Scots Whay Hae!

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.

In our first podcast of 2017, Ali talks to Ian Smith and Murray Easton, two of the founding members of record label Last Night From Glasgow. In under a year they have released some of the best records of recent times, and have built up a loyal following in the process. Approaching the music business with new ideas, or old ideas presented in a new way, LNFG are a success story that shows no sign of slowing, and anyone with a love of music, or any other area of the arts, will find something of interest in their conversation. There's also some exclusive music to boot.

In this, Part II of our end of year podcast Ali, Chris and Wesley concentrate on the best music of 2016, both recorded and live. Even our sound-guru, Ian, chips in. It's been a cracking year for new music. As you may suspect, we start with the best in Scottish music before a wide-ranging discussion as to what has been on offer from elsewhere. In case you missed it, Part I looked back at film and books from the last 12 months, and you can still hear that now at http://bit.ly/2hnpEjD, as well as indulge yourself in our extensive back catalogue of over 70 podcasts at http://apple.co/2hCJaVw

For our end of year podcast, Ali and Ian were once again joined by regular pod guest and resident film expert, Chris Ward, and Scottish music man, Wesley Shearer. As we ran well over the two hour mark we've decided to split it into two parts. In Part I we concentrate on the films and books of 2016, and give you recommendations about the best of both. We also talk about the marketing of movies, the career of Isabelle Hupert, the importance of independent publishers, the welcome return of Alasdair Gray, and James Kelman at 70. We also name writer Graeme Macrae Burnet as our Man Of The Year.

In the latest podcast Ali and Ian are joined by musicians Ross and Alasdair Whyte who, under the moniker WHYTE, have collaborated on the excellent album “Fairich”. What is it like? You'll just have to listen to the podcast, which not only has the explanation from the horses' mouths, but also features an exclusive play of two tracks...at least we're claiming it as such. This was a really enjoyable chat and we hope you get as much from it as we did on the day.

For our latest podcast we go transatlantic with Ali talking to Kevin Brown, producer of, and the driving force behind, Songs For Scotland 2. Even if you are aware of the original Songs For Scotland you'll find the story behind the sequel fascinating. Kevin's passion for the project is infectious and inspiring, and you'll want to know what role Alasdair Gray has to play. Stay with us right to the end as we have an exclusive play of one of the featured songs just for you. Cos we're like that...

For the latest podcast, Ali headed down the Clyde Valley to Biggar to talk to writer and actor Pauline Lynch. Pauline's debut novel, 'Armadillos', is out now, and you can read the Scots Whay Hae! review on the website. It's an unforgettable book and the two discuss it at length, but also tough on writing courses, treading the boards and touring the world, and being part of a cultural phenomenon. Sounds like something that would interest you? Of course it does.