BBC Radio Scotland Unveils New Late-Night Weekend Schedule

BBC Radio Scotland is set to launch its revamped weekend late-night schedule in the upcoming New Year, featuring renowned musician and broadcaster Roddy Hart. He will take the helm with two new shows: “Roddy Hart’s Mixtape: Side A” on Saturdays from 10 PM to midnight, and “Roddy Hart’s Mixtape: Side B” on Sundays from 9 PM to 11 PM.

Commitment to Scotland’s Music Scene

These additions underscore BBC Radio Scotland’s ongoing dedication to highlighting both established artists and unsigned bands from Scotland. Roddy Hart will also continue to present the popular live music program, Quay Sessions.

Victoria Easton-Riley, head of audio and events, expressed her enthusiasm for Hart’s expanded role. She stated, “Roddy Hart’s Mixtape: Side A on Saturday nights will showcase a mix of classic hits and new finds, ideal for weekend listening. Conversely, Side B will focus on unsigned talent and lesser-known treasures.”

Roddy Hart’s Vision

Responding to his new role, Hart remarked, “It’s a real privilege to introduce this new show to Radio Scotland’s weekend schedule. I look forward to celebrating music from both emerging and established artists.” He emphasized his commitment to sharing music he loves with listeners.

Weekday Late-Night Schedule Changes

The changes coincide with earlier announcements about the weekday schedule. Starting in the New Year, “Up Late with Lynne Hoggan” will air from Monday to Thursday, from 10 PM to midnight. “Up Late with Ashley Storrie” will take over on Fridays, maintaining the same time slot.

This late-night segment will deliver a curated playlist of enduring classics from the 1970s onward, aiming to showcase the depth of Scotland’s musical talent.

Overview of Schedule Changes

This transition signals a shift from six late-night programs and one repeat to a total of seven distinct shows each week. These include:

• Roddy Hart’s Mixtape: Side A
• Roddy Hart’s Mixtape: Side B
• Up Late with Lynne Hoggan
• Up Late with Ashley Storrie
• Another Country
• BBC Introducing in Scotland
• Travelling Folk
• Take the Floor
• Vic Galloway
• The Quay Sessions
• Piping Sounds
• Your Requests
• Classical Now

These programs represent BBC Radio Scotland’s ongoing commitment to promote emerging artists through initiatives such as the Young Traditional Musician of the Year and the BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year.

Background and Production Details

The new programming lineup is a result of a procurement process, as the current independent production companies opted not to bid for the new contracts. “Up Late with Lynne Hoggan” and “Up Late with Ashley Storrie” will be produced by Silent Productions, while Roddy Hart’s Mixtape will be produced internally by BBC Scotland.

This reorganization reflects the competitive nature of the audio market, as some shows in the late-night slots currently hold less than 2.5% market share.