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Scotcast

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

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jun 13, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 311

    Will the Ferguson shipyard ever build another ferry?

    Ferguson Marine – the Clyde’s last shipyard, which was nationalised in 2019 – has announced it will have to cut 70 jobs, a quarter of its work force. Martin Geissler speaks to the BBC’s David Henderson and David Wallace Lockhart about why the company continues to struggle – and what it means for our ferry problem. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected]

  2. 310

    Can police stop what’s going on in Glasgow?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: ‘What’s behind the racist disorder on our streets?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xg9dA BBC Disclosure investigation has documented blatant drug deals and racial violence in an area of central Glasgow identified as a criminal hotspot. We ask Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, whether Police Scotland has the resources to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  3. 309

    Why this Traitors star wants to ban conversion therapy

    A star of the latest series of The Traitors is campaigning to ban conversion therapy in the UK.Laura hears from Matty Hyndman (pictured) who was raised in a religious community and says he was pushed to change his sexuality after he inadvertently outed himself to his congregation.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller.Get in touch: [email protected]

  4. 308

    Q Manivannan, Ming Yang and Scottish Labour – Politics Show

    If you're interested in this episode, you may also like 'Why Nicola Sturgeon is still making headlines': https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00300qpDavid, Lynsey and Justin Bowie from The Stooshie podcast talk about the controversy which engulfed Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan (pictured); a major disagreement over Chinese firm Ming Yang’s bid to build a wind turbine factory in the Highlands; and the Scottish Labour leadership hustings. 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: [email protected]

  5. 307

    How we'll avoid a food shortage

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'What really happens on the guga hunt?’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zrfkThe National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in Scotland is warning that extreme weather is having an increasing impact on our food production. With more than two thirds of England in drought, Professor Derek Stewart (pictured) of the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie tells us how we are adapting to avoid food shortages. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  6. 306

    Why Nicola Sturgeon is still making headlines

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'Politics Show: Is Sturgeon turning on Swinney?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zsz8.Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) has appeared in front of live audiences to promote the paperback edition of her memoir, Frankly. Graham Spiers and LBC's Iain Dale reflect on their interviews with the former first minister, in which she talked about her feud with JK Rowling and her feelings towards estranged husband Peter Murrell. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  7. 305

    The Scot running Britain's biggest nuclear power plant

    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/m002yvvyNicola Fauvel (pictured) is the station director of Somerset’s Hinkley Point C, the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since 1991. She talks to us about starting her career at Torness in East Lothian - and the prospect of a repeat of the disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@ bbc.co.uk Picture credit: EDF UK

  8. 304

    Can the Edinburgh festivals survive much longer?

    Edinburgh festivals – the Fringe, International, Book – bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city every year, but are they sustainable?BBC Scotland’s arts correspondent, Pauline McLean has covered the festivals for nearly three decades. She tells us about the evolution of the events, the introduction of a ‘tourist tax’ this year, and why the TV festival has already fled the city.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller.Get in touch: [email protected]

  9. 303

    Politics Show: Is Sturgeon turning on Swinney?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you might also like 'The race to replace Sarwar turns sour' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zrcrDavid, Lynsey and Bernard Ponsonby from The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast talk about Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) criticism John Swinney’s (also pictured) Holyrood election campaign, and the Scottish Labour leadership race. 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: [email protected]

  10. 302

    The Elisabeth Ross murder case

    Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai, who’s suspected of killing Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Ross (pictured), has appeared in court in Greece. The BBC’s Marina Force and Ben Philip, who's been reporting from Athens, tell us what we have learned about the case since the 38-year-old's body was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  11. 301

    What really happens on the guga hunt?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you might also like The seagull debate: to cull or conserve? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nwhkpjPermission has been refused for a guga hunt which would have seen hundreds of young seabirds killed on an uninhabited Hebridean island. Martin speaks to the BBC’s David Henderson and local campaigner Murdo MacRitchie about what really goes on when the guga hunt takes place, and why its existence has caused so much controversy. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  12. 300

    The race to replace Sarwar turns sour

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Scottish Labour slogans and Burnham’s big start’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zhvgScottish Labour leadership candidate Monica Lennon has said the contest to replace Anas Sarwar (pictured) 'reeks of misogyny'. We ask the BBC’s Lynsey Bews whether Lennon has enough support to be on the ballot alongside fellow contenders Joe Fagan and Michael Marra. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  13. 299

    The 'porn professor' on AI and extreme content

    Law Professor Clare McGlynn (pictured) is fighting against extreme content in the porn industry.Laura Miller talks to Clare, the author of 'Exposed: The Rise of Extreme Porn and How We Fight Back', about how AI is amplifying extreme content, how graphic and violent mainstream porn has become and how the industry is infiltrating the real world.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller.Get in touch: [email protected]

  14. 298

    Politics Show: Scottish Labour slogans and Burnham’s big start

    If you're interested in this episode you might also like Does it matter who leads Scottish Labour? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zgc7David finds out how well Lynsey and The Scottish Sun’s Conor Matchett know the Scottish Labour leadership candidates, and the team discuss Andy Burnham’s (pictured) relationship with the Scottish press. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of The Politics Show is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart and Lynsey Bews.

  15. 297

    Are higher tax rates costing us money?

    If you’re interested in this episode you might also like https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002yvv1 - The tax guru dumped by Swinney’s government Tax expert Dan Neidle has been making headlines for suggesting that Scotland’s taxing of very high earners could be costing the public purse.Martin speaks to Laurie McFarlane (pictured) from Future Economy Scotland about why that might not be the case, what would really make a difference to Scotland’s finances and what he makes of celebrities offering to pay more tax. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  16. 296

    Does it matter who leads Scottish Labour?

    If you’re interested in this episode you might also like https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p0pr05Michael Marra (pictured) has announced that he will stand to become leader of the Scottish Labour Party, following Monica Lennon (also pictured), who announced her candidacy on Sunday. Martin is joined by the Daily Record’s political editor Paul Hutcheon and the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart to discuss who else might fancy a go at the top job, and whether any of them can really make a difference to Labour’s fortunes in Scotland. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  17. 295

    Who are Orkney’s rebel monks?

    A group of rebel monks in Orkney has been punished by the Catholic Church after appointing a bishop without the approval of Pope Leo XIV (pictured). BBC Orkney’s Rob Flett and Ian Dunn, former editor of The Scottish Catholic magazine, tell us all about the traditionalist order known as The Sons of the Holy Redeemer. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  18. 294

    Monica Lennon on replacing Anas Sarwar

    If you're interested in this episode, you may also like 'Who'll replace Anas Sarwar?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p054d6Scottish Labour's Monica Lennon (pictured) is unexpectedly returning to the Scottish Parliament after Anas Sarwar quit Holyrood for the House of Lords. We ask her whether she's interested in succeeding Sarwar as party leader as well as an MSP. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  19. 293

    Politics Show: Lord Sarwar and Burnham's first week

    If you're interested in this episode, you may also like 'Who'll replace Anas Sarwar?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p054d6David talks to former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and ex-Labour MSP Paul O’Kane about the Scottish Labour leadership race triggered by Anas Sarwar leaving Holyrood for the House of Lords; and Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister. Scotcast is the BBC's Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  20. 292

    Will Glasgow save the Commonwealth Games?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'Were our World Cup woes really Steve Clarke's fault?' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nvm91wThe 2026 Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow on Thursday 23 July, with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across the city. We ask Glasgow 2026 CEO, Phil Batty (pictured), why he believes his slimmed-down, cut-price version of the event can save it for future generations. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and Chris McLaughlin. Get in touch: [email protected]

  21. 291

    Who’ll replace Anas Sarwar?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Where it went wrong for Anas Sarwar’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nkg6y2Anas Sarwar (pictured) is set to accept a seat in the House of Lords and a role in Andy Burnham’s UK Government. We talk about the likely contenders vying to succeed Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  22. 290

    How extreme could our wildfires become?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘GB Energy: We CAN bring bills down’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002x589A large wildfire has been burning in the Cairngorms for almost a week. We ask fire expert Rory Hadden of Edinburgh University and the BBC’s Kevin Keane why wildfires are a growing problem. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected] credit: RSPB

  23. 289

    Will Burnham stick to his word on Scotland?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Andy Burnham (in his own words) on indyref2’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ntvw95Andy Burnham has promised to “rewire” the UK after replacing Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. The BBC’s Glenn Campbell helps us dissect an interview he did with Burnham in 2022, covering Scottish independence and devolution beyond Holyrood. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  24. 288

    Shona Robison on Sturgeon, Murrell and her stalker

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'Anne McAlpine: I’m not angry at my stalker' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002r3ctShona Robison was Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary before standing down as an SNP MSP at the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. She talks to us about her stalking ordeal; the leadership style of her friend Nicola Sturgeon; and the crimes of her party's former chief executive Peter Murrell. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  25. 287

    Politics Show: Who'll be in Burnham's cabinet?

    David, Lynsey and Paul Hutcheon from the Planet Holyrood podcast talk about the prospect of Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood (both pictured) making Andy Burnham’s cabinet; the Scottish Government’s decision to axe its Tax Advisory Group; and the pitfalls of politicians discussing football. 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: [email protected]

  26. 286

    Is the far-right behind the demos on our streets?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'A Dundee girl, an axe and a man guilty of assault' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xqlmWhat is driving the recent spate of street demonstrations in suburbs of Glasgow and beyond? We ask the University of Aberdeen’s Dr Judith Sijsterman, who has been researching far-right movements in Scotland. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  27. 285

    What will Burnham do about North Sea oil and gas?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘GB Energy: We CAN bring bills down’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002x589Energy industry bodies and trade unions have written to Labour MPs seeking support for more exploration of North Sea oil and gas. We talk to the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart and Kevin Keane about the prospective prime minister Andy Burnham’s likely approach to energy policy. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  28. 284

    The tax guru dumped by Swinney’s government

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘How to create wealth - The Economy Debate’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ncnnpgTax expert Dan Neidle (pictured) was a member of the Scottish Government’s Tax Advisory Group (and thought he still was when he first spoke to us). The founder of Tax Policy Associates explains how he discovered John Swinney’s ministers had axed the group – and reveals which taxes he would scrap if he was appointed UK Chancellor. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  29. 283

    The revolt against data centres

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Could Scotland tap into the AI goldrush?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qgvtThere are plans to build 24 hyperscale data centres across Scotland, many on greenfield sites. Scotcast’s Rebecca Tierney reflects on her visit to Auchtertool, where a proposal for the world’s second biggest data centre has been submitted, and The Guardian’s Aisha Down tells us about her investigation into a planned site in Lanarkshire. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  30. 282

    Politics Show: Binface v Farage, Rupert Lowe and Carns concedes

    David and Paris talk about the Clacton by-election featuring Count Binface and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (both pictured); Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe’s Dunblane comments; and the future of Al Carns after the MP finally ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart and features the BBC’s Paris Gourtsyannis and Reform UK MSP Max Bannerman. Get in touch: [email protected]

  31. 281

    Are women safe in Scotland’s taxis?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Rape trials: a victim’s view’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tn4yCouncillors in Inverness voted for a rapist taxi driver to keep his operator’s licence. Martin Geissler speaks to the Press and Journal’s Louise Glen about why - and what it says about attitudes towards women’s safety. And Lorna Walker from the Govan Law Centre, who represents women attacked in taxis, tells us about Glasgow City Council’s decision to block an application for a female-only cab company. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected]

  32. 280

    Will Nigel Farage's gamble pay off?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like Malcolm Offord: I can be a Reform First Minister: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n9d4. Nigel Farage will resign as an MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election which he says he will stand in. Martin Geissler and the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart dissect the Reform leader’s speech. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected].

  33. 279

    Why are police looking at Yes Scotland’s finances?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Wings over Scotland: why I’m not done with the Peter Murrell case' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002y8xqThe police are looking into a claim that more than £1.5 million was unaccounted for in Yes Scotland’s company accounts. Martin Geissler speaks to the BBC’s Lynsey Bews about who made the claim and what could happen next. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected]

  34. 278

    The seagull debate: to cull or conserve?

    Scotland’s first gull ranger has been hired in Eyemouth to improve relations between humans and the birds. Laura Miller is joined by Scotcast’s Rebecca Tierney to hear about her trip to the seaside town, and gull expert Dr Viola Ross-Smith tells Laura why she thinks seagulls are part of the culture wars. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast.Get in touch: [email protected]

  35. 277

    Politics Show: Devolution, defence and Kate Forbes

    This week, Andy Burnham (pictured) announced plans to expand the prime minister’s office to Manchester and create a 'No. 10 North' as part of a 'rewired Britain' if he becomes Labour leader. David talks to former SNP MP Stewart McDonald and former Labour adviser James Matthewson about how Burnham’s devolution plans are being received in Scotland, the delayed defence investment plan and Kate Forbes’s appearance at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  36. 276

    Will David Goodwillie be prosecuted for rape?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also be interested in ‘Rape trials - a victim’s view’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tn4yThe Crown Office has admitted in court that it was an ‘error of judgement’ not to prosecute the footballer David Goodwillie for rape back in 2011. In 2017, a civil court found Goodwillie and his teammate David Robertson to be rapists and liars. The woman who accused them – Denise Clair – is now seeking a private prosecution in a criminal court. Martin Geissler speaks to Sunday Post journalist Marion Scott about the case. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected]

  37. 275

    Could tunnels fix our ferry problems?

    Shetland’s islands could soon be connected by undersea tunnel after councillors backed the initial plans to replace ageing ferries and link Shetland’s mainland to Yell and Yell to Unst. Martin Geissler speaks to Andy Sloan, executive vice president at engineering firm COWI, and the BBC’s David Henderson about whether tunnels are a viable alternative to Scotland’s whole ferry network. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. Get in touch: [email protected]

  38. 274

    Wings Over Scotland: I'm not done with Murrell case

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'How Peter Murrell did it': https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002x3ycPro-independence blog Wings Over Scotland first raised questions about SNP finances six years before Peter Murrell (pictured) admitted embezzling more than £400,000 of its funds as chief executiveThe man behind the site, Stuart Campbell, tells us about his role in uncovering the scandal and the questions he believes remain unanswered. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  39. 273

    Were our World Cup woes really Steve Clarke's fault?

    If you're interested in this episode, you may also like: 'A pundit's ref rants and a Hampden ban' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002v9kvHead coach Steve Clarke (pictured) has resigned following Scotland's group stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. We ask the BBC's Chris McLaughlin why another major tournament campaign ended in disappointment - and who is in the frame to succeed Clarke. Scotcast is the BBC's Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  40. 272

    ‘It’s a wild west’ - Rise of the online sperm donors

    Is a lack of access to NHS fertility treatments driving single women to find sperm donors on social media? Scotcast’s Rebecca Tierney explores the murky, unregulated world of online sperm donation and former MP Hannah Bardell (pictured) tells us about her own IVF experience. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: [email protected]

  41. 271

    Politics Show: Could Sarwar be next to go?

    David and Lynsey talk to ex-Scottish Labour MSP Paul O’Kane about the future of Anas Sarwar’ (pictured) as Andy Burnham closes in on succeeding Sir Keir Starmer; the press ‘pen’ dispute at Holyrood; and more fallout from Peter Murrell’s crimes. 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: [email protected]

  42. 270

    Andy Burnham (in his own words) on indyref2

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Starmer’s off – but can Burnham save Scottish Labour?’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xzdfAndy Burnham (pictured) looks increasingly likely to be become Prime Minister unopposed after Cabinet minister Darren Jones ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest. Former Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay tells us why he believes Burnham could shift the party’s position on Scottish independence. And Scotcast’s Caitlin Fairlie picks out some of the eye-catching proposals in the Makerfield MP’s 2024 book ‘Head North’. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  43. 269

    Does anyone know why Peter Murrell did it?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘How Peter Murrell did it’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002x3ycPeter Murrell (pictured) has been sentenced to more than five years in jail after embezzling £400,000 from the SNP. We ask the BBC’s David Henderson, who was in court for the sentencing of the party’s former chief executive, and Glenn Campbell, who has made a documentary about the case, why Murrell did it. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  44. 268

    Starmer’s off – but can Burnham save Scottish Labour?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘By-election bonanza – results reaction’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nt0sfvAndy Burnham is expected to become UK prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. We ask former Labour adviser James Mathewson and Jack McConnel, who is campaigning for an independent Scottish Labour party, whether Burnham can reverse the party’s fortunes in Scotland. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by David Wallace Lockahart. Get in touch: [email protected]

  45. 267

    By-election bonanza – results reaction

    If you'd like to apply to attend our live show at the Edinburgh Festival, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/edfest26-scotcast-live-20aug26Labour’s Andy Burnham (pictured) has stormed to victory in the Makerfield by-election but the party came a distant fourth in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. We ask Labour MSP Paul Sweeney whether Burnham can reverse their party’s fortunes in Scotland. And Nicola Sturgeon’s former chief of staff Liz Lloyd tells us what went wrong for the SNP in Stephen Flynn’s former constituency. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  46. 266

    Ivan McKee: I'm not the ‘Minister for Cuts’

    If you'd like to apply to attend our live show at the Edinburgh Festival, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/edfest26-scotcast-live-20aug26Ivan McKee (pictured) was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform in May 2026. We ask him about slashing jobs, cutting spending and reforming taxes. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  47. 265

    Politics Show: Big by-elections preview pub quiz

    If you'd like to apply to attend our live show at the Edinburgh Festival, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/edfest26-scotcast-live-20aug26Natalie talks to the BBC’s Lynsey Bews and co-host of The Stooshie podcast, Justin Bowie, about by-elections in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry triggered by the SNP's Stephen Flynn (pictured) and Stephen Gethins switching from Westminster to Holyrood. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: [email protected]

  48. 264

    A Dundee girl, an axe and a man guilty of assault

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Aberfeldy case: how did police get it so wrong?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002rp1lIlia Belov (pictured left) has been convicted of assault and making sexual remarks to a group of young girls in Dundee. His sister Nadjedzha Belova (pictured right) was also convicted of assault. We talk to The Courier’s editor David Clegg and Calum Steele, formerly of the Scottish Police Federation, about how Police Scotland responded after a video of a girl carrying an axe, pushed by the likes of Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson, went viral. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  49. 263

    Are we a target in a global disinformation war?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like: - Should kids be banned from social media? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xg6v - Should we take kids’ phones away? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qrmyFirst Minister John Swinney (pictured) was reportedly targeted by an Israeli firm spreading online disinformation ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election. We talk to the BBC’s global disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield and ex-SNP MP Stewart McDonald, who authored a report about online smear campaigns targeting Scottish public life. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: [email protected]

  50. 262

    Can this 'tsar' fix our problem with food?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘A ‘food desert’ and the fight for a supermarket’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nbfq1xJayne Jones (pictured) is the first chief executive of the newly-created Scottish Food Commission. We ask Scotland's 'food tsar' why she believes our food is so expensive and whether price caps proposed by First Minister John Swinney are the solution. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: [email protected]

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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

HOSTED BY

BBC Radio Scotland

Produced by BBC

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Scotcast have?

Scotcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Scotcast about?

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

How often does Scotcast release new episodes?

Scotcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Scotcast?

You can listen to Scotcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Scotcast?

Scotcast is created and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland.
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