The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

SNP justice secretary on prisoner release

Scotland’s justice secretary, Angela Constance, explains plans to release more prisoners earlier in their sentences.
We hear about aims to improve prisons in places such as Inverness, as well as her hopes to focus on community-based justice.
The team wraps up a week of SNP intrigue sparked by our exclusive coverage of Stephen Flynn’s ambition to sit at Westminster and Holyrood.
And we look at Scottish Labour’s change of plan on the the UK party’s approach to winter fuel payments, just as the snow starts falling

SNP election drama and oil in the dock

We discuss our exclusive on SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn hoping to move to Holyrood.
We hear from energy historian Ewan Gibbs on lessons from the past on a “just transition” for oil workers.
And we hear climate lawyer Tessa Khan as the Court of Session looks at the future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields off the Scottish coast.
Finally, we look at the annual ambulance service review and hear from its chief executive on the strains in the NHS.

Andrew Bowie interview, Donald Trump, and Holyrood comes to Aberdeen

Conservative MP Andrew Bowie joins us to talk about his new role shadowing the Scotland Office, and admits they promised lots but fell short in government.
The Aberdeenshire politician is also quizzed on his energy brief as rural pylon plans generate opposition.
We look at Donald Trump’s shock return, the Scottish reaction, and the way-off predictions of a Kamala Harris victory.
And we join Holyrood presiding officer Alison Johnstone in Aberdeen, also taking to Ross Mackay of the Grampian Regional Equality Council.

Human cost of budget cuts

While MPs debate small fixes to budgets, we look at the human cost of years of cuts and austerity.
From hollowed out health services, to public sector strikes, the problems run deep.
The team also looks at Unison’s targeted industrial action in Perthshire, as council staff look for elusive money.

Alex Salmond remembered

In a special episode of The Stooshie, The Press and Journal's Adele Merson and The Courier's Alasdair Clark are joined by Perth MP Pete Wishart and former Scottish political editor Alan Roden to remember former first minister Alex Salmond after his sudden death on Saturday.
 
They discuss Alex Salmond's complex legacy and the difficult set of emotions many of his friends and former colleagues are dealing with, as well as tales from his early days and an insight into what it was like to cover him as a reporter. 

Labour's Dundee hangover, Grampian breast cancer wait anger, and MP's Russia warnings

From Scotland to Georgia, this week’s episode covers a lot of ground.
We get to grips with Labour’s shaky start, Dundee election setbacks and winter fuel payment woes.
We discuss our exclusive reporting on the human cost of long waits for breast cancer surgery and reconstruction in Grampian.
And we speak to Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP Stephen Gethins on why political unrest in Georgia, on the border of Russia, matters here.
 

Nairn banker murder hits Holyrood

Alistair Wilson was murdered on his doorstep 20 years ago.
The case was raised with First Minister John Swinney in the Scottish Parliament last week.
Crime reporter Bryan Rutherford describes why this case is now at boiling point, and why the government and chief constable need to find answers.

Scots aid worker Linda Norgrove's Afghan legacy

The parents of Linda Norgrove, the Scottish aid worker killed in Afghanistan in 2010, speak to the Stooshie about her life and legacy.
John and Lorna described their daughter’s determined efforts to help women in the country, one month after 19 students were able to come to Scotland to continue their studies.
They talk about Linda’s adventurous spirit, her commitment to supporting young women in Afghanistan and the shock of losing her.
They say how pleased Linda would be to see the opportunities open up for the students now safely studying in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews.

Scottish referendum 10 years on, with Yes Scotland chief Blair Jenkins

We look back at the pro-independence campaign in a two-part special featuring the leading figures from both sides.
In this interview, we hear from Blair Jenkins, the chief of Yes Scotland.
He reflects on the highs and lows, reveals what happened next behind the scenes, and suggests the country would say Yes if asked again.
Look out for our second interview, published at the same time, with Better Together chief strategist Blair McDougall.

Scottish referendum 10 years on, with Better Together chief Blair McDougall

We look back at the pro-independence campaign in a two-part special featuring the leading figures from both sides.
In this interview, we hear from Blair McDougall, the chief strategist of pro-UK group Better Together.
He recalls working with the late Alistair Darling, political rivals, and considers if they took the right approach for a more definitive result. 
Look out for our second interview, published at the same time, with Yes Scotland chief Blair Jenkins.