The Scottish Roadscast

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Scottish Roadscast! In this extended episode the SRA team discuss the history behind the Faslane Naval Base access roads, the A801 in West Lothian and 60 years since the start of construction of the M8 in Glasgow. You'll find the "From the Archive" docs in the usual place on the Roadscast section of our website

We also answer your listener questions!

With Stuart Baird, John Hassall and Duncan Macknight. Released December 2025.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart and John consider the history of the A8 between Edinburgh and Greenock. Once the most important route across Scotland, it's now split into a variety of sections built between the 1920s and the 1980s. This month's "From the Archive" features a government report released in November 1999 entitled "Travel Choices for Scotland". You can follow along as always at scottishroadsarchive.org/roadscast.

Released November 2025. 

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast Stuart has travelled to Inverness to celebrate thirty years of the Skye Bridge. Archive guru Duncan Macknight and special guest Darren Donaldson consider its planning, design and construction. This month's "From the Archive" features the bridge's opening booklet from 1995. It's available as always on scottishroadsarchive.org

Released October 2025.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, we explore the history of the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to Dunblane. We discuss whether it's truly "Scotland's M40" and share new facts, figures, and answers to your M9 questions. This month's "From the Archive" features the 1968 Polmont and Falkirk Bypass opening booklet, available on scottishroadsarchive.org.

Released September 2025.

In this episode the team explore the history behind the A87 between Invergarry and Uig. 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. This month we have a Strathclyde Regional Council book from 1996. You can follow along by visiting scottishroadsarchive.org/roadscast. Released August 2025.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.