Analysis first reported in The Herald, by Stephen McAll of the band Constant Follower, examined the impact of the decision to axe four curator-led specialist late night shows and replace them with a play-list led programme.
It found that in the first two weeks of the year new music overall fell by 69%, with unique new tracks by Scottish artists down 70%.
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It also demonstrated that from January 1 to 15 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, new tracks by Scottish artists on major labels fell 67%, Scottish artists played by a third and non-major label Scottish artists by 59%.
The findings were submitted to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
Prior to the research, an open letter signed by more than 300 leading singers, bands, writers and arts organisations was sent to Mr Robertson, the culture secretary.
Responding to Mr McAll, Mr Robertson wrote: “I want to reassure you that the Scottish Government places the highest value on the contribution of Scotland’s music industry to our cultural landscape, and the role that showcasing new and emerging artists plays in nurturing the talent pipeline and allowing tomorrow’s success stories to gain a foothold at the beginning of their careers.
“We remain committed to supporting opportunities emerging artists to share their work, whether through radio play, grassroots venues, or touring.
“It is essential that any changes to BBC Radio Scotland’s schedule continue to support opportunities for artists, and do not diminish Scotland’s cultural capacity or the long-term health of the sector.
“I have written to BBC Scotland to impress upon them that the Scottish Government echoes the concerns set out in your letter, and I have asked them for a meeting at their earliest convenience to clarify how they intend to ensure that emerging Scottish talent – especially those without established mainstream reach – continues to have a prominent and meaningful platform on BBC Radio Scotland.
“It is my clear view that the BBC must fulfil its public service obligations and listen to the views of audiences and artists across Scotland, and ensure that changes such as these are made only after proper engagement and consultation with the sector.”
Mr McAll’s research focused on January 1 to 15 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.
As well as the decline in new tracks by Scottish artists there was a huge spike in the plays of older music, with tracks from the 1980s and 1990s rising by 107% and music from all other decades seeing a fall, including 31% for 2020s music.
In response to a complaint raised about the data, the BBC said there would be a “natural variance” in the makeup of shows over time and that it does not assess programmes over a “short timescale”.
The broadcaster states: “We are monitoring the levels of new music and Scottish music on the old schedule compared with the new one, and they remain broadly the same.”
Mr Robertson said in his letter: “Given the BBC’s obligations to reflect, represent and serve Scotland’s diverse communities, deliver a broad range of output covering different genres and content types, including genres that are underprovided or in decline across public service broadcasting, as well as the requirement to ensure high-quality, distinctive content that supports new voices and talent, and contributes to the creative economy, the absence of meaningful consultation falls short of expected practice for a public service broadcaster.
“I would welcome further clarification on the internal monitoring the BBC undertakes regarding the number of Scottish artists featured, noting your evidence that these levels have remained “broadly the same” since the January changes.
“I would also appreciate further detail on the mechanisms in place to ensure that emerging Scottish talent – especially those without established mainstream reach – continues to have a prominent and meaningful platform on BBC Radio Scotland.”
A BBC Scotland spokesperson said: “We have received Mr Robertson’s letter and will respond in due course.”