Scotcast

Stuart Ralston (pictured) is the latest Scottish chef to be awarded a Michelin star. He tells Martin about his journey - from being stabbed twice in school to working under Gordon Ramsay in New York - and running four Edinburgh restaurants, including the award-winning Lyla. And from bugs to camel's milk: Laura and Martin share their weirdest food moments. 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

Nigel Farage has defended a controversial Reform UK advert about Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. We ask the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart why Mr Farage is doubling down over the social media post, described as 'blatantly racist' by first minister John Swinney. 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

Three teenagers have died due to knife crime in Scotland in a year, while police and politicians are concerned about a rise in violence in and around schools. We ask Scotland’s former violence reduction tzar, Karyn McClusky (pictured), how bad the problem is. And Martin tells Laura a tale of meeting a young explorer in war-torn Baghdad.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 Climate Change Committee (CCC) has proposed new net zero goals to the Scottish Government after it scrapped annual targets. CCC member Professor Keith Bell (pictured) tells us why switching to electric vehicles and heat pumps should be priorities. And we ask the BBC’s Kevin Keane if the financial rewards are enticing enough for people to do so. 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

Alba MSP Ash Regan’s (pictured) Prostitution Bill could make it illegal to pay for sexual services. Martin asks the former SNP leadership candidate how her suggested law change, which has been criticised by some who work in the industry, will protect women. And Natalie and Martin discuss your reaction to our interview with Rose Docherty: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002c1j8 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

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of 'capitulating' to the European Union by some sections of Scotland's fishing industry. Business correspondent David Henderson explains why the prime minister prioritised other sectors following the first UK-EU summit since Brexit. And we ask political editor Glenn Campbell whether the UK will eventually rejoin the EU. 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

Rose Docherty was the first person charged with allegedly breaking Scotland’s buffer zone law, banning protests near abortion clinics. In an exclusive interview, Martin asks the 74-year-old if she was deliberately testing the new legislation before she was handcuffed by police in February 2025. And Rose tells us why she is refusing to accept a formal warning from the authorities. You can listen to our previous episode about Rose’s arrest, featuring Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who campaigned for restrictions on anti-abortion vigils, on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028905. 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

Water scarcity warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) amid a lengthy hot and dry spell of weather. We ask freshwater scientist Dr Rhian Thomas from Glasgow University and the BBC's Kevin Keane why experts are concerned about a lack of rain. And Martin tells Laura the story of Millie, the fare-dodging dog. 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

A proposal to legalise assisted dying has been backed in principle by MSPs. The BBC’s Kirsten Campbell explains why the bill, brought forward by Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur (pictured), won’t necessarily become law. And MSPs Patrick Harvie and Pam Duncan-Glancy (also pictured) tell us why they voted for and against it respectively. 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

Norma and Michelle are both living with life-changing health conditions. But they disagree on whether it should become legal to give terminally-ill people assistance to end their lives. As MSPs prepare to vote on the broad principles of a proposed assisted dying bill, Norma and Michelle explain their perspectives on this emotive and controversial issue. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, or if you need advice and support with bereavement or other issues we’ve discussed today, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Or you can call for free to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066. 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