The Scottish Roadscast

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and Duncan welcome distinguished civil engineer Michael Martin OBE for a discussion on the history of the Kylesku Bridge. Renowned as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Kylesku stands as a striking feature along the famed North Coast 500 route, which draws thousands of visitors to the breathtaking scenery of the north west Highlands every year. Michael shares anecdotes from his extensive career, which included the construction of the Kessock Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing, offering unique insights and behind-the-scenes stories from these remarkable engineering achievements. Our 'From the Archive' booklet from this episode can be found at https://www.scottishroadsarchive.org/roadscast. With Stuart Baird and Duncan Macknight. Released March 2026.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart consider the history behind the A78 between Greenock and Prestwick. Over 40 miles long, it's one of Scotland's most varied routes. One minute you're driving by stunning coastline, the next you're on a three lane fast moving expressway. Our "From the Archive" feature takes a look at the A78 Three Towns Bypass booklet from 2004! With John Hassall and Stuart Baird. Released February 2026.

In this episode, John and Stuart give an overview of the vast number of new road projects being delivered at a local level across Scotland. Many have been in development for years whilst others are completely new. Listen in to learn more! Our "From the Archive" feature this month includes a recently donated item from the A75! With John Hassall and Stuart Baird. Released January 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart are joined by Duncan to discuss the history of the A90. The main route to the north east of Scotland, it has a fascinating story behind it. Packed with all new facts and figures from the Scottish Roads Archive. Released January 2024.

Merry Christmas from the Scottish Roadscast! In our festive special for 2023, Duncan takes a deep dive into the history of the northern sections of the M6 motorway in England and John provides an overview of how we go about gritting Scotland's roads. We also take a few listener questions. Presented by Stuart Baird, John Hassall and Duncan Macknight. Released December 2023.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the A82, one of Scotland's longest roads. Part 2 covers the stretch from Glencoe to Inverness. Released November 2023. Part 1 was released in October 2023 and can be found in episode 18.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the A82, one of Scotland's longest roads. Part 1 covers the stretch from Glasgow to Glencoe. Released October 2023. Part 2 will follow in early November.

In this episode Stuart and John are joined by Duncan to discuss the history behind the St. James Flyovers. The impressive twin viaducts, located on the M8 motorway near Paisley, recently marked their 30th anniversary. Listen in as we reveal all new project information and a few little known facts! Released September 2023.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by bridge engineer David Pritchard to discuss the 120th anniversary of the Connel Bridge near Oban. The bridge, which is a similar design to the Forth Railway Bridge, has a fascinating history behind it. Listen in as David reveals secrets about its design and construction. Released August 2023.

In this special episode of the Scottish Roadscast we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Clyde Tunnel. One of Glasgow's most important routes, the tunnel has a fascinating history behind it. Join Stuart and John as they reveal all-new details about its planning, design and construction! Released July 2023.

In this episode Stuart and John discuss Edinburgh's post war roads plans and the city's struggle to get anything built. With an overview of proposed roads including an urban motorway ring road of the city centre, we reveal all-new details of the struggles faced by planners and engineers to move forward with construction! It's the episode you've all been asking for! Released June 2023.

April 2023 marks fifty years since the completion of the Clydeside Expressway in Glasgow. In this podcast, Stuart and John consider the history of the route and discuss the important role it continues to play. Packed with all-new facts and figures, it's not to be missed! Released April 2023.

In this episode, John counts down through Scotland's ten least loved junctions as voted for by YOU! There are more than a few surprises on the list! With John Hassall and Stuart Baird Released March 2023.

In this lighthearted episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Stuart discuss the myths frequently shared about Scotland's roads! Prepare to be shocked as we reveal the truth behind them. Released March 2023.

In our first podcast of 2023, we're taking a look at "A Highway Plan for Glasgow", the report that laid the groundwork for the road system we know today! Prepared by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners for Glasgow Corporation, its recommendations were first made public 60 years ago, way back in 1963. Want to learn more? Check out scottishroadsarchive.org/highway-plan With John Hassall and Stuart Baird Released January 2023.

In this extended Christmas special, Stuart, John and Duncan are joined by special guest Sergeant Nick Twigg of Police Scotland's road policing unit. Duncan gives us an overview of the Cross Tay Link Road project in Perth and John considers what it will take to get people out of their cars! Oh and we answer your questions! Not to be missed! Released December 2022.

It's the podcast you've been waiting for: an in-depth look at Glasgow's unique overhead sign gantries. In the episode Stuart and John discuss the history, construction and development of the structures and consider what might come next!

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, John and Duncan provide an overview of the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen. They also consider plans to provide continuous dual carriageway between the cities and whether it offers much benefit. Packed with all-new historic information. With John Hassall, Duncan Macknight and Stuart Baird Released October 2022.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John take a look at Scotland's "missing" motorway, the M7! Officially known as the M6-M8 Fastlink, this unbuilt project was developed by the Scottish Office during the early to mid 1990s. Packed with all new information from the Scottish Roads Archive, this episode is not to be missed! Released September 2022.

In this special edition of the Scottish Roadscast, Stuart and John are joined by Duncan Macknight to celebrate 40 years of the Kessock Bridge. A key part of the A9, the bridge has become much loved in Inverness and across Scotland. Listen in as we chart its planning, design and construction. We also consider what's instore for the future! Released August 2022.

In this episode we discuss Scotland's current road projects and provide an update on their status. With several funding options now available to local authorities, there are a few new schemes to consider! Released July 2022.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast we are discussing speed cameras and the types you'll find across Scotland. We consider their effectiveness and why they are deployed. All this and the usual facts and figures from the Roadscast team. Released June 2022.

In this episode of the Scottish Roadscast we are talking all things M74. We take a journey through the history of the route and consider its development from single track road to multi-lane motorway in less than 80 years! With all new facts and figures, this is the podcast you've been waiting for. Released April 2022.

The Scottish Roadscast is a new podcast series focussing on Scotland's post-1945 roads, bridges and motorways. In this first episode, Stuart and John discuss the Scottish trunk road network and preview some of the subjects that will be coming up in the show this year. Released March 2022.

In our first episode of 2022, we delve into the 1960s proposals for intermediate and outer ring roads of Glasgow. We take a look at the types of roads proposed and consider why they remain unbuilt over fifty years later. Prepare to be surprised! With Stuart Baird and John Hassall.

In this Christmas special, hosted by Stuart, John and Nick, we discuss our Scottish roads loves and hates. We also review some of 2021's news stories and give a run down of some the GMAs Top 10s for the year! Let us know your thoughts! :)

In this episode of the GMA podcast we discuss John's trip around Scotland's North Coast 500. Did he love it or hate it? Listen now to find out! With Stuart Baird and John Hassall.

In this special edition of the Glasgow Motorway Archive podcast we celebrate 85 years of the Kincardine Bridge. Join us as we consider the history, planning, design and construction of the project. We discuss recent developments and take a look at why the bridge hasn't swung open in over thirty years! With Stuart Baird and John Hassall. Music credit: "Drawing Mazes" Poddington Bear From the Free Music Archive CC BY-NC 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3,0/)

In this edition of the Glasgow Motorway Archive podcast we are discussing the Greater Glasgow Transportation Study, first published in the late 1960s! Join us as we discuss one of the largest transportation studies ever undertaken in the UK. We consider its proposals for a road network and public transport system fit for the (then) future and how hundreds of people worked to make it a reality. We reveal a few surprises and discuss its impact 60 years on. With Stuart Baird and John Hassall.