Scots Whay Hae!

For our Best Books of 2018 podcast Ali was once again joined by Book Vikki herself, Publishing Scotland’s Vikki Reilly to discuss their favourite books of the year and the state of Scottish publishing, try to identify the themes and trends of the last 12 months, forget the names of things (mostly Ali, to be fair), look into what's coming in the new year, and explain why 2018 belonged to Muriel. It...

For the latest podcast Ali visited LP Records in Glasgow's West End to talk to LP himself, Lorenzo Pacitti. The two talk about the history of his LP Record store, the move into becoming a label, (releasing music from Wesley A. Chung, American Clay, and Codist), and his plans to start LP Radio, a station which will be based in the store. There are also tales of Nicki Minaj, the vital role of darts...

For the latest podcast Ali met up with poet and writer Donald S. Murray to talk about this novel 'As The Women Lay Dreaming' which examines the Iolaire disaster of 1919 and why the story of one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters remains largely unknown outside of the Highlands & Islands. The two discuss the impact this terrible event has had on a community through the generations, and also...

"For the latest podcast Ali went through to Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh to talk to musician David Luximon-Herbert, better known as Vive La Rose, about his latest album 'For She Who Hangs The Moon', which is destined to be one of the best records of 2018. The two talk about the making of the record, influences, themes, tone, the expectations David has, and the critical reaction so far. As well as...

"For the latest podcast Ali spoke to the writer Chris McQueer about his latest collection of short stories, 'HWFG'. If you haven't heard of or read Chris' work, where have you been? His previous book, 'Hings' took the world of Scottish writing by storm announcing a fresh and exciting new voice. 'HWFG', ('Here We Fucking Go', if you haven't worked it out yet), sees him build on the success of 'Hing...

For our 100th podcast we thought long and hard about who to ask and we kept coming back to one name, Mr Vic Galloway. With the recent publication of his superb book Rip It Up: The Story Of Scottish Pop, written to coincide with the National Museum of Scotland’s exhibition and the TV show of the same name, it seems fitting to talk to a man who helps shape the nation's musical tastes.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with musician Carla J. Easton to talk about her new album 'Impossible Stuff', which is released on the 5th October on Olive Grove Records. As well as explaining the Canadian roots of the record Carla talks about the importance of home, her many collaborations, her musical history, Teen Canteen, and the documentary she is working on with Blair Young about w...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer & director May Miles Thomas about her incredible film 'Voyageuse' and the issues and themes it addresses such as family, ageing, grief, and much more. However, the two also discuss different approaches to making film, May's previous projects, using setbacks as inspiration, the problem in getting heard in a crowded market, and the primary importance of sto...

For the latest podcast Ali met up with the American novelist Andy Davidson before his event at The Edinburgh International Book Festival. In an ironically dreich Charlotte Square the two discuss Andy's terrific debut novel 'In The Valley Of The Sun' which is out now on the Contraband imprint of Saraband books, and which is one of the best of the year so far. It's a fascinating chat about influence...

After our Dundee podcast Ali moves up the coast to Aberdeen to talk to Charley Buchan from Fitlike Records, writer Shane Strachan, and Mood Of Collapse blogger Jon Reid. The three talk about the changes in Aberdeen's arts and cultural community, the influence of the city's educational and civic insitutions, the importance of spaces and places, graduate and talent drain, what inspires them to do wh...

For the latest podcast Ali visited Dundee to talk about all things artistic and cultural in relation to that great city. To do so he was joined by the co-founding director of Creative Dundee Gillian Easson, the writer and playwrite (and long term supporter of SWH!) Anna Stewart, and the TV and theatre actor, (currently on the brilliant 'The Terror' on AMC) Gordon Morris. All three are proud Dundon...

In the latest podcast we look at the life and work of Muriel Spark with our guest Dr Colin McIlroy who is the Muriel Spark Project Curator at the National Library of Scotland, and who was instrumental in their recent The International Style of Muriel Spark Exhibition. This year is the centenary of the birth of Spark, and the exhibition was just part of the #MurielSpark100 celebrations which are on...

For the latest podcast Ali met up with writer Helen McClory at Edinburgh's Fruitmarket Gallery to talk about her life as a writer to date - and a very interesting story it proves to be. From studying creative writing in Sydney and Glasgow, to winning awards for her debut short story collection 'On The Edges Of Vision', walking Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson's dog, the difficult publication of her no...

For the lastest podcast, Ali spoke to Aye Write! Book Festival programmer, Bob McDevitt in Glasgow's CCA (which explains the background 'atmosphere'). They discuss the history of the festival, what to expect this year, Bob's personal highlights, the challenges of festival programming, his similar role for Bloody Scotland and the Pitlochry Winter Words Festival, and much, much more. There is also m...

For the first podcast of 2018 Ali went to Edinburgh to talk to Heather McDaid and Laura Jones who are behind the innovative and acclaimed publishers 404 Ink. They talk about their inspirations and the reasons for starting working together, the phenomenon of their first book 'Nasty Women', the desire to publish new voices, the importance of social media and different methods of funding, the role of...

For latest podcast Ali met writer, broadcaster and food expert Rachel McCormack at Glasgow's Iberica restaurant to talk about her recent book on whisky and Scotland, the excellent 'Chasing The Dram: Finding The Spirit Of Whisky'. Over a glass of wine, the two discuss Rachel's book, their first memories of whisky, the perception of the drink at home and abroad, the mythology which has grown around...

This year we are recording three separate Best Of 2017 podcasts, one each for film and music, (which you can still hear), and this, Part III, which concentrates on the best books of the year, and all things literary. Catching up at the fabulous Lighthouse Bookshop, Ali chats with Birlinn Ltd and Polygon Books' very own Vikki Reilly about the highs-and lows of the year in Scottish publishing, as we...

This year we are recording three separate Best Of 2017 podcasts, one each for film, music, and books. For the first two, Ali and Ian are once again joined by irregular podcast guest and resident film expert Chris Ward, and Scottish music man & manager, Wesley Shearer. In this, Part II, we concentrate on the year in music, beginning with the best Scottish music of 2017 (many of whom appear on Track...

This year we are recording three separate Best Of 2017 podcasts, one each for film, music, and books. For the first two, Ali and Ian were once again joined by irregular podcast guest and resident film expert Chris Ward, and Scottish music man manager Wesley Shearer. In this, Part I, we concentrate on the films of 2017, and give you some recommendations. As usual, Ali kicks things off talking about...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet.

For the latest podcast Ali talks to Peter Mackie Burns, the director of critically acclaimed new British film 'Daphne', starring Emily Beecham in the title role, and which has Geraldine James among the support. The two talk about the film, the collaborative process of building the central character, the importance of place, the influences on the film, Burns' earlier work, and how he got to this st...

On the latest podcast Ali spoke to journalist Peter Ross about the follow up to his 2014 book, 'Daunderlust: Dispatches From Unreported Scotland', 'The Passion Of Harry Bingo: Further Dispatches From Unreported Scotland'. Peter goes into some of the dispatches in detail as the two discuss how Scottish football may be a microcosm of Scottish life, the importance of tradition, how to be accepted in...

The latest podcast is an interview with one of our favourite guests, the writer Louise Welsh. Her latest novel, 'No Dominion', is the final part in her Plague Times Trilogy which began back in 2014 (not five years ago as Ali suggests) with 'A Lovely Way To Burn', and continued with 'Death Is A Welcome Guest'. The conversation touches on the central themes in the trilogy which include family, moral...

In the latest podcast Ali talks to writer J. David Simons, initially about his latest novel 'A Woman Of Integrity' but also his 'Glasgow To Galilee' trilogy and one of Ali's favourite novels, 'An Exquisite Sense Of What Is Beautiful'. Talk also turns to life as a writer in the present day, the problems with publishing and promotion, and there are questions from a very special reader/listener. All...

For the latest podcast, Ali headed to Edinburgh to talk to poet, writer and musician, Andrew Greig. The first topic of conversation is 'Clean By Rain', the CD of spoken word and music Andrew has recorded with musician Brian Michie. As you'll hear, music has played a large part in Andrew's life, and this latest project (& his next) provide a wonderful symmetry to his life so far. The two also talk...