Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest, and last, of this year's Scots Whay Hae! Fringe Preview podcasts Ali spoke to musician and storyteller Kirsty Law about her show Scotland Unsung, which is going to be at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile from the 20th-24th August.Kirsty talks about the structure of the show, why she picked the songs she has, the happy accident of having an Edinburgh focus, the influence of Virginia Woolf's classic novel Orlando: A Biography, and why she considers The Scottish Storytelling Centre a home from home.The two also discuss the chequered and complex history of how Scottish ballads and songs have been regarded over the years (and why), and look at perceptions of Scottish culture more widely.It's always a pleasure to talk to Kirsty Law, and this conversation should whet your appetite for what sounds like a magical musical show, one which looks at the rich tradition of Scottish folk music, songs, and stories, with a fresh eye.For full details, including all the ways to listen

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Andy Bollen about his latest book Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis, a timely publication - out now with Polygon Books.Although this book is ostensibly about the band, it's actually part-memoir concerning Andy's life in and around music, as well as an overview of British, and particularly Scottish, culture in the '90s.The two talk about public perceptions of Oasis, their own initial thoughts, the pros and cons of Britpop, the changing face of indie, the lost art of A&R, their own musical memories across that decade, and much, much more.At the heart of this story is the infamous night at Glasgow venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - 31st May 1993 - where, to over simplify hugely, Oasis were spotted by Creation Records' Alan McGee.It's one of those occasions where if everyone who said they were there actually was it would have broken the laws of physics, and a number of myths and legends have

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the third of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.First of all actor, writer and theatre maker James Clements' tells us all about The Burns Project where we are promised "An immersive theatrical Burns experience like no other.". Without any spoilers, James talks about the research undertaken, how the show came together, working with director Cora Bissett, the extraordinary setting of The Drawing Room at The Georgian House, collaborating with the National Trust for Scotland, and much more.Then writer, performer (and regular guest on the SWH! podcast over the years) Alan Bissett talks about his show When Billy Met Alasdair where, using a photo of the occasion as the inspiration, Alan imagines the conversation between Billy Connolly and Alasdair Gray when they met at the launch of Alasdair's novel Lanark at the Third Eye Centre (now the CCA). He talks about creating a s

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.First of all writer/director Aoife Parr and composer and sound designer Tom Baines talked about their show Anatomy of Pain which is "An unflinching look at the NHS through the eyes of a young person’s struggle with a lifelong medical condition". That condition is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Aoife talks about the personal story which inspired this show before Tom and Aoife talk all about how they work together.Actor and writer Ruaraidh Murray then tells us about Colours Run, which "is a gritty dark comedy two-hander about a troubled Hibs casual Pongo and his brother Pete", written by Mikey Burnett. It's theatre company 4PLAY’s first Edinburgh Fringe Festival production and Ruaraidh details not only the play, but the work of 4PLAY as well.Connor McKenna is the writer/performer behind one-man show Seltzer Boy

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to music journalist, critic (and tour guide) Fiona Shepherd to talk about Glasgow's Greatest Hits: Tales From The City Of Music which is published by Polygon Books. Fiona co-authored the book with Alison Stroak and Jonathan Trew with whom she also founded Glasgow Music City Tours.Fiona talks about Glasgow's reputation and status as a City of Music (a title granted by UNESCO, no less) before the two talk about the structure of the book and breakdown the chapters, having a discussion on each one, with Fiona picking a few of her favourite stories and anecdotes along the way.Talk turns to subjects such as musical founding fathers and mothers, venues past and present, artists with a global reach, the independent scene, cult heroes, infamous gigs, club culture, and so much more, including what the future holds.There is so much to talk about in relation to Glasgow's Greatest Hits and in this podcast we only really manage to scratch the surface, but it work

For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include David Goodman - A Reluctant Spy, Natalie Jayne Clark - The Malt Whisky Murders, Foday Mannah - The Search for Othella Savage, Claire Wilson - Five By Five, and Richard Strachan - The Unrecovered.They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to what inspired these stories, approaching a debut, the importance of agents, the welcoming world of the crime fiction community, what being shortlisted brings, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland.There is also a fascinating chat about the ups and downs on the road to getting published, learning from rejections, and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published writer.It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his superb new novel The Good Father, which is published with Zaffre (and which is rightly longlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland McIlvanney Prize).It's a novel which is difficult to discuss without offering spoilers, but they just about manage it. After giving a brief description, Liam explained why this was right time for him to tell this story, and that while it felt easier than previous novels in terms of speed of writing, the subject matter was as challenging as anything he has undertaken to date.Liam then explained the epigraph from Robin Robertson, why he prefers to read poetry when writing fiction, the challenges in creating his characters (particularly the central figure of Gordon Rutherford), and why this is his most personal novel yet.The two then talk through the themes and ideas, the pacing and structure, and the very nature of writing about crime, before an in depth discussion

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year. The three shows discussed this time around are all part of the Made In Scotland Showcase, which has come to be a reliable mark of quality. First of all, Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge talk about These Mechanisms, "[...] a show treading the lines between dance, physical theatre, object manipulation and contemporary circus."Then Scottish dancer, choreographer, and multi-disciplinary artist Mark Bleakley discusses Stepping in… Spilling out which "[...] roots itself in Bleakley’s personal history of dance practice in Bboying (Breakdancing) and House to traverse the interlinking people, spaces, and memories that make up stepping as a culturally, historically, and emotionally layered motion."Finally, Indra Wilson talks about FLOAT, "a new autobiographical solo show about the lonely turbulence of experiencing pr

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Andrew Meehan to hear all about his latest novel Best Friends, which is published by Muswell Press.Andrew gave a brief synopsis before talking about where the initial idea came from, creating relatable and believable central characters in June Wylie and Ray Draper, the importance of coming to care for them and their relationship, why he wanted to avoid looking too far into the past, and capturing the pros and cons of relationships in later life.Andrew also read a passage from the book which will really give you an idea as to the tone and style of the writing, and the conversation also touches upon the importance of place, authentic language, and why this is ultimately a novel of hope.The two also discuss living alone, loneliness, growing up and growing old, hopefully with the same humour and warmth that is a mark of Andrew's novelBest Friends is a joyous and life-affirming read, destined to be one of the year's best, and it was such a pleasure to be able to t

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman who write together as Ambrose Parry to hear all about The Death of Shame - the fifth novel in the Raven and Fisher series - and much more.They talk about how they initially came to collaborate, something which brought together two distinct parts of their life; namely Chris's crime writing and Marisa's research for her master's degree in the History of Medicine.They then discuss the two central characters of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher and where they find themselves in The Death of Shame, the challenges of writing historical fiction, what makes Edinburgh the perfect location, the importance of using real people and events (but treating both with respect) and the parallels in the novel to the present day.The three then talk about the proliferation of crime festivals, including this year's Bloody Scotland, and why they are a joy to attend whether as writers, or readers. This is a warm and insightful conversati

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Natalie Jayne Clark to hear all about her debut novel, The Malt Whisky Murders which is published on the Polygon imprint of Birlinn.Natalie gives a reading from the book, before talking about the initial idea behind the novel, pitching that idea at Bloody Scotland, getting published, developing the central characters, creating a supporting cast, influences, the importance of place, and a lot more.A large part of the interview is about the two's shared love of whisky, and the central role the drink and the industry play, not only in the novel, but in Natalie's life more generally.Add to that a celebration of, and praise for, the work of Iain Banks and you have a personal and personable chat about more than a few of their favourite things, and it was a pleasure to head through to Perth to record it.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to poet Gordon Meade to hear all about this new collection of selected poems Beyond The Ninth Wave, which is published with the Into Poetry imprint of Into Books.Gordon gives a career overview, going back to his early interactions with poetry, his first experience of being published, and the extraordinary story which lead to his writing seriously and subsequent career.The two also discuss poetry more widely, the inspirations on - and the themes explored in - his work, the challenges in selecting the poems for this collection, and the joys of collaboration.All of this, and Gordon gives three fantastic readings. It's a warm and winning conversation with a writer taking time to reflect on his life and work, and it was a pleasure and privilege to be part of that conversation.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to comic book artist and writer Emily Brooks Millar to hear all about her new illustrated book Birddad. which is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign.The first comic book artist to appear on the SWH! podcast (we think!), Emily talks about how she came to work in the medium, the importance of the support and encouragement from those around her, the challenges faced, and her experiences in the genre.The two also discuss comics and graphic novels, and art more widely, getting published, influences, inspirations, collaborations, and much more.Also a fantastic painter (you can find examples of Emily's work on her website) this is a fascinating and far-reaching conversation about an area of the arts we have overlooked in the past, and as a result we believe it will be of interest to all.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Michael Pedersen, in the splendid surroundings of Glasgow's Mitchell Library, to talk about his debut novel Muckle Flugga, which is published with Faber & Faber.Michael describes the place and people of Muckle Flugga before talking about why this is the story he has told for his debut, explaining that the time was just right.He then breaks down the three central characters of The Father, his son Ouse, and the enigmatic interloper Firth, and what they each represent, which leads to a discussion of the themes which drive the novel.The conversation also touches on the influence of the Gothic tradition, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Scottish literature more widely. All of that plus language and lighthouse chat, and a brilliant reading from Michael.It was such a treat to be able to talk in depth to Michael Pedersen about this fantastic and life-affirming novel which is among the best debuts of recent times. The result is another memorable SW

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker Ciaran Lyons to hear all about his debut feature Tummy Monster, which is playing across UK cinemas in May.Ciaran talks about the audience reaction to the recent screening at the Glasgow Film Theatre, before describing the film, detailing why this story became his debut, the practicalities faced, expanding on the themes and ideas which drove it, and the collaboration necessary to realise his vision.He also explains the casting process, and how he came to his two leads in particular, before setting out just some of the influences on his work, and this film especially. It's an enthralling and informative conversation which will be of interest to anyone who loves film, and is interested in the realities and mechanics of what it takes to make it from page to screen. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Callum McSorley to talk about his new novel Paperboy, which is the sequel to his McIlvanney Prize winning debut Squeaky Clean, both published with Pushkin Vertigo.Callum explains the premise of Squeaky Clean to give listeners an idea of his original vision, before explaining the ways Paperboy builds on that celebrated novel and his approach to writing a sequel.He then talks about how much he loves writing these books, including the people, places, and their patter - a love of language to the fore.The two also discuss the cast of characters, mapping events around the city of Glasgow, the importance of accurate references, and taking joy in dark comedy, before Callum details his experiences of life as a writer.As you will hear from their conversation, Ali is a huge fan of these novels and it was such a treat to be able to talk to Callum about them. A warm and engaging conversation, this is one for anyone with an interest in writing or reading.Full

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to double bassist and returning guest Roberto Cassani to hear all about the album Pictish Spaghetti which he has made with guitarist Graeme Stephen, and which is out now on Brooklyn label 577 Records.Roberto talks about collaborating with Graeme and how that came about, the dynamic of the double bass and guitar, their recording process, the joys of improvisation, the landscape of Perthshire being an influence, the healthy state of jazz in Scotland today, and explains that intriguing album title.He also tells the fascinating story of how he ended up living and making music in Scotland, before the two discuss his work as an educator, specifically his project Music for the Purpose of Joy which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on Roberto's improvisational approach.The last time Roberto was on the podcast was during COVID and over Zoom, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to him face to face, especially in the be

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Carrie Marshall to talk about her latest book Small Town Joy, which is published by 404 Ink.A widely-published writer, including the critically-acclaimed memoir Carrie Kills A Man, Carrie is also a musician with indie rock band Unquiet Mind, and Small Town Joy is an inquiry into the ways LGBTQ+ artists have shaped Scotland’s musical soundtrack.Carrie explains the reasons for writing the book, the research involved, gives a global context, outlines the importance of dance music to the story and other genres, details just a few of her favourite characters who feature, (including those interviewed), the importance of place as well as people, and so much more.The two also discuss the enduring significance of a song they both love; Bronski Beat's 'Smalltown Boy', Edwin Morgan, favourite bands and musicians, and what's happening across musical genres in Scotland today.It's a fascinating and informative conversation about a joyous book which

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Fraser Scott who is the director of The Gray Plays, a concert reading of four short plays by Alasdair Gray, which will be at Oran Mor on the 4th May.Fraser talks about the project, the book that inspired it, who is involved (including some well-kent names), and breaks down each of the four plays and why they were chosen.He also explains how he came to know the work of Alasdair Gray, describes the influences on his own work, how he came to be involved in theatre, forming the company Outwith It, and so much more.It's always a pleasure to discuss the life and work of Alasdair Gray, and The Gray Plays offers a rare (possibly unique) chance to see these plays performed. Tickets are available now, but, as Fraser suggests, they are going fast - so don't miss out... Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Craig A. Smith to hear all about his new novel The River, which is out now with Into Books.Craig explains the full title of The River: A Path Of Least Resistance, why this was a story he wanted to tell, having a picture of the story in his head and the way it developed, the central character of Lachlan McCormack and what he represents, writing a love story, depictions of childhood, the structure of the novel which weaves together individuals, the nation, and the river itself, and much more.The two also discussed Craig's 2013 debut novel The Mile, which was one of the few to address the Independence Referendum, and the possible connection between the two books, before revealing just a little about what he wants to write about next.With The River, Craig A. Smith has a written a state-of-the-nation novel with a tender heart, and it was such a pleasure to be able to dig deep with writer himself. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over