BBC Radio Scotland

Scotcast

A News podcast

#131 in News · 🇬🇧

Good podcast? Give it some love!

About the show

The BBC's Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Newest episodes

How organised crime is fuelling shoplifting

Nov 13, 2026 28 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Hunting gangsters – and how organised crime works’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tn49 Shoplifting in Scotland has risen 86% in a decade, with steep rises each year – and there are growing concerns organised criminals are now using children to carry out the thefts. Laura hears from Scotcast’s Rebecca Tierney about how shopkeepers are dealing with the crime, and speaks to Inspector Emma Wright about how the police are tackling the problem. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will Michael Marra’s EU stance change anything? – Politics Show

Nov 12, 2026 27 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘The MSP who’s the ‘talk of Holyrood’ – Politics Show’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033s19 Natalie, Phil and The Herald’s deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy discuss Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra’s call for the UK to rejoin the European Union in the longer term; the possibility of committee conveners receiving a pay rise at Holyrood; and capybaras. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins and Phil Sim. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Are we investigating police officers properly?

Nov 11, 2026 27 min

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

Similar podcasts

The News Agents Global

The Rest Is Politics Goalhanger

The Rest Is Politics: US Goalhanger

Newscast BBC News

Today in Focus The Guardian

Off Air with Jane & Fi The Times

Americast BBC News

The Trial of Russell Brand The Times

All episodes

The newest 50 of 423 episodes

How organised crime is fuelling shoplifting

Nov 13, 2026 28 min

Will Michael Marra’s EU stance change anything? – Politics Show

Nov 12, 2026 27 min

Are we investigating police officers properly?

Nov 11, 2026 27 min

Our housing shortage and the 'big city doughnuts'

Nov 10, 2026 23 min

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 housebuilding and discuss the current housing picture across the country. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will civil servants strike for the right to WFH?

Nov 9, 2026 23 min

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 workers – and the threat of industrial action. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Inside the mind of a bare-knuckle boxer

Nov 6, 2026 27 min

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

The MSP who's the 'talk of Holyrood' – Politics Show

Nov 5, 2026 27 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'UK Budget: What does the SNP do now?' 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 Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins and Lynsey Bews. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The mummy, the museum and ‘informed consent’

Nov 4, 2026 25 min

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: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The Polmont prison riot and life as a young offender

Nov 3, 2026 27 min

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 young offenders institution, problems facing the prison system and his rehabilitation. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Is Shetland really in Putin’s sights?

Nov 2, 2026 22 min

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 Gourtsoyannis and ex-Royal Navy commander Kevin Rowlands about the prospect of Russian attacks on the under-sea cables which provide our internet. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Have police got Bonfire Night under control?

Oct 30, 2026 22 min

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 in areas like Niddrie in recent years. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

UK Budget: What does the SNP do now? - Politics Show

Oct 29, 2026 26 min

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, Paris Gourtsoyannis and Phil Sim. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

A rubbish episode: Why landfill is full

Oct 28, 2026 25 min

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 our rubbish. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will we ever beat our booze problem?

Oct 27, 2026 26 min

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 has fallen slightly. Laura talks to the Director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems Elinor Jayne (pictured) about our relationship with alcohol. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Storm season: Are we ready for this one?

Oct 26, 2026 25 min

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 Scotland weather team. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

School bomb hoax: the fallout

Oct 23, 2026 24 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'What has happened to Scottish education?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00315tl Scottish schools have seen a spike in pupil absence after many were the target of a hoax email, which claimed a bomb was inside the building. Laura talks to The Glasgow Bell’s Beth Templeton and Andrea Bradley of the EIS teachers union about the reaction to the incident. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Reform loses an MSP and X loses the SNP – Politics Show

Oct 22, 2026 28 min

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 talk about MSP Amanda Bland quitting Malcom Offord's (pictured) Reform UK; the SNP's 'departure' from social media platform X; and the upcoming UK Budget. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins and Lynsey Bews. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will Rosebank oil field be approved next?

Oct 21, 2026 25 min

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 UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh (pictured centre). Martin asks the BBC’s Phil Sim and Rajdeep Sandhu whether the decision makes the approval of the Rosebank oil field more likely. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

BBC Scotland’s boss on axing its TV channel

Oct 20, 2026 28 min

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 whether further cuts are coming. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Is your council about to be abolished?

Oct 19, 2026 24 min

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 the SNP’s Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry (pictured right) about John Swinney’s plans. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Should we all be prepping?

Oct 16, 2026 26 min

The UK Government is advising the public to stockpile food, water and other essentials to prepare for possible emergencies in the future. Laura talks to self-proclaimed 'prepper' Brian Cranie (pictured) and Jeannie Barr from St Andrew's First Aid about preparing for the worst. Photo credit: Brian Cranie Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Jackdaw decision, Q Manivannan and pensions – Politics Show

Oct 15, 2026 26 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Will Brexit-bashing Burnham sway SNP voters?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032qyy Lynsey, Paris and ex-Scottish Conservative adviser Adam Morris talk about Andy Burnham and John Swinney's relationship, as a decision on the Jackdaw gas field approaches; Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan’s bid to become rector of the University of St Andrews; and Adam's dress-sense. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Lynsey Bews and Paris Gourtsoyannis. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

What one AI safety tester has seen 'in the basement'

Oct 14, 2026 26 min

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 (pictured), 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 episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will Brexit-bashing Burnham sway SNP voters?

Oct 13, 2026 25 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Is Swinney in trouble over pensions claim?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032by3 Prime Minister Andy Burnham (pictured) has told MPs he will push for new post-Brexit deals at an upcoming EU summit. Martin asks the BBC’s Paris Gourtsoyannis and pollster Mark Diffley whether a closer relationship with the EU will make a difference to Scottish politics. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

What’s happening to the Catholic Church?

Oct 12, 2026 25 min

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 churchgoers. Photo: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Lynsey Bews. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Are our cities built for the future?

Oct 9, 2026 24 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'Housing crisis: the emotional cost' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002h9zt Gabriella Bennett (pictured) is a journalist and author of 'How to Build a City'. She talks to Laura about how cities around the world are preparing for the future - and how growing up in Glenrothes shaped how she thinks about the built environment. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Photo credit: Kimberley Grant Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Is Swinney in trouble over pensions claim? – Politics Show

Oct 8, 2026 26 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'Will Burnham’s big sell work in Scotland?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00324k5 Lynsey, Phil and the Daily Record's Chris McCall talk about John Swinney (pictured) defending comments he made about proposed changes to the UK state pension; party conference season; and Alex Cole-Hamilton’s social media videos. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Lynsey Bews and Phil Sim. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

What should happen to BBC Scotland?

Oct 7, 2026 25 min

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 about whether the BBC Scotland channel could be at risk – and what impact that could have on what programmes are made. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Why Scottish Greens waded into the Zionism row

Oct 6, 2026 22 min

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 podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

What on earth is going on at Celtic?

Oct 5, 2026 24 min

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 Celtic Fan Collective’s tennis ball protest in St Andrews – and the furious reaction it provoked. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Humza Yousaf on Gaza and life in Sturgeon’s shadow

Oct 2, 2026 33 min

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 First Minister of Scotland between March 2023 and May 2024. Laura talks to him about his short-lived spell as Nicola Sturgeon's successor - and his new book, ‘Under Fire’, in which he details the four weeks his in-laws were trapped in Gaza. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Will Burnham’s big sell work in Scotland? - Politics Show

Oct 1, 2026 27 min

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 in his conference speech; and when the next general election will be. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins and Phil Sim.

What has changed in the way rape cases are heard?

Sep 30, 2026 26 min

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 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 about what has changed – and how that is impacting how cases are heard. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The Promise: a government hamstrung by bureaucracy?

Sep 29, 2026 24 min

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: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Glasgow City Council vs the unions - what next?

Sep 28, 2026 26 min

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: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

‘We can defeat dementia in a generation’

Sep 25, 2026 23 min

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. Natalie asks neuroscientist Professor Tara Spires-Jones, author of a new book called Fighting for our Minds, how close we are to defeating the disease. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Independence manoeuvres, council shake-ups and political GIFs – Politics Show

Sep 24, 2026 27 min

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 councils and Rory Stewart’s viral moment. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Sandie Peggie takes on her trade union

Sep 23, 2026 21 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Is the Sandie Peggie ruling discredited?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002njyw Sandie Peggie (pictured) is taking legal action against her trade union, the Royal College of Nursing, in a dispute over her gender-critical beliefs. Martin talks to the BBC’s Lorna Gordon, who watched the opening day of evidence at the employment tribunal in Dundee. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The new killer drugs flooding Scotland

Sep 22, 2026 23 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Our problem with drugs’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0029hch Scotland’s drug supply is getting more and more dangerous, according to Dr Lorna Nisbet (pictured) of Dundee University's Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. That’s because a new type of synthetic opioid, called nitazenes, are flooding the market. Five hundred times more potent than heroin, a single grain can kill. Martin Geissler speaks to the BBC’s James Cook about the criminal gangs making these drugs, and how law enforcement struggles to keep up. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Can Michael Marra stick to his indyref2 position?

Sep 21, 2026 25 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘The Scottish Labour leadership interviews’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030b3d Michael Marra (pictured) overcame fellow MSP Joe Fagan to be elected Scottish Labour’s eleventh leader. As MSPs prepare to vote on the principle of self-determination, we ask the Daily Record’s Chris McCall and ex-Labour spokesperson James Matthewson how Marra will deal with questions about another independence referendum. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

'I had brain surgery to deal with chronic pain'

Sep 18, 2026 26 min

If you're interested in this episode, you may also like: 'What it’s really like in A&E right now' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030yhw Cara McKee (pictured) was elected a Scottish Green MSP in May 2026, following decades living with a mysterious chronic pain. She talks to Laura about fighting for a diagnosis for trigeminal neuralgia - and her recovery from brain surgery. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Cardiff talks, data centres and Scottish Labour leader – Politics Show

Sep 17, 2026 28 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Does the Cardiff summit boost indyref2 hopes?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031h0n David, Lynsey and former Deputy First Minister Shona Robison talk about John Swinney's meeting with the leaders of Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin; the data centre debate at Holyrood; and the Scottish Labour leadership race. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart and Lynsey Bews. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Octopus CEO on energy bills, Jackdaw and heavy metal

Sep 16, 2026 27 min

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 Greg Jackson (pictured) is the chief executive of Octopus Energy, the UK’s biggest domestic energy supplier. He talks to us about household bills, AI data centres and Rammstein. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

AI and data centres: what now?

Sep 15, 2026 26 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'Octopus CEO on energy bills, Jackdaw and heavy metal' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0031hbw Jacob Coxon (pictured), who quit AI giant Anthropic, has said people working on artifical intelligence are“genuinely frightened” by its advances. As MSPs prepare to vote on a Scottish Greeen motion to block the construction of new AI data centres, we talk to the the BBC’s Graham Fraser and Joe Tidy. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Does the Cardiff summit boost indyref2 hopes?

Sep 14, 2026 24 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: 'Has Burnham caved on indyref2?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00315w2 The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have declared "Westminster's time is coming to an end" at a summit in Cardiff. We speak to The Herald’s Rebecca McCurdy and our Westminster correspondent Paris Gourtsoyannis whether the gathering boosts SNP leader John Swinney’s independence strategy. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Why are so many young men committing sex crimes?

Sep 11, 2026 26 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘How we convicted killer husband and made legal history’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tzhl Sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland are at their highest level since 1971. With the Scottish Government preparing to recognise misogyny as a "distinct form of prejudice and abuse" in law, we speak to Karyn McCluskey (pictured left), formerly of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, and criminal defence lawyer Tony Lenehan KC (pictured right). Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Has Burnham caved on indyref2? – Politics Show

Sep 10, 2026 27 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Has Swinney had a good (re)start?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030xdv David, Lynsey and former Alba Party adviser Kirk Torrance talk about Andy Burnham’s independence comments; SNP ministers dealing with negative headlines; and Nicola Sturgeon teaming up with Michael Gove to take on Russia. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart and Lynsey Bews. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Is the housing crisis fuelling anti-immigration tension?

Sep 9, 2026 22 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘Is the far-right behind the demos on our streets?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002yw1x Police are treating a fire at a housing association tenement in Glasgow as deliberate amid social media claims it was being renovated for asylum seekers. We ask the BBC’s Chris Clements and Jen Gracie from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations who gets priority for social housing in Scotland – and why we’re not building enough homes. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

What has happened to Scottish education?

Sep 8, 2026 28 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘What is school for? - The Education Debate’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ngbw3l There has been a decline in attainment in maths and reading in Scotland, according to the Pisa international study of education standards in secondary schools. We ask the BBC's Lucy Adams and former headteacher John McGhee (pictured), Glasgow City Council’s director of education, why standards are falling. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

How big is the Jackdaw decision?

Sep 7, 2026 24 min

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘What will Burnham do about North Sea oil and gas?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002yvvy The UK government is set to approve the Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Aberdeen, the BBC understands. We talk to the BBC’s James Cook and Paris Gourtsyannis about the environmental and political significance of allowing the project to go ahead. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

See all 200 episodes

–

0 ratings from members

Rate this podcast

No reviews yet — be the first member to rate "Scotcast".

This podcast, its content and its artwork are not owned by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Castquire.

How organised crime is fuelling shoplifting

Share this podcast

Live Chart rankings

#131 News 🇬🇧 GB

Chart history

🇬🇧 News Best #131

Podcast details

Created by: BBC Radio Scotland
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 13, 2026
Episodes: 423
Release period: Daily
Avg. episode length: 26 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

Is this your podcast?

Claim it to show it on your profile. Using the email from your RSS feed approves it instantly.

Keep listening

Discover more podcasts like this.

Browse podcasts See the charts