The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Married couple’s Aberdeenshire election bid

Some stark contrasts in this week’s episode as we look at splits and partnerships in politics.
We look at Fergus Ewing’s dramatic exit from the SNP after decades of service, only to stand against his former party next May.
And we speak to a husband and wife team who secured the top two slots for the Liberal Democrats on the North East Scotland regional ballot paper.

Dundee debt-busting scheme tries to tackle poverty

Dundee and the wider Tayside region has served as the pilot for a scheme to tackle public debt.National charity Aberlour have been helping families in poverty unable to pay their rent or council tax.But how has the project worked for the local community, and can it actually save taxpayers’ cash?

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay interview

Scottish Conservative chief Russell Findlay joins us ahead of his party’s conference in Edinburgh this weekend.
He speaks candidly about his first year in the job and addresses Tory council defections to Reform.
We also hear exclusively about his party’s proposals for an emergency law to fast-track A9 dualling.

Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer in Scotland

Two political heavyweights started the week in Scotland, and we went to speak to both.
In Aberdeen, Nigel Farage unveiled his latest north-east defector from the Tories. And in Glasgow, Keir Starmer outlined the impact of his defence spending plans.
We look through the developments - including a weird Reform attack on the media - to see what it means locally. And we look at the timing as voters in a crucial Holyrood by-election prepare to cast their ballots.
 
 

St Andrews University, Israel and Gaza

This week's episode focuses on our in-depth coverage of the fall-out from the St Andrews University rector's comments on Israel.
We reveal the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure £2m from a spooked donor, and allegations of hate crimes in the ancient university town.
The by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is turning poisonous. 
We look at Reform leader Nigel Farage and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's comments on minority communities and values.
And we focus on how one grandmother's stress over the future of her sheltered home illustrates the real-life impact of tough budget choices

Reform defections and the future of colleges

The link between a college funding crisis and the future of jobs is becoming clear.
We look closely at UHI Perth, and at Nescol in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh to see what it means.
If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of worrying about that fabled energy industry 'just transition' anyway?
We also look at polling showing Reform on track to stun Conservatives - and everyone else - with a focus on multiple defections in one council, Aberdeenshire.
 

Raac and ruin

Reporter Lindsay Bruce joins the podcast to describe what’s happening in communities affected by the crumbling concrete crisis caused by Raac in housing.
Lindsay has spent months speaking with people who are losing their homes in places such as Torry in Aberdeen.
Parts of Dundee are also caught up in the crisis, leaving local government with a hefty bill.
And while we campaign for justice for those affected by the crisis, what are our politicians doing other than blaming each other?

Leading doctor on Scotland's fragile NHS

Inverness GP Dr Iain Kennedy, the British Medical Association's Scottish council chairman, joins us for a full interview on the stresses and strains in the NHS.We look into the findings of our own survey which explores real-life experiences of the health service.Dr Kennedy has clear messages to the political leaders who will find the NHS front and centre of the May 2026 Scottish elections.He points out where the service is struggling, and where it shows encouraging signs of progress.

Union chief Roz Foyer interview

The STUC’s Roz Foyer joins us in Dundee where union members held their annual congress.
Roz sets out the big challenges ahead for jobs, the decline of Grangemouth refinery, higher education and the future of the economy.
She reflects on speeches to union members from First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
And she warns Labour in particular have not lived up to promises at last year’s election, saying she wanted to hear some more 'humility' from the party leader.

Supreme Court 'biological women' fall-out

We look at the fall-out from the Supreme Court ruling on women being defined by their biological sex in equalities law.
What does it mean in practice? And how are politicians and activists responding?
One MSP, the newly elected Dundee University rector Maggie Chapman, is at the centre of a backlash for calling the court “bigoted”.
We also discuss whether John Swinney’s “summit” on tackling the far-right can achieve its aims.
And we wonder if the people of Torry in Aberdeen will be delighted that Michael Gove has decided to use the name in his title at the House of Lords.