Scots Whay Hae!

For the last of our Best of 2019 podcasts Ali is joined once more by annual regulars Wesley Shearer and Chris Ward, with SWH! sound guru Ian Gregson also in the house (which turned out to be lucky for all). This time around they are looking at the best films of the year, and Ali's role becomes more host rather than participant as his own movie going has been admittedly lacking this year. Luckily the other three more than make up for it as they talk about the best Scottish films, their personal favourites, and pick their best film of the decade. Listen in and see if you agree.

For our Best Books of 2019 podcast Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to discuss their year in books. As well as discussing in detail their personal favourites, they look at the writers who have left their mark, awards and award winners, festivals old and new, the healthy state of Scottish poetry, what's happening in the publishing world, the prevailing trends and themes of 2019, what to look forward to in 2020, and a whole lot more. It's always one of the most pleasant podcasts to record as the two geek out on their love of books, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.

For this year's Best Music 2019 podcast Ali spoke to Mark McNally and Gary Bannatyne from Cumbernauld FM's Postcards From The Underground radio show. The two are among the finest champions of Scottish music and beyond, playing old songs and new, and having regular live sessions and guests. As well as hearing all about the Postcards From The Underground show, the three discuss their favourite tracks and gigs of the year, and try to avoid talking about their favourite albums of the year as Ali will be joining the chaps on their show on Sunday 8th, 8-10pm to do just that, so do listen in to see what they pick http://cumbernauldfm.co.uk/. But before all that here is the SWH! Best Music of 2019 podcast, and see if you can spot Ali's deliberate mistake in the first 5 mins.

For the latest podcast Ali was back in Edinburgh to talk to mountaineer, storyteller, and writer, John D. Burns, and the story he has to tell is a fascinating one. He talks about how he first discovered the delights of hillwalking in the Lake District in his youth, his thoughts on how we should treat, view, and interact with nature, why he fell out and then back in love with the hills, the politics of the wild, his forays into poetry and stand-up, and so much more. It's one of the most interesting and informative podcasts yet, and I know you'll come away with a new view on our landscape, and on life.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera SWH! spoke to Gordon Grant, the company's Music Librarian. What unfolds is a fascinating insight into a role which few consider when they think of opera but which, as you will hear, is a vital one. Crucially involved in productions from the very beginning to the final curtain fall, Gordon explains what the role entails, how he came to it, the importance of close collaboration, and what are the challenges and constrictions when it comes to the musical score. As well as being SO's librarian Gordon is also in charge of their supertitles, the written translations and text which have become an important part of opera and he explains the technicalities faced. Overall it's an engrossing conversation which looks in detail at an individual role but which will give you a greater insight into Scottish Opera as a whole.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali headed to Edinburgh to chat to writer Jemma Neville all about 'Constitution Street: finding hope in an age of anxiety' (published by 404 Ink), her fascinating and inspirational book which SWH! described as, "a socio-political work with humanity at its heart, and a timely reminder that there is more that unites than divides us." Talking in the welcoming surroundings of The Hideout Cafe on the very street itself the two discuss the ethos behind the book, the way it is structured, and how both are reflected and inspired by the place and the people who live and work there as well, as well as the way that the issues and themes of 'Constitution Street' relate to communities of all sizes, and a whole lot more. You'll never look at your own locale in the same way again.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to John Duncan, the company's Resident Stage Manager. Over the course of their conversation John provides a fascinating insight into a role which is vital to all theatre, but which rarely gets discussed. He talks about how he fell in love with the theatre, his early years in the role, how the team dynamic works, the different productions he has worked on, the challenges he has faced over the years, a horse named George, and much more. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain then John has many of the answers.

For number 6 in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to Staff Director, Roxana Haines. It's a fascinating and informative discussion with someone whose job brings her into contact and collaboration with most areas of the company. She explains her journey to the role, her training in theatre and the specific demands of opera, her role in terms of productions and the challenges that different ones bring, with particular reference to the current 'Opera Highlights Tour' and the opera for young children 'Fox-tot!', and a lot more. Through it all Roxana's enthusiasm and love for what she does shines through, and we hope you enjoy listening to the conversation as much as we did recording it.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with Richy Muirhead, the founder and creative director of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAS) which is celebrating its 10th year. It's a fascinating chat which covers the origins and history of the awards, an explanation of the criteria, the categories, this year's nominees, notable previous winners, the importance of the live show (this year on October 25th, St Luke's, Glasgow), and lots more. There are also 5 tracks from some of last year's winners, including Declan West and the Decadent West (Rock/Alternative), Lylo (Live Act), The Dunts (Newcomer), Solareye (Hip Hop), and Megan Airlie (Acoustic). Ali also offers the point of view from a SAMAs nominator, so hopefully you'll end up with a better understanding not only of how these awards work, but the aims and ideology behind them.

For the fifth of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to Marian Colquhoun, the Head of Props. If you have ever been to a Scottish Opera performance, no matter the scale of the production, you'll know what an integral, important, and creative part the props department have to play. Marian discusses her approach to the role, the collaboration with other departments, the joy in creating memorable moments, the demands of different productions, the practicalities and problem solving involved, and the culture of prop making in Scotland and beyond. It's a fascinating insight into an area of the arts that is rarely discussed but which is crucial.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali headed to Edinburgh to speak to the American writer Elle Nash who was over for a couple of events at the Book Festival. The conversation focused on her powerful novel 'Animals Eat Each Other', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the novel's themes and content, Elle's intentions for the novel, how her style developed, the importance of names and language, the psychology of desire, the quest for identity, and much more. You'll also hear 404 Ink's Laura Jones discussing why they felt they had no choice but to publish Elle once they had read her book. We consider it an instructive and insightful discussion which will interest writers, readers, and book lovers of all kinds. Have a listen and see if you agree.

For the fourth of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to Jane Davidson, their Director of Education & Outreach. She explains what the job entails, the company's education strategy, their partnerships at home and abroad, the challenges faced in the role, how they reach out to all areas of Scotland, and work with all ages groups. It's a fascinating insight into the work Scottish Opera does off stage and often away from the public eye. As the conversation unfolds you are left in no doubt of the love that Jane has for her job, and how passionately she believes that art and performance have a vital role to play in a nation's education. And so say all of us!

For the third of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to the Programme Editor, David Kettle about his role and what it entails. He explains how he came to the job, the approach to writing a programme, the balance required between information and other articles and content, the importance of design, the collaboration required with the rest of the company, and much more.

For the latest podcast Ali headed through to Edinburgh to talk to Edwin and Morgan, two members of Half Formed Things (unapologetically one of SWH!'s favourite bands, as you'll quickly be able to tell). They talk about their album 'To Live In The Flicker', the origins of the band, what it's like to work with such close friends and family, the importance or otherwise of place, their shared philosophy, themes, influences, and a whole lot more. You'll also get two tracks from the album which will give you a clear idea as to just how good it is. And if the other two members of the band, Nici and Matthew, disagree with any of it Ali is more than willing to record a follow up to give their side of the story.

For the latest podcast Ali headed to Glasgow's Tron Theatre to talk to poet and polymath Kevin P. Gilday about his Edinburgh Fringe show 'Suffering From Scottishness', his new collection of poetry 'Sad Songs For White Boys', his work with Cat Hepburn as the instigators and organisers of spoken word house party Sonnet Youth, his band Kevin P. Gilday & the Glasgow Cross, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat, one which, when taken as a whole, is an instructive insight into what it takes to make your living as an artist today. All that and poetry as well - we always aim to please!

For the second of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to the Head of Music, Derek Clark about his role and what the job entails. It's a fascinating insight into the working life of someone central to Scottish Opera and their productions.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Chief Executive of Ringwood Publishing Sandy Jamieson, one of their authors Dr Anne Pettigrew, and their Assistant Managing Director Laure Camail. Celebrating their 20th birthday this year, Glasgow's Ringwood show that it is possible to publish and survive in a city which has notoriously had problems sustaining and maintaining a publishing culture in recent years. The discussion touches on the reasons for starting Ringwood, their co-operative business model and how that has evolved, Anne's novel 'No The Life Imagined' and the publishing process from the writer's point of view, how Ringwood has had to adapt the changes in the marketplace, and their plans for the future. It's a must listen for anyone interested in publishing as they talk about many aspects of the process and the industry, both positive and negative.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to the writer and producer Henry Bell about his biography of John Maclean. If you haven't heard of Maclean then this is a perfect place to start, and if you do then I'm sure you'll learn something new about the man dubbed both "Hero of Red Clydeside" and "the most dangerous man in Britain" depending on which newspaper you read. Henry explains how Maclean came to achieve such fame, the sacrifices he made, and how he managed to hold both nationalist and internationalist outlooks, views which are still prevalent in Scottish politics today. It's a fascinating discussion about one of Scotland's most important historical figures which you won't want to miss.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Claire MacLeary about her trilogy of Aberdeen set crime novels, 'Cross Purpose', 'Burnout', and her latest, 'Runaway'. They discuss the central characters of Maggie Laird and 'Big' Wilma Harcus and how they are a refreshing change from the norm, the importance of research, the themes of her work, the importance of being different, Aberdeen as a setting, and the distinctive way she approaches her work. It's a must listen for anyone with an interest in books - crime or otherwise - one which gives a fascinating insight into the life of a writer.

For the latest podcast Ali headed to the home of Scottish Opera in central Glasgow to talk to Jonathon Swinard, the new Artistic Director of the Scottish Opera Young Company (SOYC). Over the years Scots Whay Hae! has reviewed many of Scottish Opera's productions so it was a pleasure to talk to someone at the heart of the company, especially one whose concentration is on youth and the talent of tomorrow. The two discuss the aims of SOYC and Jonathon's role in achieving those, overcoming preconceptions, and how Scottish Opera is managing to reach out to all ages and areas in Scotland. It's a rare and fascinating insight into one of Scotland's cultural institutions which we hope will encourage you to give Opera a try if you haven't already.