Scotcast

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

Stephen Flynn (pictured left) is among MPs calling for the UK Parliament to strip Prince Andrew of his royal titles over links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The SNP’s Westminster leader tells us how he is planning to challenge what he calls a 'crazy' parliamentary convention limiting debate about the Royal Family. And David Wallace Lockhart explains why there’s a big dispute over who should pay for Donald Trump’s Scottish ‘holiday’. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Susie Wolff (pictured) is a former Formula 1 test driver and current director of the F1 Academy series for aspiring female drivers. Ahead of the release of her autobiography, Driven, Susie tells us about making her name in a male-dominated sport and adjusting to the fame of featuring in the Netflix series Drive to Survive. And Laura explains how her childhood knowledge of cricket led to her big TV breakthrough. 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 ‘Sandie Peggie tribunal: what’s going on?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002hwmc A review has found National Librarian Amina Shah’s (pictured) decision to exclude a gender-critical book from a National Library of Scotland display was based on 'inadequate evidence'. Lucy Hunter Blackburn, who co-edited The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht with Susan Dalgety, tells us what inspired their book featuring essays by JK Rowling and former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

In this engaging conversation, Darshini David, the BBC's Deputy Economics Editor, breaks down the complexities of the upcoming budget. She discusses possible tax rises and the implications for everyday people, emphasizing that changes often ripple through the economy. The dialogue shifts to Scotland’s potato farmers facing challenges from climate change and market demands, showcasing their resilience amid changing conditions. Listeners gain insight into both economic policies and agricultural struggles in a rapidly transforming landscape.