Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Lesley Davidson, who is the co-director of the Beacon Arts Centre, to talk about the inaugural Beacon Book Festival which runs from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd February.Lesley tells us why now is the right time for the Beacon Arts Centre to host a book festival, and what the challenges were in programming, before talking about that programme - who is on, and when, and taking us through the various strands.The two then talk about the Beacon Arts Centre and their work more widely, the importance of being a central part of the local community, the iconic building serving as a place which encourages creativity, the challenges and joys of working in the arts, and a lot more.A new book festival is always a cause for cheer, and this is a great addition to the cultural landscape of Scotland and particularly that of the Inverclyde area. The Beacon already has a righteous reputation as an important hub for the arts and culture, and it sounds as if the Beacon Book Festiv

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and regular guest over the years, Louise Welsh to talk about her latest Rilke novel The Cut Up, which is published with Canongate Books.Louise begins with a brief introduction to the central character of Rilke, before talking about the first novel in which he featured, Louise's celebrated 2002 debut The Cutting Room, a book which has had a notable influence on a new generation of writers.The two then discuss The Cut Up (avoiding spoilers) and the wider cast of characters involved, the world of antiques against which the novel is set, writing violence, the importance of detail, moral ambiguity, representing the senses, the joys of writing about Glasgow, and more.They then go on to talk about Louise's work alongside Jude Barber with The Empire Cafe and the accompanying podcast Who Owns The Clyde?, with Louise hinting at plans for events to run alongside the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.It's always a pleasure to talk with Louise

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to composer and sound designer Oğuz Kaplangı to talk about his new album RESIST.Oğuz talks about the inspirations behind the project, the themes of resistance, solidarity, and human connection, the narrative which runs through the album, and his future plans for RESIST, which are very exciting.The two also discuss the importance of collaboration and how he worked with a number of other artists from different genres and what they each brought to the recordings, before Oğuz sets out his own musical background, his work in theatre, TV and other areas (and what he likes to listen to when he cooks!).It's a fascinating conversation about an inspirational and multi-faceted album, and it was such a pleasure to be able to discuss it in detail with Oğuz himself.Oğuz would like to acknowledge the funding and support of Creative Scotland and the National Lottery without whom RESIST would not have been possible.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up once again with Dawn Taylor, the Artistic Director & CEO at MANIPULATE Arts, to learn all about this year's MANIPULATE Festival which runs from 4th - 10th February.Now in its 19th year the festival promises something for everyone, and Dawn gives us an overview of the programme, a bit of history, the significance in supporting non-text based theatre, film and other forms of performance, getting the balance between international and national right, the importance of building lasting relationships with audiences, and just what festival goers can expect.The two also discuss just a few of the potential highlights, the various workshops, the brand new competition strand, the community aspect, and how and where people can get tickets, and get involved.It's a great introduction to this year's MANIPULATE festival, and should whet the appetite for what's to come.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh (and former magician) Peter Lamont to talk about his latest book Radical Thinking: How To See The Bigger Picture, which is published by Swift Press.It's a continuation of a conversation the two had at last year's Aye Write Book Festival when an hour was nowhere hear enough time to discuss this fascinating and thought-provoking book, and the ideas it proffers.Peter sets out why he wanted to write this book and its academic roots, before talking about keeping it local, referencing well-kent figures (including Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini), and using his immediate surroundings as a starting point for his investigations. He then talks about the central ideas examined, the importance of being curious, the nature of belief, critical thinking, his interest in magic, and so much more.It was such a pleasure to be able to talk in-depth to Peter about this accessible and stimulating

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2026, Ali spoke to writer and musician Peter May to talk about his new album Towards The Light, but so much more.Peter admits that despite his fame as a writer of crime fiction (31 novels to date), music was always his first love (despite some painful memories of early piano lessons) and he goes on to talk about his early years playing in bands, running away to London to make their fame and fortune, and just what the musical landscape was like at the time.He then talks about the new album, the musicians he has collaborated with, why now was the time to make it, musical influences, and what the future holds.The two then discuss some of the themes of the album, the difference between writing songs and writing fiction, and how Peter came to the crime genre.Peter May is one of best known and celebrated crime writers around, but his musical side has remained mostly unknown until now, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to him about that side of his creative life. If y

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2025 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and a returning 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.There are favourite directors, dazzling debuts, documentaries, legends on screen and off, laughs, tears, and some sensational swearing.The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this movie chat offers plenty of choice.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For our latest roundup of 2025 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Gefahrgeist's Fiona Liddell. As is now customary, they each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark over the last 12 months.As they make clear, 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. The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this music chat offers plenty of choice.For full details, including all the ways to listen (and the playlist), head over to scotswhayhae.com

For this, the inaugural Scots Whay Hae! Best Crime Fiction podcast Ali was joined by writer Callum McSorley to talk about some of the best books published this year, and to take a look at what's coming in 2026.Each picking six of their favourites, the chat turns to great debuts, superb sequels, welcome returns, award winners, new voices, whisky, weekenders, even werewolves, and so much more! Callum is always great to talk to (check out his appearance on the SWH! podcast from earlier this year) and this was a highly enjoyable conversation about a genre of Scottish writing which continues to go from strength to strength.The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this crime chat offers plenty of choice.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2025 podcasts is all about books, when once again Ali is joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to talk about the standouts of the year, and to give a heads up as to what's coming in 2026.The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There are debuts to Last Words, complicated families, celebrations of friendships, love, loss, what it means to be alive, examinations of the ancient world right up to the present day, and so much more, and we're certain you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself.Always a SWH! highlight of the year, the aim of this podcast is to reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. It may be our longest podcast of the year, but it's always one of the best...For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com And don’t forget to check out the Books from Scotland website for more of the best of Sco

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to theatre director and producer David Hewitson who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 118, a new fringe venue dedicated to grassroots, DIY and emerging theatre makers.David gave some background to Theatre 118, where they are based and why, and what their aims are.The two then talk about the work of the Outer Spaces charity and the work they do, before discussing the importance of place more widely, and the history of independent and grassroots theatre in Glasgow.David explains how he came to be involved in theatre, and what it was which attracted him to start Theatre 118, who else is involved and the importance of collaboration, before he goes through some of the shows they have put on to date, and what's coming in the future - including the forthcoming panto Jack & the Privately Owned Beanstalk.Theatre 118 is the latest in the long and fine tradition of DIY small theatre producers and makers, and this conversation with David is the per

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, writer Tom Brogan to talk all about his latest book Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player which is published by Pitch Publishing.This was a real treat for Ali as Kenny Dalglish is his first, and arguably greatest, hero, and the two talked about what the player, and the man, means to them both (and they are remarkably similar stories).Tom then sets out the structure of the book, the inspiration behind wanting to write it, the research involved, and why the timing of publication was perfect.Ali then picks 10 matches/chapters to discuss to try and give an overview of the book, the stories told, and give part of the picture of the man himself from schools and amateur days, through his time at Celtic, the move to Liverpool, European success, playing for Scotland, becoming a player/manager, and beyond.It's always a pleasure to have Tom on the podcast and this became an hour of celebration of, and adoration for, a player who is conce

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, broadcaster and campaigner Darren McGarvey (also known as rapper Loki) to talk about his book and live show, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the album Not Funded By Creative Scotland, which are three central strands of the same multi-media project, and the two discuss just how they work together, but also stand alone.Darren talks about the challenges of taking the show to the Fringe, but why it was important to do so, before talking about the differences, and similitude, in writing the book, album, and for a live performance, and the responses to each.The two then discuss each strand in detail - how the album was recorded, the research behind the book, the difference between committing words to the page, and saying them on stage, and where his love of language comes from.Darren explains what the Trauma Industrial Complex is, talks about the contradiction at the heart of the book, the difference between sharing and oversharing, the freedom that his mus

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to to choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan to hear all about The Gaze – you, me, us, and them a new interactive installation with live performances which premieres at The Tramway in Glasgow on November 22nd before it goes to The Studio, Capital Theatre in Edinburgh on 28th February in the new year.Himadri expands on the brief description above, before breaking down the title, talking about the themes and ideas explored, the inspirations behind it, its academic origins, and just what audiences can expect.The two then talk about how The Gaze relates to Himadari's previous work, the importance of collaboration, and her continued work as part of Theiya Arts, before she tells her own engaging story about how she game to dance and choreography.Himadri Madan is among the most exciting voices in theatre today, and it was fascinating to learn about the ideas behind The Gaze – you, me, us, and them, and the practicalities and challenges in bringing such a personal

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we welcome back writer Peter Ross to talk to Ali about his latest book Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland - published by Headline - and which is the last in the 'fox trilogy' (and to find out what that refers to, you'll have to listen in).Peter gives an overview of the book, and how it fits alongside previous publications A Tomb With A View and Steeple Chasing, before discussing the structure, the quotes in the epigraph, the importance of people as much as place (carefully considering who to include and why), his thoughts on recounting personal stories in this latest volume, and so much more.The two also mull over why it is that ancient times and places continue to cast a spell over modern life, and if that interest fluctuates depending on the state of the nation, and the world at large, before Peter expands on his working process, how he overcomes any initial suspicion, and then connects with those he meets.We have recorded a number

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to crime writer Marion Todd to learn all about Dead Man's Shoes, the latest in the DI Clare Mackay series of thrillers.Marion talks about the challenges and advantages in writing a long-running series (Dead Man's Shoes is the ninth entry) before giving a spoiler-free breakdown of the novel, explains what comes first - plot or people - and the difficulties in hitting that balance between cosy and gritty crime.The two then discuss some of the series' characters (including Clare Mackay herself) and Marion's imaginative way of creating them, before moving onto the importance of place, and the setting of St Andrews in particular.Marion then sets out what attracted her to writing in the crime genre, the importance of book festivals, talks about the next novel and how far she works ahead, before revealing news which will be exciting to Marion's many fans.This is a discussion which will appeal to readers, but also to writers old and new as Marion of

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with Donald Smith, the director and founder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, to hear all about this year's programme, which features over 120 events and which will take place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland from 22nd October - 1st November.Donald breaks down the title Lights Of The North and how that relates to the international aspect of the festival, before going through the themes and strands for this year and explaining the nationwide scope in terms of people and place.This, the festival's 36th year, is also Donald's last (at least as director) and he looks back not only to previous festivals but also how he came to be involved, as well as the inspirational individuals and moments which fired his passion for storytelling, and for sharing that passion with others.The two then discuss the communal nature of storytelling and how that fundamentally leads to greater empathy, understanding and generosity.It was such a plea

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Foday Mannah to hear all about his award-winning debut novel The Search for Othella Savage, which is published by Quercus Books, and which was shortlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.Foday gives a brief synopsis of the novel, speaks about the real-life incident which inspired him to write it, and why it was important to set events in both Scotland and Sierra Leone. He also explains the quote from Mongo Beti which is the novel's epigraph.The two then talk about the themes of the novel (which include power, corruption & lies - but also friendship and family), some of the central characters, and the challenges in writing about politics and religion.They also discussed the changing face of the crime genre and attitudes towards it, the importance of crime writing festivals such as Bloody Scotland, literary awards, and creative writing courses, before Foday offers some advice to prospective writers, and book recommendations to an

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Scottish-Norwegian filmmaker Iain Forbes to hear all about his award-winning, and Oscar-qualified, short film After Dark.Iain talks about his Scottish roots, gives a brief summary of the film, the critical reception, how and where it was shot, the casting of his two leads, and the personal nature of the story.The two also discuss the themes which underpin events, including the battle between the desire to help others versus the fear of possible consequences, and how audiences might react to the central relationship.After Dark is a thought-provoking film which packs more into its 10 minute running time than many features manage, and it was fascinating to be able to talk it over with Iain.Hopefully it will be available for everyone to view soon, but for now enjoy this chat with the writer/director which is bound to whet your appetite.Full details, including all the ways to listen are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest book Benbecula, which is the new entry in Polygon Books' Darkland Tales series of novellas which have quickly become essential reading.Graeme tells us how he came to write his Darkland Tale, why it was this story, the brutal true crime which is at its heart (and it is true, no matter what regular readers of Graeme's might believe!), the research undertaken, creating a sense of place, understanding your central characters, the importance of visiting the island of Benbecula and the scene of the crimes, and the challenges of writing to a specific format.The two also discuss the gothic tradition, unexpected reactions, how historical fiction speaks to the present day, and how Benbecula links to His Bloody Project, Graeme's Booker shortlisted 2016 novel.One of the most interesting and insightful writers around, it's always a pleasure to have Graeme as a guest on the podcast, and this latest epis