Constant Follower, singer-songwriter Stephen McAll, credits an early spin by late-night music shows on BBC Radio Scotland as helping launch his career. After it was revealed a raft of programmes face the axe - sparking a huge public outcry - the three-times SAY Awards finalist warns the BBC is not being transparent with MSPs and critics, and is putting its public service programming obligations, and artist careers, at risk.

When the BBC issues replies to MSPs whose constituents have contacted them, concerned about the BBC Radio Scotland cuts, it sounds almost comforting.

In a response sent to one MSP’s office, the corporation stresses that it is “increasing the number of late-evening programmes,” that the new shows will feature “a curated blend of well-known classics from the 1970s to the present day, alongside emerging artists,” and that specialist and new music “have always been a cornerstone of our output.” The letter lists Another Country, Vic Galloway, BBC Introducing and others as proof of a “broad and sustained commitment to music in Scotland.”

On paper, it reads like an upgrade. More shows. More mixtapes. More “cornerstone” support.

But then you look at what the BBC has written in its own commissioning papers, and a very different story appears.

In September 2025, BBC Radio Scotland published an Invitation to Tender for the “Late Night Music show” that would replace The Iain Anderson Show, Billy Sloan, Natasha RaskiSharp and the current Roddy Hart format. In that document, bidders are told: “Music within the show is to be agreed with Head of Audio or Snr Representative in line with BBC Radio Scotland’s music policy to improve flow bringing more mainstream, easy listening tracks which will appeal to audiences aged 45 .”

That line does not appear in any of the BBC’s replies to MSPs.

The same tender also says the slot should: “reflect Scotland, retain broad mainstream appeal to target all listeners aged 45 , while also being of interest to younger C2DE…”

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