Scotcast

Martin Compston is one of our busiest, and most successful, actors. Now the star of Line of Duty wants to bring more big films and TV shows to Scotland. He tells us about his plan to make a movie about a 16th-century Scottish cannibal, the 'dark places' he’s had to go as an actor and answers the obvious question: will Line of Duty be back? And we reflect on Martin Geissler’s interview with the First Minister and discuss whether John Swinney really wants to hobnob with Donald Trump. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

A Scottish man called Jagtar Singh Johal has been jailed in India for seven years without conviction. The Indian government call him a terrorist. A UN working group says he’s been arbitrarily detained. Jagtar himself alleges he's been tortured. What are the British government doing to bring him home? The team speak to the BBC’s Katie Hunter and Calum McKay, asking how a man from Dumbarton became the centre of a diplomatic dilemma.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler and Laura Miller. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Stewart McDonald, former SNP MP and defense spokesman, shares insights on Scotland's evolving defense policies amid rising tensions. He discusses the SNP’s shift in stance regarding defense and the Trident nuclear program, spurred by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation highlights the political fallout from recent comments by the First Minister and the implications of rising defense spending. McDonald also touches on the necessity for cross-party collaboration in addressing international security challenges.

A report has found the attainment gap has worsened for Scottish schools. It means the level of qualifications gained between young people in the most affluent and least affluent areas is widening. For nearly 10 years the Scottish Government has said that closing the attainment gap is their 'priority'. We ask education journalist James McEnamey and BBC Political correspondent Phil Sim about a bold solution from a group of experts. The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) says there could be 90,000 fewer pupils by 2040, and that teacher numbers could be cut as a result. Could the money saved be a better help elsewhere? Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler and Laura Maciver. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

The arrest of 74-year-old Rose Docherty outside a Glasgow abortion clinic for breaching the Safe Access Zone Act has put Scotland’s buffer zone law back in the spotlight. As anti-abortion campaigners 40 Days for Life pledge not to break the law during upcoming vigils, we ask Gillian Mackay – the Green MSP who came up with it – and Lois McLatchie Miller from Christian campaign group Alliance Defending Freedom International if US Vice President JD Vance was wrong to say private prayer can be a criminal offence. And after an eye-catching newsroom email, Laura reveals she always sniffs the office milk. 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 changing room tribunal involving Sandie Peggie, Dr Beth Upton and NHS Fife has dominated headlines. As First Minister’s Questions gets fiery on the gender debate, we ask if the temperature of political opinion is changing.We speak to Mark Diffley, pollster and analyst, and BBC Scotland’s Chief Political Correspondent, Lynsey Bews. And an archaeologist from Galashiels finds a pharaoh’s tomb. 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

What’s the price of climate progress? As another Scottish pylon project is approved, the team hears about the communities in the way of the green energy revolution. Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls them Nimbys (Not in my back yard). But campaigner Kate Matthews tells us how 70m monster pylons will blight the landscape around her home in Aberdeenshire. Kate is from one of the many local groups fighting pylons, substations and battery energy storage systems being built across the country. BBC Scotland Environment Correspondent Kevin Keane joins her in the studio. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast with Martin Geissler and Laura Miller. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Energy experts Cornwall Insight are predicting a 5% increase to typical household bills when Ofgem announces the latest change to the price cap. We ask David Sheppard from the Financial Times and fuel poverty campaigner Frazer Scott from Energy Action Scotland why prices aren’t coming down. And Laura and Martin have another debate about how to pronounce ‘Scotcast’.

As world powers gather for talks to secure peace in Ukraine (without Ukraine), and Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks of sending British troops there, how do those who have fled the war view their future?Alona and Iryna, who arrived in Scotland after Russia’s invasion, tell us they don't know when (or whether) they can return home. And BBC Ukrainecast presenter Vitaliy Shevchenko reacts to an extraordinary week of news, which included a 90-minute phone call between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.And Martin praises David Tennant’s Sprechgesang effort at the Baftas.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 big council tax freeze is over. Scotland's local authorities are setting their tax rates, with many considering rises of up to 10 per cent to balance the books. It comes after years of concerns about pressures on local budgets. Roads filled with potholes, cuts to bin collections, schools in disrepair - these are some of the regular complaints. Is it time to rewrite the entire council tax system? We hear from Ross Greer of the Scottish Greens and BBC Political Correspondent Phil Sim. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk