You might think of a community hero as someone who fights for the good of their neighborhood — but the story of Margaret “Big Mags” Haney flips that idea on its head. The BBC recently dropped a new six-part podcast called The Ballad of Big Mags, diving deep into the life of this controversial Scottish woman who lived a double life.
From Community Campaigner to Crime Queenpin
Big Mags became a media sensation back in 1997 when she led a successful campaign to drive a convicted child sex offender out of the Raploch housing estate in Stirling. She even appeared on the daytime TV show Kilroy, where she spoke passionately about the “paedophile panic” sweeping the UK at the time.
Her public image as a tough, protective community leader made her a household name, and she was often seen at protests across Scotland fighting against child abuse.
But while she played the role of the neighborhood’s protector, behind the scenes, things were very different.
Running a Heroin Empire from Her Council Flat
In reality, Big Mags was the head of a ruthless heroin trafficking ring, reportedly pulling in about £1,000 a day. Her council flat, nicknamed “Fortress Haney” or “Haney’s hotel,” became the hub for selling around £24,000 worth of heroin each month.
Even more shocking: she involved her own family in the operation. Children and grandchildren were part of the drug trade that operated right under the nose of the community she claimed to protect.
The Fall and the Family’s Sentences
Her criminal activities were exposed by an undercover journalist, and in 2003 she was sentenced to 12 years in prison for running the heroin ring.
She wasn’t alone — several family members were arrested and tried as well.
Her daughter Diane received nine years, her son Hugh got five, and her niece Roseann was sentenced to seven.
The judge, Lady Smith, made it clear Big Mags was the mastermind behind the whole operation.
The Family’s Perspective and Aftermath
At the time, Mags’ granddaughter Cassie was only 10 years old.
She remembers the day her family was taken away vividly: “I went to school that morning, and when I came home, they just weren’t there,” she told the BBC.
She also reflects on the harsh public attitudes back then — people had little sympathy, thinking, “You made your bed, now lie in it.”
But Cassie says that while her grandmother’s crimes are undeniable, there’s more to the story.
She believes you can recognize Mags’ wrongdoing but still see her as a caring grandmother.
Exploring Bigger Issues Through One Woman’s Story
Journalist Myles Bonnar, who worked on the podcast, says the series isn’t just about Big Mags herself but also about wider social issues: mob justice, poverty, community tensions, and how someone can become a media personality — for better or worse.
He explained, “Many people only know parts of the story.
This podcast offers a full picture of how she rose to fame and eventually became infamous when her criminal life was revealed.”
Controversy Surrounding the Podcast
Not everyone is happy about the BBC’s decision to spotlight Big Mags again.
A spokesperson from BBC Scotland acknowledged the story’s complicated history and the mixed reactions it has provoked.
Scottish Conservative shadow minister Murdo Fraser criticized the move, saying many will question why the BBC is giving airtime to a figure who used her celebrity to hide serious crime — especially when budgets are tight and license fees are under scrutiny.
Where to Listen
If you want to hear the full story and decide for yourself, The Ballad of Big Mags is available now on BBC Sounds.