Rugby, Rockets, and Robots

In this week's episode, Lesley and Fraser digest a whirlwind week that saw Scotland’s rugby players secure another win—but this time, there’s a trophy involved with a very specific history. Fraser reveals his own "tangential" role in the creation of the Old Alliance Trophy and why it’s definitely not a cup.

The mood shifts as we analyse the terrifying escalation in the Middle East following the bombing of a girls' school in Minab, South Iran. We discuss the chilling rhetoric of the US administration, the surge in oil prices, and the stark contrast in European leadership—from Spain’s firm "no" on base access to the "swithering" internal dynamics of the UK Labour Party.

Closer to home, we look at a genuine medical breakthrough: a pioneering study at NHS Grampian showing that AI can increase breast cancer detection by 10%. But it's not all good news for the tech world; we discuss Donald Trump’s targeting of Anthropic (the makers of Claude) and what the future holds for software development jobs.

Plus, Lesley shares how she’s using AI to sift through a decade of Nordic research, and we look ahead to the march on Calton Hill on the 28th.

In this episode:

• The Old Alliance Trophy: The story behind the silverware and Scotland’s continuing rugby streak.
• Iran & The "Short-Term Excursion": Analysing the school bombing in Minab and the global fallout of $120-a-barrel oil.
• Spain vs. The White House: Why Pedro Sanchez stood his ground while the UK government remains internally divided.
• AI—The Life Saver and the Supply Chain Risk: From the NHS Grampian breakthrough to Trump’s "stushie" with Anthropic.
• Gathering Again: March on Calton Hill on the 28th and

Links

Support the podcast with a monthly or annual subscription https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe

Pioneering study finds AI increases cancer detection by more than 10 per cent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd9gn4j7dyo

Andrew Redman’s "The March on Calton Hill" print https://andrewrbarr.com/portfolio/march-on-calton-hill/(Fraser highly recommends this one for your wall!)

Lesley Riddoch: Reading Scotland at Newbattle Abbey College 12th March

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lesley-riddoch-reading-scotland-tickets-1982952469215

Finland Film Screenings - see all here https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Next up

Dunfries - Friday 13 March https://rbcfilmtheatre.co.uk/all-listings/lesleyriddoch

Greenock - Saturday 14 Marchhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-didnt-exist-tickets-1980199784862?aff=oddtdtcreator

Artists for Independence - Oran Mor 14th March

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakz

The 28th March And Rally Edinburghhttps://www.believeinscotland.org/march_and_rally_for_independence.

The Lesley Riddoch Podcast with Fraser Thompson

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★ Support this podcast ★