Podcast · News

Scotcast

by BBC Radio Scotland · English · News

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

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 26 minNew

Are Burnham and Swinney really that different? - Politics Show

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 become rector of the University of St Andrews; and Adam gets the chance to defend his dress sense. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

14 Oct 2026 · 27 minNew
What does this AI safety tester really know?
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: [email protected]
13 Oct 2026 · 26 minNew
Will Burnham's Brexit-bashing sway SNP voters?
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 whether this could sway support away from independence in Scotland and why the PM has chosen to re-engage with the Brexit debate. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is…
12 Oct 2026 · 26 min
What’s happening to the Catholic Church?
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: [email protected]
9 Oct 2026 · 24 min
Are our cities fit for the future?
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 to discuss how growing up in Glenrothes shaped how she thinks about cities, and what we can learn from cities around the world. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by…
8 Oct 2026 · 27 min
Is Swinney in trouble over pensions claim? – Politics Show
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 party conference season; and Alex Cole-Hamilton’s latest online videos. Photo: PA Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Lynsey Bews and Phil…
7 Oct 2026 · 26 min
What should happen to BBC Scotland?
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: [email protected]
6 Oct 2026 · 22 min
Why Scottish Greens waded into the Zionism row
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: [email protected]
5 Oct 2026 · 25 min
What on earth is going on at Celtic?
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…
2 Oct 2026 · 33 min
Humza Yousaf on Gaza and life in Sturgeon’s shadow
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: [email protected]
1 Oct 2026 · 27 min
Will Burnham’s big sell work in Scotland? - Politics Show
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.
30 Sep 2026 · 27 min
What has changed in the way rape cases are heard?
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: [email protected]
29 Sep 2026 · 25 min
The Promise: a government hamstrung by bureaucracy?
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: [email protected]
28 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Glasgow City Council vs the unions - what next?
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: [email protected]
25 Sep 2026 · 24 min
‘We can defeat dementia in a generation’
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: [email protected]
24 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Independence manoeuvres, council shake-ups and political GIFs – Politics Show
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: [email protected]
23 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Sandie Peggie takes on her trade union
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: [email protected]
22 Sep 2026 · 23 min
The new killer drugs flooding Scotland
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.…
21 Sep 2026 · 26 min
Can Michael Marra stick to his indyref2 position?
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: [email protected]
18 Sep 2026 · 27 min
'I had brain surgery to deal with chronic pain'
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: [email protected]
17 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Cardiff talks, data centres and Scottish Labour leader – Politics Show
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: [email protected]
16 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Octopus CEO on energy bills, Jackdaw and heavy metal
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: [email protected]
15 Sep 2026 · 26 min
AI and data centres: what now?
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: [email protected]
14 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Does the Cardiff summit boost indyref2 hopes?
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: [email protected]
11 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Why are so many young men committing sex crimes?
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…
10 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Has Burnham caved on indyref2? – Politics Show
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: [email protected]
9 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Is the housing crisis fuelling anti-immigration tension?
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…
8 Sep 2026 · 29 min
What has happened to Scottish education?
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: [email protected]
7 Sep 2026 · 24 min
How big is the Jackdaw decision?
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: [email protected]
4 Sep 2026 · 26 min
Who are the hackers behind the scams that steal your data?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Who hacked M&S’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002d80d Jude McCorry (pictured) is chief executive of the Edinburgh-based Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland. She talks to us about 'ethical' hacking and the inside story of the cyber attack on car dealership Arnold Clark in 2022. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: [email protected]

About Scotcast

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

Scotcast is a English news podcast from BBC Radio Scotland. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC Radio Scotland
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1789080599
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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