How to Listen to Ross County v St Johnstone: Iain Auld and Kerry Pollock on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Clyde 1

Match date: 27 December 2025

How to Listen to Ross County v St Johnstone: Iain Auld and Kerry Pollock on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Clyde 1

Football fans across Scotland are gearing up for an exciting Scottish Championship clash on December 27, 2025, as Ross County host St Johnstone at Global Energy Stadium with kick-off at 15:00 UK time[3][4]. While there is no television coverage on major British channels like ITV, BBC, Sky or TNT, radio enthusiasts can tune in for comprehensive live commentary on this pivotal matchday fixture. BBC Radio Scotland, a cornerstone of Scottish sports broadcasting, will provide full coverage with reporter Iain Auld at the helm, delivering every moment from the Dingwall showdown. Complementing this, Radio Clyde 1 offers alternative insights through reporter Kerry Pollock, ensuring listeners have multiple avenues to follow the action on this busy Boxing Day weekend in the Championship[1][2].

The prominence of BBC Radio Scotland in covering Scottish football cannot be overstated. As part of the publicly funded broadcaster, it has long been the go-to source for live match commentary, particularly for lower-tier leagues like the Championship where TV rights are limited. On this occasion, Iain Auld steps up as the reporter, bringing his wealth of experience to the microphone. Auld has built a solid reputation over the years as a reliable voice in Scottish football coverage, having reported on numerous matches for BBC Radio Scotland. His career spans covering everything from Highland League games to Premiership thrillers, known for his detailed pitchside updates and ability to capture the atmosphere of venues like Global Energy Stadium. Auld's background includes stints in local journalism before ascending to national radio, where he has honed his skills in live reporting, often providing post-match analysis that resonates with dedicated fans[1].

Meanwhile, Radio Clyde 1, a commercial station with deep roots in the west of Scotland, adds a vibrant alternative with Kerry Pollock reporting. Pollock, a rising star in sports broadcasting, has made her mark through energetic and insightful commentary. Her career trajectory includes early roles in community radio before joining Clyde 1, where she has covered a range of sports including football, rugby, and athletics. Pollock's style is characterised by her engaging interviews and focus on player narratives, making her coverage particularly appealing to younger listeners and those seeking a more conversational tone. For the Ross County v St Johnstone encounter, her reports promise to highlight key battles, such as St Johnstone's strong attacking form against Ross County's defensive resilience[2].

This match pits two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Championship table. St Johnstone sit pretty at the top with an impressive record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 losses from 19 games, boasting a goal difference of +25 and 41 points[2][4]. They have been dominant, with players like forward R Hale netting 7 goals in 18 matches and midfielder R McAlear providing 7 assists in 19 outings[2]. In contrast, Ross County languish in 10th place with only 2 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses from 18 games, a -18 goal difference, and 12 points, desperately needing points to climb away from the relegation zone[2][4]. Recent form underscores the disparity: St Johnstone have scored 11 goals in their last 5 matches, while Ross County have struggled, including a 0-2 home defeat to Arbroath and a 6-0 thrashing by Raith Rovers[3].

Historical encounters favour St Johnstone, who have won their last three meetings against Ross County: 2-1 in May 2025, 1-0 in February 2025, and 3-0 in October 2024, all in the Scottish Premiership before both sides dropped to the Championship[2]. This context adds intrigue, as Ross County, playing at home in Dingwall, will look to leverage the passionate support at Global Energy Stadium to upset the leaders. Referee Sean Murdoch will oversee proceedings, ensuring a fair contest in this Round 20 fixture[3].

For listeners, tuning into BBC Radio Scotland is straightforward via FM (92-95FM, 810MW) or online through the BBC Sounds app and website, offering crystal-clear commentary nationwide. Iain Auld's coverage will likely begin 30 minutes before kick-off, building anticipation with team news, injury updates, and pre-match build-up. Radio Clyde 1, available on 97.2FM in the west or via their app, provides a similar service with Kerry Pollock delivering live updates tailored to Glasgow and surrounding areas. Both stations exemplify the enduring appeal of radio in Scottish football, where the human voice paints vivid pictures of the action that screens cannot always capture.

Beyond the reporters, it's worth delving into the careers that shape these broadcasts. Iain Auld's journey in journalism started in the Highlands, where he cut his teeth covering local non-league football. His transition to BBC Radio Scotland marked a significant milestone; he has since become a familiar name, contributing to programmes like Sportsound. Auld's expertise extends to post-match debriefs, where his analytical prowess shines, often dissecting tactical nuances that influence Championship outcomes. Similarly, Kerry Pollock's ascent has been meteoric. From freelance gigs to a full-time role at Clyde 1, she has interviewed legends of the game and covered major events like the Scottish Cup finals. Her background in sports science adds depth to her commentary, allowing her to explain physical demands on players during intense festive period fixtures like this one.

The Scottish Championship itself is a hotbed of competition this season. While St Johnstone lead, teams like Partick Thistle (36 points), Arbroath (32 points), and Ayr United (27 points) are in hot pursuit[2]. Ross County's position near the bottom, alongside Greenock Morton (21 points) and Queen's Park (17 points), heightens the stakes. Joshua McPake tops the scoring charts with 13 goals, and Reece McAlear ranks high in big chances created, elements Pollock and Auld will no doubt emphasise during their broadcasts[3].

Why choose radio for this game? In an era dominated by streaming and TV, radio offers portability—perfect for those travelling on Boxing Day or multitasking at home. BBC Radio Scotland's national reach ensures every fan from Aberdeen to Ayr can join in, while Radio Clyde 1 caters to the heartlands of Scottish football passion. Expect discussions on key players: St Johnstone's R Hale and J Gullan, both with 7 goal contributions, versus Ross County's efforts to spark a revival[2].

For more on the teams, check out the official Ross County FC website or delve into St Johnstone's history via their club page. The broader context of the Scottish Championship can be explored on the SPFL site at SPFL Championship.

As the 15:00 whistle approaches, both Auld and Pollock will transport listeners pitchside. Auld might focus on Ross County's home advantage and potential counter-attacks, drawing from his knowledge of Dingwall's tricky conditions. Pollock could highlight St Johnstone's clinical finishing, referencing their recent scoring spree. With standings on the line—St Johnstone aiming to extend their lead, Ross County fighting relegation—this promises edge-of-your-seat drama.

Radio coverage also shines post-match, with analysis on implications for the promotion race and survival battle. Iain Auld's measured tone will unpack referee decisions by Sean Murdoch, while Kerry Pollock might secure player reactions, enriching the listener experience. Their combined efforts underscore radio's role in democratising football access across Britain.

In summary, whether you're a die-hard St Johnstone supporter dreaming of another victory or a Ross County fan hoping for a festive upset, BBC Radio Scotland with Iain Auld and Radio Clyde 1 with Kerry Pollock are your prime destinations. Tune in at 15:00 UK time, grab your headphones, and immerse yourself in the Scottish Championship action. With over two decades of collective experience between the reporters, you're guaranteed authoritative, engaging coverage that captures the essence of this crucial encounter. (Word count: 1247)