In this episode, we discuss:

Trump, FIFA, and Waffles: We chew over Donald Trump's ridiculous phone call to FIFA to get a player's red card ban delayed—a move that spectacularly backfired as Belgium thumped the US team 4-1 anyway. We dive into the corporate corruption of FIFA rolling into town tax-free, leaving host nations like South Africa lumbered with multi-billion-pound bills. 

Farage’s Clacton Crisis: Recorded right before his 2 PM showdown, we analyse breaking news regarding Nigel Farage's future in public life. Under intense scrutiny over undeclared security cash, luxury stays, and a mortgage-free £4 million property portfolio, the donations he has received from crypto-billionaires and convicted fraudsters, we ask: is he about to jump before he’s pushed by a Standards Commission recall petition? 

The King of the North vs. Scottish Self-Determination: We dissect Andy Burnham’s predictable words to the Scots, offering regional devolution crumbs while denying Scotland the right to choose its own constitutional future. We contrast this with the media’s sudden interest in an Irish border poll, noting how Scotland’s constitutional fight is being woundingly ignored by the wider news cycle. 

Cleaning Up the Indy Dosh: With questions lingering over old Yes Scotland accounts and the potential return of Peter Murrell's misappropriated SNP money, Fraser and Lesley look at how to build trust. We debate the necessity of setting up an independent fun managed by a well-respected, neutral board to confidently kickstart a fresh independence campaign for 2027.

Links
https://donation.dec.org.uk/venezuela-earthquake-appeal

Links
https://labourlist.org/2026/06/is-fiscal-devolution-the-missing-piece-of-manchesterism/

Neil Mcinroy believes it can. 

He's Global Community Wealth Building lead for the Democracy Collaborative – an American tank. But this well travelled, experienced Scot works across the world from his home in Argyll and is helping drive the CWB agenda here.

The new Act requires public bodies from councils and hospitals to quangos and central government to use their procurement clout and purchasing power to support local businesses, coops and individuals instead of boosting the profits of multinationals.

It's already transformed Cleveland, Ohio where the idea began and Preston, Lancashire. Neil was involved in both places.

The new Scottish legislation places a duty on all public bodies to ensure prosperity flows towards workers, families, and neighbourhoods by retaining and circulating wealth within communities.

Every council will be drawing up plans so it's vital local activists get up to speed now.

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

Lesley's National column https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/

Well, the by-elections were well worth waiting for. In this delayed "wait for it" by-election special, Lesley and Fraser digest a massive week in UK and Scottish politics. Andy Burnham has secured a predictable but comprehensive landslide in Mackerfield, leaving everyone wondering how quickly he might challenge Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10. Meanwhile, the SNP faces a disappointing loss in Aberdeen South, prompting questions about energy policy, land taxes, and rural trust. Plus, the Tartan Army takes over America with an incredible display of joy and cultural diplomacy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Burnham's Path to Number 10: Andy Burnham defeated Reform, Restore, and the Tories combined with 55% of the vote in Mackerfield. We look at his victory speech, the rumors of cabinet resignations, and why Keir Starmer is stubbornly hanging on despite plummeting popularity.

• Aberdeen South & SNP Frustrations: The SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election to the Conservatives, the first Tory by-election win in Scotland since 1973. We discuss how Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood triggered the vote and whether he will take a hit for it. We also dive into the Scottish Government's lack of action on community wealth-building opportunities like onshore wind repowering and land taxes.

• Tartan Army Takeover: From securing Haggis approvals in Massachusetts to twinning with Glasgow, the Scotland fans are outclassing everyone with their energy and charity work. We contrast their joyful behavior in Boston with the rather more hostile chants coming from England fans in Dallas.

• Highland Clearances on Film: Lesley shares updates from a poignant filming trip to the clearance site at Rosal in Strathnaver. We discuss the rich oral traditions kept alive by the community, the struggle to find authentic black Highland cows, and how crofters actually lived in longhouses the size of modern three-bedroom bungalows.

• Upcoming Schedule: There will be no podcast next week as Lesley heads off to an island in Donegal with her bike, panniers, and absolutely no Wi-Fi or potable water. 

Links

• Highland Clearances Interview: Watch the interview with Professor James Hunter on the main Lesley Riddoch YouTube channel.
  https://youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8
• Equitable Energy research about communities taking on repowering contracts -   https://ruralsehub.net/onshore-wind-re-powering-report/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Peter Murrell Scandal & Holyrood’s Response: We unpack the recent debate on whether there should be a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry into the SNP's financial scandal. Fraser argues Holyrood has ducked out of the thornier issues regarding the separation of powers and the Crown Office, leaving the door wide open for Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee to step in. Lesley, however, reckons an independent inquiry—sparked by the successful Green amendment—is actually the better move, meaning politicians won't just be marking their own homework.
• A Question of Competence: Does the Scottish Parliament even have the legislative authority to investigate political parties, or is that strictly reserved to Westminster under the Scotland Act? We get into the weeds of who actually holds the power to scrutinise party registration and funding.
• The Future of Independence Funds: With Peter Murrell reportedly offering to voluntarily repay embezzled funds, we ask what should happen to that money. Fraser suggests a new, democratic independence vehicle should be established to take the ring-fenced crowdfunder cash, rather than simply returning it to the SNP's coffers.
• Far-Right Riots and The Belfast Response: We turn to the appalling, racist violence in Belfast and across the UK, fueled by outside agitators and Nigel Farage's "pure cold fury" remarks. Yet amidst the nightmare, there is a surprisingly upbeat takeaway: the refreshingly robust, united front from Northern Irish politicians across the divide. From the SDLP to the Democratic Unionists, local leaders have explicitly repudiated the racism and told the armchair warriors exactly where to go.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Orkney and the Netherlands: Lesley reflects on a week of incredible, volunteer-led musicianship at the Orkney Folk Festival. We also compare the well-maintained, cycle-friendly infrastructure of the Netherlands with the sad state of Edinburgh Airport's rolled-up corrugated paper door wedges.
• Operation Hingaboot Mark II: A large crowd gathered outside Holyrood for the Section 30 request vote. We discuss the ongoing disconnect between the SNP corporate leadership and the grassroots Yes movement
• Peter Murrell and SNP Governance: Following Peter Murrell's guilty plea, we unpack the agreed narrative of financial mismanagement. We examine the culture of deference that allowed £12,500 of Apple products and a £3,500 silver wine coaster to be coded without curiosity, and how those who tried to raise concerns—like the "Good Guys" slate on the NEC and members of the Finance and Audit Committee—were sidelined and frustrated.
• Labour's Leaks and Leadership: The latest document dump reveals damning WhatsApp connections between Peter Mandelson and Pat McFadden, who seems to lament the idea of taxing to pay benefits. With Keir Starmer's slow-moving demise, Andy Burnham's by-election date set, and Tony Blair wading into the policy debate, Labour is looking increasingly rudderless.
• Education and NEETs: Reflecting on Alan Milburn's report on young people not in employment, education, or training. We compare the UK's approach to the Dutch system's high engagement in vocational education and the need for a shift away from traditional, purely academic routes.

Links

• Highland Clearances; communities fight back - Crowdfunder
• Clearance site event at Rosal on June 12th-14th June 

★ Support this podcast ★

If you're enjoying the podcast, you can become a pal or a buddy to help keep the pod going by heading to leslieriddock.com/podcast and following the links to subscribe.

• The "Smoke-Filled Room": Why did the party choose to ignore the glaringly obvious warning signs for so long? * The Closed-Shop Legacy: Reflecting on the Sturgeon-Murrell era and how internal critics like Joanna Cherry and Douglas Chapman were sidelined.
• Corporate Festival vs. Grassroots Campaigning: How the party tilt shifted toward "Heathrow Lounges" and away from its own members.
• Taking Back the Mojo: Why the Yes movement needs to become a self-organising, self-authorising force rather than waiting on a nod from ANY party HQ.

We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion.

• Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.
• New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?
• Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. 
• Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?
• Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham’s push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.
• The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.

Links
The rose of all the world is not for me.

I want for my part

Only the little white rose of Scotland

That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.
Hugh MacDiarmid

Professor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_g

Who is josh simons? His greatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham

We discuss some of the comings and at time of recording not yet goings at Westminster as Keir Starmer looks increasingly shoogly in Number Ten. Before turning to look at all the post election news from Scotland – muse on the outcome and commiserate on the lack of cut through for smaller indy parties. 

Links
Andrew Tickell on Anas Sarwar https://www.thenational.scot/politics/26092818.anas-sarwar-came-saw-lost-still-dont-learn/

Psalm of the People - https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/
Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing. An entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive.

Songs to learn

1. Freedom Come all Ye - Hamish Henderson Lyrics - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/freedom-come-all-ye/

Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRyANctEHBs

2. Cap in hand - Proclaimers

https://genius.com/The-proclaimers-cap-in-hand-lyrics

3. Mountain Thyme - ancient Scottish/Irish 

https://irish-song-lyrics.com/Wild_Mountain_Thyme.shtml

Poets mentioned
Gerda Stevenson - Quines - poems in tribute to women of Scotland https://luath.co.uk/products/quines?srsltid=AfmBOoq45f__MfEiouXPAzL0LSYPp1-9E7Q4I6RPJxVLkloUjEtpOsE8

Aonghas MacNeacail - https://www.scottishreviewofbooks.org/2012/06/black-angus-at-70/

Fraser reports back from the mood on the doors in the final week of the election including insight into how people are splitting their vote across the constituency and list ballots. We discuss the fall-out of the sucess in remoing whisky tarrifs to the USA following the state visit and the stooshie over who gets the credit. And where next after polling day.

Links
Neil Mackay interview with Stephen Boyd - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26074300.not-one-political-party-offering-scotland-really-needs/

Scotonomics change to Resilient Economy -  www.resilienteconomy.org

Kevin McKenna hatchet job on Malcolm Offord - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26076979.underdogs-reform-uk-scottish-greens-much-common/

Film Crowdfunder
The Women who Won https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back

The Whitehall "Schmozzle" We look at the recent Foreign Affairs Committee sessions featuring the "Whitehall Mandarin" Philip Barton and Keir Starmer’s strategist, Morgan McSweeney. It was a masterclass in the "dark arts" of Number 10, with Emily Thornberry leading a blistering critique of the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador before his security vetting was even complete. From the "knife through the soul" of the Epstein revelations to the bizarre "Blitzkrieg" strategy to install Mandelson over George Osborne, we ask: is this just "jobs for the boys" by another name?.

The Kindergarten Revolution Lesley reports back from a fascinating Upstart Scotland hustings where, for once, there was a strange glimmer of cross-party agreement. Even the "new man" Tory candidate seemed to accept the logic of raising the school starting age to seven. But while the Greens and Lib Dems are on board, the SNP government remains oddly "wobbly" on putting a proper kindergarten stage in their manifesto.

We also look at the latest news on Ferry procurement, the SNP pledge on a section 30 order vote and constitutional convention and much more!

Links
NOKUT (Norway): Developed a toolkit for recognising refugees' qualifications
https://www.sciencenorway.no/immigration-integration-refugees/who-is-best-at-getting-refugees-into-the-workforce-norway-sweden-or-denmark/2082005

Highland Clearances; communities fight back
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back

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

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