Scotcast

Four serving or former police officers have been revealed as rapists in Scotland this year alone. Martin Geissler talks to the BBC’s David Cowan about the cases and hears from the Scottish Police Federation’s David Kennedy about how officers are internally investigated. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Housing crisis: the emotional cost’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002h9zt It’s three years since Scotland’s largest cities declared housing emergencies, followed months later by the nation as a whole. Martin is joined by BBC Verify’s Aimee Stanton and political correspondent Phil Sim to crunch the numbers on how we’re getting on with h...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: The MSP who's the 'talk of Holyrood' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033s19 A mandatory hybrid-working policy for civil servants is being enforced by Scottish government permanent secretary Joe Griffin (pictured). Martin talks to the BBC’s David Henderson and The Herald’s Rebecca McCurdy about the new work-from-home rules for government...

Bare-knuckle boxing, a sport phased out in 1867, is back. Laura talks to MMA fighter Stevie ‘Braveheart’ Ray (pictured) about making his bare-knuckle debut in front of thousands at Glasgow's OVO Hydro arena. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: “UK Budget: What does the SNP do now? - Politics Show” https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033g8m Natalie, Lynsey and ex-SNP MP Stewart McDonald talk about what makes a good backbencher after SNP MSP David Linden (pictured) criticised his party's government; the UK's ever-closer relationship with the EU; and ketchup sachets. Photo: PA Scotca...

A 4,000-year-old mummy which has sat in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for more than a century has been removed because there was no ‘informed consent’ to display it. Martin talks to the BBC’s Pauline McLean and the Scotsman’s Jane Bradley about why the museum made the decision. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scot...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘‘Ready to explode’: prisons and early release” https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002n98h Prison officers from four other jails were called in to restore order during a riot at HMP & YOI Polmont in September. Martin Geissler and David Cowan, Scotland home affairs correspondent, speak to Steven Beattie (pictured) about his time in a youn...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Should we all be prepping?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0pgn4ws Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has raised the prospect of President Vladimir Putin (pictured) targeting the islands amid the development of its SaxaVord space port. Laura talks to the BBC’s Paris Gourtsyannis and ex-Royal Navy commander Kevin Rowlands about the prospect...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'Can police stop what’s going on in Glasgow?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030b0y Bonfire Night 2026 is set to be Police Scotland's biggest operation since the visit of US President Donald Trump. Laura asks Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, what's behind the firework-related disorder we have...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Reform loses an MSP and X loses the SNP – Politics Show’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m003320x Natalie, Paris and Phil talk about how the UK Budget will impact Scotland, and how the Scottish government will respond. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins, Pa...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Storm season: Are we ready for this one?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033g1q Scotland's waste sector is on the verge of a crisis which could see rubbish piling up on the streets, experts have warned. Martin speaks to the BBC’s Kevin Keane and former landfill boss Alasdair Meldrum about what happens when we run out of places to put ou...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘The new killer drugs flooding Scotland’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031sw3 The number of people who died from conditions caused by alcohol fell slightly last year, to the lowest rate since the pandemic. Laura talks to the Director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems Elinor Jayne (pictured), about Scotland's relationship to...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Should we all be prepping?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0pgn4ws Two men have died and tens of thousands of properties were without power after Storm Austen and Storm Boelo battered the UK. As more flood and weather warnings are issued, Martin talks to environmental scientist Laura Anderson and Christopher Blanchett from the BBC Scotl...

Scores of schools in Scotland have been targeted by an email claiming a bomb had been placed inside the building. Despite Police Scotland swiftly declaring it a hoax, the incident has led to a sharp spike in school absences. Laura hears from the Glasgow Bell’s Beth Templeton and the EIS general secretary, Andrea Bradley, about whether there is lack of trust in the media, the police and politicians...

Scores of schools in Scotland have been targeted by an email claiming a bomb had been placed inside the building. Despite Police Scotland swiftly declaring it a hoax, the incident has led to a sharp spike in school absences. Laura hears from the Glasgow Bell’s Beth Templeton and the EIS general secretary, Andrea Bradley, about whether there is lack of trust in the media, the police and politicians...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Jackdaw approved. Is Rosebank next?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033393 Natalie, Lynsey and Andy Maciver from the Holyrood Sources podcast discuss Reform UK losing its first MSP at Holyrood; an SNP motion calling for the party, the Scottish Government and Holyrood authorities to leave social media platform X; and what to expect from...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'How big is the Jackdaw decision?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00315sy Jackdaw, the gas field off the coast of Aberdeen, has been approved by the UK government after years of delay. Martin talks to the BBC’s Phil Sim and Rajdeep Sandhu about whether it will bring our bills down or improve our energy security – and does it make the appr...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘What should happen to BBC Scotland?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032bvw The BBC has announced plans to close the BBC Scotland television channel as it seeks to make £500m of savings. Martin asks BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine (pictured) whether more cuts are coming. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode i...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Glasgow City Council vs the unions - what next?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00323x5 The Scottish Government has proposed major reform of local government, including replacing Scotland’s 32 councils with a two-tier structure. Martin talks to East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O’Donnell (pictured left) and Midlothian Council leader...

The UK government is due to launch a campaign to advise citizens on how to stock food and water – to prepare for an emergency. It comes alongside warnings of economic shocks, global wars and extreme weather. Laura Miller hears from the prepper podcaster Brian Cranie, and Jeannie Barr from St Andrews First Aid about what we should be preparing for – and how. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podc...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Will Burnham’s Brexit-bashing sway SNP voters?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032qyy Lynsey, Paris and former Scottish Conservatives head of media Adam Morris discuss the similarities and differences between Andy Burnham and John Swinney, as a decision on the Jackdaw gas field approaches; Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan’s bid to becom...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘AI and data centres: what now?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031h7f The head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, has warned artificial intelligence is 'supercharging' security threats to the UK. Martin talks to AI expert Angus Allan about how he tests the technology for potential dangers. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episo...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like:‘Is Swinney in trouble over pensions claim? – Politics Show’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032by3 Prime Minister Andy Burnham (pictured) has told MPs he will push for new post-Brexit deals with the EU at a summit next month. Martin talks to the BBC’s Paris Gourtsoyannis and pollster Mark Diffley from the Diffley Partnership about whethe...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Who are Orkney’s rebel monks?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zg8z Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow William Nolan (pictured) has revealed plans to close 24 churches and halve the number of parishes in his archdiocese. Lynsey asks the Bishop of Galloway, Frank Dougan, why there is a shortage of priests and declining numbers of chu...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: Housing crisis: the emotional cost https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002h9zt Journalist and author Gabriella Bennett (pictured) has spent years researching and writing about housing in Scotland. Her new book “How to Build a City” explores how people around the world live in urban spaces, and how we might live in the future. She joins Laura...