Scottish Labour has taken Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from the SNP in a closely fought by-election.

As Anas Sarwar celebrates a new colleague at Holyrood, Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and the BBC’s Scotland editor James discuss if the vote was the moment that Reform UK made a breakthrough in Scotland.

Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Scottish Labour’s Davy Russell has edged out the SNP and Reform UK to win the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.

Martin asks election expert Professor Sir John Curtice (pictured) if the outcome tells us anything about the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026.

Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised billions for the UK armed forces after two decades that have seen a massive drop in troop numbers. But it comes as many young people say they’re not willing to fight for their country.

As the world becomes more dangerous how much can really be done to reverse the decline and make sure the country is ready to fight? Martin and Laura hear from former Royal Marine and TV presenter JJ Chalmers.

Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk