The Scottish Roadscast

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart discuss the ins and outs of what makes a motorway a 'Special Road'. They also consider Scotland's network of two lane motorways and explain why they are just as 'Special' as those seen elsewhere in the UK. Released March 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John considers our relationship with the car, its convenience and the current debate around whether there are too many cars in towns. Did the planners of the 1960s get it wrong? Or are we lucky to have access to such an extensive road network? You decide, and be sure to let us know your thoughts! Released February 2024.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart are joined by Duncan to discuss the history of the A90. The main route to the north east of Scotland, it has a fascinating story behind it. Packed with all new facts and figures from the Scottish Roads Archive. Released January 2024.

Merry Christmas from the Scottish Roadscast! In our festive special for 2023, Duncan takes a deep dive into the history of the northern sections of the M6 motorway in England and John provides an overview of how we go about gritting Scotland's roads. We also take a few listener questions. Presented by Stuart Baird, John Hassall and Duncan Macknight. Released December 2023.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the A82, one of Scotland's longest roads. Part 2 covers the stretch from Glencoe to Inverness. Released November 2023. Part 1 was released in October 2023 and can be found in episode 18.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the A82, one of Scotland's longest roads. Part 1 covers the stretch from Glasgow to Glencoe. Released October 2023. Part 2 will follow in early November.  

In this episode Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the St. James Flyovers. The impressive twin viaducts, located on the M8 motorway near Paisley, recently marked their 30th anniversary. Listen in as we reveal all new project information and a few little known facts! Released September 2023.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by bridge engineer David Pritchard to discuss the 120th anniversary of the Connel Bridge near Oban. The bridge, which is a similar design to the Forth Railway Bridge, has a fascinating history behind it. Listen in as David reveals secrets about its design and construction. Released August 2023.

In this special episode of the Scottish Roadscast we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Clyde Tunnel. One of Glasgow's most important routes, the tunnel has a fascinating history behind it. Join Stuart and John as they reveal all-new details about its planning, design and construction! Released July 2023.

In this episode Stuart and John discuss Edinburgh's post war roads plans and the city's struggle to get anything built. With an overview of proposed roads including an urban motorway ring road of the city centre, we reveal all-new details of the struggles faced by planners and engineers to move forward with construction! It's the episode you've all been asking for! Released June 2023.  

April 2023 marks fifty years since the completion of the Clydeside Expressway in Glasgow. In this podcast, Stuart and John consider the history of the route and discuss the important role it continues to play. Packed with all-new facts and figures, it's not to be missed! Released April 2023. 

In this episode, John counts down through Scotland's ten least loved junctions as voted for by YOU! There are more than a few surprises on the list! With John Hassall and Stuart Baird Released March 2023.

In this lighthearted episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart discuss the myths frequently shared about Scotland's roads! Prepare to be shocked as we reveal the truth behind them. Released March 2023.

In our first podcast of 2023, we're taking a look at "A Highway Plan for Glasgow", the report that laid the groundwork for the road system we know today! Prepared by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners for Glasgow Corporation, its recommendations were first made public 60 years ago, way back in 1963. Want to learn more? Check out scottishroadsarchive.org/highway-plan With John Hassall and Stuart B...

In this extended Christmas special, Stuart, John and Duncan are joined by special guest Sergeant Nick Twigg of Police Scotland's road policing unit. Duncan gives us an overview of the Cross Tay Link Road project in Perth and John considers what it will take to get people out of their cars! Oh and we answer your questions! Not to be missed! Released December 2022.

It's the podcast you've been waiting for: an in-depth look at Glasgow's unique overhead sign gantries. In the episode Stuart and John discuss the history, construction and development of the structures and consider what might come next! 

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan provide an overview of the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen. They also consider plans to provide continuous dual carriageway between the cities and whether it offers much benefit. Packed with all-new historic information. With John Hassall, Duncan Macknight and Stuart Baird Released October 2022. 

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John take a look at Scotland's "missing" motorway, the M7! Officially known as the M6-M8 Fastlink, this unbuilt project was developed by the Scottish Office during the early to mid 1990s. Packed with all new information from the Scottish Roads Archive, this episode is not to be missed! Released September 2022.  

In this special edition of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan Macknight to celebrate 40 years of the Kessock Bridge. A key part of the A9, the bridge has become much loved in Inverness and across Scotland. Listen in as we chart its planning, design and construction. We also consider what's instore for the future! Released August 2022.

In this episode we discuss Scotland's current road projects and provide an update on their status. With several funding options now available to local authorities, there are a few new schemes to consider! Released July 2022.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast we are discussing speed cameras and the types you'll find across Scotland. We consider their effectiveness and why they are deployed. All this and the usual facts and figures from the Roadscast team.   Released June 2022.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast we are talking all things M74. We take a journey through the history of the route and consider its development from single track road to multi-lane motorway in less than 80 years! With all new facts and figures, this is the podcast you've been waiting for.   Released April 2022.

The Scottish Roadscast is a new podcast series focussing on Scotland's post-1945 roads, bridges and motorways. In this first episode, Stuart and John discuss the Scottish trunk road network and preview some of the subjects that will be coming up in the show this year. Released March 2022.

In our first episode of 2022, we delve into the 1960s proposals for intermediate and outer ring roads of Glasgow. We take a look at the types of roads proposed and consider why they remain unbuilt over fifty years later. Prepare to be surprised! With Stuart Baird and John Hassall.

In this Christmas special, hosted by Stuart, John and Nick, we discuss our Scottish roads loves and hates. We also review some of 2021's news stories and give a run down of some the GMAs Top 10s for the year! Let us know your thoughts! :)