Unspun Live

Holyrood 2026: Breaking down the election results

The SNP is the largest party in Holyrood by a significant margin - but missed out on the crucial majority - so what next for Scottish independence? The Herald's deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy and political correspondent Hannah Brown dissects the election results - from Reform UK's breakthrough, a historic result for the Scottish Greens and the Lib Dems and disaster for Labour and the Tories.

John Swinney in conversation with Brian Taylor

The Herald's Brian Taylor sits down with First Minister John Swinney for his first interview since last week's Holyrood election. And it's a conversation only these two could have. Speaking at Bute House, Swinney opens up about what it means to finally hold a mandate in his own name, how close he believes the SNP came to collapse in 2024, and what a more personal, liberated second term might look like. He talks tax, public sector reform and independence, and reflects on family and faith.

The Herald x Women in Public Affairs Scotland Holyrood Hustings

A live recording of The Herald and Women in Public Affairs Holyrood hustings. Chaired by The Herald's editor Catherine Salmond, the panel brought together Shirley-Ann Somerville (SNP), Jackie Baillie (Scottish Labour), Sue Webber (Scottish Conservatives), Wendy Chamberlain (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Gillian Mackay (Scottish Greens) and Kim Schmullian (Reform UK) to debate the issues shaping the next parliament. Recorded at The Herald's Glasgow offices on April 30, 2026.

Goodies or hard truths? The IFS verdict on the manifestos

The parties have set out their big promises on tax, spending and the cost of living. But how much of it adds up? In this episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth speaks to David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to break down the numbers behind the manifestos. From tax cuts that “don’t add up” to spending plans with “big holes”, Phillips delivers a blunt assessment of what’s on offer and what’s missing. The key warning is that whoever forms the next Scottish Government faces a “real tough” budget in the years ahead.

Time for honesty? Poverty, welfare and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation

In a busy election campaign, serious conversations around policy are few and far between. But with one in five children living in poverty, deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy speaks to Chris Birt, the associate director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation about the "weaponisation" of welfare and those claiming benefits. But there is also calls for honesty over universal policies.