The Battle for the Arctic
13 February 2026
166. John Swinney: An Independent Scotland Is An Open Scotland
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Podcast
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15 December 2025
What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers?
Alastair and Rory are joined by Scottish First Minister John Swinney to answer all this and more.
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It’s quite refreshing to listen to John Swinney in this setting where you can get a sense of humanity and he appeared quite candid. I think he did side swerve some points re education and health service. Many issues are still prevalent in Scotland with regards to the centralisation of maternity services and as a father of a primary school child I still need to be convinced of the SNPs education policy.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. John is well-read, and answered well and I also think you held him into account, not giving him an easy ride either.
That is what needs to happen for Scottish people to be convinced that the SNP can still deliver for Scotland, and the overall independence question.
I am an independence and SNP voter.
PS. My mother’s family are from Crieff, Rory. I’m still scarred from childhood having to hike up the hill from the town back to my family friends house.