Scotcast

Former first minister Humza Yousaf is among the loudest critics of US attacks, approved by President Donald Trump, on the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. The MSP and ex-SNP leader tells us why he thinks Iran and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will retaliate – and how that could lead to 'all-out war'. 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

New government guidance on dealing with violence and aggression in schools has been criticised at First Minister's Questions (FMQs).We ask The Herald's education correspondent James McEnaney whether a record number of pupils with additional support needs (ASN) is a factor. And teacher Karen Watson tells us how the classroom, and her job, has changed.And Martin and Laura debate how many sweeties are too many sweeties. 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

As the Labour government in Westminster cuts benefit spending by £5 billion as part of its Welfare Reform Bill, one expert group is urging politicians to back a guaranteed minimum income level for everyone. One of those experts, Chris Birt (pictured) from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, tells us how the Minimum Income Guarantee would work. And Martin reveals what he learned from a 900-gram ball of sweets in his stomach. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The role of AI is growing in our day-to-day lives, but will it replace us in the jobs we do? We ask Professor Richard Susskind what the rise of artificial intelligence will mean for our work, the economy and the future of humankind. 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

Tommy Sheridan (pictured) made his name in politics protesting the poll tax and leading the Socialist party into the Scottish Parliament. He was later jailed for perjury, but should that conviction prevent him starting a new career as a social worker? He tells Martin about taking Glasgow City Council to court, his 'gender-critical views' and hopes of a political comeback. 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

Following the SNP’s by-election defeat to Scottish Labour last week, reports of a challenge to John Swinney have surfaced. We ask David Wallace Lockhart if that talk should be taken seriously - and what he makes of Rachel Reeves' spending plans. 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

Alex Lee, a climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, passionately describes the Acorn carbon capture project as a 'greenwashing scam' amidst widespread political support. Kevin Keane, BBC's environment correspondent, shares insights on carbon capture technology and raises concerns about its efficacy. The discussion critiques the gap between industry claims and reality, emphasizing the urgency to transition towards renewable energy solutions. Both guests highlight the risks of relying on carbon capture while the Scottish government faces challenges meeting climate targets.

A shortage of legal aid lawyers could lead to industrial action and a bigger court backlog, Scotcast has been told. Simon Brown, president of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, tells us why so many are turning their backs on defending the accused – and why, despite the relatively poor pay, he loves the job. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Marks and Spencer is resuming online orders following a ransomware attack in April linked to hacking groups DragonForce and Scattered Spider. The BBC’s cyber correspondent Joe Tidy tells us about the gangs behind hacks on M&S, Co-op and public bodies – and what the hackers have told him. And Natalie and Martin discuss why Anas Sarwar said his Sunday morning interview with Martin was "embarrassing". Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Scottish Labour has taken Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from the SNP in a closely fought by-election. As Anas Sarwar celebrates a new colleague at Holyrood, Martin, Natalie and the BBC’s Scotland Editor James Cook discuss whether the vote was the moment Nigel Farage's Reform UK made a breakthrough in Scotland. 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