John Swinney announces date for Holyrood Scottish independence vote

Stuart Cosgrove on the future of the BBC and the Tartan Army in USA

The BBC has "evaded tough decisions" and been "badly managed", broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove has said, after the corporation announced plans for sweeping cuts which will hit Scotland. Reacting to the news on The National podcast Cosgrove, who presents football show Off the Ball with Tam Cowan, said: "The BBC have, maybe, in the past, evaded the tough decisions." Cosgrove, who used to work on Channel 4 as controller of arts and entertainment and then as head of programmes, spoke about how the model there was largely focused on a small core team of staff and other content was commissioned from independent suppliers. Listen to the full interview with political reporter Steph Brawn.

Will the SNP win this week's two by elections?

Join our political reporters Steph Brawn and James Walker as they discuss the upcoming Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-elections, as well as Makerfield down south. Later, the pair chat about today's More in Common poll which found Scots have more pride in the country's men's national team compared to England and Wales ... Remember, you can subscribe now for £1 for three months of coverage! Don't miss out: www.thenational.scot/subscribe

Why the Tartan Army are Scotland's best ambassadors - with Stephen Gethins

Political Reporter Steph Brawn meets new Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy of Scotland Stephen Gethins to discuss Scotland on the world stage in the context of the World Cup.    Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe [http://thenational.scot/subscribe]

We react to Scotland's HISTORIC World Cup win

Political Reporter Steph Brawn and Managing Editor Steward Ward discuss the result of Scotland's first World Cup game, the Tartan Army abroad, and the biggest news stories from over the weekend. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe [http://thenational.scot/subscribe]

Inside the French government report on Israeli firm meddling in Scottish elections

Digital editor Laura Pollock and political editor Xander Eliiards discuss the French government report which states they have detected interference in elections in Scotland, France and New York City from an Israeli firm  Remember, you can subscribe for three months for just £1: www.thenational.scot/subscribe