Grant Stott and Arlene Stuart join the daytime schedule from June, with Connie McLaughlin confirmed as host of Mornings
by Bill Heaney
BBC Radio Scotland has announced changes to the presenting line-up of two weekday daytime programmes.
Grant Stott will return as presenter of Afternoons, Monday-Thursday, with radio broadcaster and BBC Scotland’s Landward presenter, Arlene Stuart, taking over on Fridays.
Meanwhile, Connie McLaughlin has been confirmed as presenter of Radio Scotland’s Mornings programme three days per week, with Stephen Jardine continuing to host the Thursday and Friday editions.
Broadcasting between 1.30-4 pm, the new line-up for Afternoons will be in place from Monday 1 June 2026 and bring audiences a lively mix of music, chat and big interviews, with a focus on the vibrant arts, culture and entertainment scene in Scotland and beyond.
In an announcement that has not gone down well with many listeners, the current afternoon presenting line-up of girl next door Michelle McManus, the brilliantly talented poet Len Pennie, pictured right, and hugely popular Nicola Meighan will step down from Friday, 29 May.
Victoria Easton Riley, Head of Audio and Events at BBC Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Grant back to Afternoons and to bring Arlene into our daytime team.
“Grant is already a firm favourite with Radio Scotland audiences through The Vinyl Collective, and Arlene is an experienced radio and television broadcaster who we know brings a real warmth and connection to listeners.
“We’re enormously grateful to Michelle, Len and Nicola for the energy, creativity and passion they’ve brought to the programme. We wish them every success, and our door is open for future collaborations.”
Grant Stott comments: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Afternoons. The Radio Scotland audience is a warm, curious and engaging bunch, and I can’t wait to dive back in. We’ll be bringing listeners everything they need to stay plugged into Scotland’s buzzing arts and culture scene, all with the perfect soundtrack.”
Arlene added: “I’m so excited to join BBC Radio Scotland on Friday afternoons to kick start the weekend. I love radio and the connection it brings with listeners, I can’t wait to get behind the mic and get the conversations started.”
Mornings, presented by Connie McLaughlin Monday-Wednesday and Stephen Jardine Thursday-Friday, will continue to broadcast between 9 am-12noon.
Connie McLaughlin said: “I thoroughly enjoy the lively three hours spent with Radio Scotland listeners debating the issues of the day and hearing all their views. I’m looking forward to continuing and building that relationship.”
Top of page picture L-R: Grant Stott, Arlene Stuart and Connie McLaughlin.