Scottish Politics Explained

Iris speaks to Blair Anderson, activist and a candidate for Partick East and Kelvindale for the 2022 local elections. One-fourth of End Conversion Therapy Scotland, Blair talks about his own experience with conversion therapy and why it should be banned.

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As reports of anti-abortion activity rise in Scotland, Iris chats to Lucy Grieve, founder of Back Off Scotland.  

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Iris talks with Alastair Brian, Fact-checking Lead at The Ferret, to find out all the best tips and advice to make sure that the information you read, watch and listen to is reliable. 

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For the first episode of the new season, Iris speaks to Eve Livingston. A freelance journalist and author of the book "Make Bosses Pay", Eve tells us all about unions: what they are, how they work, and why you should join.

Scottish Politics Explained is coming back for a second season! Starting from next Friday, 8 October, we'll be releasing new episodes on a weekly basis covering current affairs, the basics of Scottish politics, as well as sharing useful information on how to find reliable resources.

In the last episode of the first season, Iris talks to Adam Ramsay, Editor at openDemocracy and a member of the Scottish Green Party. They discuss the background of the five main parties in Scotland and what consequences an SNP-Greens majority could have on the power dynamics and balances of the UK.

Iris chats with Sarah Mackie, Manager of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, an independent body that oversees the elections. They talk about how to vote, what a ballot paper looks like, what has changed with COVID and more! 

Iris interviews Ruby Zajac, who works with Scottish media organisation Skotia. They discuss how Brexit affects our daily life and the role it played in the last Scottish elections, as well as the one it could play in the upcoming elections.

Iris chats to Aff The Record's Social Media Editor Kane Dinmore. They talk about how to register to vote and how this year's elections have been influenced by the pandemic, all while giving you all the key dates you need to participate in the 2021 Scottish elections.

Iris talks to Ben Lawrie, Councillor for Monifieth and Sidlaw. They explore the role of councillors, the difference between Parliament and Government and the differences between the British and the Scottish Parliament.

Iris chats to Emily Harle, MSYP for Glasgow Kelvin and Convener of the SYP Equalities & Human Rights Committee. Emily explains what the Scottish Youth Parliament is and talks about her experience as an MSYP.

Iris interviews Michael Gray, a trainee solicitor and the co-founder of the Scottish media organisation Skotia. Michael explains the relationship between Scotland and the European Union, exploring the country's chances of re-joining the EU.

Iris interviews Grace McCabe, a young student and an aspiring politician. Grace, who is also one of Girlguiding Scotland's Speak Out Champions, explains the basics of the Scottish political and legislative systems, along with the importance for young people to be interested in politics.