Countdown to Holyrood: Ariane Burgess

With Scotland's parliamentary elections just around the corner, we're bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign. In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland's future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May's election. Our guest tonight is Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green Party who has been MSP for Highlands and Islands region since 2021. Key themes: 00:01:10  Campaigning in Highlands and Islands region 00:01:45   Free bus travel 00:05:00   Childcare 00:06:09   Solve rural issues first 00:07:08   Housing 00:09:54   Community confidence building 00:12:28   Local decision making 00:15:10   Who owns the land? 00:21:57   The extractive model 00:23:19   Community energy, community benefit 00:27:38   Ardrossan Harbour example 00:29:41   Scotland's innate sense of community 00:31:36   Achieving our independence Find  Araine's podcast Regenerative Scotland here https://open.spotify.com/show/7BuUGJkSa4oZRF1lFrxQE1 Find out more about the Scottish Green Party election manifesto here : https://greens.scot/collections/2026-holyrood-election Whether you're passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what's at stake, this series offers  in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland's political debate. New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland's most significant electoral moments. #holyrood2026 #scottishgreenparty #scottishindependence The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  [email protected]  Bluesky: @scottishindypod Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.