Scotcast

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...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: Will Burnham’s big sell work in Scotland? - Politics Show https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00324k5 Lynsey, Phil and deputy political editor of the Daily Record Chris McCall talk about John Swinney (pictured) defending comments he made about proposed changes to the UK state pension amid claims he may have misled Parliament; the pitfalls of...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘STV boss on costs, cuts and a backlash’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002nkws The BBC’s new director general Matt Brittin has said that some channels and radio stations may have to go as the corporation faces a drop in licence fee payers and an audience rapidly moving online. Martin Geissler speaks to TV industry veteran Stuart Cosgrove...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Meet the new Scottish Green leaders’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002j5l7 Ross Greer (pictured) has said Zionism is racist, following a controversial motion approved by the Green Party of England and Wales. We dissect Martin’s BBC Radio Scotland interview with the Scottish Green co-leader. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Old Firm sanctions: why football bosses got tough’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030xb8 Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond (pictured) has been targeted by fans critical of the 76-year-old's stewardship of the club. Martin talks to The Herald’s Stephen McGowan and Tino Callaghan, host of the Celtic Exchange podcast, about the Ce...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Shona Robison on Sturgeon, Murrell and her stalker’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nz42h1 Humza Yousaf was the first First Minister to have family stuck in an active war zone while doing the top job. In his new book ‘Under Fire’, he details the four weeks his in-laws were in Gaza, just after the October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel - a...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: Independence manoeuvres, council shake-ups and political GIFs – Politics Show https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031vgq Natalie, Phil and former Labour adviser James Matthewson talk about what the end of the triple lock on pensions could mean in Scotland; Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s (pictured) decision to address the future of the union i...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Why are so many men committing sex crimes?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p90gzq A High Court ruling last week has changed how corroboration can be used in sexual offence cases. Many of Scotland's leading criminal defence lawyers believe this could risk the accused’s right to a fair trial. Edith Forrest KC talks to Martin Geissler abou...

The government is failing to deliver ‘The Promise’ - first made by Nicola Sturgeon in 2016 – to support all the 12,000 kids living in care. That’s the verdict of the oversight board in a new report. Its boss tells us about the level of government bureaucracy he faces – and what needs to change. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: sc...

Glasgow City Council has agreed to pause plans to fire and rehire more than 23,000 members of staff. Martin is joined by journalists Catriona Stewart from the Scotsman and Beth Templeton from the Glasgow Bell about why this story is decades in the making, and how might it be resolved. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: sc...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Weight-loss jabs and the NHS: a 'national disgrace'?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nml1lz Around 90,000 people are living with dementia in Scotland – and about 144,000 people care for them. But how close are we to stopping dementia in its tracks, through testing and preventative treatments? The neuroscientist Professor Tara Spires Jon...

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Can Michael Marra stick to his indyref2 position?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031ss7 Natalie, Phil and former the Scottish Labour MSP Paul O’Kane talk about John Swinney’s (pictured) Holyrood motion on independence and how the new Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra (pictured) responded – plus the proposed major changes to council...