In this episode of AI Right!, we take a temperature check on where AI stands in Scotland and globally in early 2026.

We explore the major £8bn AI investment in Lanarkshire, what it means for Scotland’s technology ecosystem, and why sovereign AI is becoming a strategic priority for countries seeking resilience in an increasingly unstable global landscape.

From AI infrastructure and data centres to environmental impact and net zero commitments, we unpack the real-world implications of scaling large language models (LLMs) at speed.

We also dive into the rise of personal AI assistants and local AI agents — including the security risks highlighted by recent developments around agent-based systems. When AI tools have access to email, calendars, internal documents and CRM systems, they sit inside your security perimeter. What does that mean for business governance and responsible AI development?

Finally, we discuss enterprise LLM adoption, evaluation challenges such as “LLM as judge,” and why “move fast and break things” may not be a viable strategy when AI underpins critical infrastructure.

Key Topics:

AI investment in Lanarkshire and Scotland’s AI hub

Sovereign AI and infrastructure concentration risk

Environmental impact of AI and sustainable data centres

Personal AI assistants and local AI agents

AI security vulnerabilities and data leakage risks

Enterprise LLM deployment and governance

Responsible AI in business and regulated environments

AI

Artificial Intelligence

AI investment

Lanarkshire AI

Scotland AI

AI Scotland

Sovereign AI

UK sovereign AI

AI infrastructure

AI hub Lanarkshire

Data centres Scotland

AI data centres

CoreWeave Scotland

DataVita

AI sustainability

Environmental impact of AI

Net zero AI

Sustainable AI

AI energy consumption

AI space race

LLM

Large Language Models

Enterprise AI

AI in business

AI governance

AI security

AI vulnerabilities

AI agents

AI personal assistants

Local AI agents

Maltbot

OpenClaw

AI data leakage

Cybersecurity AI

Responsible AI

AI regulation

AI risk

AI adoption 2026

Future of AI

Technology podcast

AI podcast Scotland

AI Right podcasthttps://linktr.ee/airightpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI Right! Founders Series: TileBio with co-founders Dr. Christopher Walsh and Professor John Le Quesne.

In this episode, we explore the journey of TileBio, a health tech startup focused on revolutionizing cancer diagnostics through AI. Co-founders Dr. Christopher Walsh and Professor John Le Quesne share their backgrounds in computer science and pathology, respectively, and discuss how their diverse expertise drives the company's mission to address the pathologist shortage.

They delve into the technology behind TileBio, including self-supervised learning and the importance of collaboration between medical and AI professionals. The conversation also covers the company's growth strategy, funding, and plans for global expansion, emphasizing the need for user-friendly solutions that enhance the workflow of pathologists.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the AI Right Leadership Podcast, host Kris McFadyen sits down with Greig Cowan, Head of AI and Data Science for Innovation at NatWest.

They delve into the intricacies of running an innovation hub within a large bank, exploring how AI is transforming retail banking and the broader business landscape. Greig shares insights into the challenges and successes of integrating AI solutions, the importance of internal consultancy, and the future of digital banking. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of AI-driven innovation and leadership. #AI #Innovation #Leadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of AI Right, David Thomson, Chief Data & AI Officer at Royal London, shares a refreshingly pragmatic take on building an effective AI strategy.

David reveals how Royal London has structured its AI plan around four clear value pillars:

• enhancing productivity
• automating processes
• personalising customer experiences and
• exploring disruptive opportunities

...all while keeping one thing at the core: the business North Star of delivering value for customers.

He also discusses how AI is reshaping culture within the organisation, with “centres of enablement” empowering teams to experiment and innovate safely. And in one of our favourite moments, he likens AI adoption to sitting at a sushi bar: “you can sit back and watch the sushi go by, or you can dive in.”

If you’re developing or refining your AI strategy, this 45-minute conversation will leave you inspired, informed and ready to take action.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to turn AI ambition into tangible outcomes.

👇 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more AI leadership insights.

#AI #Leadership #Podcast #Strategy #ArtificialIntelligence #RoyalLondon #DigitalTransformation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your next coffee-break listen!

Before Kris laced up for the Glasgow Marathon, we sat down with Ishbel Softley and Andy McMahon to talk sport, AI, and personal health, with some sharp, newsy takes on the future of tech in sport!

Guests

Andy McMahon — Principal Engineer, AI & MLOps @ Barclays

Ishbel Softley — Lead Data Scientist @ Aggreko (…possibly a PT in disguise 😉)

Not just a relaxed chat—this episode mixes practical tips with real-world delivery experience in AI/MLOps and data science, grounded in running, racing, and everyday health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of our Leadership Series, we sit down with Megan Stamper, current Head of Data Science at the BBC Products Group.

Megan takes us inside her leadership journey — from earning a doctorate in mathematics at Cambridge to leading data science teams at one of the world’s most respected broadcasters. Along the way, she shares practical advice for aspiring leaders, insights on building data-driven cultures, and a few personal stories that shaped her path.

Whether you’re an AI professional, a data scientist, or a leader navigating digital transformation, Megan’s reflections offer both inspiration and actionable takeaways.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to transition from technical expertise into leadership

Lessons from academia (PhD at Cambridge) applied to real-world data science

Leading teams at scale in a creative, high-profile environment

Megan’s best advice for the next generation of AI & data leaders

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to catch the rest of our Leadership Series with voices shaping the future of AI, data, and digital transformation.

#Leadership #DataScience #BBC #AI #Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.