The Scottish Roadscast

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast John and Stuart consider the history behind the A725, a strategic trunk road that links Coatbridge and East Kilbride via the M8 and M74. The route was built in several discrete stages from the 1950s to the 1990s.  Our "From the Archive" feature will return later this year. With Stuart Baird and John Hassall. Released July 2026.  

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast John and Stuart consider the history behind the A71, the cross country route between Edinburgh and Irvine. The route has many varied sections and some very interesting features which are covered in the usual detail. Much of the information presented in this episode has only recently been unearthed! Our "From the Archive" feature will return later this year...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Duncan gives an update on the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness. Is progress finally being made towards the completion of this impressive and much needed project? He also considers why the existing road wasn't dualled from the outset. Our "From the Archive" feature takes a look at a document from the early 2000s that considered previous update...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and Duncan consider the history behind the A80, once the main route between Glasgow and Stirling. Most of the route was upgraded to dual carriageway in the 1950s and 60s transforming road travel between the two cities. Much of the information presented in this episode has only recently been unearthed! Our "From the Archive" feature takes a look at a...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and Duncan welcome distinguished civil engineer Michael Martin OBE for a discussion on the history of the Kylesku Bridge. Renowned as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Kylesku stands as a striking feature along the famed North Coast 500 route, which draws thousands of visitors to the breathtaking scenery of the north west Highlands every yea...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart consider the history behind the A78 between Greenock and Prestwick. Over 40 miles long, it's one of Scotland's most varied routes. One minute you're driving by stunning coastline, the next you're on a three lane fast moving expressway. Our "From the Archive" feature takes a look at the A78 Three Towns Bypass booklet from 2004! With John Ha...

In this episode, John and Stuart give an overview of the vast number of new road projects being delivered at a local level across Scotland. Many have been in development for years whilst others are completely new. Listen in to learn more! Our "From the Archive" feature this month includes a recently donated item from the A75! With John Hassall and Stuart Baird. Released January 2026.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Scottish Roadscast! In this extended episode the SRA team discuss the history behind the Faslane Naval Base access roads, the A801 in West Lothian and 60 years since the start of construction of the M8 in Glasgow. You'll find the "From the Archive" docs in the usual place on the Roadscast section of our website We also answer your listener quest...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and John consider the history of the A8 between Edinburgh and Greenock. Once the most important route across Scotland, it's now split into a variety of sections built between the 1920s and the 1980s. This month's "From the Archive" features a government report released in November 1999 entitled "Travel Choices for Scotland". You can follow along as...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart has travelled to Inverness to celebrate thirty years of the Skye Bridge. Archive guru Duncan Macknight and special guest Darren Donaldson consider its planning, design and construction. This month's "From the Archive" features the bridge's opening booklet from 1995. It's available as always on scottishroadsarchive.org Released October 2025.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, we explore the history of the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to Dunblane. We discuss whether it's truly "Scotland's M40" and share new facts, figures, and answers to your M9 questions. This month's "From the Archive" features the 1968 Polmont and Falkirk Bypass opening booklet, available on scottishroadsarchive.org. Released September 2025.  

In this episode the team explore the history behind the A87 between Invergarry and Uig. Roadscast expert Duncan provides his usual detailed breakdown. Also this month we have a new feature: "From the Archive"! Each month we'll be revealing recent finds from the Scottish Roads Archive. This month we have a Strathclyde Regional Council book from 1996. You can follow along by visiting scottishroadsar...

In this episode the team explore the history behind current and former sections of the A9 between Edinburgh and Perth. Roadscast expert Duncan provides his usual detailed breakdown. Also this month we have a new feature: "From the Archive"! Each month we'll be revealing recent finds from the Scottish Roads Archive. We kick off with the Dunblane Bypass opening brochure from 1990. You can follow alo...

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast the team discuss the history behind Orkney's Churchill Barriers. The world famous causeways mark their 80th anniversary in May this year. With guest Duncan Macknight. Released May 2025.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John discuss the history behind Glasgow's Springburn Expressway, one of the city's most divisive routes. They also consider what its future may look like. Released April 2025. 

In the first of our new episodes for 2025, John and Stuart revisit the subject of Glasgow's M8 and half finished Inner Ring Road. With some new insights on the matter, they consider it's impact and what the future might hold. Released February 2025.

In this episode we delve deep into the history of the M80 and the M876, key links in Scotland's motorway system. Loved and loathed in equal measure, the routes have a history spanning six decades. We consider what the future might hold and reveal unknown facts about the M80 "Kelvin Valley" option. Hosted by Stuart Baird and John Hassall. Originally recorded in May 2020.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Scottish Roadscast! In our extended Christmas special for 2024 the team looks into the complicated history of the A74, once one of Scotland's most important routes. There's also listener questions, a projects update from John and a host of other surprises! Released December 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and Duncan take a deep dive into the history of the M90, Scotland's oldest motorway.  Released November 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and Duncan take a deep dive into the history of the M8 motorway. They discuss the development of the route in the 1960s, its construction in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and consider some more recent developments. Released November 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Kevin Dunn, a Scottish surfacing guru! Kevin provides a fascinating insight into the science behind surfacing and the ways in which its condition is monitored and improved.  Released October 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart (yes, he's back!) and John celebrate sixty years of the Forth Road Bridge! Released September 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan take a close look at the history of the A92, Scotland easternmost trunk road. Running from Fife to Aberdeen via the Tay Road Bridge, Dundee, Arbroath and Stonehaven, it's on the country's most interesting routes. Packed with all-new historical information and not to be missed. Released July 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Duncan and John discuss the history of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, one Scotland's most famous sections of trunk road. Packed with all new historical information, this episode is not to be missed. Released June 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan raise the subject of speed limits. They discuss the history behind them, and how they developed, before considering changes being made today and what the future might hold. Released May 2024.