• Kemi Badenoch and Ed Davey in Scotland
    Feb 25 2026

    Tories and Lib Dems held special election conferences, both hoping to make an impact at the Scottish Parliament election on May.

    We spoke to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey about their chances while the SNP continues to stay far in front.

    We also look ahead to Labour in Paisley this weekend and set out our own election planning 10 weeks from polling day.

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    30 mins
  • The Chancellor’s economic plan explained, with Fraser of Allender director Mairi Spowage
    Mar 4 2026

    To help us make sense of the UK Government’s economic plans, and problems, we’re joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allender Institute.

    That’s a good thing because Chancellor Rachel Reeves' latest spring statement looked out of date the minute she started speaking this week.

    Forecasts were ripped up as oil prices shot up and conflict spread across Iran and the middle east.

    Notes: Read more about this week’s topic from the Fraser of Allender’s report here: https://fraserofallander.org/uk-energy-transition-at-a-crossroads-could-the-moment-be-missed/

    And see how policies are hitting businesses already, like here: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6953706/cafe-neuk-hospitality-taskforce-government-tax/

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    26 mins
  • Scottish Information Commissioner talks transparency in public authorities
    Feb 18 2026

    The Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton sits down with The Stooshie to talk about Freedom of Information in Scotland, transparency in our NHS, the Scottish Government and local authorities - and how AI could be a gamechanger.

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    25 mins
  • Kezia Dugdale & Murray Foote on Labour chaos
    Feb 11 2026

    Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale joins us to rake over the chaos after Anas Sarwar stunned everyone by calling for the prime minister to quit.

    She knows a thing or two about what it's like to turn on the UK Labour leader, having worked with Jeremy Corbyn.

    Also joining us is Murray Foote, the former Daily Record editor and ex-SNP chief executive.

    He'd quite like to send Anas Sarwar some flowers as a thank you for sowing more turmoil in Labour while the election contest picks up pace.

    We also hear a bit from Jeremy Corbyn in Dundee as the turmoil swirls around Downing Street.

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    40 mins
  • Electoral crystal ball gazing with Ballot Box Scotland
    Feb 4 2026

    The Scottish Parliament election is three months away and every party is starting their campaign conference, beginning with Jeremy Corbyn’s new left alternative party meeting in Dundee this weekend.

    We mark the start of the campaign phase by speaking to Ballot Box Scotland guru Allan Faulds on what the public mood is for each party.

    Will the SNP get their referendum election? How does Labour respond to UK polling slump and are the Tories locked in a dogfight with Reform?

    Can the Lib Dems make gains beyond their core vote areas, will Greens get a bounce or a dent from their time in government, and is Alba ever going to take off?

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    25 mins
  • Did the Cold War ever really thaw out?
    Jan 28 2026

    Scotland is certainly feeling the heat now, and for the first time in years, it seems faraway threats are beginning to appear alarmingly close.

    From Donald Trump and Greenland, to Russia and a confused world order.

    We spoke to Andrew Neal, Professor of International Security at Edinburgh University, to make sense of the threat and impact across the north of Scotland.

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    22 mins
  • Budget wrap and energy future
    Jan 14 2026

    The Stooshie looks at this week's Scottish budget from the SNP Government.

    Was it an election special? Who wins and loses?

    We also look at question marks over the future set-up of national treatment centres.

    And UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks answers questions about when communities in rural Scotland will finally see bills come down while they see pylons and turbines go up.

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    15 mins
  • Trump’s Greenland tantrum felt as far as Glenrothes
    Jan 21 2026

    There is a link, honestly.

    While Donald Trump throws his toys out of his pram, his words are felt everywhere.

    In Fife, Nigel Farage was holding court and tried to defend his friend’s attitude, saying he’s sure he wouldn’t invade.

    The prime minister and Tory leader were also all in Scotland to talk about energy.

    Will the people who see the pylons go up ever see their bills go down?

    We asked UK energy minister Michael Shanks.

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    23 mins