Unspun Live

With Rachel Reeves laying the groundwork for potential tax rises on November 26, Andrew speaks to Dr João Sousa of the Fraser of Allander Institute about what that could mean for Scotland’s block grant – and the decisions that now land on Shona Robison’s desk.

On Unspun Live this week, Political Editor Andrew Learmonth reveals some of the politicians shortlisted for the The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year awards which will take place next month. Political Correspondent Hannah Brown joins him to discuss Your Party in Scotland following several defections to the emerging socialist party last week. She also sits down with the MP leading the new part...

Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan speaks to Unspun Live about SNP leadership, rebellions and motherhood as Political Correspondents Hannah Brown and Kathleen Nutt look ahead to the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen this weekend.

Scotland’s shipyards are booming again, global tensions are rising, and defence is back at the heart of political debate. In this episode, Andrew Learmonth is joined by George Allison, editor of the UK Defence Journal, and veteran foreign correspondent David Pratt to discuss The Herald’s special series on Scotland’s Defence Future.

We're joined by Eddie Barnes, director of the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow, which has just released research on 16- and 17-year-olds' attitudes toward politics. Eddie helps us unpack what this means for the future of civic engagement and how educators and policymakers can bridge the gap.

FOUR guests, THREE interviews and also THREE journalists on this week's Unspun Live. Hannah Brown speaks to the new Scottish Green co-leaders, Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay; Kathleen Nutt speaks to Alex Cole-Hamilton about the prospect of more defections to the Lib Dems; and Andrew Learmonth speaks to Malcolm Offord about what should and shouldn't happen in the next decade of devolution.

Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour has quit the Scottish Conservatives after nearly 40 years in the party. In his resignation letter he accused the leadership under Russell Findlay of “falling into the trap of reactionary politics,” chasing headlines and ignoring both Scotland’s cities and its most vulnerable people. In this episode of Unspun Live , Andrew Learmonth sits down with Jeremy to talk through t...

On the last day of The Herald's Unspun Live at the Fringe, deputy First Minister Kate Forbes discusses her reasons for stepping down at the next Holyrood election, what it's like being a parent and a woman in frontline Scottish politics, and perceptions she's against certain groups with political editor Andrew Learmonth.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar opens up to The Herald editor Catherine Salmond about his relationship with Keir Starmer, fatherhood, his parents and what Donald Dewar would think of the current Scottish Parliament on day three of The Herald's special Unspun Live at the Fringe series.

On day two of The Herald Unspun Live at the Fringe, Brian Taylor interviews John Swinney. They discuss independence, Gaza, Donald Trump's visit to Scotland, caring responsibilities in public office and much more.

Day one of The Herald's Unspun Live at the Fringe kicked off with psephological analysis from the UK’s leading pollster Professor Sir John Curtice who is joined by award-winning writer and Herald columnist Kevin McKenna and political correspondent Hannah Brown. Predictions for Holyrood 2026 are made as the guests paint a picture of the current landscape of Scottish Politics.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, comedian and campaigner Susie McCabe joins The Herald’s education writer James McEnaney to reflect on a decade of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign — and why the fight is far from over. Susie opens up about growing up under Section 28, coming out as a teenager in the 1990s, and the isolation and fear that shaped her early years. She share...

In a powerful and deeply personal conversation, former SNP MP Hannah Bardell joins Unspun Live to reflect on life after politics. Speaking to The Herald's Political Editor, Andrew Learmonth, Hannah talks candidly about losing her seat, the emotional toll of frontline politics, starting a new business, and navigating IVF while building a future with her wife. She shares behind-the-scenes insight in...

Leading political comedian Matt Forde joins The Herald's political correspondent Hannah Brown to discuss the Edinburgh Fringe, Scottish political figures Joanna Cherry, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Ian Murray and much more more (including the occasional impersonation). Matt also speaks about how he wants to try 'Defying Calamity' in politics during his appearance at the world-renowned fe...

In a week of U-turns and rebellions over Labour’s welfare reform plans, Brian Leishman MP joins Unspun Live for a blistering interview. The Alloa & Grangemouth MP tells Andrew Learmonth why he’s voting against the bill, what’s gone wrong inside the party, and how Labour risks repeating the worst mistakes of austerity. He also talks Grangemouth, wealth taxes, being “Aff the leish man”, and what...

Ahead of our shows at the Fringe in August, we are joined by political broadcasting guru and The Herald columnist Brian Taylor. He tells us about the skills he employs to get the most out of an interview with political figures. We also chat about those joining us during our four day appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Later, we discuss Scotland's Future in 25 years and are joined by f...

After Scottish Conservatives pledged to renew their party at their conference over the weekend, The Herald's political correspondents Hannah Brown and Kathleen Nutt analyse whether or not this is possible and if John Swinney's expected push for independence will strengthen them as the party in opposition. Political Editor Andrew Learmonth also speaks to Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andr...

It was meant to be a two-horse race — or so John Swinney said. But Labour’s stunning win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has upended expectations and sent shockwaves through Scottish politics. In this emergency episode of Unspun Live, The Herald’s politics podcast, political editor Andrew Learmonth takes you behind the scenes at the count with colleagues Rebecca McCurdy and Kevin McKenna. Hea...

Nigel Farage picks a fight with The Herald and abandons us outside Hamilton's German Doner Kebab shop. We also speak to Monica Lennon about her Ecocide Bill.

The race to be Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse's next MSP is well and truly underway with the SNP, Labour and, now, Reform UK fighting for the top spot. Political correspondents Hannah Brown & Kathleen Nutt discuss the by-election after Hannah visits Hamilton town centre to gauge local feeling and speak to some of the main candidates battling it out.

What do you do when Nigel Farage accidentally steals your name? If you're Reform Scotland, you rebrand — reluctantly — as Enlighten, and try not to look back. In this episode, Andrew Learmonth speaks to Enlighten director Chris Deerin about swapping a solid, sensible think tank name for something a little more luminous — and about politics, policy, and if the Scottish Parliament is living up to it...

Ahead of a vote on the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, political editor Andrew Learmonth and political correspondent Hannah Brown discuss the issue with those for and those against: Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur and Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy.

This week in Holyrood marks a year since John Swinney became First Minister. But instead of reflecting, he will deliver a Programme for Government for his next year ahead. In episode five of The Herald's Unspun Live, political correspondent Hannah Brown interviews STUC general secretary Roz Foyer on the Supreme Court and the asks of the Scottish and UK Governments. Joined by colleague Rebecca McCu...

When Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene dramatically defected to the Liberal Democrats, it sent shockwaves through Holyrood. In an exclusive interview, Greene reveals to  Unspun Live  how the death of SNP minister Christina McKelvie – a close cross-party ally – became the emotional catalyst for his decision. He opens up about his growing disillusionment with the Conservative Party’s direction,...

In episode three of The Herald's Unspun Live, Thomas Kerr speaks to our political correspondent Rebecca McCurdy about Holyrood 2026, John Swinney's populist summit and Nigel Farage's upcoming trip to Scotland. Hannah Brown and Rebecca McCurdy also discuss the Supreme court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.