Best Scottish Review Of Books Podcasts (2025)

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PART ONE: EVERY FIRST MINSTER - REVIEWED & RATED 56:49

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1h ago56:49

56:49

In Part One, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the death of Donald Dewar, Bernard and Alex reflect on the Office of First Minister and how it has changed since Dewar's time as the first office holder. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, …

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HAVE THE TORIES BECOME "REFORM UK LITE"? 35:32

2d ago35:32

35:32

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NEW POLLS: Reform UK Lead Labour in SCOTLAND!!! 47:47

10d ago47:47

47:47

Scottish polling: SNP still first; Reform’s rise fractures the unionist vote and could hand SNP an outsized seat haul on a modest vote share. Scottish Labour’s bind: must sell a credible policy offer while “owning” SNP record attacks — but Starmer’s unpopularity in Scotland limits Sarwar’s room. Reform dynamic: positioned as a “super protest vote”;…

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JAMIE HEPBURN - Potential Red or Will Swinney Downgrade to Yellow? 48:45

20d ago48:45

48:45

A big mixed bag of issues in this week's episode “Deplore the Man. Respect the Office.” → How Starmer & Swinney played Trump for UK/Scotland gains → Moral vs national interest “Love-Bombing Trump: Smart or Shameful?” → The realpolitik you weren’t told about → Starmer + Oval Office letter; subtle money/investment icons. “The Real Opposition? The Aud…

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WILL STARMER SURVIVE AS PM? His Crises, Scandals & Prospects Explained 42:38

27d ago42:38

42:38

Alex “The gap between theory and reality is often wide. Phase two has begun unpromisingly.” “Is he, as Kemi Badenoch put it at Prime Minister's questions this week, In office, but not in power.” “The journey from five MPs to 300 plus at the next election should be required to put Nigel Farage into Downing Street is the kind of leap that hasn't been…

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SCOTTISH ELECTIONS ARE "A FREE HIT FOR FARAGE" 40:33

1M ago40:33

40:33

With around 1 in 5 Scots telling pollsters they're voting for Reform UK at the coming Scottish Parliament Elections, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie analyse the current and likely effect on Scottish politics and how Nigel Farage's party can't lose out in this election. Bernard Ponsonby “What they're feeding into is a mood that the system is broken…

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ECONOMIC WINTER IS COMING - .... and it's not good news for the economics of Scottish Independence. 47:58

2M ago47:58

47:58

The Chancellor's Budget season is upon us and "winter is coming" says Alex Massie. 1. Government debt costs hitting crisis levels “If debt interest payments are running at more than 100 billion pounds a year, that is by definition 50 or 60 billion pounds a year that can't be spent elsewhere.” (Alex Massie) 2. Labour’s tax promises already collapsin…

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PT2 - NICOLA STRUGEON BOOK - THE DETAILS AND REACTIONS 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

In part two, the book has now been published and Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie not only dig through the detail, some of which has been overlooked in coverage, but also reflect on the reaction to the book. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast…

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NICOLA STURGEON'S MEMOIR - PART ONE - Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie Review 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie preview the release of Nicola Sturgeon's memoir, "Frankly". Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then Th…

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SWINNEY'S INDY CONUNDRUM - "You can't claim an independence mandate if you don't ask for one" 35:45

3M ago35:45

35:45

It's Summer in Politics-Land and the First Minister of Scotland has chosen this quiet moment to outline his plans for Independence - What plans, you may ask? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie clash over the right to a second independence referendum but agree that the First Minister cannot claim a mandate if he doesn't ask the electorate for a mandat…

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The Reality of Managing Trump's Visit to the UK 48:33

3M ago48:33

48:33

Starmer and Swinney to Meet President on Visit Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great…

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STARMER SURVIVES MUTINY BUT HAS HE LOST THE CREW? 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reflect on Keir Starmer surviving last week's back bench mutiny but has he quietly lost the crew? Will this be regarded as a moment that instigated further ferment? Also, reflections on the death of Tory grandee, Lord Norman Tebbit at the age of 94. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other gr…

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STARMER'S REPORT CARD - End of First Year - Marks Out of Ten 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

The 4th of July marks the first anniversary of Keir Starmer's election victory and time as Prime Minister. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie evaluate his first 12 months in No 10 Downing Street, breaking down performance into domestic and foreign affairs performance. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political po…

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BREAKING: FERGUS EWING TO STAND AGAINST SNP IN 2026 40:02

4M ago40:02

40:02

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the news today that Fergus Ewing is leaving the SNP and standing as an independent candidate at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, bringing to an end an era of constant representation under the SNP banner for the Ewing dynasty since the Scottish Parliament was formed. Also - What is the role of independe…

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SCOTTISH PARTY LEADERS - REPORT CARD - One Year From Scottish Election 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie run the rule over each of the Scottish political party leaders and give them a mark out of ten for how they are performing. Including: John Swinney Anas Sarwar Russell Findlay Alex Cole-Hamilton Lorna Slater & Patrick Harvie Reform? Who is the Scottish Leader? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you li…

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BY ELECTION SPECIAL: LATEST REACTION TO LABOUR WIN OVER SNP AND REFORM 45:21

4M ago45:21

45:21

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie are joined by Paul Sweeney of Labour and Cllr Thomas Kerr of Reform UK to ask what the result means? Labour GAIN from SNP Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election result LAB: 31.5% (-2.0) SNP: 29.4% (-16.8) REF: 26.2% (+26.2) CON: 6.0% (-11.5) GRN: 2.6% (+2.6) +/- 2021 Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global polit…

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NEW POLLS: Will Scotland Become Independent if Nigel Farage is Prime Minister 53:34

4M ago53:34

53:34

On support for independence in poll: "54% of people supporting independence and 46 supporting the unionist status quo... a record high for Norstat in the last four or five years." — Alex Massie On Reform UK's rise in poll: "Reform are plus four at 18%. And of course, when you translate all of this into seats, I mean, it is really quite extraordinar…

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IS ANGELA RAYNER MANOEUVRING FOR TOP JOB? 42:57

5M ago42:57

42:57

Speculation is rife that the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, will be privately pleased that details of her tax reform memo to Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, have been leaked to the Telegraph. Is she on manoeuvres and is she a credible candidate for the top job? Also The SNP has criticised the Prime Minister's EU deal - but aren't these things tha…

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LABOUR: "DANCING TO A RIGHT WING TUNE" ON IMMIGRATION - WHAT'S THE COST? 54:26

5M ago54:26

54:26

Bernard and Alex discuss the danger for Labour of dancing to the right-wing's tune on immigration. What does it mean? What (if anything) does Keir Starmer stand for? What does Labour now stand for? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Question…

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Reform UK in Scottish Polls - How Much is Media Hype? 52:10

5M ago52:10

52:10

Summary In this episode of the Ponsonby and Massie podcast, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the recent program for government announced by John Swinney, analyzing its implications and the political landscape in Scotland. They explore the limited legislative agenda, the scrapping of peak fares, the promise of more GP appointments, and the s…

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One Year to Scottish Parliament Election 42:32

5M ago42:32

42:32

In a week that saw Reform UK make seismic advances in the English Local Elections and the Runcorn & Helsby Parliamentary By Election, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie deep dive into the current state of the parties in Scotland - one year from the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections. What does the rise of Reform UK mean in Scotland, what are the impl…

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IS RELIGION RELEVANT IN MODERN SCOTLAND? 46:36

6M ago46:36

46:36

Bernard and Alex discuss: Religion's relevance today: They explore how religion is now more comfortably discussed by Scottish politicians compared to 20–30 years ago. There's a nuanced conversation about Scotland’s move from a heavily religious society to a secular one, and a new resurgence of faith among younger Scots. The gender recognition legal…

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Supreme Court Definition of a Woman Explained - What now for the Scottish Government? 43:34

6M ago43:34

43:34

Bernard and Alex consider today's ruling from the Supreme Court in which Lord Hodge said "The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex." "Successive SNP-led Scottish Governments have championed gender reform and opined on the definition of a woman …

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TRUMP'S US TARIFF WARS EXPLAINED - What does it mean for you? 47:13

6M ago47:13

47:13

Bernard and Alex explain and analyse the significance of Donald Trump's international trade tariffs and how it might affect you personally in everything from the cost of goods to your pension. Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff offensive has triggered market turmoil and reignited fears of a full-blown trade war, with the FTSE 100 plummeting and …

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CAN ANYONE SORT THE UK & SCOTTISH ECONOMY? 46:58

7M ago46:58

46:58

Bernard and Alex dive deep into Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, dissecting the harsh realities of the UK's economic growth crisis, looming tax rises, and controversial welfare cuts that could plunge 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty. They explore the political fallout within the Labour Party, a potential backbench re…

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OPERATION BRANCHFORM - WHAT NOW? 45:48

7M ago45:48

45:48

OPERATION BRANCHFORM INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES STURGEON & BEATTIE - No longer under investigation. MURRELL - Facing embezzlement charges and has appeared in court. What now? PLUS Welfare reform, intergenerational inequality and public spending pressures. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like Th…

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BREAKING: STURGEON TO STAND DOWN 47:37

7M ago47:37

47:37

Bernard and Alex discuss the news that after being an MSP since 1999, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she will not stand for re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election. Why has she done this? A look back at her career What does it mean for the SNP? What was she like to work with? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you li…

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JOHN SWINNEY PART 2 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

PART 2 of the Ponsonby and Massie Podcast interview with the First Minister, John Swinney In his most in-depth and revealing interview since becoming Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney joins Bernard Ponsoby and Alex Massie: FEAR FOR SURVIVAL OF THE SNP * On Humza Yousaf resigning after the collapse of the Bute House agreement "If I go back to …

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JOHN SWINNEY SPECIAL - PART 1 47:57

7M ago47:57

47:57

Part 1 of 2. In his most in-depth and wide ranging interview since becoming First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney joins Bernard and Alex. "I was exhausted" when Nicola Sturgeon stood down in 2023. My year out revitalised me and allowed me to become First Minister. If I'm elected as First Minister in 2026, I'll stand again in 2031. 2024 General E…

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NATO AND EUROPE SECURITY CRISIS 45:45

8M ago45:45

45:45

Bernard and Alex chew over: SECUIRTY CRISIS - NATO and Europe in a Security crisis as "strongmen" Trump and Putin carve up the geopolitical map. GENDER - Last week's debate around gender issues and disagreements on the ability to debate them in the Scottish Parliament puts further pressure on First Minister, John Swinney, and the role of the Presid…

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STARMER & McSWEENEY - The Inside Story 55:17

8M ago55:17

55:17

Times journalist and co-author of a new book on the current Labour Government, Patrick Maguire, joins Bernard and Alex to discuss Keir Starmer and particularly the relationship with his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney. PATRICK MAGUIRE ON McSWEENEY "People say, ‘Why is this the Morgan McSweeney story with Keir Starmer as a supporting actor?’—becaus…

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TRUMP & PUTIN - Carve-Up Ukraine & Rip-Up Western Defence 49:39

8M ago49:39

49:39

Alex and Bernard are joined by former SNP Defence Spokesperson in the UK Parliament, Stewart McDonald. On the Ukraine War and Trump's Role “We survived this old man one time before, we'll survive him a second time around.” – Stewart McDonald on Ukrainian resilience against Putin and Trump “This idea that their land can just be chopped up by Washing…

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Is Labour Bust Economically and Electorally? 51:03

8M ago51:03

51:03

Alex and Bernard discuss the latest polls and fiscal challenges facing Labour so early in a new government. Also, Trump continues to cut up the rule book in America and - what's it really like backstage at BBC Question Time. 📌 On Political Polls & SNP Strategy: 🗣️ "Do I believe any poll? No. All polls are a snapshot of opinion, but when a clear tre…

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TRUMP'S PROTECTIONISM - An Opportunity for the UK & Scotland? 47:17

9M ago47:17

47:17

Does Trump's "America First" start to his second term as US President, with trade wars, tough immigration policies, border controls and pulling back from international cooperation actually create an opportunity for the UK and Scotland? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politic…

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STURGEON ON SALMOND 49:24

9M ago49:24

49:24

On Nicola Sturgeon's Criticism of Alex Salmond and His Family's Response “Telling the truth is now considered an attack and something that should be forbidden or locked away in a box.” “Nicola Sturgeon’s Financial Times interview was more candid than her ‘measured’ statements to Parliament – did she conceal critical details?” On Reform UK and Scott…

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IS SCOTTISH NATIONALISM POPULIST? 47:59

9M ago47:59

47:59

In the first episode of 2025, Alex calls out John Swinney's warnings on leaving the door open to populists "if populism is to be defined as sort of sweeping generalized single solution to all problems and so on, then isn't Scottish independence the single greatest act of populism in recent Scottish political history?" Also, the Scottish Budget, Lab…

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REVIEW OF THE YEAR 49:49

10M ago49:49

49:49

As the year draws to a close, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie convene to reflect on a year that promised to change the world with more people voting in elections across the globe than at any other time in human history. But did it really change anything for the better? Scotland, Westminster and Global politics in this episode. Merry Christmas from…

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CHRISTMAS PARTY POLITICS 49:24

10M ago49:24

49:24

We're heading into the Christmas season but not at the expense of political news: Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar, is heading for festive fisticuffs with the Prime Minister over Waspi Women. Bernard and Alex examine the issue and whether it's all talk or can it be solved? Nicola Sturgeon has given a series of interviews but was it a sensible id…

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WHAT'S GONE WRONG FOR SCOTTISH LABOUR? 43:07

10M ago43:07

43:07

In the wake of a poll in the Sunday Times reporting that Scottish Labour are a long way from preventing the SNP forming a third decade of Scottish Government in 2026 and reports of grumblings within the party from members and supporters at a recent Scottish Labour event, Bernard and Alex ask - what's gone wrong less than 6 months after the party de…

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2024 PONSONBY & MASSIE POLITICAL AWARDS 1:02:54

10M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Who will win a coveted Ponsonby and Massie coffee mug as Bernard and Alex convene in the Kilderkin Bar on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to hold their own annual Scottish political award ceremony over pints. Also, after Nicola Sturgeon was paid £25,000 to take part in an ITV election programme, Bernard reveals for the first time how much the BBC offer…

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STV's JOHN MACKAY: New Book on Biggest Stories of His Career 46:23

11M ago46:23

46:23

Anchorman, John Mackay, is one of the best known faces on television in Scotland as the lead presenter of STV's top rated news programmes. In his new book "Scotland Today & Yesterday" John records the biggest stories of his career from Dunblane to the Independence Referendum and tells Bernard and Alex what it was really like living in front of the …

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EXCLUSIVE: ANAS SARWAR: "I Won't Wait for Westminster to Fix Scotland's Problems" 57:50

11M ago57:50

57:50

In his most revealing and in-depth interview yet, Anas Sarwar outlines Scottish Labour’s agenda for government should he become First Minister in 2026 and what motivates him in politics. •On post 2026 co-operation with SNP “"On individual issues, I will not turn my back or close my eyes to any politician of any party." •Swingeing cuts to SNP bureau…

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Assisted Dying - Liam McArthur MSP 55:09

11M ago55:09

55:09

There are currently two bills on Assisted Dying - Kim Leadbeater MP introduced a Bill to the UK Parliament in October and Liam McArthur introduced a bill to March in the Scottish Parliament. Liam joins Bernard and Alex to discuss this sensitive subject, the legislation and its ramifications. If you'd like to find out more or this issue affects you …

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DAME JACKIE BAILLIE 44:10

11M ago44:10

44:10

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, joins Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar to discuss: Scots are paying too much tax for failing services Her admiration of the SNP's Kate Forbes Her belief that the NHS is broken Why she'd like to be Health and Social Care Minister if Labour are elected in Scotland. Her early life in Hong Kong and h…

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SNP 2026 CANDIDATES 37:34

11M ago37:34

37:34

Bernard and Alex are back considering: SNP Registration of candidacy - Stephen Flynn, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have all thrown their hats in the ring. Can Flynn really be an MP and MSP despite party attitudes and are Sturgeon and Yousaf's intentions even real? PLUS Neil Gray - Does anyone believe the story of why ministerial trips were take…

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AN "OLD LABOUR" BUDGET? 37:24

12M ago37:24

37:24

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. Focussing on UK, Scottish…

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UK BUDGET PRE-BRIEFING 50:27

12M ago50:27

50:27

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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HOUNDED: JENNY LINDSAY 45:22

12M ago45:22

45:22

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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PT2 - ALEX SALMOND 1954 - 2024 1:02:21

12M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

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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PT1 - ALEX SALMOND 1954 - 2024 44:06

12M ago44:06

44:06

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…