The Lesley Riddoch Podcast
679 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsScottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with former media lecturer and Dundee United fan, Pat Joyce. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.
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Episodes
9 January 2009 - John Swinney MSP
January 16, 2009 16:46 - 21 minutes - 9.91 MBThis was the Riddoch Questions that went awry. Technical difficulties meant a short programme where the Finance Secretary was probed by Lesley and his Labour Shadow John Park.
Cycling in Finland
January 09, 2009 15:46 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBAfter two weeks cycling around Finland in August 2008, Lesley and her companion for the trip dissect this fabulous adventure. Recorded in a windy location in Zante, this is a meandering recollection of people, places and unexpected pleasures.
The Gremlins in the Works Aftermath
January 09, 2009 15:08 - 13 minutes - 6.16 MBThere’s a big SORRY from the Riddoch Questions team this week after a variety of technical difficulties prevented us from getting on air for 25 minutes. Which meant Lesley’s interview with Finance Secretary John Swinney and the subsequent analysis of his budget had to be somewhat curtailed. Many thanks and abject apologies to all – guests and listeners - who bore with us until the problems were sorted. And sorry to those who emailed and texted in with their comments, as problems prevail wi...
19 December 2008 Iain Gray MSP
December 26, 2008 14:54 - 45 minutes - 20.7 MBThe Leader of the Scottish Labour Party joined Lesley in the studio for the last Riddoch Questions for 2008. There were some remarkable revelations.
Lesley and Halla Tomasdottir
December 23, 2008 18:57 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBHalla Tomasdottir is the executive director and co-founder of Audur capital - the only financial company left in Iceland currently recruiting staff. They set up in 2007, recruiting women, and committed to invest only in products they could understand. As a result, their clients are almost the only people in Iceland with savings intact. This is the full interview part of which was played on Women’s Hour in November. Here is the Scotsman column that made me decide to head north and see for mys...
Lesley and the Icelandic Banks
December 23, 2008 18:47 - 20 minutes - 9.28 MBThis recording starts with angry punters at a demonstration outside the Icelandic parliament. Then I met up with Gudni Johannesson who is a historian at Reykjavik University, Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir, a writer with Iceland Review and Alda Sigmundsdottir, the woman behind the cult website www.icelandweatherreport.com. And here are some photos as well.
Lesley at Skalanes
December 23, 2008 18:43 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAs part of this Snow Queen end of year extra I recorded this half hour programme from Skalanes in East Iceland in June. This is where activists opposed hydro electric dams and lost – but realized the enormous dam-building drill could also force a tunnel through the mountains and connect their isolated communities. In other words, inspiring conservationists and very quick thinkers! For some context before you listen check out Scotsman Column I emailed over from Skalanes.
12 December 2008 Anne McGuire MP. Christopher Harvie MSP, Mike Dailly
December 19, 2008 14:20 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBLesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week are Anne McGuire, Labour MP for Stirling and former Minister for Disabled People; Christopher Harvie, SNP MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife and Honorary President of the Scottish Association for Public Transport; and Mike Dailly, principal solicitor at Govan Law Centre.
The Woolies Aftermath
December 13, 2008 11:11 - 18 minutes - 8.28 MBThe crew meet after a Riddoch Questions much influenced by a German theme. So naturally enough, the posse meander from drug counselling to Christmas shopping with detours via Germany and the high street.
5 December 2008 - The Councils
December 12, 2008 13:48 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBJoining Lesley on Riddoch Questions this week are Derek Mackay, leader of Renfrewshire Council, Stephen Curran, treasurer on Glasgow City Council and Geoff Mawdsley, Director of public services think-tank Reform Scotland. Council finances get a robust airing.
The Council Aftermath
December 05, 2008 23:42 - 13 minutes - 6.25 MBAfter a packed Riddoch Questions which concentrated on the Councils; the crew waxed lyrical about the good things their local councils did. And the conversation turned to pantos. Oh yes, it did. And will next week's Riddoch Questions reflect this? Listen and find out. Also you might not want to play this Aftermath in the car on the school run; some terms used are of an adult venacular nature.
28 November 2008 The Philanthropy Debate
December 05, 2008 12:36 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBThis special edition of Riddoch Questions was recorded at Scotland’s Philanthropy Debate – a live event in Edinburgh, organised by the Scottish Community Foundation.
The Dame Steve Skypecast Aftermath
November 28, 2008 18:54 - 10 minutes - 4.7 MBLaura guides the crew through the Philanthropy Outside Broadcast touching on Dame Steve, Bono and tazers.
21 November 2008 - Alex Neil MSP and David Whitton
November 28, 2008 18:46 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBThis week’s Riddoch Questions is a special programme looking at banks, national confidence and the battered cause of independence in Iceland and Scotland. The programme includes interviews recorded by Lesley in Iceland with ordinary people affected by the collapse of their economy. And in the studio for a live discussion are SNP MSP and independent HBOS supporter Alex Neil and Labour MSP and former adviser to Donald Dewar, David Whitton.
The Iceland and Banks Aftermath
November 22, 2008 11:37 - 10 minutes - 4.86 MBLesley and crew reflect on a bruising Riddoch Questions around Iceland and their banks. You can expects jokes, insights and the Information Diet explained.
7 November 2008 - Iain Mcwhirter, Martin Ford and Zin Craig
November 14, 2008 16:17 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBLesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week are Councillor Martin Ford - the man who said no to Donald Trump as former Head of Planning in Aberdeenshire; Zin Craig, American social commentator and staunch Republican; and Iain Macwhirter, the political journalist and broadcaster.
The Election Aftermath
November 07, 2008 22:04 - 12 minutes - 5.6 MBAfter the elections in both America and Glenrothes, the crew picked over the amount the press got it wrong. Donald Trump still sparked a good discussion over golf courses, economic troubles and sustainability. Pretty good, considering none of the team play golf
31 October 2008 Johann Lamont MSP, Pete Wishart MP, David McLetchie MSP and Jeremy Purvis MSP
November 07, 2008 19:14 - 45 minutes - 20.7 MBLesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week were Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour deputy leader and Glasgow Pollok MSP, Pete Wishart, the SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, David McLetchie, the Conservative Edinburgh Pentlands MSP and Jeremy Purvis, Lib Dem MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale. The issues were HBOS, Brand and Ross and independence.
The 'We are back from Outside Broadcasts' Aftermath
October 31, 2008 18:00 - 15 minutes - 7.22 MBLesley and the gang are back 'in studio' after a few weeks doing 'outside broadcasts'. To the evident relief of everyone, the discussion turns to the programme, chocolate cookies and other important matters. All this in a week when the Beeb finds itself in hot water with two of its more independent presenter/comedians; Brand and Ross. What does young Sean think ? You'll have to listen to this week's Aftermath to find out.
24 October 2008 The Glenrothes By Election Hustings
October 31, 2008 12:56 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBThis 'Riddoch Questions' was recorded at Kirklands School Methil at an event organised by the Fife Gingerbread Group. All the political parties contesting this crucial by election were at this meeting on October 23. As you will hear, it was a very live audience !
17 October 2008 The Renewable Energy Debate
October 24, 2008 11:59 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBRiddoch Questions travelled to Jedburgh for a live debate in front of a live audience. The panel included Cllr Martin Ford - the man who said 'no' to Donald Trump as former Head of Planning in Aberdeen, Professor Jane Bower - a leading wind- sceptic, Duncan McLaren - Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, Patrick Harvie - Scottish Green MSP, Dr Sian McGrath - from Aqua Marine Energy, and Bob Graham - chairman of the Highlands Against Windfarms
10 October 2008 - Katy Grant, Stuart Waiton, George Kerevan and Will Durst
October 17, 2008 11:41 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBPennie Taylor’s sitting in for Lesley this week, and joining her on Riddoch Questions are Scottish Daily Mail columnist Katie Grant, Scotsman columnist George Kerevan and sociology expert Stuart Waiton. And making a very early morning ( for him ) appearance; American comedian Will Durst. The end of capitalism, strikes and the American election all feature in Riddoch Questions
3 October 2008, Stewart Hosie MP, John Park MSP, Alex Johnstone MSP, and Michael White
October 10, 2008 13:14 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBThe new Scottish Secretary, David Cameron's Conference Speech, under age drinking, and free school meals were the topics. Michael White of the Guardian joined in to pummel the issues of the week in Riddoch Questions.
The Drink and Drugs Aftermath
October 06, 2008 13:26 - 12 minutes - 5.51 MBThe Riddoch Questions of 3 October talked briefly about the proposed ban on under 21s buying drink. Needless to say, the young crew of Laura, Sean and Julianne took the opportunity, in Lesley's absence, to give this whole issue a good talking about.
26 September 2008 - Michael Connerty MP, Christine Grahame MSP and Bill Jamieson
October 03, 2008 14:56 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBLesley is joined by Michael Connerty MP, Christine Grahame MSP, and Bill Jamieson of the Scotsman after the Labour Conference, HBOS takeover and nuclear power all figured in the week's news. As ever, three strong personalities and a Riddoch Questions that answers all of the questions.
The Outside Broadcast Aftermath
September 29, 2008 16:06 - 9 minutes - 4.5 MBAfter a fairly spiky Riddoch Questions, the crew discuss politicians having a go at each other, car lights and Lesley makes a plea to anyone holding a 'Question Time' type event. We can come and record you and you get Lesley Riddoch.
19 September 2008 Gavin Brown, Malcolm Chisholm, Tavish Scott, Fiona Hyslop and Susan Deacon
September 26, 2008 13:13 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBIn front of a live audience at the Edinburgh University Students' Association, the panel of 4 MSPs and an ex-MSP tacked some big issues. HBOS, the credit crunch, under age drinking were discussed. Fiona Hyslop announced that the banning off sales to under 21s ( - it made the news!) And the audience were an articulate vocal bunch - we will be hearing more from these young people in the future !
12 September 2008 - Henry McLeish, Polly Toynbee, and Alan Cochrane
September 25, 2008 00:02 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBIn the first Riddoch Questions after the summer break, the panel took on Gordon Brown's demise, chain gangs, a Scottish Channel together with the runners and riders for new Scottish Labour leader. It was action packed and full on.
My isn't Lesley looking brown Aftermath
September 12, 2008 19:44 - 12 minutes - 5.76 MBFor the first Riddoch Questions, the talk starts with tans and meanders through prisoner builders, ID cards, the Tory bounce and cycling into the hood. Welcome back crew, we missed you.
Historic Scotland Investigation
August 11, 2008 08:25 - 28 minutes - 25.6 MBIn this investigation for Radio Scotland, Lesley looks at the role of Historic Scotland in preserving or conserving the 47 thousand listed buildings in Scotland. This portion of the broadcast lays out a series of 'challenging' stories; starting with two sisters and their windows.
1 August 2008 - Joan Burnie, Eddie Riley and Willie Rennie MP
August 08, 2008 16:44 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBThe big topic for the Riddoch Question panelists was the Labour Leadership; norht and south. There were differing views as to whether Gordon Brown should remain in his present situation. Equally, the runners and riders in the Scottish Labour Leadership race were appraised. Riddoch Questions and the team are taking a short break and will be back live on September 12th and here in cyberspace, a week later.
The End of Term Aftermath
August 02, 2008 16:39 - 12 minutes - 5.71 MBThe Riddoch Questions crew were allowed to bring in videos and games for this Aftermath before the summer break. So the discussion turned, naturally, to those leaving, holiday plans and child birth.
July 25 2008 Iain McWhirter, Magnus Gardham, Fraser Nelson and Glasgow East
August 01, 2008 19:04 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBThese three journalists join Lesley in this week's Riddoch Questions and dissect the Glasgow East bye election result.
18 July 2008 - Robert Brown MSP, David Cairns MP, David Mundell MP and Nicola Sturgeon MSP
July 25, 2008 17:01 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBLesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week are the Scotland Office Minister and Inverclyde MP David Cairns, Shadow Scottish Secretary and MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, David Mundell , Robert Brown MSP and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and MSP for Glasgow Govan, Nicola Sturgeon.
Bye elections and doughnuts
July 25, 2008 14:30 - 7 minutes - 3.38 MBScott is mum for the day as Julianne and Sean discuss elections, hot signals and the role of doughnuts in broadcasting.
The Martin Durkin Interview
July 21, 2008 10:20 - 15 minutes - 7 MBThe Channel 4 documentary "The Great Global Warming Swindle" has been in the news again. Ofcom has published its adjudication of its investigation of complaints. Martin Durkin, the documentary's director and producer, was interviewed for Riddoch Questions, broadcast on 30 May 2007. Here you can hear the extended interview with Martin as Lesley probes the issues.
11 July 2008 Riddoch Questions - Angus Robertson MP, Patrick Harvie MSP and Ross Lydall
July 18, 2008 16:03 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBLesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week are SNP MP for Moray, Angus Robertson, Green MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie and London-based Political Editor for the Scotsman, Ross Lydall.
The Conspiracy Aftermath
July 11, 2008 20:08 - 9 minutes - 4.43 MBIn this week's Aftermath Sean has been watching TV again and brings up an old 9/11 story. There is a spooky intervention that allows Jules, Scott and Lesley to get back to multiple jobs for our leaders and the other staple fare of Riddoch Questions.
4 July 2008 - Riddoch Questions - Christine May, Joyce McMillan, Robert Crawford
July 11, 2008 13:45 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBIn a week of resignations and Scottish tennis triumph, ex Labour MSP Christine May, Scotsman writer Joyce McMillan and development guru, Robert Crawford joined Lesley to unpick the week's news.
The Murray Mint Aftermath
July 04, 2008 21:49 - 11 minutes - 5.23 MBSean talks trains, Richard loves the colour of mints, Greg explains what he will be doing on Fridays and Lesley reveals her holiday plans. It's the Murray Mint Aftermath.
27 June 2008 - The Islands Debate
July 04, 2008 15:35 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBRiddoch Questions went on the road to the Outer Hebrides. Panelists included David MacLennan of SNH, Lionacleit S6 student Kevin Donkers, Jane Farmer of UHI, Gaelic columnist Angus Peter Campbell, Storas Uibhist Chairman Angus MacMillan, and Lochboisdale Community Council chairman Ronald MacKinnon. The subject; "do the islands have an economically viable future ?"
The Island Debate Aftermath
June 29, 2008 15:27 - 22 minutes - 10.1 MBIt's starting to be a regular feature here; but this week's Aftermath is a bit of a departure. Riddoch Questions on June 27 was the broadcast of an island debate recorded earlier that week in Benbecula. After the 'BBC' programme was recorded, the microphone stayed on as the audience and panel relaxed to continue the "not for broadcast" discussion. The topics were education, gaelic and depopulation.
20 June 2008 - Riddoch Questions - Pennie Taylor, Shona Robison MSP, Mary Scanlon MSP, Alan Cochrane
June 27, 2008 15:58 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBPennie Taylor will be sitting in for Lesley on this week’s Riddoch Questions and she’ll be joined by Minister for Public Health Shona Robison, Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Mary Scanlon and Scottish Editor of the Daily Telegraph, Alan Cochrane. Health is on the agenda big time.
The Iceland Aftermath
June 24, 2008 10:57 - 13 minutes - 6.31 MBThis is a departure from the usual format of 'Riddoch Questions Aftermath" Over at Riddoch Questions, Pennie Taylor stood in for Lesley as Ms Riddoch tramped around Iceland. However, Lesley took her trusty recorder and in this podcast; Elfa Hlin Petursdottir, Sharon Webb, of Kilmartin Museum in Argyll, Mia Scott of the Highland Buildings and Preservation Trust and Annie MacSween of Lews Castle College in Stornoway all join in a round table discussion. The theme is tourists and the wild.
13 June 2008 - Riddoch Questions - Kevin Williamson, Katie Grant and Alistair Carmichael MP
June 20, 2008 15:53 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBDavid Davis, underage sex, drugs, and Europe all featured in this "robust" conversation/discussion about the week's big topics.
The MP and MSPs Aftermath
June 13, 2008 14:00 - 5 minutes - 2.74 MBDavid, Sean, Scottie and Lesley sit down and discuss whether Riddoch Questions is too tough on participants. The regional wrangle about the BBC and the 'Holyrood versus Westminster' relevance discussion get a good airing.
June 6 2008 - Barack, Brown, Oil and Jonathan Ross
June 13, 2008 10:28 - 5 minutes - 2.72 MBRoseanna Cunningham MSP, Henry McLeish former First Minister, and Fraser Nelson of the Spectator join Iain McWhirter in dissecting the week's news which ranges from the US Election, the PM's troubles analyzed by Paddy Power the bookmaker, Scotland's oil through to BBC remuneration for its stars.
The Oil Fund Aftermath
June 06, 2008 21:58Oil Funds, Paddy Power, codec, Ian, Jules Sean and Richard are all here. Lesley wasn't and does she listen to the Aftermath anyway ?
30 May Riddoch Questions - Brian Wilson, Bill Jamieson, and John Vine
June 06, 2008 09:59 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBWith a robust panel of an ex Labour Energy Minister, a seasoned Scotsman Executive Editor and a Chief Constable, the programme flew. Topics like oil, energy, and knifes all got a good airing.
The Polite Aftermath - 30 May 2008
May 30, 2008 19:20 - 9 minutes - 4.47 MBLesley is joined by Alison, Gregor, Alex and Sean who rattle through what happened on Riddoch Questions. Alison is visiting with young students from Blairgowrie High School and makes a shocking observation. Oh and Sean storms out.