Podcasts about Scottish Government

Join us on Tuesday. Together we'll listen to and discuss this episode in our virtual community gathering. Sept 22 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RuYdM1rUS_esV3lRK9-75AWhat do government deficits have to do with the money in our pockets? Returning guest Jim Byrne, of the MMT101.ORG podcast, joins Steve to demystify one of Modern Monetary Theory's most important tools: sectoral balances. They unpack the accounting identity that let a handful of economists see the 2008 financial crash coming years before Wall Street or the Fed had a clue. Using simple, everyday analogies, Jim walks through why government deficits and surpluses are mirror images of what's happening in your own bank account — and why the conventional wisdom about government "living within its means" gets the whole picture backwards.Along the way, Steve and Jim dig into the real history: how nearly every attempt to pay down the national debt has been followed by a depression or recession, how a toxic mix of government surpluses, ballooning private debt, and banking deregulation set the stage for 2008, and how the subprime mortgage scheme was less an accident than a business model.The discussion turns to Jim's native Scotland and the fiscal framework proposed for a future independent country. The Scottish Government plans initially to continue using the British pound, making Scotland a currency user rather than issuer, while also proposing fiscal rules aligned with the EU's Stability and Growth Pact as it pursues EU membership. The EU framework retains reference values of a government deficit below 3 percent of GDP and public debt below 60 percent. Jim uses sectoral balances to show how imposing such limits, particularly in a country running an external deficit, would squeeze the domestic private sector, increasing household indebtedness and putting pressure on employment and public services.Accounting identities can tell us how much money is flowing between sectors, but that's not the whole picture. Steve and Jim add the missing dimension of class and distribution. Sectoral balances give us the map; stratification and class analysis tell us where the money actually lands. Together, they provide a powerful way to cut through familiar myths about government debt and expose the political choices hidden behind supposedly neutral economic policy.Jim Byrne hosts the MMT101.ORG podcast, where he focuses on explaining Modern Monetary Theory, heterodox economics, and how public monetary systems really operate.Follow his work and the MMT101.ORG podcast at mmt101.substack.com@MMT101dotORG on X

Fanny Herrero, writer and creator of the French sitcom Call My Agent, joins Tom Sufcliffe to talk about how her show about the antics of the cut-throat Paris talent agency ASK became a global hit and why, after a five year hiatus, she's got the agents back together for their first ever film.This year's unprecedented extreme heat and lack of rain in large parts of the UK has wreaked havoc with gardens big and small. How have the historic landscapes, parks and gardens coped? Historic England and The Heritage Fund have worked together on a report to offer guidance to those who care for them on how to adapt and prepare for our changing climate.Maria Friedman's latest role is in the musical Kimberly Akimbo. She explains what's it like to play a teenager with a rare genetic condition that causes her character to age rapidly, giving her the appearance of an elderly woman.As the Scottish Government announces a minimum income scheme for artists, which will be piloted during the current Parliament, we ask Cleo Goodman, co-founder of the Basic Income Conversation project, what it might look like, how much people can expect, and how ‘artists' will be defined in the application process.Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Claire Bartleet

There is a lot of talk about increasing agency in education and schooling, for young people and for teachers and we've done many episodes over the last 6 years that touch on it. But there is a tendency sometimes for discussions of agency to lack a bit of clarity in exactly what we mean by this slippery concept! My guests this week, Profs. Gert Biesta and Mark Priestley, published a seminal book with Sarah Robinson in 2015 on the subject of teacher agency, which moved the field forward hugely. 'Teacher Agency: An Ecological Approach' has just been republished in its second edition last month so I was very keen to talk about it with them. But, while I am fascinated by the concept of agency for many reasons, what particularly attracted me to Gert and Mark's work on this was their 'ecological approach'. Taking an ecological approach to understanding the conditions that give rise to agency, or any other outcome in education for that matter, feels like a really vital way to be approaching our central questions.As a now 3 time guest, Gert is known well to listeners of the podcast, but his he has also recently been appointed as Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, and since 2023 has served as ordinary member ('kroonlid') of the Education Council of the Netherlands (Onderwijsraad), the advisory body of the Dutch government and parliament on educational matters. He was previously Professor of Public Education in the Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy, Maynooth University, Ireland and Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. He is co-editor of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, and associate editor of Educational Theory, and previously co-editor of the British Educational Research Journal some time ago. Links:https://www.gertbiesta.com/https://www.goodimpactlabs.com/podcast/prof-gert-biestahttps://www.goodimpactlabs.com/podcast/gert-biestaMark Priestley is Professor of Education at the University of Stirling whose research interests lie in the school curriculum – theory, policy and practice – and especially the processes of curriculum making across different layers of education systems. He is the Director of the Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Making, a member of the Scottish Government's key education advisory committees, the Scottish Education Council and the Curriculum and Assessment Board, and a Co-Convener of the EERA network 3, Curriculum. Alongside 'Teacher Agency: An Ecological Approach', his publications include 'Curriculum making in Europe: policy and practice within and across diverse contexts'.Links:https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/255862https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/teacher-agency-9781350536333/

In CI News this week: The Christian Institute presses the Scottish Government to review the impact of its controversial smacking ban, NHS Wales' gender clinic comes under scrutiny over the volume of its referrals for sex-swap operations, and one of the world's youngest preemies is out of hospital and home with her family. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories CI presses Scot Govt to review controversial smacking ban Welsh gender clinic faces scrutiny over trans surgery referrals ‘Prostitution left me feeling dehumanised and lost' Australian baby born at 21 weeks heads home after 5 months in hospital

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting.For this series, we are bringing you Crofting Matters from Shetland. Today we are looking at traditional crofting practices, Shetland Kale, and how a local development group is working to protect and develop rural life in Northmavine in the North Mainland of Shetland. We're delighted to welcome Kathleen Anderson, who has been in crofting since her childhood in the 1950s. She now works to preserve traditional crofting practices producing Shetland Kale, Shetland Sheep and Shetland Cattle, usually referred to as kye here. We're also joined by her daughter in law, Charlotte Anderson, who works as the local project manager for NCDC, which is the Northmavine Community Development Company.If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters please do subscribe to hear the next episode when we'll be joined by Andrew Thin from the Crofting Commission to take a look at the changes that will be coming soon with the new Crofting Act passing into law.Many thanks to our producer Kerry Hammond, our Editor Keiron Sim, and thanks to you for tuning in.This podcast was produced in association with the Scottish Government.Resources:Kathleen Anderson - Growing up on the Croft - Northmavine Community Development CompanyNorthmavine Community Development CompanyPolycrub – Storm-Strength Polytunnels Built in ShetlandShetland Kale Seeds l Seeds of ScotlandFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

From cringeworthy UK government social media stunts involving boxes of fish and chips to the ongoing fall out of the BBC Glasgow documentry and the systemic failure of local democracy, this week Lesley and Fraser unravel the disconnect between political PR and real community power. Whether it is ministers trying to "wrap their arms around" energy planning policy, Nordic journalists wondering why Scotland did not seize post-Brexit independence, or feudal landowners holding vital community ferry links hostage, the theme remains constant: Scotland urgently needs genuine local agency and strategic collaboration.In this episode, we discuss:The Scotland Office Fish & Chip Flop: Lesley and Fraser dissect a "woeful" UK government social media clip featuring MP Melanie Ward attempting to illustrate unionist economic points with two sizes of fish and chips. Data Centres, Energy Grid & District Heating: Following news that data centre planning applications exceeding 50 megawatts must now be reported to Scottish ministers within seven days, the pod dives into the massive energy and water demands of hyperscale facilities. Lesley highlights the missed opportunity around waste heat, arguing that data centres should be strictly mandated to supply district heating to local communities as a condition of planning consent.Community Resistance at Cockenzie: A look at the fierce local opposition in East Lothian over proposed data centre developments at the former Cockenzie power station site. Despite being well-connected to offshore wind landing points from North Berwick Bank, local communities remain skeptical due to a lack of national strategy and meaningful local consultation.Lessons from a Nordic Journalist: Lesley recounts a conversation in Dundee with a visiting Nordic journalist who was baffled by Scotland's post-Brexit hesitation to pursue independence. The discussion covers Scotland's top-heavy system of 32 giant local councils, the lack of collaboration between SNP leadership and civic think tanks like Common Weal or the Scottish Currency Group, and the essential role of local empowerment.Housing First vs. Social Housing Targets: Comparing Andy Burnham's homelessness initiative in Manchester with housing targets across the UK. The pod examines the Scottish Government's pledge for 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 alongside the structural hurdles created by volume housebuilders land-banking prime sites.Great Bernera's Legal Aid Absurdity: How a community on Great Bernera—already struggling with a stalled buyout due to an absentee landowner—is now facing crippling legal fees as dog owner sues them for refusing her entry with her dog. Feudal Dues on the Glenelg Ferry: The unique MV Glenachulish—the world's last manual turntable car ferry operating between Glenelg and Skye—faces a crisis due to ancient "right to ferry" feudal dues claimed by absentee landowner Richard Oliphant. Community campaigners, supported by former MSP Andy Wightman, are exploring a Community Right to Buy or legal action to save the vital crossing.BBC Scotland Cuts & "Welcome to Glasgow" Slant: With 60 jobs on the line and the BBC Scotland channel facing severe pressure, Lesley and Fraser critique the controversial Welcome to Glasgow documentary. They highlight how the programme relied heavily on a self-appointed vigilante group while failing to consult the Violence Reduction Unit or examine systemic deprivation.Barclays Five & Direct Action: A major legal milestone as a judge rules that five Palestine Action activists facing charges over damage to a Barclays branch in Lancashire will not be sentenced under terrorism legislation.Links & Mentioned Events:Support the Podcast: Lesley Riddoch Podcast SupportEast Lothian Courier Article: Coverage of the standing-room-only Cockenzie House community meeting regarding data centre proposals.Bramble Ice Cream Recipe Link: Included in this week's show notes following popular demand. ★ Support this podcast ★

More cases of the livestock disease Bluetongue have prompted the Scottish Government to impose tighter movement restrictions. It's the first year the midge-borne disease has reached Scotland. There are fears it could disrupt the up-coming ram sales season which involves the movement of thousands of sheep. With the weather so unpredictable and extreme this year, we're taking a look this week at how we can grow food differently, or use different crops. We speak to a scientist at the National Institute for Agricultural Botony who says it's not just new varieties, but repurposing heritage crops. And we meet a sixteen year old in Northern Ireland who's come up with an app to help farmers manage their time better. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner .

Finally, after years of inaction, it does finally look like there's change coming to Channel Tunnel rail services between London, Paris and potentially many more destinations besides. There are brand new operators on the cards such as Virgin Trains, Gemini and Trenitalia. There's the possibility of new trains as well as new services. There could be new capacity at St Pancras International, new depots to maintain trains – and there's even talk of reopening Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent. Eurostar are getting in on the act as well with new trains and possibly new services too. And perhaps most remarkable of all, the Scottish Government are going to see if there's a market for night sleeper services from Scotland to mainland Europe. We talk to Jon Worth, the popular independent EU Rail policy commentator, writer and campaigner to talk about the latest developments.

In CI News this week: The Scottish Government wastes thousands of pounds on a ‘conversion practices' helpline, the Institute urges the Prime Minister to address the scourge of gambling, and Britain strengthens protections for women's tennis. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories £72k ‘conversion practices' helpline takes just 4 calls in 3 months CI urges No. 10 to tackle ‘gambling scourge' CI: ‘Govt's cohabitation plans could have gifted millions to Taylor Swift ex' British tennis strengthens protections for women's game

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. In this episode, Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Nicola Wordie an award-winning livestock farmer and social media creator from Aberdeenshire. She farms in partnership with her Dad on a mixed upland sheep and beef farm and shares her day-to-day farming life across social media platforms and a YouTube channel under the name Livestock FarmHER. Her success in content creation recently led her to win the Fordyce Maxwell award for agricultural communications. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to find out more about Nicola, follow her social channels or watch her YouTube videos you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: FarmHER Youtube Channel FarmHER Instagram Livestock_farmher | Facebook For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. Over the next few episodes, we will be bringing you Crofting Matters from Shetland. Today we are joined by David Brown, Crofter, Shetlander, and Area Manager for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland. In this episode we look at the intersection between our crofting communities and the blue economy. Across the Crofting Counties - agriculture, and the seafood sector have always been closely intertwined – It is still true today that the lion's share of the £5.6 billion generated annually by Scotland's Marine Economy comes to us through the crofting counties in one way or another. There are few places in the country where that interdependence between crofting and fisheries is as clear perhaps as Shetland. If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters please do subscribe to hear the next episode when we'll be joined by a crofter who is working to preserve traditional crofting producing Shetland Kale, Shetland Sheep and Shetland Kye as well as a local development company who are now the licensed seed merchants for Shetland Kale, Scotland's oldest local vegetable variety. If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you'll find links in the show notes. This episode was produced by Kerry Hammond, and Edited by Keiron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Cooke Aquaculture Scotland | Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is one of the leading producers of Scottish salmon, and the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon. Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan - gov.scot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. Over the next few episodes, we will be bringing you Crofting Matters from Shetland. Today we are joined by David Brown, Crofter, Shetlander, and Area Manager for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland. In this episode we look at the intersection between our crofting communities and the blue economy. Across the Crofting Counties - agriculture, and the seafood sector have always been closely intertwined – It is still true today that the lion's share of the £5.6 billion generated annually by Scotland's Marine Economy comes to us through the crofting counties in one way or another. There are few places in the country where that interdependence between crofting and fisheries is as clear perhaps as Shetland. If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters please do subscribe to hear the next episode when we'll be joined by a crofter who is working to preserve traditional crofting producing Shetland Kale, Shetland Sheep and Shetland Kye as well as a local development company who are now the licensed seed merchants for Shetland Kale, Scotland's oldest local vegetable variety. If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you'll find links in the show notes. This episode was produced by Kerry Hammond, and Edited by Keiron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Cooke Aquaculture Scotland | Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is one of the leading producers of Scottish salmon, and the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon. Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan - gov.scot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology.Timestamps and links for Show Notes 00:45 News in Brief06:50 Policy Briefs – New EU rules on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025. Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture. Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27. Latest estimates for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions15:48 Cereals – Latest news and market update23:53 Beef – Latest news and market update30:14 Sheep – Latest news and market update36:15 Milk – Latest news and market update44:32 Sector focus – potato markets and optical grading technology53:52 Further articles – Planning and Preparing for Water Scarcity (webinars). Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm (article). Precision Weed Control Powered by Artificial Intelligence (FAS TV). The Use Of AI In Poultry (podcast).Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service advice@fas.scotNew Genomic Techniques (NGTs)Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture (ADM report)Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27Scottish Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Nitrogen Use 2024–25 statisticsWater Scarcity - YouTubePlanning and preparing for water scarcity - NE Scotland - recorded webinarEnsuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your FarmPrecision Weed Control Powered by Artificial IntelligenceThe Use Of AI In PoultryPublications: Scottish National Adaptation Plan Annual Report 2025-2026 - gov.scotAvian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the diseaseClassical swine fever: how to spot and report the diseaseBluetongue: how to spot and report the disease SEPA Water scarcity levels and reportsConsultations: NatureScot - General Licensing Review National Strategy for Community Justice: review of 2022 strategy - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen SpaceFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

This episode (originally from the GP Practice Finance Course) features Scottish experts Dawn Laird and Colin Malone from Forvis Mazars explaining key elements of the Scottish GP contract and practice finance. They outline NHS Health Board income streams shown on monthly statements, including global sum (the largest), enhanced services, reimbursements, and deductions for seniority and superannuation. They describe how the Scottish workload formula values patients (especially by age, plus uplifts for new registrations and care homes) and note trends of rolling income into global sum, plus Scottish Government plans for £148m recurring funding by 2028–29 focused on workforce, locum cover reimbursement from day one, expense reimbursement, cloud-based telephony, and health inequalities. They review major costs (staffing and premises), practice structures (partnerships, LLPs, limited companies and superannuation implications), premises loans and grants, superannuation processes and opting out considerations, seniority rules, and pension administration via SPPA Engage, McCloud remedy statements, benefit statement timing, and retirement options.00:00 Welcome and Course Intro00:47 Meet the Experts02:04 NHS Income Streams Explained04:06 Global Sum and Workload Formula06:51 New Funding and Contract Changes11:05 Key Costs Staff and Premises14:45 Practice Structures Partnership LLP Ltd21:58 Premises Loans and Grants26:40 Superannuation Basics and Planning35:44 Seniority Rules and Session Changes37:13 SPPA Portal and McLeod Updates42:04 Retirement Options Partial and Return46:04 Wrap Up and Q&A

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.Today's episode isn't being hosted by Mary-Jane as normal, but by Kerry Hammond. Usually, Kerry sits in the producer's chair behind the scenes. Today's episode focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the agricultural community. As a neurodivergent individual, and a neurodivergence-informed coach, Kerry jumped at the opportunity to grab the mic for one episode only, to have an incredible conversation with Ren Fisher. Ren is also Neurodivergent, she works for The Soil Association as Head of Wales – Farming and Land Use, and Ren also has her own business providing neurodivergent coaching, training and advocacy. That business is called ‘Harvesting Potential'. Ren co-founded the brand new ‘Rural Neurodivergent Network', a nationwide WhatsApp group to facilitate individuals diagnosed, suspecting, or supporting those who are neurodivergent, to “Find Their Tribe!”. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to find out more about Neurodivergence, the rural Neurodivergent Network, or to contact Ren Fisher directly, you can find links and her direct email address in the show notes. This episode was produced and presented by me Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.ResourcesAgri Culture - Liz Haines: Levelling The Field, Neurodiversity in Agriculture | FASRen Fisher - Harvesting Potential - InstagramRen Fisher - Harvesting Potentials: Overview | LinkedInJoin the Network Email: harvesting.potentials@outlook.comWhat is Neurodiversity :: Keeping WellFor more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

Andy Brown is currently a Senior Education Officer in Education Scotland, with a specific interest in Mathematics.  Andy was appointed as the first National Specialist Adviser for Mathematics to the Scottish Government in 2024. In that role he bridged policy and practice, working closely with ministers, policy officials, academics, schools and settings, and wider stakeholders. Much of Andy's current work focuses on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle for Mathematics in Scotland. Andy has been involved in education for over 20 years. He has held roles as a Secondary Teacher of Mathematics, Faculty Head, Depute Head, and Interim Head Teacher of two schools in the Highlands of Scotland. Andy has worked for Education Scotland since 2019 as a Senior Education Officer of Numeracy and Mathematics, and Senior Education Officer of Curriculum Innovation.  He was also appointed as Fellow of the Academy for Mathematical Sciences as part of their inaugural cohort. Here are a few links to the resources we talked about in the episode:  Curriculum Improvement Cycle – Education Scotland Next steps in curriculum improvement - gov.scot Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC): Early Draft Sample materials June 2026 – Curriculum Improvement Cycle

This episode launches a new four-part series on Caring for Older People. Part 1 – Policies, People & Partnerships - lays out the care framework by providing an overview of how national and local policies and services impact our lives as we get older, through Scottish Government policies for older people and the role of the local Health and Social Care Partnership.Acknowledgments:Hosts: Jean MacLellan and Tracey Hunter Production: Gordon Bermingham

The Royal Highland Show hopes to welcome 200,000 visitors across four days. In this programme we report from the show, hearing farmers' views on the Scottish Government's plan for a supermarket price cap on essential food items, speaking to the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs and hearing about the hardest job on the showground... ice cream tasting!Meanwhile in the south west of England, we hear about an emergency by-law that's been passed in Cornwall, to restrict the number of boats coming in to fish for octopus. The ongoing octopus bloom has been described as a 'gold rush' as huge sums are being made - two weeks ago Brixham fish market experienced a record catch of 103 tonnes, worth £400,000. But the octopus are also causing problems - eating crab and lobster and devastating that industry locally.Presented by Caz Graham Produced by Heather Simons

King of the North, By-Election Blues, and Tartan Army JoyWell, the by-elections were well worth waiting for. In this delayed "wait for it" by-election special, Lesley and Fraser digest a massive week in UK and Scottish politics. Andy Burnham has secured a predictable but comprehensive landslide in Mackerfield, leaving everyone wondering how quickly he might challenge Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10. Meanwhile, the SNP faces a disappointing loss in Aberdeen South, prompting questions about energy policy, land taxes, and rural trust. Plus, the Tartan Army takes over America with an incredible display of joy and cultural diplomacy.In this episode, we discuss:Burnham's Path to Number 10: Andy Burnham defeated Reform, Restore, and the Tories combined with 55% of the vote in Mackerfield. We look at his victory speech, the rumors of cabinet resignations, and why Keir Starmer is stubbornly hanging on despite plummeting popularity.Aberdeen South & SNP Frustrations: The SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election to the Conservatives, the first Tory by-election win in Scotland since 1973. We discuss how Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood triggered the vote and whether he will take a hit for it. We also dive into the Scottish Government's lack of action on community wealth-building opportunities like onshore wind repowering and land taxes.Tartan Army Takeover: From securing Haggis approvals in Massachusetts to twinning with Glasgow, the Scotland fans are outclassing everyone with their energy and charity work. We contrast their joyful behavior in Boston with the rather more hostile chants coming from England fans in Dallas.Highland Clearances on Film: Lesley shares updates from a poignant filming trip to the clearance site at Rosal in Strathnaver. We discuss the rich oral traditions kept alive by the community, the struggle to find authentic black Highland cows, and how crofters actually lived in longhouses the size of modern three-bedroom bungalows.Upcoming Schedule: There will be no podcast next week as Lesley heads off to an island in Donegal with her bike, panniers, and absolutely no Wi-Fi or potable water. LinksHighland Clearances Interview: Watch the interview with Professor James Hunter on the main Lesley Riddoch YouTube channel.https://youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8Equitable Energy research about communities taking on repowering contracts -   https://ruralsehub.net/onshore-wind-re-powering-report/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Around 200,000 visitors will be visiting The Royal Highland Show this week. Farmers and growers will be showcasing their produce at the Royal Highland Centre on the edge of Edinburgh. There are around 6000 entries, with trophies for everything from cattle, sheep and pigs to horses, honey and gelato. The Scottish Government made some announcements at the show too: they've brought forward plans for a Rural Renewal Bill and reiterated their plan to cap prices on supermarket essentials. Farmers are concerned about who'll pay for that. We speak to the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Alistair Grant talks to David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner, about the ongoing legal battles over the so-called Salmond files - as well as his proposals to shake-up freedom of information laws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Scottish Parliament is running, but is it actually getting anything done? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week for Scottish politics.As Scottish Labour forces a vote on a parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell's embezzlement from the SNP, First Minister John Swinney faces intense pressure over his handling of the situation. Should he have brought in a KC to clean house, or is he right to treat it as "case closed"? We break down the constitutional battle brewing as Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee threatens to step in.Plus, we expose a glaring economic contradiction at the heart of the Scottish Government: debating wealth taxes one week and demanding economic growth the next. We also react to a brilliant, straight-talking 6-point listener manifesto for the SNP, debate the failure of elected committee conveners, and unpack the transport chaos plaguing Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the incoming First Minister to an impending vote on a Section 30 order and a row brewing over William Wallace's safe conduct letter.We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion.Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham's push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.LinksThe rose of all the world is not for me.I want for my partOnly the little white rose of ScotlandThat smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.Hugh MacDiarmidProfessor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearancehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_gWho is josh simons? His greatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham ★ Support this podcast ★

Researchers at Leeds University say a new study shows deliberate burning of moorland for grouse shooting leads to an additional half a million people, on average, being exposed to unsafe levels of particulate pollution - that's on top of the pollution cause by wildfires. The study was co-authored by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which is calling for a licensing scheme for controlled burning to be brought in for England. In Scotland a plan to bring in licensing was temporarily put on hold by the Scottish Government in the aftermath of extensive wildfires last summer. Moorland managers argue that wildfires cause more pollution than controlled burning - and that controlled burning reduces the risk of wildfires.A fifth of the Duchy of Cornwall's property, owned by the Prince of Wales, could be sold in the next 10 years to help invest £500m into tackling housing and nature crises. The Duchy has a large number of tenant farmers and is introducing a new tenancy agreement, which concentrates on regenerative farming. We find out what's different about this type of tenancy.All week we're celebrating British flowers and today we visit a commercial grower in Norfolk which grows 35 million tulips every year and supplies most of the UK's leading supermarkets. It's invested five million pounds in new technology so it can stay competitive and compete with imported blooms.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Description:In this enlightening episode of Sustainability Solved, Will Richardson and Charlie explore the remarkable work of Scarf, a Scottish charity celebrating 40 years of tackling fuel poverty. Join Lawrence Johnston and David from Scarf as they reveal how their organization has transformed thousands of homes across Scotland, providing energy efficiency solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but dramatically improve quality of life for vulnerable households.Show Notes:- **00:01-01:43** - Introduction to Sustainability Solved and welcome to guests- **01:48-03:47** - Introduction to Scarf: 40 years as a charity focused on reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency- **03:48-06:22** - Discussion of Scarf's relationship with Scottish Government and their reach (20,000+ remote engagements, 4,000-5,000 home visits annually)- **07:47-10:51** - Explanation of fuel poverty metrics and KPIs used to measure impact- **10:51-12:53** - Discussion on data collection and measuring effectiveness of interventions- **12:55-15:30** - Exploration of quality of life improvements and social benefits from energy efficiency measures- **15:39-18:03** - Main challenges in Scottish housing: granite buildings, solid walls, and electric heating systems- **18:03-19:16** - The importance of balancing social and environmental sustainability for a just transition- **19:50-22:31** - Barriers to engagement: lack of awareness, stigma around poverty, and skepticism of "too good to be true" offers- **24:05-26:48** - Overview of organizations delivering similar services across Scotland and the fragmented approach in England- **32:18-34:16** - Scarf's approach to energy efficiency: starting with behavioral changes and low-cost measures before larger interventions- **35:02-37:14** - Discussion of Scarf's business energy services and varied impacts- **39:22-44:48** - Powerful case studies showcasing Scarf's life-changing impact on vulnerable households- **44:49-49:07** - Closing thoughts on the need for national recognition of housing as an emergency and potential for wider implementation of Scarf's modelKey Takeaways:- Scarf has facilitated approximately £20 million in private investment for energy efficiency measures- The average intervention is £18,000-£20,000 per property at no cost to eligible homeowners- There's a critical link between poor housing conditions and health issues that needs more attention- Scotland's regionalized approach to energy efficiency appears more effective than England's fragmented system

Peace, Economy and Environment Scottish National Hustings | 26 March 2026 What do Scotland's political leaders really think about nuclear disarmament, climate action, and environmental sustainability? Find out in this revealing and frank hustings discussion featuring:  Ross Greer (Scottish Greens co-leader),  Colin Fox (Scottish Socialist Party national co-spokesperson),  Alex Kerr (Scottish National Party national secretary), and  Sarah Boyack (Scottish Labour Party former MSP). Invitations were also extended to Scottish Tories, Scottish Lib Dems and Reform UK, none of whom turned up on the night, which leaves voters free to draw their own conclusions about what their contribution might have been. Chaired by Lynn Jamieson from Scottish CND, this in-depth conversation brings together representatives from a range of leading peace, environment, and sustainability organisations to challenge panellists on the critical issues facing Scotland—from nuclear weapons policy and renewable energy to economic justice and climate responsibility. Questions put to the panel: 00:01:35   Q1: Does your party support the aims of the TPNW? 00:08:51   Q2: Will your party maintain the ban on  new nuclear power stations in Scotland? 00:18:26   Q3: Will your party commit to a public information campaign on the climate and nature emergencies? 00:27:57   Q4: Will you commit to producing all Scottish energy by renewables by 2045? 00:37:45  Q5: Does your party support UN Sustainable Development goals for Scotland? 00:46:26  Q6: What are your views on defence spending as a path to prosperity? 00:57:12  Q7: How will you make sure that Scottish public money is not given to companies linked to human rights abuses? 01:06:47 Q8:  what is the role of the Scottish Government in relation to UN human rights legislation, treaties and laws? Find out more about Scottish CND here: https://banthebomb.org #holyrood2026 #hustings #scottishcnd The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  indypodcasters@gmail.com  Bluesky: @scottishindypod Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Industrial Cinematic by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ekasi Podcast, host Julian Mashingaidze welcomes Oluwatosin Oludayo, a seasoned business analyst, mentor, and respected thought leader in the world of business analysis. With an academic background in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Edinburgh Business School, Oluwatosin has built an impressive career across major public-sector institutions, including the Scottish Government and the London Borough of Hillingdon. He now steps into an exciting new chapter with the NHS Business Services Authority.Oluwatosin's influence extends far beyond his professional roles. As the co‑founder of BA Sphere Scotland, he has helped mentor more than 100 Black professionals transitioning into tech, leading impactful webinars, fellowship programmes, and community initiatives. His dedication to empowerment and representation has made him a standout figure both within and beyond the Mastercard Foundation community.Julian and Oluwatosin explore his journey into business analysis, the pivotal role the Mastercard Foundation played in shaping his path, and the lessons he has learned while building a career rooted in service, leadership, and community upliftment.

Scotland receives significantly more funding per person for devolved public services than England, helping to pay for policies like free university tuition and smaller school class sizes. But despite that advantage, performance in parts of health and education remains under pressure, and Scotland's fiscal outlook is becoming tighter.In this episode, Helen is joined by Mairi Spowage of the Fraser of Allander Institute and IFS Associate Director David Phillips to unpack the big economic and fiscal questions hanging over the Scottish Parliament election. They explain what powers are devolved, where Scotland's money comes from, how tax and benefit choices have made the system more progressive, and why the next Scottish Government will face difficult trade-offs.They also discuss Scotland's public service performance after Covid, the risks created by recent budgeting habits, and the issues politicians may prefer not to talk about as manifesto season begins.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) and Martin Lines (Nature Friendly Farming Network) discuss what's happening on Papley Grove farm in the coming month of April. They also turn their attention to English farm policy - and then to the Welsh and Scottish Government elections, coming this May. ffinlo and Martin are joined by Rhys Evans (NFFN Cymru) and Nim Kibbler (NFFN Scotland).

This week on Crime Time Inc, Simon and Tom mark the last of their general-topic episodes for a few weeks — while they push on to finish their in-depth series on the Zodiac murders — with an episode packed full of Scottish crime, policing, politics, and culture.Simon opens with a warning about "true friendship fraud", the growing phenomenon where criminals cultivate online relationships with vulnerable and elderly people in order to steal their money. With Scotland's older population increasingly targeted through Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms, Simon and Tom explain the warning signs to look out for. Tom brings his characteristic dry wit to the subject, suggesting that any would-be fraudsters targeting him would leave considerably out of pocket.The political agenda is front and centre this week. Simon highlights new UK legislation cracking down on political donations — including a ban on crypto donations and a £100,000 cap on overseas contributions — ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May. Tom draws on his years as Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders to give a frank insider account of what it takes to police a major election: the pre-planning, the management of rival factions, security at counting centres, the Representation of the People Act, and why rising political temperatures mean this May's vote will be a particularly demanding operation. Both hosts share their frustration at the state of modern political debate, noting that First Minister's Questions has descended into a catalogue of accusations rather than a forum for policy.Glasgow has finally joined the rest of the UK in rolling out police body-worn cameras, and Tom is blunt about why it took so long: Scotland's police capital budget is "lamentably inadequate", representing close to 0% of the Scottish Government's public spending despite policing accounting for roughly 3% of costs. Tom draws a direct line between that chronic underfunding and the £50 million Sheku Bayoh public inquiry — a cost that would have paid for body cameras across the whole of Police Scotland. The hosts also discuss privacy implications and Simon's affectionate memory of "Mr Gadget", a community officer from his days in Govan who wore every piece of kit simultaneously — including body armour he'd acquired himself — until being rendered immobile by the weight of it.Elsewhere, Tom gives his assessment of the Lockerbie bombing trial in New York, where alleged bomb-maker Abu Masud faces charges but legal delays are raising fears that the evidence may never be heard in open court. Tom warns of defence tactics designed to "run the clock round" and expresses hope that the Crown's reported intention to publish all evidence publicly — should the trial collapse — will at least bring some form of truth to the families of the 270 victims. The episode also features the latest instalment of the hosts' regular Scots language segment, with explorations of "wee", "Hogmanay", the "Loony Dook" and the beautiful Scots blessing "Lang may yer lum reek". Finally, Simon trails a forthcoming episode on Scotland's £6 billion annual drug crisis, following a major new Social Market Foundation report.KEY TALKING POINTS------------------• Friendship fraud and befriending scams: how to spot them and protect vulnerable people• New UK rules on political donations: crypto ban and the £100k overseas cap• Policing Scottish elections: behind the scenes with a former Deputy Chief Constable• Why First Minister's Questions has become "yaboo politics"• Glasgow body cameras: why Scotland was years behind — and the true cost of delay• The Sheku Bayoh inquiry: £50m that could have paid for national body cam rollout• Lockerbie trial update: delays, defence tactics and the risk evidence is never heard• Scots Language: "Wee", "Aye", "Hogmanay", "Loony Dook", "Lang may yer lum reek"• Preview: Scotland's £6 billion drug crisisHOSTSAbout Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Scottish Government's published details of its support system for farmers. Agriculture is devolved and since Brexit, each of the UK's four governments has set up its own system for financially supporting farmers. In Scotland, farmers and crofters have been digesting the details of the new five-year plan. Payments will be allocated up to 2031 with the biggest changes coming in the last year. It's been broadly welcomed by NFU Scotland but others have described it as 'stuck in the past.'  Leaders from the UK gas sector have written to the energy secretary urging the Government to help reduce the UK's reliance on foreign gas imports. They say with war in the Middle East, ministers need to support the production of biomethane. Farming can play a significant part in producing biomethane as anaerobic digesters use a huge range of ingredients, including animal byproducts, non-food crops and food waste. All week we're taking a step back in time and looking at some of the pivotal moments in farming history. Victorian innovation and technology lead to big agricultural and social changes. As populations grew rapidly, farmers in the 19th century strove to advance the way they grew crops, bred more profitable animals and took advantage of new inventions. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

 The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Joe FitzPatrick To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's commitment to banning conversion practices. Dr Pam Gosal MBE To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to research by Women's Rights Network Scotland reportedly showing that some children have been assaulted in Scottish hospitals.  Pauline McNeill To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland report indicating that staff shortages mean young prisoners at HMP & YOI Polmont lack enough opportunities for work, education or recreation and spend “far too long locked in their cells".  Jamie Greene To ask the First Minister, in light of the reported rise in protests and rhetoric aimed at immigrants and minority groups, what action any future Scottish administration can take to restore kindness, decency and tolerance to politics.  A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast we are joined by Jayne Ashley, Head of Natural Capital at SOSE to talk about the South of Scotland's Natural Capital Innovation Zone. The Natural Capital Innovation Zone (NCIZ) is a nationally recognised region in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders focused on tackling the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. It is a catalyst for innovative natural capital projects, sustainable investment, and partnerships to develop scalable solutions to deliver a wellbeing economy. It provides a collaborative environment for organisations to grow ideas and deliver impact. We discuss why the area is unique, the work, partners and projects they support and their plans for the future. This includes how they are looking to scale up investment in the area and how you can get involved. More information and links about what we have discussed can be found below. This episode was presented by Harry Fisher, produced by Iain Boyd and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Key Timestamps: 0:00 – 7:45: Intro to NCIZ, aims and guiding principles 7:45 – 13:30: What makes the area special and NCIZ as a catalyst 13:30 – 26:00: Projects and innovation NCIZ support 25:30 – end: Plans for future, scaling up investment and how to engage Resources: FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ Natural Capital Innovation Zone: www.investinsouthofscotland.com/nciz Video - We are the Natural Capital Innovation Zone for Scotland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_frjUpSAyhc Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP): https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/ Natural Capital Podcast Biosphere OPIN episode: https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-galloway-and-southern-ayrshire-unesco-biosphere-opin/ Tweed Forum: https://tweedforum.org/ Carbon Centre: https://www.carboncentre.org/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

 The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Stuart McMillan To ask the First Minister, following the Union Street fire in Glasgow, what discussions the Scottish Government has had with Network Rail regarding the organisation having a greater say over what types of businesses can be located in close vicinity to key transport hubs such as Glasgow Central. Edward Mountain To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to regulate deposit fees in care homes. Katy Clark To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that the Scottish Information Commissioner is taking legal advice on further legal action against the Scottish Government and his comments that he “can no longer trust the Government to handle this information unsupervised". A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Christine Grahame To ask the First Minister what measures the Scottish Government can take, in discussion with the UK Government, to assist households in very rural areas that are wholly dependent on oil or liquefied natural gas for heating, and are not connected to the gas mains, to assist with increased costs. Brian Whittle To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any impact on the NHS arising from reports that the number of consultants working in the private healthcare system is the highest on record. Kevin Stewart To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to promote vaccinations to combat measles, in light of reports of recent diagnoses in the NHS Grampian area. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

SEG 11 Cromwell's Spy and the Edinburgh Intrigue Dennis Su explains how George Downing used intelligence and rhetoric to infiltrate the Scottish government, acting as a crucial spy for Oliver Cromwell in 1650. (3)1661 CROMWELL POST MORTEM

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Kenneth Gibson To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the UK Government's Spring Statement. Stephen Kerr To ask the First Minister, in light of the recently published Commission on School Reform manifesto warning that the curriculum for excellence has been poorly implemented and is harming long-term prospects, what the Scottish Government's position is on whether a lack of clear, nationally specified curriculum content and standards has contributed to declining attainment and inconsistency across Scotland's schools. Katy Clark  To ask the First Minister, in light of the theme of this year's International Women's Day being equal rights and equal justice, what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve the legal rights of women and girls.  A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

In this episode, we analyse the recent escalation in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran and discuss the potential for regional conflict and the broader impact on global stability. We consider the broader US and Israeli strategies, the prospects for peace, and how these developments affect Europe, Scotland and NATO.Closer to home, we discuss the ongoing fallout over the Lord Advocate briefing John Swinney on the indictment of Peter Murrell and the conflict inherent in the dual role the Lord Advocate holds and the difficulty in parliamentary scrutiny.We look at the joint report from Scotonomics and the Scottish Currency Group - Scottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselves, highlighting the failure of the Scottish Government to consider independence when planning their bond issue and how the current framework for bonds continues the extractive nature of Scotland's economy with an over-reliance on foreign direct investment. Also in this episode, Labour's one-day conference, Community energy news, data centres, and UK Labour's problems following the Green win in the Gorton and Denton by-election.LinksSupport the podcasthttps://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeScottish Government Bonds and Investing in Ourselveshttps://scotonomics.org/scottish-government-bonds-and-investing-in-ourselves/Community energy - heat from Polmaise pit at Fallinhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25606042.scottish-village-hopes-use-abandoned-mine-thermal-energyFilm Screeningshttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Michelle Thomson MSP To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of warnings from industry leaders that high transmission charges are making wind farms in the north of Scotland uncompetitive, including any implications for its work to grow the renewable energy sector. Liam Kerr MSP To ask the First Minister, in light of reported renewed calls over the weekend to end the Lord Advocate's dual role, when the Scottish Government will publish its proposals and begin a consultation on separating the prosecution function from the role of providing legal advice to the Scottish Ministers.  Mercedes Villalba MSP To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the outcome of the University of Aberdeen UCU ballot, which resulted in 83% of those voting in support of strike action and 90% in favour of action short of a strike. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Christine Grahame To ask the First Minister what measures the Scottish Government is taking to standardise the criteria for urgent referrals to child and adolescent mental health services for an assessment, in light of reports that it is currently a postcode lottery. Roz McCall To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that hundreds of teachers have sought medical treatment following attacks by pupils in the last five years. Maggie Chapman To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the development of a Just Transition plan for the north east of Scotland, including how communities and workers have been engaged. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include:   Michelle Thomson MSP To ask the First Minister how often he or the Scottish Ministers engage with the Scottish Government's Washington DC International Office regarding the Scotch whisky industry and other economic interests in the United States.   Rachael Hamilton MSP To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide an update on the Service Delivery Review of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.   Mark Griffin MSP To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that police stations across Lanarkshire, including in Bellshill, will be closed permanently to the public or have their hours reduced from 1 April.   Jamie Greene MSP To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will make further changes to the draft Budget 2026-27 published in January in relation to business rates, hospices and the care sector.    A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

JANUARY 2026 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURESNew car registrations rose 3.4% compared to January 2025. In what is typically a slow month, BEVs rose in total numbers but lost market share compared to a year ago. The industry is not confident it will meet the mandate target of 33% for 2026, when it comes to zero emission vehicles. The calls for the Government to re-evaluate the ZEV mandate grow in volume and validity. Click this article link, from SMMT, to read more.STELLANTIS WRITES-DOWN €22 BILLIONOn Friday, last week, Stellantis shocked the markets by announcing that they had written down €22 billion in a pivot from their EV focus. They have made the move as buyer interest is less than previous assumptions stated. You can read more, by clicking this Yahoo! Finance article link here.Also announced was the news that the company are selling their 49% stake in NextStar Energy to LG Energy Solution. NextStar Energy was a joint venture between the two companies where Canada's first large battery factory was to be built. If you want to find out more, click this Yahoo! Finance article link here.Automotive Cells (ACC), which is backed by Stellantis, has stated that the planned battery factories in Italy and Germany will no longer be built. They have been on pause for some time. Click this Yahoo! Finance article link here, to read more.JLR 2025 Q4 RESULTS ANNOUNCEDThere is little shock that JLR announced a loss for the final three months of 2025, thanks to the fallout from the cyber attack. The company suffered a £310 million loss, with revenues down 39%. The cost of the attack has risen to £260 million. If you wish to learn more, click this EVO article link here.TOYOTA GETS A NEW CEOToyota announced that they have appointed Kenta Kon, currently the Chief Financial Officer, as the new CEO from 1 April 2026. Koji Sato, who has only been in the role for three years, will move to the role of Vice-Chairman and Chief Industrial Officer. Details are yet to be made clear as to why this change is happening. To read more, click this electrive article link here.OX DELIVERS IN RISK OF LIQUIDATIONOx Delivers is the company that makes the OX, a low-cost flat pack electric truck, stated that they will go into liquidation on 5 February 2026 unless urgent investment can be found. There is no news on whether this has actually happened or not. A franchise, OX Rwanda, will continue to operate. Click this Autocar article link for more.EZO CHARGERS ROLLING OUT TO NORTHERN SCOTLANDEZO has started their project of doubling the charging infrastructure of north and north-east Scotland. Initial steps are converting 177 ChargePlace Scotland chargers to the EZO network. These are the first steps of a 20 year contract, awarded via the Scottish Government's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. To read more on this story,

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include:   Rona Mackay MSP To ask the First Minister how the new measures that the Scottish Government has announced to tackle long-term unemployment will support its work to grow Scotland's economy.   Brian Whittle MSP To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reported warnings that a significant proportion of the medical workforce is experiencing stress, anxiety and burnout.   Rhoda Grant MSP To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure the long-term financial and operational stability of specialist domestic abuse services in the Highlands.   A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

Martin Lewis on whether you should use savings to overpay your mortgage - factoring in your emergency fund, your rates, and whether overpayments come with penalties. Martin gives his reaction to the Bank of England announcing just before we recorded that interest rates have remained unchanged at 3.75%. We look at what has happened to Ofgem's no standing charges tariff options promise.This week's Tell Us is what money rule do you follow now that you once thought pointless or over the top, and we're joined by a special guest for that at the end of the pod.Martin explains why he has written a letter urging the Scottish Government to improve their Power of Attorney system.And Money Mastermind is on travel rights, but this week, Martin didn't write the question!If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know what colour his eyes are, what he's planning to do in his eventual retirement, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Scotland has introduced legislation to set legal targets on nature restoration and halt the loss of biodiversity. The Scottish Government says this will ensure that the country is 'on a bold ambitious journey to be nature positive by 2030'. The Natural Environment bill, which was passed by the Scottish parliament last week, also gives ministers new powers over land use and deer management. The right to roam in Scotland, which gives people access rights, is being 'hollowed out' by a lack of money according to a new report from the walkers' group Ramblers Scotland. It says that some of the essential infrastructure needed to ensure the rights of both walkers and land managers has disappeared, with too few local staff to handle issues when people don't stick to the rules, and not enough money spent on maintaining paths. All week we're talking about new entrants: the people who come into farming with no family farm to work on, or inherit. The vast majority of farmers who own land pass it on to other members of the family, so it can be hard for people from outside the industry to get hold of land. Land is expensive too, which forms another barrier. Tenant farms where all or some of the land is rented make up about a third of farmland in England, but getting a tenancy is hard work and again requires some capital. One rural charity, The Addington Fund, has set up a new new entrant scheme to help people get a foot on the farming ladder.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Willie Coffey To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government's new national housing agency will support its work to deliver more affordable homes. Liz Smith To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve transparency and accountability within NHS boards. Clare Haughey To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government's launch of walk-in GP clinics will support its work to bring down waiting times and ensure everyone gets the care they need.  A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

GERMANY REINTRODUCES EV CAR GRANTThe German Government has reintroduced their electric car grant that is between €1500 and €6000. Criteria for eligibility include the vehicle's size, buyer's earnings and family size. To find out more, click this EV Powered article link here.RENAULT BECOMES EUROPE'S NO.2 CAR COMPANYRenault Group became the No.2 car maker in Europe after a jump in sales. By doing so they overtook Toyota. They increased their sales by 7.4%, which includes light commercial vehicles. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more.BYD INCREASED BATTERY WARRANTYBYD, the Chinese EV maker, has increased the warranty for their batteries to 155,000 miles. This increases from the previous 93,000 miles but still remains at eight years. To learn more, click this Motoring Research article link here.SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES £85M TO LOW CARBON PROGRAMMESIn the 2026/27 budget, from the Scottish Government, they announce that they will be allocating £85 million to ‘low carbon programmes', with vague language about expanding public charging and support for low emission vehicles. The details, currently, are scant and it would be unwise to get too excited until knowing more. More can be found by clicking this electrive article link here.If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTNEW NEW CAR NEWS -Volvo EX60Volvo has unveiled their new electric SUV, the mid sized EX60. Boasting a ‘game-changing' new platform and ‘radical in-car technology'. With a range of up to 503 miles, prices start at £56,850 and rise to £70,360. Click this Autocar article link here for more.Leapmotor B05Leapmotor has finally revealed the interior of their B05 hatchback, at the recent Brussels Motor Show. Following the trend of a minimalist space, there are virtually no physical buttons to be seen. A maximum range of 285 miles is better than the Astra Electric but much less than the VW ID.3 and Kia EV4. The brand is hoping the price will sway buyers as it is expected to start below £30,000. Exact prices and availability timings are yet to be announced. Click this EV Powered article for more.Encor S1The Encor S1 is a restomod based on the Lotus Esprit Mk1. See, restomods don't just need to be 911s! It comes with a carbon fibre body, a 400bhp V8 and will set you back at least £500,000. It looks fantastic. Click this EVO article link here, to see more.LUNCHTIME WATCH: ALRIGHT, WHICH RICH DIPSH*TS COMMISSIONED THESE ROLLS-ROYCESWe are sharing a wonderful article from Victoria Scott,

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Keith Brown To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update regarding the Scottish Government's latest engagement with the UK Government in relation to the distribution of Local Growth Fund allocations in Scotland. Douglas Ross To ask the First Minister for what reason the Scottish Government is going to court to continue to allow it to house male prisoners in the female prison estate, in light of any projections it has made of the cost to taxpayers in Scotland of challenging the Supreme Court ruling in this way. Pam Duncan-Glancy To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to findings published by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow indicating that a majority of clinicians anticipate practical challenges in implementing the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

Wildlife and environment groups say this government could become the first to break the law by missing targets to restore nature. The Office for Environmental Protection, the OEP, has published its annual report on the government's progress and it shows that it is not on track to meet 21 of the 43 legally set out in its Environmental Improvement Plan. We speak to Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, which represents 94 countryside and wildlife groups across Britain and ask why progress has been so slow.Agriculture is devolved so each of the four home nations has different plans for their post-Brexit support schemes for farmers. Today we ask Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity in the Scottish Government, how Scotland's scheme is going to work.All this week, we're focusing on cheese, and today we're talking about goat's cheese. We meet a husband and wife team who graze around 250 goats in Carmarthenshire. They graze their animals outside most of the year and have a milking parlour like the ones you'd find on a dairy farm. They make mostly soft cheese but are now making hard cheese too to help use up excess milk in the summer, when demand for cheese is lower.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The Welsh Government's Sustainable Farming Scheme has come into force. It replaces the Basic Payment Scheme which has been phased out since the UK left the EU. What will it mean for Welsh farmers? We speak to a farmer near Brecon to find out.Environmental groups in Scotland are leaving the advisory boards on the country's new agriculture schemes in protest at what they say is a failure to address climate change and nature depletion. RSPB Scotland, Scottish Environment Link and other groups say they no longer have confidence in what they say was supposed to be to co-design of the post-Brexit schemes but in fact has ignored their views and failed to deliver meaningful reform. The Scottish Government says it is creating new policies that will deliver for both nature and the climate.Thousands of farmers, environmentalists and policy makers converge on Oxford this week for the annual Oxford Farming Conference and Oxford Real Farming Conference. This year, the Oxford Farming Conference theme is growing resilience, concentrating on how farmers can create the conditions on their land, and in their businesses, to weather future challenges. Climate change is just one of those. We visit a farmer in Herefordshire whose land has been repeatedly flooded. He's working with other farmers to make their businesses more resilient on a landscape scale.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney