Scotcast

BBC Radio Scotland
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The BBC's Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

  1. How long have Starmer and Sarwar got?

    3 HRS AGO

    How long have Starmer and Sarwar got?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Where it went wrong for Anas Sarwar’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nkg6y2 Sir Keir Starmer says he will prove his doubters wrong amid growing calls from within Labour for the prime minister to resign. We talk to Daily Record political editor Paul Hutcheon, ex-Labour adviser James Matthewson and the BBC’s Paris Gourtsoyannis about Starmer’s latest effort to win over his MPs, and the future of Scottish Labour and its leader, Anas Sarwar. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    26 min
  2. Where it went wrong for Anas Sarwar

    1D AGO

    Where it went wrong for Anas Sarwar

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Anas Sarwar: the election interview’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002t1cw Anas Sarwar (pictured) insists he is “absolutely” staying in post despite leading Scottish Labour to its worst ever Scottish Parliament election results. We ask Paul Sweeney, one of the party’s 17 elected MSPs, whether its crushing Holyrood defeat is down to Sarwar or Sir Keir Starmer. 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

    23 min
  3. Swinney reaches out - but gives Reform cold shoulder

    2D AGO

    Swinney reaches out - but gives Reform cold shoulder

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'How the SNP won the Scottish election' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nk7107 Victorious SNP leader John Swinney (pictured) says he will talk to all opposition parties except Reform UK in the coming days. We ask the BBC's Lynsey Bews how the SNP will govern after falling short of a majority in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. And Martin Geissler reflects on hosting a marathon BBC results show. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    27 min
  4. How the SNP won the Scottish election

    3D AGO

    How the SNP won the Scottish election

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘John Swinney: the election interview’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002sqyp John Swinney’s SNP has come out on top in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. The BBC’s Phil Sim, former Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and ex-SNP MP Stewart McDonald tell us what the outcome means for Anas Sarwar’s future and for the debate about another independence referendum. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    38 min
  5. What to look out for in the Scottish election results

    3D AGO

    What to look out for in the Scottish election results

    Voting is over in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. The BBC's Phil Sim and Dr Fraser McMillan from the University of Edinburgh tell us what to watch out for as the results come in. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Martin Geissler. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    26 min
  6. What is fuelling teenage knife crime?

    5D AGO

    What is fuelling teenage knife crime?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also be interested in ‘Why are kids carrying knives?’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002cbd8 A teenager has admitted murdering 22-year-old John McNab (pictured) with a hunting knife in Edinburgh. Laura Miller speaks to Jimmy Paul, the head of the Scottish Violent Reduction Unit, about the societal changes fuelling youth violence. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    25 min
  7. Should we worry about the vape shop boom?

    6D AGO

    Should we worry about the vape shop boom?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘How to fix the NHS - The Health Debate’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ndvclm There has been a 28% increase in Scottish shops selling vapes in Scotland since 2020. We ask Richard Begg (pictured) from major vape retailer VPZ why he wants stricter regulation of his own industry. 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

    24 min
  8. Has Gen Z killed the traditional pub?

    MAY 4

    Has Gen Z killed the traditional pub?

    If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like 'Do we need a minister for disco?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002gqdh Pubs are closing at a rate of one a week, according to the Scottish Beer and Pub Association. We ask Louise Maclean of Signature Pubs and workers including 23-year-old bartender Edward (pictured) whether Gen Z are partly responsible for the decline. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins, with reporting by Rebecca Tierney. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The BBC's Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio Scotland
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    Scotcast

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