Lesley Riddoch

Where have you been ?

I have been cycling in Finland and Aland for the purposes of writing an article for the Herald. Over at my blog , you can find the early postings of a selection of the photos. It was a fantastic trip organised with the help of the Finnish and Aland Tourist Boards. Thanks to them for all their help.

More words, photos and even a podcast will be appearing shortly so - watch this space. Once the Herald article is published - I will let you know.

Historic Scotland Investigation - BBC Radio Scotland Listen Again

The Investigation into Historic Scotland is available here for Listen Again. Judging from the early feedback, there are still more stories to be told on this one. As ever, I am happy to receive comments on this and also ideas for Riddoch Questions which returns September 12.

State control can be only way to solve growing energy crisis

Gas prices are set to rise by 35 per cent. The housing market is static. "Safe" jobs in banks, estate agents and legal firms are being lost.

Long-standing local firms like the Curtis Mill in Guardbridge have closed through lack of credit. Multinationals like Starbucks are running at a loss. Civil service unions are striking for higher pay. Fat-cat bonuses are making headlines...

Historic Scotland Investigation - BBC Radio Scotland

Scotland has 47 thousand listed buildings – the majority allow Historic Scotland to intervene in repairs. And developers large and small, public and private are complaining about the extra cost, delay and obstruction the agency’s involvement appears to cause. Factor which could be pricing ordinary Scots out of restoring and inhabiting listed buildings.

Sisters Stephanie and Mandy Roxburgh, from Rothesay, bought a tenement to renovate and create 12 affordable flats. But when their bid to fit the highest quality uPVC windows was rejected by Historic Scotland, the sisters took their fight to Holyrood.

The agency’s preferred option -- 42 single glazed wooden sash and case windows -- was £100k more expensive than the uPVC option.

In Benbecula, Phil and Mairi Ladyman who run a heritage centre – the Nunton Steadings -- claim Historic Scotland’s insistence on authentic draughty, solid wooden doors without windows has created a hard-to-heat, unviable building they may have to leave.

And at Rowallan Castle near Kilmarnock, Niall Campbell a stonemason and civil engineer who helped restore Glasgow’s Rotundas has been told by Historic Scotland that he cannot refurbish a thirteenth century castle as the centrepiece of his £60m hotel and golf course.

Is conservation becoming preservation? Does the agency value authentic empty shells more than habitable buildings?

You can hear my investigation including Culture Minister Linda Fabiani, with live studio guest John Graham Historic Scotland’s Chief Executive --  9am-10am Radio Scotland Monday August 4th. If you’ve comments email me here or call on the day 0500 92 95 00

The End of Term Aftermath

There was a certain 'end of term' feeling in the studio as the Riddoch Questions team recorded their last Aftermath podcast before the summer break. Everyone looks back and forward, eavesdrop on the conversation here. Riddoch Questions will return on 12 September with some new faces in the team and a new studio.