The Holyrood Sources Christmas Special is recorded live in Edinburgh with a packed audience as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver review the biggest moments in Scottish and UK politics in 2025 — and make bold predictions for 2026 and the Holyrood election.

In this wide-ranging discussion, the panel debates:

• Anas Sarwar’s U-turn on gender recognition reform
• John Swinney’s independence referendum strategy
• The legacy of Nicola Sturgeon and Kate Forbes’ decision to stand down
• Labour’s UK Budget fallout and Rachel Reeves’ credibility
• Reform UK’s electoral breakthrough in Scotland
• Energy policy, the North Sea, offshore wind and deindustrialisation
• Why politicians struggle to explain a credible energy transition
• Whether Swinney could serve a full five-year term as First Minister
• Predictions on Farage, Badenoch, Reform UK and the next political realignment

This live Christmas episode captures Scottish politics unfiltered — with audience reaction, behind-the-scenes stories, and sharp disagreement between insiders who’ve shaped modern Holyrood.

🎙️ Holyrood Sources takes you inside Scottish politics every week.

📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes and clips

📌 Recorded live at Malone’s, Edinburgh

📌 Christmas Special 2025

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