logo
Be in the audience for BBC Scotland's Debate Night political discussion show in Dumfries

Be in the audience for BBC Scotland's Debate Night political discussion show in Dumfries

Daily Record12-05-2025

Former Dumfries Academy pupil Stephen Jardine will be returning to his hometown for the recording next week.
People in Dumfries and Galloway are being offered the chance to be in the audience for BBC Scotland's Debate Night.
The political TV discussion show will be recording an episode in Dumfries on Wednesday, May 21.

And presenting the show will be journalist and former Dumfries Academy pupil Stephen Jardine.

Debate night is the only television programme of its kind in Scotland, giving people the chance to put their question's to the country's decision-makers and public figures.
The producers want people from all walks of life – including parents, carers, students, business owners, frontline workers, retired and the unemployed.
Previous panellists have included still game stars Patrick Grant and Jane McCarry, musicians Ricky Ross and Stuart Murdoch and comedians Karen Dunbar and Susie McCabe.
When the show visited Dumfries last autumn, guests included local MSPs Oliver Mundell and Colin Smyth as well as Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.
To apply for a free ticket, click here and fill in the application form.
The programme is shown on the BBC Scotland channel every Wednesday at 9pm and again on BBC One Scotland at 10.40pm.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top SNP figures in secret meeting to discuss John Swinney's leadership
Top SNP figures in secret meeting to discuss John Swinney's leadership

The National

time16 minutes ago

  • The National

Top SNP figures in secret meeting to discuss John Swinney's leadership

Attendees said that the First Minister has two weeks in which to come up with a new strategy on independence or face a 'bloodbath' at the SNP conference, The Herald reported. A source told that paper: 'It feels like Groundhog Day. The last time John was in charge he dropped independence, surrounded himself only by people who agreed with him, and pushed out the likes of Margo [McDonald] and anyone who challenged his devolutionist strategy. 'For those with short memories, that ended in a bruising defeat. If he stays, we will be heading for a repeat. What is left of the membership will not tolerate it.' READ MORE: Controversial Loch Lomond Flamingo Land plans recalled by Scottish ministers It comes after SNP insiders made a similar argument to The National, warning that it felt like the party was being headed up by a small, private leadership group and 'heading back into the same old internal splits'. The Herald reported that the Monday meeting was ostensibly about forcing the party to move forward on independence, but there was a unanimous view that the First Minister 'has no intention of putting independence anywhere near the party's narrative whatsoever". Previously, the SNP's former policy chief Toni Giugliano told The National that independence had never been so far off the party's agenda as currently under Swinney. One source told The Herald: 'If there is nothing in the next couple of weeks from the leadership, then conference will be a bloodbath.' Though they doubted that any MSP or MP would challenge Swinney directly, they said it did not matter if the only competition came from an activist, as any contest would be 'hugely damning and damaging, and make the party look utterly ridiculous". Under SNP rules, any member who can secure 100 nominations from 20 different branches ahead of party conference can trigger a leadership vote. (Image: PA) Last year, Swinney faced a leadership challenge from party activist Graeme McCormick, who claimed to have secured the necessary nominations. However, McCormick was later talked out of the challenge after a 'lengthy and fruitful conversation' with Swinney. An SNP insider predicted similar challenges, saying: 'NEC members better start looking for new hobbies unless the leadership announces a change of direction soon — because at this rate we are heading for a mass clear-out.' They went on: 'The ability to make the case for independence is not a desirable part of the job description – it is essential – and he has failed on probation. 'The Presbyterian schoolmaster might fly in Perthshire – but in the rest of Scotland it just does not land. Stabilising the party only works for a short time. There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision.' Last week's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election saw the SNP lose to Labour by 602 votes. READ MORE: 'Absurdity' of UK position on Israel while still supplying arms called out by SNP MP The party had been favourites, with Swinney calling it a two-horse race between his party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Yesterday, the constituency's new MSP, Davy Russell, took his oath at Holyrood and, in a speech on the steps of the garden lobby, said his win could be a 'springboard' to Labour winning power next year. The seat had been held by Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie until her death earlier this year at the age of 57. At a press conference on Friday, Swinney insisted there had been progress for his party when the result was measured against their dire performance at last year's general election. One MSP told The Herald on Sunday that that was not enough. They said it was time for Swinney to make changes to his top team. 'I think a proper ministerial reshuffle is required, and an exercise undertaken to seek new policies. For example, I would call in the former MPs who have experience but have had time to refresh their perspective. 'I can sense that many – for the first time – are now nervous, and rightfully so. 'On independence – again, it can never be enough to simply run a competent devolved government without a vision of what could be.' The First Minister is expected to conduct a limited reshuffle of his ministerial team in the coming days. Swinney's previous time in charge saw the party's vote share and number of seats fall. He resigned in 2004, paving the way for the return of Alex Salmond. Asked by the BBC on Sunday if he was still the man to lead the party, Swinney said: 'Yes. Twelve months ago, the party turned to me. 'I was not seeking high office – I had held high office for a long time in my life – and the party turned to me, at a moment of real jeopardy, and asked me to use all of my skills and experience, and the loyalty I command in the party, to bring people together and focus us on the future.' Professor Sir John Curtice said the close battle for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse did not mean Anas Sarwar was a shoo-in for Bute House. READ MORE: These key economic truths show how independent Scotland and Wales can succeed The election expert told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The recent message from opinion polls is the SNP is running at just over 30%, Labour is around 20%, so it seems a reasonable expectation that such a result would not mean Anas Sarwar is Scotland's next first minister.' An SNP spokesperson said: 'Since John Swinney became leader last year he has brought the SNP back together and the party is back to doing what it does best – standing up for the people of Scotland. 'In the run-up to next year's Scottish Parliament election, the SNP will continue to deliver for people across the country, while setting out a clear and hopeful vision for their future as an independent country. 'With the latest polling putting support for independence at 54%, the SNP will continue to focus on demonstrating how having the full powers of an independent country is key to addressing the everyday concerns of people across Scotland and creating a more prosperous society for us all.'

EU membership could bring security, stability and opportunity, Swinney says
EU membership could bring security, stability and opportunity, Swinney says

STV News

timean hour ago

  • STV News

EU membership could bring security, stability and opportunity, Swinney says

John Swinney has highlighted the 'security, stability and opportunity' Scotland could have if it was in the European Union (EU). Speaking before meeting Pedro Serrano, the EU ambassador to the UK, the Scottish First Minister stressed this could be crucial amid the current 'uncertain' political environment. The SNP leader said the recent deal between the UK Government and the EU was 'long overdue progress' towards rebuilding relationships post-Brexit, but insisted that it was no substitute for membership of the trading bloc. Wednesday's meeting with the EU ambassador will also involve Slovenian ambassador Sanja Stiglic and Bulgarian ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev. In addition the First Minister will also meet the minister-president of Flanders at an event to mark 25 years of Flemish trade and investment in Scotland. Mr Swinney made clear he regards both visits as being opportunities to build Scotland's relationship with the EU. The First Minister stressed that 'the European Union is one of our most important economic and security partners'. Speaking about the deal the UK Government agreed in May, he said that this 'represents long-overdue progress in rebuilding our relationship' but added that 'no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020'. Mr Swinney stated: 'That is why I firmly believe Scotland's best future lies as an independent country within the EU. 'More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 'In the meantime we will continue to engage with nations and regions across Europe to maximise opportunities through trade, investment, innovation and academia. 'As we enter the next phase of negotiations, we stand ready to be closely involved as the UK Government develops its future priorities for working with the EU.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

90s Glasgow band back with new album of 'covers and collaborations'
90s Glasgow band back with new album of 'covers and collaborations'

Glasgow Times

timean hour ago

  • Glasgow Times

90s Glasgow band back with new album of 'covers and collaborations'

'Being asked to tour Hungary as part of a Scottish contingent for the British Arts Council in 1996,' she says, 'and performing as part of a Creeping Bent Organisation label night at John Peel's Meltdown in 1998.' 'At the first, the audiences were pretty hard core, which The Seret Goldfish definitely is not. The trip is immortalised in the song 4 Excited People." She adds: 'The second was a spectacular night, which included performances by Adventures in Stereo, The Leopards and a brief appearance by Vic Godard, and it was brilliantly compered by the much missed poet, Jock Scot.' The Secret Goldfish will be launching their fourth album, Empty Holster, at a special showcase on June 21 in Glasgow's Glad Café. Ex-Orange Juice guitarist James Kirk will be performing with the band and The Cords will be appearing as special guests. The Secret Goldfish BBC presenter Nicola Meighan will be interviewing Katy about 30 years of The Secret Goldfish, her early music career with the Fizzbombs, and her memoir of music and family, Matilda in the Middle. Nicola will also be interviewing Katy's husband, the musician and songwriter Douglas MacIntyre, about three decades of running The Creeping Bent Organisation record label, which is closing down at the end of the year. Katy Lironi and her husband Douglas MacIntyre (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Empty Holster has been many years in the gestation, explains Katy, who has been collating songs by her favourite songwriters since 1996. The album tracks have been recorded sporadically over recent decades and were finally completed at Green Door studio in Glasgow and mastered by Samuel Joseph Smith. 'Why now? Well, this is the final year of operation for CBO and I am someone who needs a deadline,' she laughs. 'I guess the planets have just aligned and this is its moment.' It is a record of covers – Holiday Hymn by Subway Sect's Vic Godard, Get on Board by James Kirk and tracks by The Shop Assistants and The Beach Boys – and collaborations, including Adventures in Stereo's Jim Beattie and Davy Henderson of Fire Engines and The Sexual Objects fame. It includes an impressive array of musical guest appearances, including Mick Slaven of The Bluebells, Campbell Owens of Aztec Camera, Francis Macdonald of Teenage Fanclub and Katy and Douglas's daughter Amelia Lironi, of up-and-coming funk-popsters QUAD90. QUAD90 (Image: Chris Hogge) There is also a new song on the album, says Katy. 'Louche Life is a song we wrote with James Kirk and it seemed to fit with the overall spirit of collaboration of the album,' she explains. 'I love working with James because you never quite know what direction he'll take or what lyrics he'll sing. 'We appeared on Marc Riley's 6 Music show a few years ago and James rewrote a whole load of lyrics in the car on the way down to Manchester for the session.' Katy adds: 'Collaboration is the root of all the very best creativity and it also brings out the best in us. 'To have my absolutely favourite songwriters and artists on this album is magical - perfectly topped off by singing in tandem with my daughter Amelia, who was still space-dust when the earliest songs on the album were initially recorded. 'It's fairly surreal.' Katy's book, Matilda in the Middle, is a memoir of music and family. Choir 21 (Image: Ginger Horticulture) 'It's largely about how important music is the lives of many in the Downs syndrome community, my own daughter Matilda included,' she says. 'Bringing out the book has been a highlight of the last year for me and being able to take it to so many festivals has been an amazing experience. 'I've really enjoyed introducing the audiences to Choir 21, the Makaton choir of teens and adults with Ds that I run in my role with Downs syndrome Scotland. 'We took a small contingent from Choir 21 down to the DSS garden at the Chelsea flower show last month. 'We performed an original song, Our Chelsea Anthem, co-written with Douglas and Ken McCluskey of The Bluebells, who are our patrons.' She adds, smiling: 'It was an amazing experience for our young people and Chelsea didn't know what had hit it.' The release of the Empty Holster does not mark the end of The Secret Goldfish – far from it, says Katy. 'There's always another album in the making,' she says. 'And we are always open to touring. When CBO finally comes to a close, we expect to have loads of time between work and family, to fill with more musical adventures.' The Secret Goldfish are at the Glad Café on June 21.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store