The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Tunnel expert’s vision to connect Scotland’s islands

Politicians in London and Edinburgh are under pressure to listen to rural island voices and build better connections under the sea.
We spoke to an engineer who builds tunnels around the world – but not our own islands.
Andy Sloan has been talking to Westminster and Holyrood recently, and says infrastructure upgrades on that scale are a reality – it just needs political ‘champions’.

Humza Yousaf interview

The former first minister is our special guest on the podcast this week.
Mr Yousaf spoke candidly about Peter Murrell’s embezzlement conviction and the SNP campervan controversy.
He also opens up about his in-laws being trapped in Gaza in late 2023 and gives his thoughts on the rise of Reform UK at the Holyrood election.

Double by-election alert

Just when you thought it was safe to forget about the election, along come two more.
The team looks at the upcoming Westminster by-elections in Aberdeen South, and in Abroath and Broughty Ferry.
John Swinney is sworn in as first minister once again - but what challenges lie ahead for his new government?

Scottish election special

The team picks out the highlights from the Holyrood election and the stories behind the scenes.
We look at the leaders, asking who is safe and whose coat is on a shoogly peg.
We also assess the under-reported stories and concerns about a “spoiler” party targeting the Greens.
 

The Stooshie Live in Aberdeen

The future of the north-east takes centre stage in a specially recorded live edition of the podcast in Aberdeen.
Six candidates from all main parties across the region join host Andy Philip in front of an audience at The Press and Journal offices in the city.
Debate, including sharp questions from the public, covers the energy economy, transport, a housing emergency, colleges and universities, and the NHS.
Listen to the full two-hour event here, recorded on April 30, in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament election on May 7.

The Stooshie Live in Dundee

The Holyrood election on May 7 takes centre stage in a specially recorded Leaders Debate live edition of the podcast in Dundee.
Six leaders of Scotland's main political parties join host Sean O'Neil in front of an audience at The Courier's offices in the city.
 
 
 

Scottish election latest

The team talks through each of the six parties as we hit the final stretch.
Can the  SNP win big or will they be pegged back?
Who will win the battle for second place?
And for the losers, what happens next?
 

Speyside doctor on intense pressures facing GPs

The NHS is the number one concern for voters at the upcoming Holyrood election.
Dr Chris Williams, based in Grantown-on-Spey, talks about the strain on GPs at the moment.
What does he think the next government can do to help after May 7, and will walk-in clinics help ease pressure?

Town centre decline

The Stooshie looks through the results of our survey on election priorities.
This week, the decline of the high street and what can be done to fix it.
We also look at the state of play for political party manifestos while we wait for the SNP and Lib Dems to complete the set.

How community fight against pylons became lightning rod for election battle

We look at a topic which is animating voters in rural Scotland ahead of the election.Campaigners from Angus to the Highlands worry about plans for giant pylons.They say it could blight the landscape and want to see the proposed schemes ditched.Energy giants SSEN say the upgrades are necessary for the country’s grid.So how much will this matter come May 7?