Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Angela Hughes and her husband Paul about her memoir 'My Heart's Content: A Journey to Transplant'. Angela sets out not only why she wrote the book, but how it came to publication and the vital role that Paul, and their family and friends, play in the story. A searingly honest read, it is as much about love, and hope, as it is about Angela's specific journey, and, as a result, it is perhaps the most timely publication of recent years.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and presenter Damian Barr to talk all about the second series of The Big Scottish Book Club which airs on BBC Scotland this Sunday (25th). It's a welcome return to one of the all too few TV shows which unashamedly celebrates and discusses all aspects of the book world and those who love it, and it's great to get such an informed and personal insight into the show, and hear who Damian has lined up to appear this time round. If you love books, and I know you do, then this podcast, like The Big Scottish Book Club itself, is an absolute must.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to Jenny Sturgeon about her latest project 'The Living Mountain', which is not only the name of her new album but her series of podcasts, and the audio/visual live show which she hopes to tour, all of which are inspired by, and infused with the spirit of, Nan Shepherd's wonderful novella of the same name. Jenny Sturgeon is among SWH!'s favourite musicians - one steeped in the folk tradition as in evidence not only in her solo work, but also as a member of Salt House and Northern Flyway, and it was a real treat to talk to her about her work, and how she views the relationship between nature and art.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to singer and songmaker Kirsty Law about her latest project, Helm Arts - the multi-disciplinary production company and artist support service. The two talk about the ethos and ideas behind Helm, and the need to support, advise, and offer help to artists of all kinds. Kirsty relates Helm Arts to experiences in her own career, including the numerous collaborations, multi-disciplinary events, and other projects with which she has been involved over the years wether as producer, curator, or artist, and sometimes all three. It's a fascinating insight into a life lived in the arts, a role which is vital to the well-being of any culture and its people.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to artist and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie about his forthcoming exhibition 'Once Upon A Time', which is at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, Oct - Nov 2020. Lachlan explains the thoughts behind the show, and why his original plans had to be scrapped. 'Once Upon A Time' is partly inspired by reading fairy tales to his daughter, and he discusses the importance of the imagination (especially in periods of isolation) and the enduring influence of the supernatural in Scottish art. The two also discuss Lachlan's superb and comprehensive book 'The Story of Scottish Art' which will have its launch at the Gallery on 16th November. It's an engaging and enlightening conversation with a man who is at the very centre of Scottish Art.

For the latest podcast Ali catches up with Robert Kilpatrick who tells us about his role as General Manager at Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the process involved in the Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) as it reaches the Longlist stage, and his involvement with new record label ICEBLINK LUCK whose debut release with Ruby Gaines you can also hear. Robert is central to so much of what goes on in and around Scottish music and it was fascinating to talk to him about it all.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Graeme Armstrong about his novel 'The Young Team' and a whole lot more. 'The Young Team' is not just one of the books of the year, but one of the best in many a year, and it was fascinating to get an insight into how it came to be and hear how Graeme's life as a writer has developed. The two talk about literary influences, the importance of language, relating the personal in fiction, why the moments between 'events' are vital to any story, the relationship between the writer and reader, and many other aspects of this writer's life. Graeme even teases us with the possibility of things to come. If you love writing, reading, or both, then this podcast is a must listen.

For the latest podcast Ali was joined by writer and journalist Peter Ross to talk about his latest book 'A Tomb With A View'. It was the first one recorded face-to-face since Lockdown began (maintaining the required distance, of course) and it was a real pleasure to be able to chat to Peter in person. If you want to know about the book you'll have listen to the pod, but suffice to say it's a lovely conversation on a subject which touches upon us all.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer John Scott about his memoir 'To The Woods: A Journey Along The Appalachian Trail', which could be described as 'Zen and the Art of Trail Walking' such is the thought and detail involved. John's long walk was 20 years ago, and he reflects on the reasons for taking time out to undertake such a challenge, his complex love/hate affair with the USA, the characters and challenges he met along the way, and how he views his journey 20 years on. Talking to John was as interesting and inspirational as the book itself, and it proves once again that truth can be stranger than fiction.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Kirstin Innes about her latest novel 'Scabby Queen'. The two discuss the origins of the title and why it fits with the structure of the book, where the initial idea came from, the importance of close-editing in a non-linear narrative, and how the central character of Clio Campbell drives events despite being absent for much of the book. Kirstin also talks about her experience of publishing a novel while Covid19 plays out, and how it has been received. 'Scabby Queen' is destined to be one of the most talked about novels of 2020 and it's fascinating to hear about it from the perspective of the author.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with the composer and producer Paul McGeechan to talk about the latest Starless album Earthbound, out now with Last Night From Glasgow. Paul explains the origins behind Starless and how it has developed through the initial spark, through the recording of 2016's Starless album, bringing it to the stage, how it has progressed into Earthbound, and the plans for the future.

For the last of the Braidwood Brothers podcasts Ali caught up once more with brother Andy to discuss their favourite music on the 2010s, (following previous podcasts looking at the '80s, '90s, '00s). It's a fascinating chat about the records that have meant the most to them over the last ten years (at least on the day of recording) and they both pick a bonus album which they would put forward for the SAY Award 2020, cos this podcast goes up to 11!

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to the writer Tom Gillespie about 'The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce', which is published this month. It's one of the most inventive and involving novels SWH! has read in some time, and it was fascinating to talk about what inspired Tom to write this book, and the themes and ideas it addresses (all the while carefully avoiding spoilers!). The two discuss the importance of having a firm hold on people and place, the writers, and artists, who inspired Tom, the educative nature of the best fiction, the different levels of deception in writing such a novel, and so much more. 'The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce' promises to be one of the most discussed and celebrated books of the year, and if you want to understand why then this podcast is a great place to begin.cess.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Reyah Martin, who was the winner of the Canada & Europe region of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Reyah gives us some background to the prize and how she got involved. She also discusses the inspiration behind her winning story 'Wherever Mister Jensen Went', and why it caught the eye of the judges. The two also discuss the novel she is working on, the approach to different forms of writing, how characters can surprise their creators, the importance of support for any writer, and a whole lot more. For those with an interest in writing this is a must listen, but even if that's not you then it makes for a fascinating discussion on the creative process.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to author, poet, and academic Mandy Haggith about 'The Lyre Dancers', the third and final novel of the Stone Stories Trilogy, which was recently published with Saraband Books. Mandy talks about the historical origins of the trilogy, the incredible story of Pytheas, what inspired the books, why they were always going to be set in the Iron Age, and the importance of character. The two also discuss the themes across all three novels and their relevance to the present day, and why, if you want to get a different perspective of the land, you should get on the water. It's an utterly fascinating conversation about one of the most gripping series of recent times and we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Warren McIntyre, frontman and leader of Starry Skies - one of our favourite bands. He was on to talk about their forthcoming album, and the release of the second single 'Here Comes The Moon'. Warren is a man steeped in music, and he discusses his own career, as well as why he loves to promote and support live music. He even gives us a couple of acoustic versions of brand new songs. If you love music and those who make it then this podcast is for you.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Scott Hames who lectures in Scottish Literature at the University of Stirling. The reason was to talk about Scott's fascinating book 'The Literary Politics of Scottish Devolution', and look in some detail at the themes and ideas he addresses. The book's subtitle is 'Voice, Class, Nation' and Scott sets out the relationship between the three. It's a fascinating conversation about Scotland's recent social, political, and cultural history. You can get your own copy of 'The Literary Politics of Scottish Devolution' from Edinburgh University Press.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali and his brother Andy got back together once again, virtually speaking, to talk music. Following previous pod chats about their favourite Scottish records of the 1980s and ’90s, this time round it's the '00s, and they each pick 10 Scottish records from that decade and discuss what they mean to them, and why.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Olga Wojtas about her novels Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Golden Samover and Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Vampire Menace (both published on the Contraband imprint of Saraband Books). Olga is one of warmest, wittiest, and downright readable writers around, and it was such a pleasure to be able to chat about her writing, the influences and inspirations behind the 'Miss Blaine's Prefect' books, how she feels about Muriel Spark and The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, the importance of a good mentor, and of a supportive publisher, the joy of writing about other times, people, and places, and the why proper research is not just vital, but a pleasure.

For the latest podcast we spoke to journalist and writer Joe Donnelly about his book 'Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives'. Joe is a gaming enthusiast and mental health advocate and 'Checkpoint' considers the intersections of video games and mental health, and explores his belief that the interactive nature of games makes them uniquely placed to educate and inform. Joe and Ali discuss this thesis, as well as the personal story that underpins the book. It's a fascinating, honest, and insightful discussion which will be of interest to everyone, whether you consider yourself a gamer or not.