Lesley Riddoch

Derek Bateman hosts Riddoch Questions Friday 10th July

Derek Bateman sits in for Lesley on this week’s edition of Riddoch Questions. He’ll be joined by Conservative MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands David McLetchie, former First Minister Henry McLeish and principal solicitor at Govan Law Centre, Mike Dailly.

They’ll be analysing and discussing the stories making the headlines this week, which so far include the G8 summit, Alistair Darling’s banking overhaul and Michael Jackson’s extraordinary memorial service.

Email your questions now on these topics – or any other - to riddoch@bbc.co.uk. Add your phone number if you want to put the question in person. On Friday text your views to 80295 and call 0500 92 95 00.

Carbon-based life, the universe and everything

The Ultimate Answer in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy has been given a new lease of life thanks to the Scottish Parliament.

In Douglas Adams’ novel, a supercomputer takes 7½ million years to decide the number 42 answers the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Holyrood took only 7½ hours to arrive at the same conclusion – 42 is the percentage by which Scotland must reduce its carbon emissions by 2020.

Green campaigners are delighted.

To read more click here

Riddoch Questions 3rd July - update

The final line up for this week's Riddoch Questions (1.15-2pm, BBC Radio Scotland) is: Clive Fairweather - ex chief inspector of prisons and general justice and security expert; Hilary Wainwright, the editor of new left magazine Red Pepper and the Labour MP for Stirling Anne McGuire.

They'll be talking about Labour and the party's latest decisions on ID cards and the Royal Mail; was the Queen snubbed by MSPs at the 10 years of Scottish Parliament celebrations?; should Michael Martin get a peerage? And can Andy Murray win Wimbledon??

To ask a question or comment on any of these stories call the programme on 0500 92 95 00 or text 80295 or you can email riddoch@bbc.co.uk.

Riddoch Questions - Friday 3rd July

Lesley’s guests on Riddoch Questions this week are: Pauline McNeil, Labour MSP for Glasgow Kelvin; Hilary Wainwright, editor of Red Pepper magazine; and Clive Fairweather, former chief inspector of prisons.

They’ll be discussing the stories making the headlines this week, including Labour’s plans for Building Britain’s Future; ID cards; Trident; and 10 years of devolution.

Email your questions now on these topics – or any other - to riddoch@bbc.co.uk. Add your phone number if you want to put the question in person. On Friday text your views to 80295 and call 0500 92 95 00.

Time to stop depending on the spoils of war

 The National Trust says the World Heritage status of St Kilda is at risk thanks to Ministry of Defence plans to remove 125 staff from its radar base on Hirta and associated missile ranges on Benbecula and South Uist.

On first hearing, that claim sounds crazy. Anyone who has trekked four hours each way to reach the near-legendary islands will have had the same reaction upon arrival. Wow. Swiftly followed by, "What the hell are these prefabs doing here?" To read more - click here.