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

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

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

We analyse the BBC’s decision to use a massive national event merely as a backdrop for doorstepping politicians and what the appointment of an ex-Google boss as the new Director General means for the future of public service broadcasting. From the vital role of BBC Alba to the international reporting standards of Channel 4, we ask: who is actually telling our stories?.

Plus, we dive into the Ferries as many folk look towards the Easter Weekend. We discuss activists targeting the Guga hunt in Ness, the ongoing and escalating energy crisis caused by Donald Trump's Iran War.

Links
Upcoming film screenings https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Support the podcast https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Former director of Maersk shipping predicting this could get as bad as the 1970s https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78lj4976lvo

The Parkinsons drugs warnings and excellent R4 progs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg0xxwn041o

Channel 4 Seconder Kermani moving report on the paramedics kiled by the IDF

https://www.channel4.com/news/funeral-for-two-young-lebanese-paramedics-killed-in-israeli-strike

Danish centrist government gubbed

https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-social-democrats-losing-election/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=alert&utm_campaign=Why%20Europe

Surfing prog BBC Alba 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dn7

Talking Up Scotland on ferries and islanders 

https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/03/30/scotland-subsidises-its-ferries-far-more-than-any-other-country-subsidises-island-life-far-more-than-any-other-part-and-the-mull-service-is-98-reliable-for-half-empty-vehicle-decks/

Support the podcast - https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Finland Film Screenings - https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Portugal train purchasing - https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-supply-153-trains-comboios-de-portugal-and-establish-manufacturing-facility-portugal

ROSCOs https://weownit.org.uk/news/riding-rosco-gravy-train/

The discussion turns to the "heating oil headache" facing off-grid Scots, with the UK government’s £35 support package being branded as woefully inadequate. We look to our Northern neighbours for solutions, analysing how district heating and hydro energy allow countries like Finland to maintain energy security while the UK remains tethered to volatile fossil fuel markets.

The mood shifts as we examine the continuing escalation in the Middle East. We discuss Donald Trump's "wasp's nest" approach to Iran, the tragic bombing of a girls’ school in Minab linked to outdated AI data, and the growing criticism of the BBC’s "sanitised" coverage of the conflict.

We discuss the count down to the election and the SNP’s campaign conference at the weekend with some headline grabbing announcments. Plus the news that ‘Your Party’ like the Alba Party, won’t be contesting the Holyrood elections. 

Plus, we look at the potential for political upheaval in Hungary, the latest goings on surrounding Peter Mandelson’s departure, and Lesley’s whirlwind tour of Scotland with her Finland film screenings.

In this episode:

• St Patrick's Day Confidence: What Scotland can learn from the Irish approach to history and culture.
• The Heating Oil Crisis: Why £35 is a "hotchpotch" response to doubling energy bills for rural households.
• District Heating – Why Wait?: Analysing the Scandinavian model, where wasting industrial heat is against the law.
• Iran & The AI Failure: The devastating consequences of old data and the "distancing" language of modern warfare.
• BBC Under Fire: Ben Depeer’s critique of "if it bleeds, it leads" and the challenges of reporting from a bunker.
• The Mandelson Payoff: The "brazenness" of a £547,000 request following a reputational meltdown.

Links

Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription

https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Finland Film Screenings & Events

Check the latest dates for Lesley's screenings across Scotland.

https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey
https://www.facebook.com/p/Metagama-An-Atlantic-Odyssey-61557037868810/

17 March: Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy

18 March: Universal Hall, Findhorn

19 March: Community Hall, Kincraig

20 March: Macphail Centre, Ullapool

21 March: Stratherrick Public Hall, Gorthleck

22 March: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye

24 March: Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, Inverness

25 March: Appin Village Hall, Argyll

26 March: The Tolbooth, Stirling

Tickets for village halls:
https://tickets-scotland.com/events.html...

Tickets for Macphail Centre:
https://tickets.highlifehighland.com/.../highlife.../2031529

Tickets for all other venues:
From venue box office & websites 

'This acclaimed 5* live stage show tells the story of 1920s mass emigration from the Hebrides, featuring some of Scotland's top folk musicians and singers. The show has played to capacity audiences across the Highlands and Islands, Celtic Connections and HebCeltc Festival, with the current 2026 Scottish tour supported by Creative Scotland.''

''The quality of the music is astonishing. A MUST LISEN! *****'' Folk London magazine
''A story full of imense contemporary resonances. ****'' Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman
''Top drawer music.'' Gary West, piper and piping podcast presenter
''A night of exquisite music and storytelling. *****'' Inverness Courier

An ensemble of acclaimed musicians and singers will carry you aboard the Metagama, a journey that will take you to the lakes and plains of Canada, to 1920s Detroit and Prohibition, through the ebb and flow of fortunes on both sides of the Atlantic.
Join award-winning writer Donald S Murray, musician Liza Mulholland, actor and 7:84 Theatre founding player Dolina MacLennan, noted Gaelic singer John Joe Macneil, fiddler Charlie Mackerron of Capercaillie, singer-songwriter Willie Campbell, young up-and-coming cellist Juliette Lemoine, and visual artist Doug Robertson, in marking this historic event with an evening of music, song and story.

This five-star show toured to great acclaim and capacity audiences in the Highlands & Islands in 2023 and followed this with a sell-out concert at Celtic Connections 2024. This current tour in March 2026 has secured support from Creative Scotland,

The mood shifts as we analyse the terrifying escalation in the Middle East following the bombing of a girls' school in Minab, South Iran. We discuss the chilling rhetoric of the US administration, the surge in oil prices, and the stark contrast in European leadership—from Spain’s firm "no" on base access to the "swithering" internal dynamics of the UK Labour Party.

Closer to home, we look at a genuine medical breakthrough: a pioneering study at NHS Grampian showing that AI can increase breast cancer detection by 10%. But it's not all good news for the tech world; we discuss Donald Trump’s targeting of Anthropic (the makers of Claude) and what the future holds for software development jobs.

Plus, Lesley shares how she’s using AI to sift through a decade of Nordic research, and we look ahead to the march on Calton Hill on the 28th.

In this episode:

• The Old Alliance Trophy: The story behind the silverware and Scotland’s continuing rugby streak.
• Iran & The "Short-Term Excursion": Analysing the school bombing in Minab and the global fallout of $120-a-barrel oil.
• Spain vs. The White House: Why Pedro Sanchez stood his ground while the UK government remains internally divided.
• AI—The Life Saver and the Supply Chain Risk: From the NHS Grampian breakthrough to Trump’s "stushie" with Anthropic.
• Gathering Again: March on Calton Hill on the 28th and 

Links

Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Pioneering study finds AI increases cancer detection by more than 10 per cent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd9gn4j7dyo

Andrew Redman’s "The March on Calton Hill" print https://andrewrbarr.com/portfolio/march-on-calton-hill/(Fraser highly recommends this one for your wall!)

Lesley Riddoch: Reading Scotland at Newbattle Abbey College 12th March

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lesley-riddoch-reading-scotland-tickets-1982952469215

Finland Film Screenings - see all here https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Next up

Dunfries - Friday 13 March https://rbcfilmtheatre.co.uk/all-listings/lesleyriddoch

Greenock - Saturday 14 Marchhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-didnt-exist-tickets-1980199784862?aff=oddtdtcreator

Artists for Independence - Oran Mor 14th March

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakz

The 28th March And Rally Edinburghhttps://www.believeinscotland.org/march_and_rally_for_independence.

The Lesley Riddoch Podcast with Fraser Thompson

FYP4LeHoqefkfw4kYYtQ

Closer to home, we discuss the ongoing fallout over the Lord Advocate briefing John Swinney on the indictment of Peter Murrell and the conflict inherent in the dual role the Lord Advocate holds and the difficulty in parliamentary scrutiny.

We look at the joint report from Scotonomics and the Scottish Currency Group - Scottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselves, highlighting the failure of the Scottish Government to consider independence when planning their bond issue and how the current framework for bonds continues the extractive nature of Scotland’s economy with an over-reliance on foreign direct investment. 

Also in this episode, Labour’s one-day conference, Community energy news, data centres, and UK Labour’s problems following the Green win in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Links
Support the podcast
https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Scottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselves
https://scotonomics.org/scottish-government-bonds-and-investing-in-ourselves/

Community energy - heat from Polmaise pit at Fallin
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25606042.scottish-village-hopes-use-abandoned-mine-thermal-energy

Film Screenings
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Closer to home, we dissect the row over the Lord Advocate and the revelations surrounding the timing of Peter Murrell’s charges being shared with the First Minister. We also look at the shock announcement that the Alba Party are unlikely to contest the Holyrood election, blaming financial and regulatory problems alleged to have been caused by their former General Secretary.

But it’s not all legal drama; we look at the ideas that could truly transform the face of Scotland. From local control to community wealth building, we discuss how empowering communities can shift our mindset and boost the economy. 

In this episode:

• The Legal "Big Four": Mandelson, Prince Andrew, the Lord Advocate, and the Alba Party.
• Peter Murrell & The First Minister: the dual role of Scotland’s Lord Advocate.
• Transforming Scotland: Why local control and community wealth building matter more than ever.
• By-election Watch: Can Labour hang one?

Links
Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription
https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Community Wealth Building
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fridayseconomics/video/7594406782802464013

Gordon Brown as Private Investigator article

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/why-gordon-brown-delving-deep-into-epstein-files

Excellent Simon Pearson substack

https://simonpearson1.substack.com/p/the-only-politics-on-offer?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3669870&post_id=188725593&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1wdpld&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Everybody to Kenmure Street film

review https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/power-pyjamas-everybody-to-kenmure-street-glasgow-immigration

Search local screemnngs - 'everybody to kenmure street showtimes'

We discuss Kier Starmer and yet another U-turn as the UK Government continue to spin around. This time on English local elections. We look at the latest revelations about the criminal charges against former SNP CEO Peter Murrel, the detail of the allegations against him and the political fallout about the delay to his trial. We also discuss how this all reflects on the SNP as a party and the scorn that was heaped on folk who tried to flag up problems. 

We also discuss Alba, Alliance for Liberation Scotland, Jim Ratcliffe and much else besides.

Links
Finland Film
Glasgow - 18th February - https://www.believeinscotland.org/shop/#!/Screening-of-Lesley-Riddochs-new-film-with-Q&A/p/807936451

Musselburgh - 19th February
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lesley-riddoch-finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-never-existed-tickets-1980183406875?aff=oddtdtcreator

Community Wealth Building Bill

https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/

Band Back Together at the Òran Mór - Indpendence Gig
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakz

Morgan McSweeney's gang investigate journalists - National got there first

https://www.thenational.scot/newsletters/bulletin/1898/?nid=1898&ref=eb

We discuss the impact in Scotland and the May elections. We also react to the Scottish conference of Your Party, which voted decisively to be a pro-independence party and their decision to field candidates on the list and in constituencies at the Holyrood election. 

There’s a smattering of on the winter Olympics and renewed calls for a proper bank holiday on Saint Andrew’s Day. 

Everybody is deciding that he betrayed the country, that they're shocked and horrified by these allegations, and yet, Mandelson was a repeat offender in terms of breaking the rules, and Kier Starmer put him right back at the top of government yet again. We look at the further damage to the UK PM’s reputation and the sorry state of the Westminster Government. We ponder how this reflects on his right-hand man, Morgan McSweeney? And what does it say about the House of Lords and our so-called democracy when this man cannot have his peerage stripped away?

Become a Pal or Buddy, support the podcast: https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Links
Finland Film Showings
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

French Government Social Media
https://www.politico.eu/article/france-diplomats-memes-fight-maga-era-information-wars-emmanuel-macron/

Richard Murphy - Big parties are falling flatM for some reason
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25815305.big-parties-falling-flat-reason/

Liam McArthur - Podcast Extra
https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d0b957a

We also look at Andy’King of  the North’ Burnham's knockback from standing, in the forthcoming by-election that would have let him jump in as a replacement Labour leader. Will it all just be brushed under the carpet? How successful will that be? 

Scottish Labour seems to have got a new tactic of ‘mandamification’ of Anas Sarwar. We digest the attempts to ape the social media style of the New York Mayor with groovy videos, the walking, talking, jazzy music, and jumping camera shots. Will that work?

Edinburgh Cameo screening of the Finland film

Unfortunately the Cameo double booked themselves. The February 20th screening of the Finland film HAS MOVED to Sunday March 22nd 5.15pm. T

Ticket-holders for the original date will be refunded but must buy a new ticket for the March date. Sorry about that. A new booking link for March 22nd will be online soon at https://lesleyriddoch.com/events.

Links
Scottish Labour is a party stuck in long-term decline
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25789020.scottish-labour-party-stuck-long-term-decline/

Gavin Newsom  World Economic Forum Davos

https://www.youtube.com/live/ObkKhPt1QM0?si=lzSpDW8FWWTrWB_U

Deacon Blue 'appalled' after Malcolm Offord quotes Dignity

https://www.thenational.scot/news/25800409.deacon-blue-appalled-malcolm-offord-quotes-dignity/

You can find out more about the bill at https://www.dignityindyingscotland.org.uk/. Both Lesley and Fraser take a supportive view of the legislation. This is a complex and difficult subject. A contrary view is taken by organisations like Care Not Killing https://carenotkilling.scot/

We look at the situations across the world at the moment, in Minnesota in the aftermath of the terrible shooting there, the situation in Iran, and the continuing pressure on Greenland. All this and more.

Links
See the latest film showings for the new Finland Film
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Greenland films
Uncovering the history of America's secret cold war base on Greenland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIw8pEqJMHw

How did Greenland become part of Denmark and why does Trump want to buy it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYfSlQaIEXk

It’s the start of the Scottish election campaign; we look at how things have kicked off and where the election might leave prospects for an independent Scotland. 

So we discuss all of that. Donald Trump's allegation that, putting it bluntly, Europe is crap, and perhaps the difficulty in managing to get a common position when giving funds to Ukraine would bear that out. We also discuss the Question Time furor over the question about school children and fluency in English, which turned into a debate about second languages among young people All that and more.

Links
Jen Strout - Night Train to Odesa
https://birlinn.co.uk/product/night-train-to-odesa-2/

Jim Sillars - The New Case for Optimism
https://www.vagabondvoices.co.uk/rants/the-new-case-for-optimism

We also  look at the big statement about energy for an independent Scotland and the promise of a third off bills. Is that realistic? of course, it actually is, but quite how would you get there? And does John Swinney have to spell it out? We analyise the nuclear consensus amongst Labour, Tory, and the Westminster parties. Why on earth are they so keen to have new nuclear plants in Scotland? We talk about Lord Malcolm Offord and his defection to Reform to stand for the Scottish Parliament. And we look at the Sandy Peggie verdict. Does anybody really see clearly what it means?

The A'Chraobh Forest Project
Producing a professional film from the footage will cost £600-£1000.
The Spiral Forrest at Borgie in Sutherland is an attempt by descendants of the people cleared by the Duke of Sutherland from Strathnaver to have their say about the landscape. It’s composed of the 18 trees native to Scotland which are also part of the unique Gàidhlig alphabet. Lesley planted the first tree in 2000 along with hundreds of school kids from North Sutherland and returned this weekend with organisers, some of those children now adults and their own children, to commemorate 25 years of a very different kind of woodland. She captured footage while she was there and is looking to raise some money to pay an editor. If any Sutherland folk or people who feel strongly about native Woodland or indeed the clearances, want to contribute, please contact her at hello@lesleyriddoch.com

Links

Norway the Twin Nation
https://youtu.be/oUbMAFO6kA4

Makar Homes
https://www.makar.co.uk/

We discuss all things Saint Andrew’s Day, planning nightmares in the Highlands over wind farm expansion.
That and Barclays Hamden Stadium, whether anybody will ever call it that, and does it matter?

Links
Find out more about the Birthplace of the Saltire and the new Saltire Monument
https://saltire.scot/

We look at the recent Copenhagen mayoral election where the Social Democrats have lost the control that they have held for 100 years, mostly over the pact with the far right. So beware what you wish for Labour. We talk also about the new Good Morning Scotland that isn't called that anymore. Is it all that different, and what could it be doing more? We look at the COVID inquiry verdicts and the tragedy of the UK  establishment telling the Scottish Government that their big mistake was not deviating completely from what the British government was doing. All this and more..

Links
Celebrate Saint Andrew's Day at the birthplace of Scotland's Flag

Pipes and Drums from 1.30pm, Flag Ceremony 2pm followed by a service in Athelstaneford Parish Church. (small hand flags only, plesase, no personal flags, saltires or banners) https://www.facebook.com/events/800678686169345

Pennie Taylor - scroll to 1:27:49  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mp06

Richard Murphy and budget - https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25643726.scotland-needs-budget-wont-get/

Guardian and Danish left resurgent - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/22/danish-model-centre-left-parties-labour-doesnt-work

Down Cemetery Road 5 stars from Graudian https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/29/down-cemetery-road-review-emma-thompson-thriller-apple-tv