Peter MacMahon
Peter MacMahon is a political commentator, writer and consultant with extensive experience reporting on Scottish and UK politics. He has held senior roles at national newspapers, is a member of the Ofcom Content Board for Scotland, and serves as a judge for The Herald’s Politician of the Year Awards.
Malcolm Offord
Malcolm Offord is a Scottish politician and businessman and leader of Reform UK Scotland. A life peer since 2021, he previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and as Exports Minister, bringing experience across economic growth, trade and public policy, alongside a background in finance and investment supporting Scottish businesses.
Cathy Jamieson
Cathy Jamieson is a Scottish business director and former Labour & Co‑operative politician. She served as MSP and Minister for Education and Young People and Minister for Justice, and later as MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. Since leaving politics, she has focused on leadership roles in business and the third sector, including as CEO of CareVisions Children’s Services and a director of Kilmarnock Football Club.
Geoff Aberdein
Geoff Aberdein is a political and communications strategist with experience at the highest levels of business and government. He led Public Affairs, Policy and Campaigns at abrdn plc (2015–2021) and spent seven years as a special adviser to the First Minister of Scotland, including four as Chief of Staff and overseeing the SNP’s 2011 election victory. He now works with True North and co-hosts Holyrood Sources, Scotland’s leading political podcast.
Michael Moore
Michael Moore is a Scottish former Liberal Democrat politician. He served as MP for the Scottish Borders (1997–2015) and as Secretary of State for Scotland (2010–2013), playing a key role in the Scotland Act 2012. Since leashving Parliament, he has held senior roles in business and the arts, including as Chief Executive of the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association and chairman of the Borders Book Festival.
Keith Robson
Keith Robson, Chart.PR, MCIPR is a senior public affairs professional with over 20 years’ experience in political engagement and stakeholder relations. He is Senior Public Affairs Manager at The Open University in Scotland, leading engagement with the Scottish Parliament to support access to lifelong learning. A Chartered PR Practitioner, he brings experience across education, health, housing, and the third sector.
Peter Duncan
Peter Duncan is the founder/director of Message Matters and has an established track record in corporate communications strategy and positioning. A former MP, he advises clients on the political and public policy landscape, supporting them to navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. He is also a regular contributor, offering independent analysis of political developments across the UK.
Tomos Day
Keith Robson, Chart.PR, MCIPR is a senior public affairs professional with over 20 years’ experience in political engagement and stakeholder relations. He is Senior Public Affairs Manager at The Open University in Scotland, leading engagement with the Scottish Parliament to support access to lifelong learning. A Chartered PR Practitioner, he brings experience across education, health, housing, and the third sector.
Professor Graeme Roy
Professor Graeme Roy is an economist and academic, serving as Professor of Economics and Dean of External Engagement at the University of Glasgow and Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission. Formerly Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute and a senior civil servant, he focuses on economic policy, devolution, and regional development.
Mark Diffley
Mark Diffley is an experienced researcher and pollster with over 25 years in public opinion and social research. He is Founder and Director of Diffley Partnership, providing insight and analysis to governments, businesses and charities, and has advised on major political events, including Scottish and UK elections and constitutional referendums.
Kathryn Samson
Kathryn Samson is Scotland Correspondent for Channel 4 News, based in Glasgow and covering politics and major stories across the country. An award-winning journalist with more than 15 years’ experience, she has reported on defining events from Brexit to the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously Westminster Editor at STV, she has also worked as Political Correspondent for ITV News and ITV Border, and for BBC Scotland. She has been named Royal Television Society Nations and Regions Presenter of the Year and won STV Journalist of the Year in 2020.
Dan Sanderson
Dan Sanderson is Scottish political editor at The Times and The Sunday Times. Previously, he was Scotland correspondent at The Telegraph. He started his career in local newspapers and began covering Scottish politics shortly after the 2014 independence referendum.
Shona Craven
Shona Craven writes a weekly column and Prime Minister’s Questions sketch for The National, and has been published in The Herald, the Sunday Herald, Metro, The Big Issue and The Times. Their work offers a satirical take on Scottish and UK politics and wider current affairs, and they are a regular commentator on Politics Scotland, Good Morning Scotland and Scotland Tonight.
Carla Jenkins
Carla Jenkins is Platforms & Social Media Journalist for The Times and The Sunday Times, serving as Audience Editor for Scotland and Ireland. A writer, broadcaster and academic, she also pens the Table Scraps column for Alba. Carla previously worked at Glasgow Live, The Herald and the Evening Times, and her wider writing credits include The Guardian, the Manchester Evening News and the Daily Mirror among others.