Scotcast

Hotels housing asylum seekers have attracted protests in Perth, Falkirk and Aberdeenshire. We ask what’s behind the recent spate of demos and David Wallace Lockhart tells us why it’s significant that Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is defending them. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Dr Iain Kennedy (pictured) chairs the British Medical Association and speaks on behalf of Scotland’s 17,000 doctors. He tells us why one of the founding principles of the NHS has 'already died', how the service can be rescued and about his life as Highland GP. And a listener hits back at our coverage of gulls. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

A housing crisis is unfolding in the Highlands and for Donna Young (pictured) of the Communities Housing Trust, it’s personal. She tells us why so many people in her part of the world are struggling to find a home. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The county lines drug epidemic is bringing violence and hard drugs to the Highlands. Detective Chief Inspector Craig Still of Police Scotland tells us how English gangs are targeting the vulnerable and why they are staying clear of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Accustomed to sparring live on air on a Sunday morning, Martin sits down with Douglas Ross to find out what he really thinks.The former Scottish Conservative leader tells us why he defended Boris Johnson’s government – and why he thinks Holyrood is failing.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Willie French is a former head teacher with four decades of experience in primary schools. He tells Martin why schools should delay formal education and help children learn old-fashioned life lessons like falling off bikes and out of trees. And Rose Docherty, the first person charged with allegedly breaking Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law, learns she’ll face no further action. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

City trader turned influencer Gary Stevenson (pictured) is leading calls for a wealth tax. As chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for the autumn budget, economist Professor Mairi Spowage tells us why a tax targeting the so-called super-rich may have downsides too. And with US Vice-President JD Vance here on holiday, Martin and Laura wonder what’s so special about the Cotswolds. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Nicola Sturgeon says a social media post by Harry Potter author JK Rowling prompted a wave of 'vile' abuse over the former first minister’s views on transgender policy. It’s one of many more claims in Ms Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, which Natalie has read (most of at the time of recording this recording). And as Spiderman webs his way through the streets of Glasgow, Slow Horses director Saul Metzstein tells us why his hometown is now like a second home to Hollywood. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Nicola Sturgeon has been busy promoting her new memoir, Frankly. We’ve read and heard what she thinks about Alex Salmond, Operation Branchform, Isla Bryson and her own sexuality. But how much of it is news? Martin, Natalie and the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart discuss how much we’ve really learned from the former first minister's book publicity. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and ex-BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor talk to Martin, Laura and Natalie about their careers, covering tragedies and modern journalism. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Edinburgh Fringe on Wednesday 6th August. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk