Michael Moore, Former Secretary of State for Scotland

The Holyrood Sources podcast introduces a new way for listeners to engage through WhatsApp, allowing them to share thoughts and questions directly with hosts Jeff and Andy. In this episode, they reflect on significant events in Scottish politics, particularly the 10-year anniversary of the independence referendum, where emotions and opinions were deeply divided. Michael Muir, a former Scottish Secretary, joins to discuss the implications of that referendum on Scotland and the UK. The memories of internal polling and the hectic atmosphere surrounding the referendum campaign highlight the continuing relevance of these discussions in today's political landscape, indicating that the topic of Scottish independence remains active, though perhaps less intense at the moment.

During the intense period leading up to the referendum, the atmosphere was electrifying, especially after polls showed a surprising lead for the Yes campaign. Everyone realized that victory was possible, which led to heightened preparations and a response from various world governments. However, the opposition's campaign was poorly managed, failing to adapt to changing political dynamics. Lessons from past years illustrated the need for a more dynamic approach to devolution, embracing the idea that the demand for a referendum stemmed from legitimate public interest, rather than being simply imposed. Alistair Darling played a crucial role in moderating the opposition's messaging, making it more appealing in Scotland. Overall, the campaign dynamics shifted dramatically as the possibility of losing became real, reflecting the importance of engaging with the electorate thoughtfully and actively addressing their concerns to gain support.

Campaign strategies can greatly influence public perception, as seen in the Scottish referendum. Negative tactics, like 'Project Fear', backfired by creating emotional responses against the no vote. Offering positive alternatives earlier, like more devolution, might have changed outcomes. Finding the right tone is crucial in political discourse, fostering connection instead of division, and understanding public concerns about issues like the NHS can sway opinions significantly. The lessons learned from the referendum indicate that calm, empathetic communication is vital in political campaigns, particularly when trying to counter more aggressive or emotional approaches. Engaging with voters personally can bring to light their real fears and priorities, ensuring that campaigns resonate more meaningfully and potentially lead to better decision outcomes.

Post-referendum, the SNP felt an opportunity was missed in not pursuing another independence referendum when they had significant political traction. Instead, they observed the UK government primarily focused on English laws, which seemed tone-deaf to Scottish desires. The political landscape appeared contentious, with a clear divide between cooperative governance and combative approaches from the Tories. The SNP's initial excitement about their momentum turned into disappointment as Westminster's strategies didn't align with their aspirations, reinforcing the perception of a fight rather than collaboration. In these reflections, there's an acknowledgment of personal experiences within this political shift, highlighting the complexities of leadership and strategy in a changing context. The focus shifted towards future policies and narratives around Scotland's energy future, indicating a desire for strategic direction and investment to meet new energy demands, positioning Scotland for a progressive outcome amidst political challenges.

SSE is leading in renewable energy with the Seagreen wind farm in Scotland, providing power for over 1.6 million homes. This project is part of a bigger effort to connect the region to a greener energy grid. Alongside this, discussions about the independence referendum highlighted the importance of trust in the Electoral Commission and ensuring that questions were framed fairly, emphasizing that the process should remain within Scotland’s control. Negotiations for a devolved power and a balanced approach to future governance were key to fostering confidence in the referendum's outcome, showing a desire for a transparent and locally-led decision-making process.

When discussing Scottish independence and devolution, it’s clear that past decisions on campaign strategies like Divo Max have lasting effects. There’s a desire for more focus on practical issues like the economy and education instead of just independence debates. Reflecting on coalition years, there’s acknowledgment of the challenges faced, particularly with the backlash over policies like tuition fees. Political parties learn from these experiences, and while there’s historical value in coalitions, it’s crucial to advance discussions around economic growth and investment in Scotland. The need for improved political engagement and addressing citizens’ everyday concerns should take precedence over contentious independence discussions. Overall, finding common ground and focusing on tangible improvements is essential for a brighter future in Scotland.

Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats faced significant challenges during their coalition government, especially with broken promises like abolishing tuition fees. This created a perception of lost trust among voters. Furthermore, their attempts at electoral reform, such as the AV referendum, fell short, as they struggled to connect with the public and articulate their value. While some achievements were noted, like increasing the personal tax allowance and committing to development spending, they largely failed to leverage these successes politically. Looking forward, there's potential for change, and new leadership like Alex Cole-Hamilton might steer the party towards a resurgence, but it requires seizing the moment and actively participating in the political discourse to regain relevance and stability for future opportunities.

Political dynamics in the UK, especially in Scotland, show a growing ambition and readiness for future coalitions. While adapting to the changing political landscape, there's an emphasis on economic growth and public services. Recent shifts in the Labour Party's tone reflect a desire for optimism and investment, crucial for moving forward despite existing challenges. Experienced voices express the increased scrutiny faced by current politicians, recognizing the tough journey ahead but believing in the potential for a brighter outlook driven by effective messaging and policies. Overall, collaboration across party lines may lead to better solutions for the public, especially in terms of economic performance and managing public services. Acknowledging the past and pivoting towards growth-oriented discussions are essential steps in revitalizing the political narrative in Scotland and beyond.