BBC Scotland Investigates

As English universities prepare to charge student fees of up to 9000 pounds per year, Kenneth Macdonald examines what it'll mean for the future of Scotland's seats of learning. It's been claimed our universities will be left behind. But is that really true - or does the real crisis lie elsewhere?

It's been 50 years since nuclear submarines first came to Scotland. But the Trident fleet is ageing, and the contentious decision to start work on its replacement has been delayed until 2016. Presented by Sally Magnusson and partly filmed on board one of Britain's nuclear bomber submarines, 'Who Needs Trident?' asks whether a Cold War weapon, designed to deter the Soviet Union from attacking Britain and its NATO allies, is still relevant in the 21st century, and whether Britain, and Scotland, gain anything from it being replaced.

In ten years time half of Scotland's population will be over 50. BBC Scotland's Health Correspondent, Eleanor Bradford, investigates how this will alter society and finds that the ageing population is already having an impact. Eleanor takes a look at one Scottish Border community which gives us a glimpse into the future. A lively generation of 70 year olds don't see themselves as old but their children face longer working lives in order to save enough money to have any hope of the comfortable retirement their parents enjoy.

Blind BBC journalist Ian Hamilton has to find a new guide dog. For eight years Ian has relied on his trusted guide dog Moss but now Moss is getting old and has to retire. Born to Lead charts Ian's journey as he tries to find a replacement dog. Along the way Ian asks why so few visually impaired people rely on guide dogs and explores alternative options.

Documentary investigating the deaths of rare protected birds in the Scottish countryside and a possible connection to Scotland's Sporting Estates. Each year, golden eagles and other birds are found killed on the hillsides, with many wildlife campaigners placing the blame on the grouse industry. David Miller gets a rare insight into the privileged world of shooting as he attempts to uncover those responsible for the killings, and to find out why they are breaking the law.

Reporter Reevel Alderson investigates the secterian scar that seems to blight Scottish football and explores the roots of the problem. With contributions from many of the people caught up in this year's sectarian headlines, the programme asks if we will ever be able to solve Scotland's not-so-secret shame.

BBC Scotland investigates concerns about the quality of surgical instruments being used on patients in the UK. Reporter Samantha Poling hears from those working inside the NHS who claim that tools with dangerous defects are being supplied to hospitals.

BBC Scotland marks a century of Britain's unemployment benefit. Love it or loathe it, whether it's an anniversary to celebrate or commiserate, it has changed Scotland forever. Sally McNair looks back at 100 years of hunger marches, means tests, job centres and calls to 'get on your bike' and asks if, after a century, unemployment benefit is about to disappear forever.

On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, Jackie Bird investigates the terrorist attack's hidden legacy for Scotland's servicemen; the growing number of amputees returning from Afghanistan. Given exclusive access to 45 Commando Royal Marines over nine months, BBC Scotland follows the moving stories of the military men and women who have to cope after suffering serious and life-changing injuries.

BBC Scotland Investigates allegations of wrongdoing and corruption in the City of Edinburgh Council. With council staff suspended and a police investigation under way, reporter Fiona Walker hears from homeowners who feel they've been ripped off after their housing repair bills have rocketed.

Are bosses in Scotland getting away with murder by paying their staff less than they should? Reporter Reevel Alderson investigates some of the worst paid jobs in the country and reveals how some workers are being paid less than the minimum wage. With worsening unemployment there are some parts of Scotland where forty people chase every job vacancy - so does this leave Scottish workers at the mercy of unscrupulous bosses?

Scots nurse Colin Norris, dubbed the Angel of Death, is serving a minimum of 30 years in prison for the murder of four elderly patients and the attempted murder of a fifth. But new evidence to be revealed by BBC Scotland Investigates casts serious doubt on his convictions, and could pave the way for him to be set free. Reporter Mark Daly revives the style and spirit of the old BBC Rough Justice strand, by critically examining the main components of the case against Norris, and dismantling them one by one.

BBC Scotland investigates the disaster of Edinburgh's Tram project, which has overrun by three years, and more than 400 million pounds. Reporter David Miller hears from those who have worked at the very heart of the project, and finds out what went wrong.

BBC Scotland Investigates, reveals the inside story of the recent takeover of one of Scotland's oldest football institutions. As a potential 50 million-pound tax bill threatens to put the club out of business, this programme investigates the current plight of Rangers FC, and asks what the future might hold under new owner, Craig Whyte.