The Scottish Roadscast

36. A9 - Edinburgh to Perth

In this episode the team explore the history behind current and former sections of the A9 between Edinburgh and Perth. Roadscast expert Duncan provides his usual detailed breakdown. Also this month we have a new feature: "From the Archive"! Each month we'll be revealing recent finds from the Scottish Roads Archive. We kick off with the Dunblane Bypass opening brochure from 1990. You can follow along by visiting scottishroadsarchive.org/roadscast. Released July 2025.

35. Eighty Years of Orkney's Churchill Barriers

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast the team discuss the history behind Orkney's Churchill Barriers. The world famous causeways mark their 80th anniversary in May this year. With guest Duncan Macknight. Released May 2025.

34. Springburn Expressway - Glasgow's Most Divisive Road?

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John discuss the history behind Glasgow's Springburn Expressway, one of the city's most divisive routes. They also consider what its future may look like. Released April 2025. 

33. The M8 in Glasgow - Revisiting the Inner Ring Road

In the first of our new episodes for 2025, John and Stuart revisit the subject of Glasgow's M8 and half finished Inner Ring Road. With some new insights on the matter, they consider it's impact and what the future might hold. Released February 2025.

32. Scotland's Best Motorways? A History of the M80 & M876

In this episode we delve deep into the history of the M80 and the M876, key links in Scotland's motorway system. Loved and loathed in equal measure, the routes have a history spanning six decades. We consider what the future might hold and reveal unknown facts about the M80 "Kelvin Valley" option. Hosted by Stuart Baird and John Hassall. Originally recorded in May 2020.

31. Christmas 2024 - The History of A74 and A Few Surprises!🎄

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Scottish Roadscast! In our extended Christmas special for 2024 the team looks into the complicated history of the A74, once one of Scotland's most important routes. There's also listener questions, a projects update from John and a host of other surprises!

Released December 2024.

30. The M90 - Scotland's Oldest and Newest Motorway

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and Duncan take a deep dive into the history of the M90, Scotland's oldest motorway. 

Released November 2024.

29. The History of the M8 Motorway

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and Duncan take a deep dive into the history of the M8 motorway. They discuss the development of the route in the 1960s, its construction in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and consider some more recent developments.

Released November 2024.

28. The Science of Surfacing

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Kevin Dunn, a Scottish surfacing guru! Kevin provides a fascinating insight into the science behind surfacing and the ways in which its condition is monitored and improved. 

Released October 2024.

27. Sixty Years of the Forth Road Bridge

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart (yes, he's back!) and John celebrate sixty years of the Forth Road Bridge!

Released September 2024.

26. From Fife to Aberdeen: Secrets of the A92

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan take a close look at the history of the A92, Scotland easternmost trunk road. Running from Fife to Aberdeen via the Tay Road Bridge, Dundee, Arbroath and Stonehaven, it's on the country's most interesting routes. Packed with all-new historical information and not to be missed.

Released July 2024.

25. Highland Highway: The A9 from Perth to Inverness

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Duncan and John discuss the history of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, one Scotland's most famous sections of trunk road. Packed with all new historical information, this episode is not to be missed.

Released June 2024.

24. Speed Limits - Past, Present and Future!

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan raise the subject of speed limits. They discuss the history behind them, and how they developed, before considering changes being made today and what the future might hold.

Released May 2024.

23. Defending Scotland's Two Lane Motorways

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart discuss the ins and outs of what makes a motorway a 'Special Road'. They also consider Scotland's network of two lane motorways and explain why they are just as 'Special' as those seen elsewhere in the UK.

Released March 2024.

22. Roads in Towns - Did We Get It Wrong?

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John considers our relationship with the car, its convenience and the current debate around whether there are too many cars in towns. Did the planners of the 1960s get it wrong? Or are we lucky to have access to such an extensive road network? You decide, and be sure to let us know your thoughts!

Released February 2024.