A significant coalition of musicians, including stars like Eddi Reader and members of bands such as Franz Ferdinand and Idlewild, has launched a fierce critique of planned changes to BBC Radio Scotland's late-night schedule. They argue that replacing four curated specialist shows with a single, more mainstream programme will severely damage vital pathways for new Scottish artists.
What Changes Are Being Made?
The BBC has confirmed it will end four distinct shows that currently air between 10pm and midnight from Monday to Thursday. The presenters – Iain Anderson, Billy Sloan, Roddy Hart and Natasha Raskin Sharp – will be either removed or reallocated. Their slots will be taken over by a new programme called Up Late, described by the broadcaster as featuring "a curated blend of well-known classics from the 1970s to the present day" with a Scottish influence.
However, a publicly available tender document indicated the new show would focus on "more mainstream, easy-listening tracks". This shift in tone is at the heart of the dispute. Veteran presenter Billy Sloan, who is leaving after 11 years, stated: "I can honestly say – hand on heart – that I’ve never played a single record I didn’t think was great. But it appears... that is no longer what is required."
Why Are Musicians So Concerned?
In an open letter signed by dozens of artists and creative industry figures, the signatories stress the irreplaceable value of the current presenters' expertise and passion. The letter argues that these late-night shows are a unique career-launching platform.
"A trusted presenter plays our song and says our name on national radio for the first time," the letter states. "Listeners’ ears, and industry doors that were previously closed, begin to creak open." It emphasises that BBC Radio Scotland is the only station in the country with such influence, and the late-night slots are crucial for discovering exciting new music.
Folk musician James Yorkston echoed these sentiments, noting: "I like easy going evening friendly pop music as much as the next ageing Fifer, but there are already plenty of places to hear it. Sometimes things have a value beyond listening figures."
Official Responses and Future Schedule
The Musicians' Union has joined the criticism, with regional organiser Caroline Sewell urging BBC Scotland to reconsider and "safeguard opportunities for Scottish musicians." The call mirrors an earlier request from the Scottish Music Industry Association for a pause and meaningful consultation.
In defence, BBC Radio Scotland stated that "it is not unusual for radio stations to undergo changes" in a competitive market. It pointed to other specialist shows like Travelling Folk and The Quay Sessions, asserting that half of its total music hours remain specialist. The broadcaster also cited a procurement process where the incumbent independent production companies did not bid for the new show format.
The new Up Late programme will be presented by Lynne Hoggan and is scheduled to begin in the first week of 2026. While Roddy Hart will move to new weekend shows and Ashley Storrie remains on Friday nights, Iain Anderson, Billy Sloan, and Natasha Raskin Sharp will leave the schedules at the end of 2025.
The signatories' plea remains clear: they are calling for a halt to the changes until proper talks with Scotland's music sector are held, fearing the loss of the trusted, passionate voices that have long championed the nation's emerging sound.
