The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

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.

How Perth prison scheme aims to cut reoffending and ease prison overcrowding

Prison overcrowding is back in the headlines as some inmates are released early.
But it’s not just prisoners serving their sentences, there are also big problems with the number of people on remand.
We speak to Hamish Robertson, from the Wise Group, about a new project to tackle root problems, starting with a mentoring scheme in Perth.

All change, no cash

The Stooshie team is back from summer break to find the Scottish bank account has been cleared out.
What do these cuts mean?
Does John Swinney’s SNP or Keir Starmer’s Labour have a plan?
Are the Conservatives really still scrapping over who should lead them back from election disaster?

What next for the SNP and Tories, and what's it like to be an MP?

Scotland has had its say, and a week on from the election we survey the wreckage of the SNP and Conservative campaigns and try to work out what they might do next. We also hear from Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy's Melanie Ward, who shares an audio diary of her first days in Westminster as a new MP. 
 
And finally, will John Swinney and Keir Starmer find some common ground after years of dysfunction and rivalry between the Scottish and UK governments? 

Polls and postal vote scandal

The opinion polls all agree who will be next prime minister.
But lots of local contests are still far too close to call.
What will the parties learn from crucial regional shifts in opinion?
Some people won't get a say at all because of postal vote delays.
We discuss the real-life impact and the anger building over the timing of this election.

Rishi returns as Tories brace

The prime minister was back in Scotland to help Douglas Ross in a tight contest.
Were they words of encouragement or damage limitation?
Can Lib Dems pull of a Highland surprise?
And will Reform have any impact in Scotland?
All that and analysis of the latest election coverage from political reporters across the P&J, The Courier and the Sunday Post.