Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2023 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and Wesley Shearer to talk all things film, or at least to talk about their films of the year. Once again picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for the movies you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. Chris and Wes share the same top two, and each has their chance to wax lyrical about what they are and why before each making great cases for their other selections. As usual, Ali's picks have a Scottish bent, including films from this year's Glasgow Film Festival, a miraculous debut feature, and a couple of memorable documentaries. They also look forward to 2024, with a whole lot more. For further details, and all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For our latest roundup of 2023 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Gefahrgeist's Fiona Liddell. They each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark in the last 12 months. Both admit they could easily have picked many, many, more examples from what was another incredible year for Scottish music, and on another day possibly would, but we hope you enjoy their musical musings, meanderings, and memories. There's a Spotify playlist where you can listen to all the songs Fiona and Ali talk about, and if you like what you hear then please explore further, follow, and support the bands, musicians, artists, and labels involved. What this podcast proves is how much we would all miss them if they were gone. For all the relevant links, including all the ways to listen, and the playlist, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the last in our Best Books of 2023 podcasts for this year, Ali caught up with poet, writer, singer/songwriter, and previous podcast guest, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, to learn about his Gaelic books of the year and other aspects of Gaelic writing over the last 12 months. It's a fascinating conversation not only about what the year was like in Gaelic literature, but also further aspects of the culture and the way it is treated and celebrated. Always a SWH! highlight of the year, when taken together, these podcasts reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. For full details, including links to our other Best Books of 2023 podcasts, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the second of our Best Books of 2023 podcasts, Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, and in this podcast the two talk crime fiction, poetry, memoirs and other non-fiction, what we can look forward to in 2024, and more. Always a SWH! highlight of the year, when taken together these podcasts reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. For further details and relevant links (and to listen to Part I) go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2023 podcasts are all about books, and there were so many books and book-related things to talk about that once again we have split the podcast into two parts. For both parts, Ali is once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, and in this podcast the two talk fiction, themes and trends of the year, notable debuts, and a whole lot more, as well as declaring their own choices for Fiction Book of the Year. In Part II there will be further chat on crime, poetry, memoirs and other non-fiction, and what we can look forward to in 2024. Always a SWH! highlight of the year, when taken together, these podcasts reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. For further detail and relevant links go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician and composer Martin Green about all things brass banding including the audio drama 'Keli', the album 'Split the Air', the Radio 4 documentary 'Banding: Love, Spit and Valve Oil', the forthcoming Celtic Connections gig, and so much more. Martin also explains how his love for brass band music came about and grew, why the music and the communities where it is from remain close despite the decline and loss of industry, the importance of listening to the voices of those involved, the making of 'Keli', the legacy of brass band music and why it should be better known, and making something new from the traditional. He also talks about the importance of Celtic Connections to himself, and to Scottish music more generally, and being a member of legendary folk group Lau. It was such a pleasure to talk to Martin and learn all about his latest body of work which are clearly passion projects, and that passion is infectious. If you

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Kevin Mclean, the creative director of I AM LOUD Productions (previously LOUD POETS) which, as well as continuing to host their legendary poetry nights, is now also a multi-disciplinary production and entertainment company. Kevin talks about the evolvement of I AM LOUD as it approaches the tenth anniversary, the challenges faced and overcome, finding new ways of promoting and supporting performers, embracing the opportunities offered by digital technology, and their plans for the future. The two also discuss Spoken Word in Scotland touching upon the history, the healthy state of the current scene, the importance of collaboration, supporting new and diverse voices, and making sure that I AM LOUD's reach is countrywide, and beyond. It's an absorbing and thought-provoking conversation about an area of Scottish culture all too rarely discussed, although I AM LOUD are changing that situation, and it was such a pleasure to talk to someone as enthusiastic a

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, the writer Denzil Meyrick. Denzil has a new novel 'Murder at Holly House' out, published on the Bantam Press imprint of Transworld Publishers. It's been described by some as 'cosy crime' (although, as the two discuss, that term is an inadequate description) and is a departure from Denzil's more hard-nosed thrillers, and it was fascinating to talk to him about this change of styles, and The two also talk about the future of DCI Daley (including the move to TV), the various influences on 'Murder at Holly House', creating the central character of Frank Grasby, setting the action in Yorkshire - and in the 1950s - his Kinloch novellas (now collected in paperback with Polygon Books), and the exciting news about what's coming next. It's always a pleasure to catch up with Denzil Meyrick, one of the finest writers around, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did talking. And keep listening to the very

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writers David Manderson and Ricky Monahan Brown to talk about the late, great, Carl MacDougall and his wonderful memoir Already, Too Late: A Boyhood Memoir. Both men talk about their relationship, and friendship, with Carl, and how he inspired, supported, and encouraged not just them but many other writers, and many others, before setting out just a few of his achievements as a writer, educator, journalist, critic, television presenter, president of Scottish PEN, and much more. The discussion then turns to the memoir itself, Already, Too Late: A Boyhood Memoir, (which is an exemplary example of the form) and how it explains and gives clues to the man Carl MacDougall would become. It was a joyous conversation to be a part of, one which celebrated and remembered a man who was central to Scottish literature and culture more widely. If you knew Carl and his incredible work then we hope you can enjoy these stories and memories, and ponder your own. If you aren

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is an interview with two choreographers and theatre makers, Elisabeth Schilling & Louise Ahl, about their respective new shows 'Hear Eyes Move: Dances with Ligeti' and 'Skunk without k is Sun'. First of all Elisabeth talks about why she chose to celebrate the music of György Ligeti in 'Hear Eyes Move', what she sees as his legacy, performing the show across Europe, theatrical inspirations, why returning to perform in Scotland is so important, and more. Then Louise explains 'Skunk without k is Sun' - a new experimental solo opera work which will be performed as part of the Take Me Somewhere Festival 2023. She also talks about how she came to opera, wanting to make it more accessible (and subvert people's ideas about it), the technical and physical demands of the piece, and how previous work will feed into this new performance. Individually you'll learn about two exciting new shows coming soon, but taken together these interviews giv

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, novelist and poet Ron Butlin, to talk about his latest book 'So Many Lives and All of Them Are Yours' the surprise sequel (& prequel) to 1987's 'The Sound of My Voice' - a surprise not least to Ron himself. The latter is one of Ali's favourite novels so it was genuinely exciting to be able to discuss the new book and learn more about the central character of Morris Magellan. Ron talks about how the book came to be, his wife's (the writer Regi Claire) important role, reacquainting himself with Morris, the joy in creating new characters in familiar places, the themes he wanted to explore, writing about the unreal - or even surreal - time of Lockdown, the unintended parallels between the two books, using different narrative voices, and so much more. The two also discuss the way Ron approaches writing, the differences, and similarities, between his poetry and prose, the importance of music in his life, and hi

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Paul Dalgarno - live from his home in Melbourne - to hear all about his novel 'A Country of Eternal Light' (published with Polygon Books). Paul sets out how he describes the book to others, the unusual nature of the storytelling, the importance of place and the way distance can lend perspective on home, how his journalism feeds into his fiction, the interlinked themes and memory and grief, and a whole lot more. The two also discuss the role of central character Margaret Bryce and how the layers of her narration keep the reader guessing as she reassesses her family life. Paul also offers advice to those looking to get published, which will be of interest to writers and readers alike. 'A Country of Eternal Light' is one of the most interesting and inventive novels of the year in terms of style and content, and it was fascinating to be able to get such an insight from Paul about it. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to h

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Nancy Baughen about this year's CrimeCon UK which is on Saturday 16th in Glasgow. Nancy talks about the beginnings of this international true crime event, what people can expect - and what it definitely isn't. She also tells us about the wide variety of speakers, her initial involvement, and her experiences of CrimeCons past. The two also discuss the increasing popularity of and interest in true crime across a number of mediums, and why CrimeCon has an importance which reaches beyond the event itself. For further details, including how the way to listen AND how to get tickets and get involved, go to https://www.scotswhayahe.com

For our third and final Bloody Scotland podcast Ali spoke to the shorlisted writers for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year. First of all he caught up with Calum McSorley (Squeaky Clean), Craig Russell (The Devil's Playground), and Robbie Morrison (Cast A Cold Eye) to hear about their nominated novels and what it means to be on the shortlist. They also discuss the pervading influence of William McIlvanney's writing, the welcoming and supportive nature of the crime writing community, why Glasgow is such a natural setting for crime fiction, their experiences of Bloody Scotlands of the past, and what they are looking forward to this year. Later Ali spoke to the fourth shortlisted writer, previous podcast guest Denise Mina, to talk about her nominated novel 'The Second Murderer' and its inclusion on the McIlvanney Prize Shortlist, but they discuss so much more - including Denise's thoughts on literary prizes, her experiences of Bloody Scotland, a

For the second of our Bloody Scotland podcasts Ali spoke to writer Alison Belsham to learn about the Pitch Perfect strand of the festival. A previous winner herself who is now involved in the selection process, Alison is perfectly placed to talk about the importance of pitching a novel or idea and just what it can offer, her experience of being a writer, and offers up plenty of practical advice to those hoping to follow in her path. Alison also talks about her own writing, including the current Detective Lexi Bennett series, as well as the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival which is a new literary festival celebrating writing for, by, and about women, which will be on 6th - 7th October, and which Alison is heavily involved with. It's another podcast which will be of interest to readers, and writers, of all genres, but particularly crime. You can find out further details, including all the ways to listen and any relevant links, over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com And Bloody Scotland is on between 1

For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to four of the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include Heather Critchlow (Unsolved), Kate Foster (The Maiden), Callum McSorley (Squeaky Clean) and Fulton Ross (The Unforgiven Dead) with the fifth, Heather Darwent (The Things We Do To Our Friends) unfortunately unable to join us. They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to the diversity in the list, approaching a debut, why they chose the genre of crime, (or, in some cases, why crime chose them), the crime fiction community, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland. There is also a fascinating conversation about getting published, learning from rejections, the increasing importance of agents, conversations about covers, and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published author. It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to previous guest Anne Pia, this time to talk about her new book 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' which is part cookbook, part memoir. Anne talks about the reasons for writing it, the importance of food and family throughout her life, embracing her Italian heritage, the importance of pasta, marrying food with wine and music, and a lot more. Sharing a love of food and cooking, the two also discuss their food philosophies, the importance of seasonal produce, the adaptability of national cuisines, and why simplicity is often the key to good cooking. 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' is a cookbook which demands to be used, and often, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Anne about it and the culinary delights. A conversation to whet the appetite, perhaps best not listen on an empty stomach. For further information, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the second of our two Edinburgh Fringe Festival Specials, Ali spoke to another selection of artists who will be performing this year. They include actor / comedian Charlie Vero Martin, performer / devisers David Banks & Sadiq Ali, Fringe legend Mervyn Stutter, & members of the Voloz Collective Sam Rayner & Olivia Zerphy, each of whom tell us about their Edinburgh shows for 2023. They are further fascinating conversations about four more of the finest shows in town this August. While it's only a snapshot of what's going on, it confirms the breadth and variety of what's on offer at the Fringe, with something for everyone. The size of the festival can be overwhelming, so if you are looking for some guidance as to what to see this is the perfect place to start. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠ where you can still find our Edinburgh Fringe Special - Part One.

For the first of two Edinburgh Fringe Festival Specials, Ali spoke to a variety of artists who will be performing this year. They include actor and playwright Raymond Wilson, dance artist & choreographer Katie Armstrong, musicians Andrea Baker & Howard Moody, & contemporary dance performer & choreographer Solène Weinachter, each of whom tell us about their Edinburgh shows. They are fascinating conversations about four of the finest shows in town this August, all part of the prestigious Made In Scotland showcase of events. While it's only a snapshot of what's going on, it hints at the breadth and variety of what's on offer at the Fringe, with something for everyone. The size of the festival can be overwhelming, so if you are looking for some guidance as to what to see this is the perfect place to start. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali catches up with writer Denise Mina to talk about her new historical novel 'Three Fires', which is published by Polygon Books. Following on from the equally compelling 'Rizzio', 'Three Fires' takes a historical figure and uses significant events from the past to comment and question the present day. Denise talks about the central, complex, character of Girolamo Savonarola and how his ideas, and the resulting actions and following he inspired, are still felt today. She also talks about her approach to writing historical fiction, the satisfaction in writing complicated individuals, the joy of research, bringing the past and the present together, and so much more. The two also talk about Denise's new Philip Marlowe novel 'The Second Murderer', (which is published by Harvill Secker), and the challenges in writing someone else's character. It's a warm and informative conversation with one of Scotland's finest and favourite wr