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 YouTube
https://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU

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.

Links
Hungarian dancing MP

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/hungary-mp-dancing-orban-video-b2957061.html

Upstart Scot hustings - online
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/upstart-scottish-parliamentary-election-hustings-2026-tickets-1985674562068

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 bodies
• Scottish 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 screening
Sunday 12 April at 2pm, Newport on Tay
https://www.ticketsource.com/the-larick-centre-tayport-community-trust/t-dkkjorm