Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Angela Jackson about her novel 'The Darlings' (published by Lightning Books). Coming 7 years after Angela's acclaimed debut 'The Emergence of Judy Taylor', 'The Darlings' is a honest and insightful novel about the lasting psychological effects of childhood trauma, and our need for unconditional love. Angela goes into detail about what inspired the bo...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Scotland's National Chef, and MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Gary Maclean to talk about his fantastic new cookbook 'Scottish Kitchen' (published by Black & White Publishing). The book itself is a hymn to Scottish cookery and produce, and Gary talks about the inspirations behind it, the process involved in writing a cookbook, his determination to...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali was joined by musician and writer Ruarri Joseph to talk about his novel William the Conqueror, as well as his band of the same name. The two talk about the links between the novel and Ruarri's songs, how the band came about after his solo career, how carefully he considers the thoughts of his younger self, the semi-autobiographical nature of the novel, and how it ca...

For the latest SWH! podcast, Ali caught up with writer, academic, and Alasdair Gray biographer (and old pal of Scots Whay Hae!) Rodge Glass to hear all about the 2nd International Alasdair Gray Conference, which will be on 16th – 17th June 2022. Rodge gives details of the conference, including how to register and get involved, and just what will be going on and where. He also talks about the organ...

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about Bella Caledonia and the new Anthology of writing from the years 2007 - 2021. To discuss all things Bella, Ali is joined by founder and editor Mike Small as well as contributors, writer Neil Cooper, writer and performer Dougie Strang, and academic Alison Phipps. They talk about the beginnings of Bella Caledonia, the aims and ideas behind it, each pers...

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to writer Ryan O'Connor about his debut novel The Voids (out now, published by Scribe Publications). Ryan talks about the autobiographical nature of The Voids, why he set it in Glasgow, but also the reasons it could have been set elsewhere, the influences on his work - both literary and other - the fine judgment required in introducing humour to dark tales, th...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his latest novel The Heretic, which is a follow up to the award-winning The Quaker. Liam joined us all the way from his home in New Zealand to discuss the challenges in writing a sequel to such a successful book, capturing the attitudes of the mid-seventies and making them relatable to modern readers, the im...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet, linguist, translator, and musician Anne Pia to discuss her life and work, and her forthcoming book which she is working on at the moment. The two talk about poetry, memoir, translations, food, music, migration, lockdown, and a whole lot more. They also look at the themes which run through all. her work, which include identity, belonging, family, and l...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to translator, poet, (and, in his own words, "recovering academic") Brian Holton to talk about his latest book, 'Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds: Li Bai an Du Fu in Scots', which is available now with Taproot Press. Brian translates modern and classical Chinese poetry, and fiction, and this collection is his translations of poetry by two of the most renowned...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet and writer Andrés N. Ordorica about his wonderful debut collection 'At Least This I Know', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the themes the poetry examines - particularly that of belonging - the structure of the book and the story that emerges, the influence of Edwin Morgan, and the importance of colour to Andrés's life and work. Andrés al...

The latest SWH! podcast in collaboration with Scottish Opera is an interview with soprano, and Scottish Opera Emerging Artist, Catriona Hewitson ahead of the latest production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', where she will be Tytania. It opens with three performances at Theatre Royal Glasgow on February 22, before transferring to Festival Theatre Edinburgh for a further three performances, and it...

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to MSP and writer Alasdair Allan about his book 'Tweed Rins Tae the Ocean', which follows Alasdair and friends as they walk along the Scottish Borders from east coast to west. Along the way we not only learn about the places and people they encounter, but also about the rich history, literature, and language of these often debated lands. So much more than just anot...

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2022 Ali speaks to journalist, cultural commentator, and music biographer Graeme Thomson to talk all about his latest book, 'Themes For Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds', which concentrates on the early years and albums of one of Scotland's most successful and lauded bands. The two talk about the unusual working methods of the band, the many chan...

For the latest in our Best of 2021 podcasts it's all about music, with Ali joined by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and champion of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. The two have picked 10 of their favourite to represent a fantastic year of Scottish music.  There's great songs and singers, pop, jazz, hip-hop, indie, electronica, folk, and more, and it was such a pleasure to take a trip ba...

In a year when cinemas remain closed for the first few months, we did once again worry we wouldn't have that much to talk about when it came to the Best Films of 2021, and once again we were wrong. Because film found a way, with many memorable releases making it onto cinema screens as well as on the increasing variety of streaming services. To celebrate that, and all things film, Chris Ward, Wesle...

For the first of our Best of 2021 podcast it's about all things bookish as Ali is once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly. The two look at the themes and trends of the year, the notable debuts, poetry, publishing, crime, memoirs and non-fiction, the return of some notable names, and a whole lot more. They also look ahead to 2022 to see what's coming in the year ahead. It's a podcas...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali talks to one of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite singer/songwriters, Annie Booth, to mark the release of her latest album 'Lazybody'. The two discuss how Annie feels to have a new record out, how it came to be, the differences between playing in a band and working solo, working with producer/musician Chris McCrory, the importance of collaboration, the exciting current st...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Charlie Roy about her debut novel 'THE BROKEN PANE', which we consider one of the books of the year so far. The two discuss why this was the story Charlie wanted to tell, how the structure of the novel developed, her close relationship with, and the duty of care she felt for, her central character 'Tam', the importance of redrafting, creatin...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer C. F. Peterson about his new novel 'The Purified', available now - published by Scotland Street Press. It's the second in the Duncul series following on from 2017's 'Errant Blood'. The two talk about the challenges of writing a sequel, setting the books in the Scottish Highlands, Calum's approach to writing, the writers who influence him, and working...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer George Paterson about his debut novel 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter', available on 21st October 2021 - published by Into Books. The two discuss what inspired George to write this novel, the influence of all things American, specific influences, American literature, the importance of film with regard to the way the book was written,...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer Iain Maloney (live from Japan!), and Angela and Paul Docherty from his publishers Liminal Ink. The main reason is to talk about Iain's new novella 'Life is Elsewhere/Burn Your Flags', a terrific, timeless, treatise on what happens when love dies, set against the specific backdrop of COVID. However, the conversation also covers the relationship...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and returning guest, Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest novel 'Case Study' (published by Saraband). As with all of Graeme's books there's a lot to discuss, and the conversation turns to the life and work of R.D. Laing, the importance of research, the structure of the novel, how Graeme approaches writing, the excitement of writing a controversial...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Charles E McGarry about his new novel 'The Mystery of the Strange Piper', the latest in the 'Leo Moran Mysteries'. We consider Leo Moran to be one of the most memorable literary characters of recent times, and the two discuss how Leo came to be, the inspirations behind him and the series, the supernatural aspect, Leo Moran's moral and aesthetic sensi...

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to music historian and writer Stewart Smith about Jazz at the Third Eye , the multi-media project exploring Glasgow’s visionary arts centre which launches on October 22nd, 2021. Stewart talks about how the project came about and his involvement, the central role of the Centre's director Tom McGrath, some of the musicians and other artists who appeared there, a...

For the latest podcast Ali speaks to sculptor Oliver Cook and painter Calum McClure about their exhibitions at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh (2nd-25th September). 'Exploring the relationship between light and movement and the translucent properties of alabaster through sculptural forms and everyday objects, Oliver Cook’s work challenges the viewer to reconsider their preconceptions of sculptur...