Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali talks to director Pauline Lynch and actor Fletcher Mathers about the new Scots language theatre company Braw Clan, and the forthcoming production 'Secret Wrapped In Lead' which will be touring throughout the Clydesdale district in July. The play, which is written by Martin Travers, is based on the true story of Dorothy and William Wordsworth's visit to Leadhills in 1803, and Pauline and Fletcher tell us what they can about the story (avoiding spoilers), the challenges faced in getting the play from the page to the stage, as well as breaking down their own roles. They also discuss the formation of Braw Clan, the importance of keeping it local, the various dates on the tour, why Scots is at the heart of what they do, the sense of community which drives the company, and their hopes and plans for the future. It's exciting to hear about this new theatre company and the conversation whets the appetite for their debut production. For full details, including

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Etienne Kubwabo, the Writer/Director/Producer of the new film from Mile Away Films, 'The Difference Between Us', as well as some of the cast - Craig Andrew Mooney, Alex Jackson, Paul Stirrat, and Wam Siluka Jr - to learn all about this debut feature. Etienne sets out the inspiration behind the film, the personal nature of the production, the collaborative process involved in filmmaking, and the importance of trust. We then get a fascinating insight into the casting process from both sides, learn why everyone was so keen to be involved in the project, the process of building characters, and relationships, on screen and off, and a whole lot more It's rare to get such an appreciation of the creative process, from so many of those involved, on one podcast, and we really appreciate everyone giving up their time to talk to SWH!. It's a conversation which really whets the appetite for 'The Difference Between Us'. For further details, and all

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Rebecca Smith about her new book 'Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside' (published by William Collins) which is part memoir, part examination of the sociopolitical construct of the countryside, something which is all too rarely written about. Rebecca explains her reasons for writing the book, the difficulty in contextualising her childhood, cutting through the romance and mythology of rural living, the often contradictory nature of tied housing (and other economic factors of working and living in the country), the complexities of class, and more. The two also talk about the extensive research behind the book, and a number case-studies named are explained. It was such a pleasure to talk to Rebecca about an area of British life that passes many of us by, even if we are regular visitors to the great outdoors. It's a podcast which works as a companion piece to the book, and we hope it will convince you that Rural: The Lives of t

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and academic David Manderson to talk all things Alan Sharp, who is the subject of David's new book 'The Anti-hero's Journey: The Work and Life of Alan Sharp'. David explains what drew him to write about his subject, Sharp's early life and writing, the move into radio and TV, a remarkable success in Hollywood, the mystery of the 'missing years', and so much more. The two also discuss Alan Sharp's place, or rather absence, from the Scottish literary and cultural canon, and why this book is not only a timely reassessment of the man and his work, but that it will hopefully encourage further investigation and discussion into a writer too few are aware of. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to poet, playwright, and now podcaster Hannah Lavery about Quines Cast - the podcast she hosts alongside Stellar Quines' Artistic Director & CEO Caitlin Skinner - Series 2 of which is currently being recorded across a number of live events before being available to catch up with in podcast form later in the year. Hannah talks about how Quines Cast began, and why, her own career as a writer, what listeners can expect from the new series, the make-up of the live shows, the themes which drive each episode, Series 1, and much more. The two also talk about the theatre company Stellar Quines which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and you can find out more, including how to support them, and Quines Cast, by clicking on the links over at scotswhayhae.com, where you can find further details about how you can be in the audience for a live recording, and listen to both Series 1 and 2 when then time comes.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali was joined once again by writer and journalist Peter Ross to talk about his latest book 'Steeple Chasing: Around Britain By Church'. Peter talked about why he wanted to write it, the relationship to his previous publication 'A Tomb With A View', the structure of the book, how churches engage with the senses, the future of these buildings, church art, why it is in the interaction between people and place where the stories emerge, and much more. The two also discuss their own relationships with churches, particularly early experiences, as well as the welcome renaissance of print in both books and magazines. Peter is one of the finest writers around, and 'Steeple 'Chasing' is possibly his best book yet, and it was a pleasure to talk to him about it. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Gaelic poet Niall O'Gallagher to talk about his book of 'Selected Poems The Sounds Of Love - Fuaimean Gràidh', which Niall was kind enough to read from. The conversation touched upon translation - including trusting your translators - the process from the poet's point of view, the themes which run through the collection, viewing his older work through the prism of time, the importance of the title, and more. The two also discuss the tradition of Gaelic poetry, the other traditions which Niall draws from, and his inspirations, poetic or otherwise, to be found in his work. It was great talking to Niall who is not only a feted poet, but also a journalist and broadcaster who is steeped in both Gaelic and Scottish literature. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Katch Holmes about this year's Knockengorroch Music Festival which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Katch talks about the early years of the festival, how it has grown, the ideas and ideals behind it, this year's programme and the challenges involved, what to expect other than the music (including various workshops), the environmental initiatives which the organisers embrace, and a lot more. The two also sing the praises of Galloway and discuss the importance of the location to the festival itself. It was fascinating to learn about all things Knockengorroch which sounds like a festival unlike any other. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke with performance duo Sarah Rose Graber and Ruxy Cantir to talk about their family-fun and inspiring new show 'Two in a Barrel', which is on tour across Scotland this Spring. They set out the ideas and themes behind the show, the importance of performing to families, their shared theatrical background in clowning, the joy of touring and reaching new audiences, and the interactive nature of what they do. The conversation also touches upon inspirations, the process of putting on such a multifaceted show, collaborating with others, why it's important to inform as well as entertain, and what they are up to next. It's an amiable and entertaining interview that really whets the appetite for 'Two In A Barrel'.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to artists Angie Lewin & Rebecca Collins about their part in the Welcoming Spring exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Angie and Rebecca talk about the exhibition, their work and processes, celebrating Scottish nature, the importance of their surroundings in their paintings, and what it's like when you show your work publicly. The three also discuss the work of Joe Hogan and Katie Watson - the other artists showing at the exhibition - the tradition of Scottish artists whose work is similarly inspired by nature, and a whole lot more. It's a warm and insightful conversation which will be of interest to anyone interested in art of any kind. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Indigo Korres, who is the programme co-ordinator of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival's Trans Generational Tour which kicks off in Inverness on the 22nd April. Indigo talks about the history of SQIFF, the aims and ideas behind the Tour, gives a breakdown of the itinerary and what attendees can expect from the programme, details how people can take part and get tickets, and a whole lot more. The two also talk about the importance of growing communities, the power of cinema to bring people together, the importance of learning from history, encouraging intergenerational conversation and interaction, and focusing on positive stories in even the most challenging times. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Olaf Furniss, journalist and founder of Born To Be Wide, an organisation which hosts music business seminars and Scotland's music industry convention/showcase Wide Days, which this year is on between 13-15th April in Edinburgh. The two talk about the history of Born To Be Wide, this year's Wide Days, what people can expect, how they can attend and get involved, the different strands of the convention, the importance of bringing industry professionals and artists together, and a whole lot more. Olaf also explains how the bands and musicians are selected to play, the growing international facet to Wide Days, and gives just a short preview as to what he's most looking forward to. As you'll hear, Olaf and Born To Be Wide have been involved in Scottish music for many years and it was a real treat to be able to talk to him about Wide Days and so much more. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com ***The Bat

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke once again to writer David F. Ross to talk about his most recent novel 'Dashboard Elvis Is Dead', which is out now published by Orenda Books. The two caught up in Ali's kitchen and the conversation covers David's reasons for wanting to write this book, the inspirations behind it, the strong bonds created between author and their characters, why it was important to have a Scottish strand in the plot, the challenges in writing about real events, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the importance of American culture in both their lives, and the complex nature of that relationship. It's always a pleasure to talk to David as there are few writers who talk about what they do with such clarity and self-reflection. For full details, all the ways to listen, and for all the relevant link, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest SWH! podcast is all about this year's Glasgow Short Film Festival, with Ali joined by Programme Director Sanne Jehoul and filmmaker Duncan Cowles. Sanne gives us a bit of background to the festival, takes us through some of the highlights, talks about the competitions which are so important to every festival, the art of programming, the complex question as to what constitutes a 'short film', and so much more. Duncan tells us about the films he has screening this year, his history with the GSFF, the importance to filmmakers of festivals such as this one, and talks about what he is looking forward to this year. There are also interesting conversations between the three as they discuss the impact of the pandemic on filmmakers and festivals, the return of live audiences, and the importance to individuals and the wider industry of such events. It's a conversation which goes beyond the festival itself - although all your questions should be answered - to look at just why short films are a

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Catriona Child, to talk about her latest novel 'Fade Into You', which is published by Luath Press. The two talk about the writing of the book, the inspirations behind it, the setting of the 1990s, the soundtrack, the importance to being true to the past, and whole lot more. They also discuss the teenage years and how keenly everything is felt at that time, and the transition from those years into some kind of adulthood. It was lovely to catch up with Catriona, 10 years after she was last on the pod, and talk about what already feels like one of the best books of 2023. For further details, including where you can buy 'Fade Into You', head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast - the second of our Glasgow Film Festival specials - Ali catches up with musician and composer Scott Twynholm about his work on James Price's 'Dog Days' which premiered earlier in the week. Scott talks about how he came to work on 'Dog Days', collaborating with the director and editor, how every project is different and brings its own challenges, how the film was received by the audience, and where you'll be able to see if you missed it at the festival. The two also discuss Scott's other film work, such as the soundtracks to 'Ride the Wave', 'Alasdair Gray: A Life In Progress' and Rachel Maclean's 'Make Me Up!', how working in theatre differs to film, his solo career and the inspirations which drive it, his early years as a member of Looper and Metrovavan, and much more. Scott is one of SWH!'s favourite musicians, one we have wanted to get on the podcast for a while. Talking about soundtracks at the Glasgow Film Festival seemed like perfect timing. Further details and all the relevant l

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist (former BBC Foreign Correspondent, no less) Martin Patience to talk about his debut crime novel 'The Darker The Night', which is published by Polygon Books. The two talk about Martin's reasons for writing it, what he found challenging writing fiction, how his journalism fed into the novel, Glasgow as a character, the perspective living and working abroad gives him with regard to Scotland, writing about Scottish politics, and getting the balance right between truth and fiction. Martin also discusses his time as a foreign correspondent, the people and places he met, the highs and lows of the job, and a whole lot more. It's a podcast which offers two stories for the price of one, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Martin about his life and work. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. For full details, including where you can buy 'The Darker The Night', head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, and the first of our Glasgow Film Festival podcasts for 2023, Ali spoke to Muta'Ali, the director of the documentary 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali'. The two talk about the making of the film, Muta'Ali's initial involvement, the importance of Executive Producer Mick McAvoy, working with writer Stuart Cosgrove (whose book 'Cassius X' is the inspiration for the film), the challenges posed by COVID, the relationships which shaped the young Clay/Ali, and a whole lot more. Muta'Ali also gives context to the film by discussing America of the time, the cultural and social tensions, the spiritual journey that the young boxer was beginning, and how he was viewed inside, and outside, the sport. It's an informative and insightful discussion about a film which is as much about social history as it is about arguably the world's greatest sporting icon. Further details and all the relevant links - including how to get tickets for 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali' - are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcomed back previous guest Rodge Glass (right) to talk about Gray Day 2023 (Saturday 25th Feb) - the third annual celebration of the life and work of Alasdair Gray.  This year the inspiration is his 1992 novel 'Poor Things', and Rodge talks about the novel, how it fits into the Gray canon, the event at Glasgow's Oran Mor on the evening of the 25th and who will be appearing, the importance of the Alasdair Gray Archive, as well as discussing the forthcoming film adaptation by Yorgos Lanthimos & starring Emma Stone, and a lot more. It's always a pleasure to talk to Rodge Glass, biographer to, and one of the leading authorities on, Alasdair Gray, and Gray Day - Poor Things promises to be a very special night indeed. Further details and all the relevant links - including where to get tickets from - are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, Ali spoke to writer Allyson Shaw about her book 'Ashes & Stones: A Scottish Journey In Search of Witches and Witness' which examines the Scottish witch hunts and trials of the 16th-18th century, uncovering stories untold, and bearing witness to the people behind them. 'Ashes & Stones' is part historical investigation, part travelogue, part memoir, and Allyson talks about all aspects of the book, why she wanted to write it, the research behind it, the importance of the various memorials she uncovered - and how their meaning and purpose has changed - and why she brought her own life into the story. The two also talk about the reasons behind the Scottish witch hunts, the extent of the persecution, the collusion between the state and the church, the importance of remembrance and acknowledgment, the lessons for today, and so much more. 'Ashes & Stones' is a great read, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to all about it with Allyson. Further details, and all the relevant l