drama; we look at the ideas that could truly transform the face of Scotland. From local control to community wealth building, we discuss how empowering communities can shift our mindset and boost the economy.  In this episode: The Legal "Big Four": Mandelson, Prince Andrew, the Lord Advocate, and the Alba Party.Peter Murrell & The First Minister: the dual role of Scotland’s Lord Advocate.Transforming Scotland: Why local control and community wealth building matter more than ever.By-election Watch: Can Labour hang one?LinksSupport the podcast with a monthly or annual subscriptionhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe Community Wealth Buildinghttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fridayseconomics/video/7594406782802464013Gordon Brown as Private Investigator article https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/why-gordon-brown-delving-deep-into-epstein-files Excellent Simon Pearson substack https://simonpearson1.substack.com/p/the-only-politics-on-offer?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3669870&post_id=188725593&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1wdpld&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email Everybody to Kenmure Street film review https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/power-pyjamas-everybody-to-kenmure-street-glasgow-immigration Search local screemnngs - 'everybody to kenmure street showtimes' ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 15m

  5. FEB 17

    A Right Guddle

    In this week’s episode, we examine the Community Wealth Bill now and Act and discuss how it might pave the way for better local procurement and build wealth locally as a slight antidote to Scotland’s extractive economy.  We discuss Kier Starmer and yet another U-turn as the UK Government continue to spin around. This time on English local elections. We look at the latest revelations about the criminal charges against former SNP CEO Peter Murrel, the detail of the allegations against him and the political fallout about the delay to his trial. We also discuss how this all reflects on the SNP as a party and the scorn that was heaped on folk who tried to flag up problems.  We also discuss Alba, Alliance for Liberation Scotland, Jim Ratcliffe and much else besides. LinksFinland FilmGlasgow - 18th February - https://www.believeinscotland.org/shop/#!/Screening-of-Lesley-Riddochs-new-film-with-Q&A/p/807936451 Musselburgh - 19th Februaryhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lesley-riddoch-finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-never-existed-tickets-1980183406875?aff=oddtdtcreator Community Wealth Building Bill https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/ Band Back Together at the Òran Mór - Indpendence Gighttps://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakz Morgan McSweeney's gang investigate journalists - National got there first https://www.thenational.scot/newsletters/bulletin/1898/?nid=1898&ref=eb ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 6m

  6. FEB 10

    You are on your own mate

    How many weeks have started with a ponder that this has been an extraordinary week for the Labour Party? Nothing, so far at least, could eclipse Anas Sarwar’s solo attempt to unseat Prime Minister Kier Starmer this week. In this episdoe, we look at the series of departures, Tim Allan, the press officer who hardly got noticed going in the wake of Morgan McSweeney's departure as Chief of Staff. We discuss the impact in Scotland and the May elections. We also react to the Scottish conference of Your Party, which voted decisively to be a pro-independence party and their decision to field candidates on the list and in constituencies at the Holyrood election.  There’s a smattering of on the winter Olympics and renewed calls for a proper bank holiday on Saint Andrew’s Day.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 12m

  7. FEB 3

    Oh Mandy! It's time we sent you away.

    In this week’s episode, we discuss the Labour Party cheerfully throwing Peter Mandelson under the bus. We look at the allegations and the possible police investigation that's been called for by the SNP and others after leaks of sensitive information by him to Jeffrey Epstein.  Everybody is deciding that he betrayed the country, that they're shocked and horrified by these allegations, and yet, Mandelson was a repeat offender in terms of breaking the rules, and Kier Starmer put him right back at the top of government yet again. We look at the further damage to the UK PM’s reputation and the sorry state of the Westminster Government. We ponder how this reflects on his right-hand man, Morgan McSweeney? And what does it say about the House of Lords and our so-called democracy when this man cannot have his peerage stripped away? Become a Pal or Buddy, support the podcast: https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe LinksFinland Film Showingshttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events French Government Social Mediahttps://www.politico.eu/article/france-diplomats-memes-fight-maga-era-information-wars-emmanuel-macron/ Richard Murphy - Big parties are falling flatM for some reasonhttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25815305.big-parties-falling-flat-reason/ Liam McArthur - Podcast Extrahttps://share.transistor.fm/s/7d0b957a ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 11m

  8. JAN 27

    The Southern King of the North

    In this week’s episode, we digest a heavy couple of weeks of news, including the latest killing by ICE agents in Minneapolis. We ask how long can Reform in the UK continue to get away with their references to America, connections with the Trump administration, and leaning on the sort of DOGE style of efficiencies in government as their big offer in the Scottish elections? We look at Lesley’s column and discussion of whether Scotland should have boycotted the World Cup if Trump had gone further with Greenland threats.  We also look at Andy’King of  the North’ Burnham's knockback from standing, in the forthcoming by-election that would have let him jump in as a replacement Labour leader. Will it all just be brushed under the carpet? How successful will that be?  Scottish Labour seems to have got a new tactic of ‘mandamification’ of Anas Sarwar. We digest the attempts to ape the social media style of the New York Mayor with groovy videos, the walking, talking, jazzy music, and jumping camera shots. Will that work? Edinburgh Cameo screening of the Finland film Unfortunately the Cameo double booked themselves. The February 20th screening of the Finland film HAS MOVED to Sunday March 22nd 5.15pm. T Ticket-holders for the original date will be refunded but must buy a new ticket for the March date. Sorry about that. A new booking link for March 22nd will be online soon at https://lesleyriddoch.com/events. LinksScottish Labour is a party stuck in long-term declinehttps://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25789020.scottish-labour-party-stuck-long-term-decline/ Gavin Newsom  World Economic Forum Davos https://www.youtube.com/live/ObkKhPt1QM0?si=lzSpDW8FWWTrWB_U Deacon Blue 'appalled' after Malcolm Offord quotes Dignity https://www.thenational.scot/news/25800409.deacon-blue-appalled-malcolm-offord-quotes-dignity/ ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 10m
See All (20)

4.9
out of 5
10 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

You Might Also Like