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John Walker speaks to a Scottish sports person about their upbringing and career in Scotland. This is followed by discussing the reasons and decisions that led to them choosing to move outside the UK to further their career.
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The two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, join forces to bring you a regular “must listen” insider briefing on the political and wider world. Bernard has been Scotland's leading TV political editor for many years while Alex is the unavoidable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Together they bring decades of experience and unsurpassed contacts books to provide you with a valuable insider briefing behind the headlines - all ...
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History of Scotland Podcast

History of Scotland Podcast

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Welcome to the History of Scotland Podcast. We tell the in-depth chronological story of the proud nation of Scotland, from the Bronze Age, to the Invasion of the Romans, then the Rise of the Kingdom of Picts, to the formation of the Kingdom of Alba, The transformation from Alba to Scotland, the defiance of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the control of the Stuarts and the union of the crowns, then finally learning about a country no longer independent that leads up to the modern age. S ...
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Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reaction and analysis of the first budget statement from Rachel Reeves - the first woman Chancellor to deliver a budget in British history. Is it a "workerist", old-Labour budget that the likes of Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Denis Healey would be happy with? Bernard and Alex discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acas…
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Catherine MacLeod, former Political Editor of The Herald and Special Adviser (SPAD) to UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, joins Bernard and Alex to preview Rachel Reeves first budget of the new Labour Government. Catherine's insights into how the Treasury and Chancellor prepare for a budget. PONSONBY - "This is the real day one of the new Labour gove…
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Poet and writer Jenny Lindsay tells her story: Being cancelled and "hounded" for being gender critical Her new book telling the story of her experience - "Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars" She says that gender is an open goal for politicians who should apologize to women and admit they got it wrong. Jenny's book is available here: https://…
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PART 2 of a 2 part exploration of the life and times of Alex Salmond who died at the weekend at the age of 69. Bernard and Alex pick up the story in 2011 through the zenith of his career at the 2014 Independence Referendum and onto the challenges of legal battles and the Alba Party in his post-SNP world. The programme concludes with a summary of wh…
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Part 1 of a 2 part special reflecting on the life of "the most consequential Scottish politician of our time", Alex Salmond, who died at the weekend at the age of 69. It's a sincere attempt to capture in some depth the complexity and calibre of the man, his highs and lows. Bernard Ponsonby knew Alex Salmond professionally and personally for 35 year…
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Bernard and Alex are joined by David Frum, Staff Writer at the The Atlantic for a deep dive into the US Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. David Frum is widely quoted as the man who coined the phrase "Axis of Evil" while working for George W Bush. Today, he is a renowned writer and a Republican who won't vote for Trump. David…
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Bernard and Alex discuss the significance of First Minister, John Swinney, bringing former SNP strategist, Stephen Noon, back into his close circle as a Special Advisor (SPAD). What does it say about the SNP's current strategy and given the positions both Swinney and Noon have taken in the past, does it mean Independence has been kicked into the lo…
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Bernard and Alex discuss whether the New Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, will face an existential crisis with the party at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election. Do a series of factors, including the emergence of Reform, mean there is "no chance they're going to hold second place in 2026"? Also, Rosie Duffield's resignation from Labo…
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Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie delve into the challenges facing the new Labour government in the aftermath of Keir Starmer's first conference speech as Prime Minister. Labour stood on a platform of "Change" but is it immediate enough for the electorate? Where will the money come from in Rachel Reeves upcoming budget? Is the new government facing …
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Bernard is in the USA. Alex is on the Isle of Jura. Bernard says Keir Starmer needs to deliver growth or face the anger of the electorate over growing errors. Alex says that naive and loose-lipped press briefing by new staff in Government and the freebie scandal raise questions over Starmer's judgement. Bernard analyses the US Presidential race fro…
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It's 10 years since Scotland's Independence Referendum. Bernard and Alex reflect on what happened, where we are now and will there be an Indy Ref II? Including Bernard's insights into what really happened behind the scenes at the TV debates and on referendum night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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PART 2 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part two of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …
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PART 1 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part one of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …
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Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcast A 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal" The best case scenario is a minority Labour government His political roots in family life in Dundee He regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound…
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In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus. The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about In…
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On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week including Fallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats. Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in Scotland The Scottish Conservative leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall. Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income Tax Proposes a re-evaluation of Sco…
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He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.; 2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in…
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Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity? The Winter Fuel Allowance means test New GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…
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Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General Election Role of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous" He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir St…
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Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay" Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election. Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication. Scottish Tories - t…
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Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far? Who is behind the riots? What this says about the UK? Why no riots in Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Bernard and Alex get heated with each other when the subject of a legitimate route to a second independence referendum arises. Also, Tory leadership contest. From the Press Bar on Albion Street in Glasgow. Questions and comments from Lee Carney Jonny Gray Wings Over Scotland Gordon Innes Follow us on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Hosted on Acast. S…
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Bernard and Alex retreat to their natural habitat in Glasgow's famous journalists' haunt, The Press Bar on Albion Street, to ponder the stories of the day over a sociable refreshment. Trump's Big Mistake - Alex reckons Trump made a big mistake in his singular determination to unseat Joe Biden before the election. Tory Leadership Battle - Insight in…
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Matt joins Bernard and Alex with excellent impressions of ... Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Rachel Reeves Tony Blair Ed Miliband Also What makes Scottish audiences different What makes people walk out Who's taken offence to his impressions His hopes for the new government You can catch Matt's show at the Edinburgh Festival here https://tickets.edfring…
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Bernard and Alex tackle the stories of the week; JOE BIDEN - Both Bernard and Alex are keen observers of US Politics - their thoughts on Joe Biden agreeing to step down as Presidential Candidate. MHAIRI BLACK - After standing down at the General Election, the former SNP MP announced her Edinburgh Festival show "Politics Isn't For Me" as well as wor…
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Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 60. In this episode, we'll explore the distinct lifestyles of different social groups during this fascinating period. From the noble lords who ruled the land, to the clans that formed the backbone of Scottish society, to the bustling life of merchants, knights, and common folks, each gr…
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Bernard and Alex bring you an instant briefing on the King's Speech with the first legislative agenda for Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. Is it a return to big Government (as some critics have said) or a different type of intervention? Headlines on the bills Watch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government. Hosted on…
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Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie speak to Stewart McDonald, SNP front bencher who lost his seat at the General Election ..... and he had a lot to say. ON 2026 HOLYROOD ELECTION 25:32 MASSIE: "Do you think getting "horsed" in 2026 is now the most likely outcome of the Holyrood election?" McDONALD: "Yes" ON INDEPENDENCE 35:07 "The hard pause has been…
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Your questions on the General Election result directly to Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie This episode, questions from: Peter Hardy - @PeterHardyAG (X) Ian Jones - @Salop_Ian (X) Michael Apter - @Michael_Apter (X) Andrew Brophy - @AndrewBrophy3 (X) LTW Anderson - @ltwanderson (X) Mark Brown - Via Email Gordon Dudman - Via Email Andrew McCall - Via…
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In this episode, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss The new Labour Cabinet The future propects for the Conservatives and SNP .....and the former TV cameraman who out-predicted the pollsters. Bernard and Alex also reference a previous episode with Tom Baldwin discussing Keir Starmer in great detail. It's really worth a listen and gives unrival…
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We've been up all night. Here is the hot-off-the-press take on the UK General Election result from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Labour joy Conservative and SNP election woes. What will the parties do next? What should they do next? Plus, highlights of selected seats and stories. #generalelection2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…
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YOU CAN GET OUR FREE WALLCHART HERE - https://x.com/PonsonbyMassie/status/1806349078093087015 This Episode is in 2 parts PART 1 - 0 mins - 17 mins - ELECTION NIGHT INSIGHTS - Alex asks Bernard to share his insights on how presenters cope with overnight election programmes. PART 2 - 17 mins - 39mins - WHAT TO WATCH FOR - Bernard and Alex give you a …
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With some recent polls predicting the SNP and Conservatives will be reduced to a rump of MPs at the General Election on Thurs 4th July, Bernard and Alex have a health warning for pollsters and politicians alike. Can these polls be trusted and do they have the nuance to pick up on constituency level sentiments? Plus, it was the issue the Democrats d…
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Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 59. This week, we're shifting our focus to the Scottish Parliament in the early to late 13th century. We'll explore what role it played in Scotland at this crucial time, how it differed from its English counterpart, and highlight any significant events and decisions that took place with…
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Bernard and Alex do their best to answer your questions sent in to ponsonbymassie@gmail.com Questions this episode from; Darren McGarvey @lokiscottishrap (X) Rob Shorthouse @bobtwopointoh (X) John Duffy @johnduffy512 (Youtube) Colin Thompson @colinthompson3111 (Youtube) Argyll Loon @argyllloon (X) Luca Brasi @hickslike22 (X) Ewen Kennedy @ewangkenn…
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Bernard and Alex on ..... The effect of Farage and Reform Will JK Rowling's gender recognition reform criticism of Labour come back to haunt the party? Stampgate - Will allegations of the SNP using MSPs expenses to pay for election campaign stamps re-ignite memories of previous scandals for voters? ... and Scotland exiting the Euros. Bernard and Al…
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Bernard and Alex discuss the SNP's electoral chances and what the election result means to the SNP's cause of independence. They are joined by former SNP MSP, investigative journalist and life-long independence campaigner, Dorothy-Grace Elder who doesn't hold back in her criticism of John Swinney. DGE describes John Swinney as a "Sturgeonista" who …
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"MUST LISTEN" EPISODE - An incredible insight into the man who will most likely be Prime Minister from the man who knows him better than most - his biographer, Tom Baldwin. Tom discusses what makes Keir Starmer tick, his background, his politics and what we can expect from him in Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati…
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SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - TORY MANIFESTO - EURO FEVER * SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - Bernard thinks there may have been a few plants in the audience * CONSERVATIVE MANIFESTO - Massie - Family visa policy is a "Love Tax" * EURO FEVER - Do marginal factors effect marginal constituencies as Scotland and England prepare for the Euros ahead of election? Ma…
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Alex and Bernard attempt to answer your questions. *Spoiler Alert" They had 30 or 40 questions to get through and managed about 5 or 6 because they chatted so much. Apologies if you sent in a questions and didn't get it answered! * Alex reminds Bernard of the time he stood as a candidate .... and lost his deposit. * Turnout? * General Election impl…
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Bernard and Alex summarise the General Election campaign to date and analyse the implications. * Is the Tory campaign the worst in living memory? * Westminster and Holyrood Tories are circling their leaders. * Ponsonby lambasts Sunak over D-Day. * Massie casts the SNP's Stephen Flynn as Cassius with a "lean and hungry look" towards his Caesar, John…
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Three very educated guesses on the outcome of the UK General Election as Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh joins Bernard and Alex to talk polls, constituency boundaries and possible Conservative oblivion, a la Canada '93. WARNING - This is a real deep dive. You may wish to don your political anorak, make some strong coffee an…
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Bernard and Alex do not hold back in their criticism of the first Leaders Debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer on ITV. "This was not a serious debate" "entertainment TV" and "a disservice to the viewer". Plus Bernard and Alex give detailed reaction to the performances of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…
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Welcome to the NEW Ponsonby and Massie Podcast This week, the two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, review the General Election campaign so far and preview the upcoming leaders debates. Included in this episode PONSONBY - "Starmer is the most anti-left Labour leader since Gaitskell" MASSIE - "Every SN…
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This week, we will cover various notable figures, including the famous clans that rose to further power during Alexander II’s reign and other significant family members related to the king. These individuals and families were not merely passive subjects of the crown; they were active participants in the shaping of Scotland’s destiny, each with thei…
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Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 57. Today, we are taking a slight detour from our usual narrative to catch up with the noble families of Scotland during Alexander II's reign. These episodes are crucial as they help set the context for the forthcoming conflicts and the rise of Scottish national identity. While we have …
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Hello everyone and welcome to the History of Scotland, Episode 56. Well, today we will be bidding farewell to our king, Alexander II. His reign has been eventful, hasn’t it? Many things have been accomplished, and his legacy is undeniable. As is tradition now, I invite you to grab a hot drink, turn up the volume on your radio or headphones, and joi…
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