In this week's eposide it's the final sprint to the line or should that be tacking or gybing or something more nautical. We look at the current state of the campiagns including Lord Offord's run down of his wealth indicators and the many boats he has at his dispoal.

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

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

Lesley and Fraser dive into a week of high-stakes testimony, "shadowy" Westminster figures, and the emeerging cross-party consensus in Scotland on when our children should actually start school.

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

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

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

In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser reflect on a weekend that saw thousands take to the streets of Edinburgh for the "Believe in Scotland" march. From the fair old "pech" up to Calton Hill to the "tremendously cheery" atmosphere at the front of the pack, we discuss why the energy of the independence movement is far from fading. We also look at the power of "normal" language as Brian Cox takes the stage, and why some politicians still struggle to connect without an iPhone in hand.

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/

In this episode, Leslie and Fraser discuss the recent failure of the assisted dying bill in the Holyrood Parliament and the disconnect between parliamentarians and public opinion. They discuss why a Citizen’s Assembly would have been a better way to resolve this issue. They also cover ScotRail’s train procurement, the ethical concerns surrounding Palantir's NHS contracts, Reform’s Scottish rally and the fall out of their candidate selection. Plus the war in Iran and the impact on the global economy.

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/