The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Former SNP aide on ’cautious’ Nicola Sturgeon, Green problems and how to bring the party together again

We speak to Fergus Mutch, former aide to Alex Salmond and SNP spin chief under Nicola Sturgeon.
He tells us about a likely re-think on the Greens' role in government, how Nicola Sturgeon's 'cautious' approach meant chances were missed and how the next leader needs to bring the party together.
We get a SNP leader on Monday. Who's it going to be?

Budgets, Brexit, blunders and ballots

The SNP finally told us what we already knew about the size of its membership.
We look at the latest in the leadership campaign, including a toe-curling gaffe.
The budget means good times for the better off. Is there at least a cheaper pint in it for everyone else? Maybe not.
And we look at a Ukrainian family's decision to beat NHS queues by going back to Kyiv for dental work.

Kate Forbes on faith and the tough decisions ahead

The Highlander was early favourite for the first minister's job.
But an early row on faith in politics appeared to knock her off course.
She speaks to Andy Philip about the "stunning" backlash, her family, Nicola Sturgeon and plans for her first 100 days in charge. 

Humza Yousaf on family, racism and the NHS

Humza Yousaf knows he's got a tough record to defend.
But he's determined to prove he can do well in the top job.
And he has plenty to say about his background, his experience of racism and his hope for independence in just five years.
Courier political editor Derek Healey interviews the health secretary.

Ash Regan on independence

The former government minister is focused on another referendum.
She tells us the UK will have no choice but to negotiate if she's in charge.
Can the candidate ranked third in the polls stage a stunning win?
Justin Bowie interviews the Edinburgh Eastern MSP to hear about her plans for the top job. 

Nicola Sturgeon takes SNP flak and Lib Dems meet in Dundee

Nicola Sturgeon heard her own SNP Government colleague's criticism aimed back at her.Tories and Labour could barely hide their glee at the leadership rhetoric.We assess the latest in the SNP contest.Lib Dems are meeting in Dundee for their conference. Can they capitalise on SNP misfortune at all?

Big noise over big budget cuts, and SNP leader latest

Budgets are being sliced across Scotland and it's hurting disadvantaged communities. 
We speak to the man behind Dundee-based Big Noise Douglas to find out how young people are bearing the brunt. 
We also check up on the latest twists in the SNP's leadership contest, and bid farewell to John Swinney.
 
 

SNP leadership contest latest, and we hear from Humza Yousaf’s local voters

Our team assess Kate Forbes' turbulent campaign to be first minister.
We hit the streets of Glasgow Pollok to find out what locals think of their Dundee-based MSP, Humza Yousaf.
And we look at Ash Regan's intriguing pitch for impatient independence supporters.

Stooshie Special: Labour Party Conference

An inside look ahead of the Labour Party Conference held in Edinburgh.
Courier political editor, Derek Healey is joined by political reporters, Rachel Amery and Justin Bowie to unpack Scottish Labour's influence now that Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as First Minister.
Justin also takes to the streets of Edinburgh to find out what the public think of Labour's position in Scotland.

Stooshie special: Nicola Sturgeon resigns as First Minister

A shock resignation from Nicola Sturgeon earlier today has caused ripples across Scottish politics.
Courier political editor, Derek Healey is joined by Rachel Amery and Calum Ross to unpack her biggest triumphs and tribulations and examine what this means for the future of the SNP.