Scotcast

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘What STV cuts tell us about the mainstream media’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002kd3k Tim Davie (pictured) has resigned as director-general of the BBC after a leaked memo criticised a Panorama programme about US President Donald Trump. We ask the corporation’s former political editor Brian Taylor and Liz Lloyd, a former adviser to Nicola Sturgeon, whether perceptions of the BBC here are linked to its coverage of the 2014 independence referendum. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Where the election could be won and lost’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002lpd6 Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin (pictured) has unveiled a new plan to effectively eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.The BBC’s Kevin Keane gives us his snap take on the Scottish Government's strategy.And as Nicola Sturgeon says climate change has "fallen prey to the culture wars", we ask campaigner Laura Anderson (aka Less Waste Laura) why the issue has dropped down the political agenda.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Who thinks lynx should roam the Highlands?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0027tgnMSPs are voting on major changes to land-ownership laws in the Land Reform Bill.Patrick Colquhoun of Luss Estates, which owns almost 50,000 acres of land on the shores of Loch Lomond, tells us about life as its 'custodian'.And Martin tells Laura which Christmas ad made him emotional.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Why true crime fascinates us’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002ld3w American Nicholas Rossi (pictured), who faked his own death and fled to Scotland, has received a second jail sentence after being found guilty of raping two women in Utah.The BBC’s Steven Godden, who interviewed Rossi, reflects on coming face to face with the man who lied to the world.And after a speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves fuelled speculation of tax rises in the UK Budget, we discuss what it would mean for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ahead of the Holyrood election.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Top doctor: NHS can’t go on like this’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002h7pg Former health secretary Jeane Freeman (pictured) has claimed 'politics gets in the way' of improving the NHS. As first minister John Swinney announces measures to ease waiting lists, we ask the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart and health correspondent Lisa Summers how important the NHS will be at the 2026 Holyrood election. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Andrew Murray, the Most Worthy Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, shares his insights on the organization's rich history and its plans for modernisation. He discusses the rise in anti-Protestant sentiment and criticizes the Scottish government for inadequate support. Murray also addresses the evolution of membership rules, past bans, and the significance of parades, emphasizing dialogue with communities. He aims to improve the Lodge's image while maintaining traditions and outlines growth targets for the future.

In this installment, David Cowan, a Home Affairs correspondent for BBC News Scotland with expertise in prisons and justice issues, discusses the emergency proposal to release up to 1,000 prisoners due to overcrowding in Scotland's jails. He explores public unease about such mass releases and outlines the eligibility criteria for prisoners. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by prison officers, including low morale and increased drug use, and questions if rehabilitation is possible under these overcrowded conditions.

Brendan Rodgers’s shock resignation from Celtic was quickly followed by a blistering statement from major shareholder Dermot Desmond (pictured), leaving fans, commentators and pundits in disbelief. Martin and Natalie ask the BBC’s Chris McLaughlin how it came to this, and Tino Callaghan from The Celtic Exchange podcast tells us why some fans are clamouring for change at the heart of the club. And Martin tells us why he’s going to have to set his alarm a lot earlier from now on. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Criminologist Professor David Wilson (pictured) is co-host of the This Much is True Crime podcast. We talk to him about how and why only some tales become big news stories. And he explains why people are so drawn to the genre. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Gangster arrests in Dubai: who’s who?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002jtr1 Police have secured their first prosecution under Operation Portaledge, launched in response to gang violence which erupted across the central belt. The BBC’s Dave Cowan tells us how officers caught Liam McDermid (pictured) as he hunted for a gun on a leafy pathway – and if they can now dare to believe they have turned the tide on the gangs. And Martin vents to Laura why news of the shock departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly Come Dancing has annoyed him. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk