Scots Whay Hae!

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 novel 'Flesh Of The Peach', writing about Jeff Goldblum, to her latest collection of short fiction 'Mayhem & Death', it is fascinating tale, and one which will be of interest to anyone who loves writing and reading.

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 mention of 'Men In Kilts'. As a precursor to Aye Write! 2018 it's the perfect listen, especially when married to the SWH! preview which is over at the website right now. SWH! is delighted to be involved in some of this year's events, so hopefully see you there.

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 music, mixing content and contributors, and why the live experience is increasingly important for writers and publishers. For anyone interested in books, writers, writing and culture in general, which surely must be all of you reading this, it is a must listen. All this, and Jeff Goldblum too.

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 it, and how it relates to Scotland, and a whole lot more. Put simply, she separates the truth from the fiction, and there is plenty of both when it comes to our original national drink.

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 well as offering their recommendations and suggestions for the best books 2017.

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 Of My Year: SWH!'s 10 Best Songs Of 2017 or on SWH!'s Best of 2017 Spotify list), before we discuss what else tickled our fancy and made our hearts fly.

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 his favourite Scottish films of the year, including T2: Trainspotting, Daphne, Benny, The End Of The Game, Lost In France before Chris and Wesley widen the discussion out to talk about the best films they have seen in the last 12 months.

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 stage in his career. It's a fascinating insight into the film-making process and much more.

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 as diverse places as a grouse shoot and a sex shop, and so much more. Even then they only touch upon a handful of the stories told, so if you want to know the rest you're going to have to read the book.

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, morality, society, and what could happen in the face of a global pandemic threat. Just the usual. There is also talk of ghost stories and opera. What more do you want from a podcast?

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 this and much more on what is podcast #82.

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 about his poetry and prose, particularly 'Fair Helen', which prompts a musical interlude. It was an absolute pleasure talking to Andrew, and we hope you have similar feelings listening to him.

The latest podcast is a fascinating conversation with two previous podcast guests, the writer and artists Alasdair Gray, and the driving force being Songs For Scotland, Kevin Brown. Kevin is curating an exhibition of Alasdair's art at London's Coningsby Gallery, and he tells us all about it, while Alasdair discusses what inspired him to illustrate his writing, his previous exhibitions, the importance of public art, and much more, including his latest project. As always, it's a pleasure to spend time in both men's company, and we hope you think the same.

In the latest podcast, Ali and Ian met up with writer Douglas Skelton to talk initially about his Dominic Queste novels, "The Dead Dont Boogie" and "Tag - You're Dead", but the discussion touches upon so much more. They talk about Douglas's Davie McCall series, his journalism and non-fiction, the importance of secondary characters, Glasgow's fascination with crime, the influence of Ed McBain, Shane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and the greatest TV show of all time (TM), Hill Street Blues. It is a must hear for anyone with an interest in crime writing, but will also appeal to a much wider audience, just as Douglas Skelton's novels do.

The latest podcast is a sister to our recent interview with Pat and Jim Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies. It is a live recording of the launch of the book featuring readings and music. We were going to edit it but could not bring ourselves to leave any one or any song out, so this is the full director's cut. Enjoy.

In the latest podcast Ali talks to Jim and Pat Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies, a music and literary project which has writers and poets collected together as well as collaborating with Jim on accompanying songs. You'll not only hear all about the project, its beginnings and how it has grown, but there are also a couple of examples of the songs as well as Samina reading her short story, Taxi. It is a fascinating undertaking which deserves to be read and heard by as many people as possible.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer David Keenan about his novel This Is Memorial Device. Anyone who has read the Scots Whay Hae! review of the book (on the website now) will know how highly we rate it, and it's fascinating to hear David talk about the influences behind it, why it was always going to be an Airdrie novel, the reasons the book is structured as it is, and so much more. We're calling it one of the most interesting and engaging podcasts yet, but listen for yourselves and see if that's a bold claim or not.

The latest podcast is a timely one as Ali talks to director and cinematographer Lou McLoughlan in the week this year's Glasgow Film Festival begins (and there's a preview of that over at Scots Whay Hae!). Lou discusses her film '16 Years Till Summer', an astonishing documentary which was critically acclaimed by audiences and festival panels alike. She then discusses the pros and cons of documentary making in Scotland, and how the reception abroad can differ widely from that at home. It all makes for a fascinating listen for anyone interested in film.*Recorded in Glasgow's Project Cafe, there is quite a bit of background noise to being with and we hope that doesn't impede your enjoyment.

In our Burnscast for 2017, Ali and Ian travelled to the heart of Burns' country in Ayrshire to talk to the writer Catherine Czerkawska about her novel, 'The Jewel', which examines Burns relationship with his wife Jean Armour, from Jean's point of view. It is a story rarely told, and what follows is an hour of fascinating chat about Jean and Robert which focuses on the reality of family life rather than in the mythology which surrounded, and continues to attach itself to, Burns. There's also a little bit of poetry. It is Burns Night after all.