Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Graeme Armstrong about his novel 'The Young Team' and a whole lot more. 'The Young Team' is not just one of the books of the year, but one of the best in many a year, and it was fascinating to get an insight into how it came to be and hear how Graeme's life as a writer has developed. The two talk about literary influences, the importance of language,...

For the latest podcast Ali was joined by writer and journalist Peter Ross to talk about his latest book 'A Tomb With A View'. It was the first one recorded face-to-face since Lockdown began (maintaining the required distance, of course) and it was a real pleasure to be able to chat to Peter in person. If you want to know about the book you'll have listen to the pod, but suffice to say it's a lovel...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer John Scott about his memoir 'To The Woods: A Journey Along The Appalachian Trail', which could be described as 'Zen and the Art of Trail Walking' such is the thought and detail involved. John's long walk was 20 years ago, and he reflects on the reasons for taking time out to undertake such a challenge, his complex love/hate affair with the USA, the charac...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Kirstin Innes about her latest novel 'Scabby Queen'. The two discuss the origins of the title and why it fits with the structure of the book, where the initial idea came from, the importance of close-editing in a non-linear narrative, and how the central character of Clio Campbell drives events despite being absent for much of the book. Kirstin also talks...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with the composer and producer Paul McGeechan to talk about the latest Starless album Earthbound, out now with Last Night From Glasgow. Paul explains the origins behind Starless and how it has developed through the initial spark, through the recording of 2016's Starless album, bringing it to the stage, how it has progressed into Earthbound, and the plans f...

For the last of the Braidwood Brothers podcasts Ali caught up once more with brother Andy to discuss their favourite music on the 2010s, (following previous podcasts looking at the '80s, '90s, '00s). It's a fascinating chat about the records that have meant the most to them over the last ten years (at least on the day of recording) and they both pick a bonus album which they would put forward for...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to the writer Tom Gillespie about 'The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce', which is published this month. It's one of the most inventive and involving novels SWH! has read in some time, and it was fascinating to talk about what inspired Tom to write this book, and the themes and ideas it addresses (all the while carefully avoiding spoilers!). The two discuss the importan...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Reyah Martin, who was the winner of the Canada & Europe region of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Reyah gives us some background to the prize and how she got involved. She also discusses the inspiration behind her winning story 'Wherever Mister Jensen Went', and why it caught the eye of the judges. The two also discuss the novel she is working on...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to author, poet, and academic Mandy Haggith about 'The Lyre Dancers', the third and final novel of the Stone Stories Trilogy, which was recently published with Saraband Books. Mandy talks about the historical origins of the trilogy, the incredible story of Pytheas, what inspired the books, why they were always going to be set in the Iron Age, and the importance of...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Warren McIntyre, frontman and leader of Starry Skies - one of our favourite bands. He was on to talk about their forthcoming album, and the release of the second single 'Here Comes The Moon'. Warren is a man steeped in music, and he discusses his own career, as well as why he loves to promote and support live music. He even gives us a couple of acoust...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Scott Hames who lectures in Scottish Literature at the University of Stirling. The reason was to talk about Scott's fascinating book 'The Literary Politics of Scottish Devolution', and look in some detail at the themes and ideas he addresses. The book's subtitle is 'Voice, Class, Nation' and Scott sets out the relationship between the three. It's a fa...

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali and his brother Andy got back together once again, virtually speaking, to talk music. Following previous pod chats about their favourite Scottish records of the 1980s and ’90s, this time round it's the '00s, and they each pick 10 Scottish records from that decade and discuss what they mean to them, and why.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Olga Wojtas about her novels Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Golden Samover and Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Vampire Menace (both published on the Contraband imprint of Saraband Books). Olga is one of warmest, wittiest, and downright readable writers around, and it was such a pleasure to be able to chat about her writing, the influences...

For the latest podcast we spoke to journalist and writer Joe Donnelly about his book 'Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives'. Joe is a gaming enthusiast and mental health advocate and 'Checkpoint' considers the intersections of video games and mental health, and explores his belief that the interactive nature of games makes them uniquely placed to educate and inform....

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcome back writer, storyteller, and mountaineer John Burns who was a guest previously when he talked about his novel 'Sky Dance' as well as his fascinating life. During that chat he mentioned his one-man show about infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, and we thought we had to talk to him again to learn more about this controversial historical figure. If you thought...

For the latest SWH! podcast the Braidwood brothers got back together following their previous chat about their favourite Scottish records of the 1980s to talk about what they were listening to in the 90s. Once again they pick 10 records from the decade and discuss what they mean to them, and why. With one in Aberdeen for much of that time, and the other in Glasgow, it's interesting to learn how th...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Alan Parks about his latest Harry McCoy thriller, Bobby March Will Live Forever. The two discuss the world of Harry McCoy and those who share it, the importance of returning characters, why he set the novels in 1970s Glasgow, the city's complex relationship with crime and its criminals, the inspirations for Bobby March, and why he is unlikely to writ...

Please forgive the indulgence, but for our first podcast using Zoom Ali caught up with Braemar Gallery owner and gig-promoter Andy Braidwood, who just happens to be his brother. The primary reason was to see if this worked as a way to podcast, but also for the two to catch up and talk about the most influential Scottish music of their formative years. Each pick ten albums or EPs from before 1990 w...

For the latest podcast SWH! spoke to documentary filmmaker Darren Hercher about his film Dooman, which airs on BBC Scotland on Tuesday 31st March, 10pm. Shot against the striking backdrop of Inverclyde, Hercher looks at the world of 'doo-flyers' in Greenock, and he explains why he took on the project, the relationships involved, the importance of getting beyond his own - and viewers - initial expe...

For the latest podcast SWH! caught up with writer Vicki Jarrett to talk about her latest novel Always North (out now, published by Unsung Stories). As Vicki explains, it's a story that has been over 10 years in the telling from the inspiration of an unforgettable video to final publication. She discusses the themes and ideas which are at the book's heart, the vital role of her central character an...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Cammy and Raindeer from one of SWH!'s favourite bands, Mitchell Museum. The two were on to discuss their latest album Skinny Tricks, which is out on Scottish Fiction on the 15th May. With bassist Kris unfortunately sidelined, the brothers talked about the themes and inspirations behind the album, the dangers of unexpected national radio play, the collaborative n...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to actor and producer Carina Birrell all about 'Harry Birrell Presents Films of Love & War' ahead of its broadcast on BBC Scotland on 17th March. The film was a labour of love for Carina as Harry is her grandfather, and the film centres on his astonishing film footage and diaries. The conversation touches on how the film came to be, Harry's love of film and hi...

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to Associate Chorus Master and repetiteur, Susannah Wapshott. Susannah joined the company in 2008, and there are few people better placed to give an insight and overview to the workings of Scottish Opera. She discusses her various roles and the extensive collaboration involved. She also explains how her career has unfolde...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Iain Maloney. A visit from Iain is always a special occasion as he resides in Japan, and his latest book, The Only Gaijin In The Village, is all about his experiences of moving to and living in another country, and coming to terms with the resulting clash of cultures. Maloney may be better known as a novelist, but the The Only G...

For the latest in our series of Glasgow Film Festival 2020 podcasts Ali spoke to director Josh David Jordan, actor & producer Jessica Marie Jordan, and actor & musician Greg Schroeder about their film 'This World Won't Break'. As you'll hear, this is an incredibly personal film for all of those involved, and they explain why this is, why no-one but Greg was going to play the central character of W...