

Scotcast
BBC Radio Scotland
The BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2026 • 24min
What has Anas Sarwar done?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Why Sarwar finally turned on Starmer’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0n020l2 Sir Keir Starmer has thanked his “strong and united” Cabinet for their support after Anas Sarwar (pictured) called for the Prime Minister’s resignation. We ask the BBC’s Paris Gourtsoyannis whether the Scottish Labour leader’s dramatic move could divide his party. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 9, 2026 • 22min
Why Sarwar finally turned on Starmer
Anas Sarwar has sensationally called for the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying he has to be "honest about failure wherever I see it". We ask the BBC's Glenn Campbell what prompted the Scottish Labour leader to finally turn on his friend and former ally. Scotcast is the BBC's Scottish news podcast. This bonus episode was hosted by Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 9, 2026 • 25min
Anne McAlpine: I’m not angry at my stalker
A 71-year-old man who stalked BBC Scotland presenter Anne McAlpine (pictured) has been ordered to stay away from her for life. In an extended interview, Anne explains how Robert Green’s four-year campaign of harassment escalated – and how the ordeal has affected her life and career. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk Help and support: bbc.co.uk/actionline

Feb 6, 2026 • 22min
Politics Show: Starmer drama and trans prisoners
Natalie, Lynsey and Paris discuss Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s future following revelations about Peter Mandelson links to Jeffrey Epstein and For Women Scotland’s legal challenge over transgender prisoners at the Court of Session. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by Natalie Higgins, Lynsey Bews and Paris Gourtsoyannis. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 5, 2026 • 24min
Mandelson, Starmer and Sarwar: what happens next?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘How should Sarwar deal with Starmer?’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002k35n Anas Sarwar says he is "disgusted" after details emerged of apparent links between former Labour minister Peter Mandelson (pictured) and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. We ask Simon Pia - a Labour adviser during Gordon Brown's premiership - whether the Mandelson saga could break the bond between the Scottish Labour leader and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 4, 2026 • 24min
Autism: rising rates or overdiagnosis?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘What’s really going on in our schools?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002dl4q The number of children and adults diagnosed with autism and ADHD is rising. Waiting lists are overflowing, schools are struggling to cope and parents are looking for support. But what actually is neurodivergence? How many people have it? And is the way we live having an impact on that number? We hear from former Make Me Prime Minister finalist Kelly Given, who was diagnosed at 24, and consultant psychiatrist Dr Pavan Srireddy. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 3, 2026 • 26min
Why the Prostitution Bill fell at the first hurdle
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Sex worker: Listen to me’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002j5t1 An attempt by MSP Ash Regan (pictured) to criminalise the buying of sex is set to be voted down at Holyrood. SNP MSP Michelle Thomson tells us why she is rebelling against the Scottish Government to back the Prostitution Bill. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins and David Wallace Lockhart. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Feb 2, 2026 • 25min
Screen grab: should we take kids’ phones away?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘What’s really going on in our schools?’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002dl4q Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has proposed a ban on phones in all classrooms and backed an Australia-style social media ban for young people. We ask Sam Rice from Smartphone Free Children about the growing campaign to keep children away from smartphones. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Politics Show: Polanski pact, QEUH ‘pressure’ and SNP messaging
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Meet the new Scottish Green leaders’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002j5l7 David, Natalie and Phil talk about a change in the relationship between the Scottish Greens and Zack Polanski (pictured), fresh claims about political ‘pressure’ over the opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the SNP’s election messaging. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode of the Politics Show is hosted by David Wallace Lockhart, Natalie Higgins and Phil Sim. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Jan 29, 2026 • 26min
Could Scotland tap into the AI goldrush?
If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Is AI coming for your job?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002dl6nNorth Lanarkshire is to become home to a vast data centre – with the aim of turning the area into one of the world’s most advanced AI sites.But what actually is a data centre, why is Big Tech looking to Scotland and will their massive energy demands push our bills up? We hear from former Google executive and industry insider Michael Hunter.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller and Martin Geissler.Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk


