Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast, Ali caught up with writer, academic, and Alasdair Gray biographer (and old pal of Scots Whay Hae!) Rodge Glass to hear all about the 2nd International Alasdair Gray Conference, which will be on 16th – 17th June 2022. Rodge gives details of the conference, including how to register and get involved, and just what will be going on and where. He also talks about the organisations who are collaborating for this event, explains the Conference titles 'Making Imagined Objects' and 'Across Space & Form', the interdisciplinary and interactive aspects, and the importance of discussing Alasdair Gray's art and writing together. It's a conversation which will appeal to all fans of the great man. For further details as to what's going on, and where, head to scotswhayhae.com.

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about Bella Caledonia and the new Anthology of writing from the years 2007 - 2021. To discuss all things Bella, Ali is joined by founder and editor Mike Small as well as contributors, writer Neil Cooper, writer and performer Dougie Strang, and academic Alison Phipps. They talk about the beginnings of Bella Caledonia, the aims and ideas behind it, each person's initial involvement, how time can change the context of the chosen essays, the importance of, and dangers in, having a wide and inclusive brief, and so much more.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to writer Ryan O'Connor about his debut novel The Voids (out now, published by Scribe Publications). Ryan talks about the autobiographical nature of The Voids, why he set it in Glasgow, but also the reasons it could have been set elsewhere, the influences on his work - both literary and other - the fine judgment required in introducing humour to dark tales, the difficulty in deciding what to leave out, and what to leave in, and so much more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his latest novel The Heretic, which is a follow up to the award-winning The Quaker. Liam joined us all the way from his home in New Zealand to discuss the challenges in writing a sequel to such a successful book, capturing the attitudes of the mid-seventies and making them relatable to modern readers, the importance of place, the joy of returning to, and developing, well-loved characters, and so much more. He also talks about an excellent literary Easter Egg which will delight fellow crime fiction fanatics. It's always a pleasure to talk books with Liam, and man steeped in Scottish literature and crime fiction, and we hope you'll find plenty to enjoy and investigate further.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet, linguist, translator, and musician Anne Pia to discuss her life and work, and her forthcoming book which she is working on at the moment. The two talk about poetry, memoir, translations, food, music, migration, lockdown, and a whole lot more. They also look at the themes which run through all. her work, which include identity, belonging, family, and love. It's a wonderfully warm and engaging conversation with a writer whose work comes from the heart and soul, and it was a pleasure to spend time in Anne's company. We hope you agree.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to translator, poet, (and, in his own words, "recovering academic") Brian Holton to talk about his latest book, 'Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds: Li Bai an Du Fu in Scots', which is available now with Taproot Press. Brian translates modern and classical Chinese poetry, and fiction, and this collection is his translations of poetry by two of the most renowned poets of Ancient China into Scots.  Brian tells us a bit about Li Bai and Du Fu, their importance in Chinese culture, and why he wanted to translate these poems into Scots. The two also discuss how Brian became a translator, the rich history of Scots language, the importance of translations in understanding other people and their cultures, and a whole lot more. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Brian about this fascinating, and beautiful, book and we hope you enjoy listening in.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet and writer Andrés N. Ordorica about his wonderful debut collection 'At Least This I Know', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the themes the poetry examines - particularly that of belonging - the structure of the book and the story that emerges, the influence of Edwin Morgan, and the importance of colour to Andrés's life and work. Andrés also talks about the importance of safe spaces and communities for artists and writers to be able to develop and share their work. It's an insightful and engaging conversation with a writer of rare talent.

The latest SWH! podcast in collaboration with Scottish Opera is an interview with soprano, and Scottish Opera Emerging Artist, Catriona Hewitson ahead of the latest production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', where she will be Tytania. It opens with three performances at Theatre Royal Glasgow on February 22, before transferring to Festival Theatre Edinburgh for a further three performances, and it was great to hear all about it from Catriona, as well as hearing about her life in music, her role in Scottish Opera, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to MSP and writer Alasdair Allan about his book 'Tweed Rins Tae the Ocean', which follows Alasdair and friends as they walk along the Scottish Borders from east coast to west. Along the way we not only learn about the places and people they encounter, but also about the rich history, literature, and language of these often debated lands. So much more than just another travelogue, Allan's knowledge and research lifts the book to another level giving an insightful and often surprising picture of a part of Scotland which is too often consigned to the past. Alasdair Allan has managed to keep the mystery and mythology of the Borders while bringing the reader right up to date, and it was a real pleasure to be able to talk to him about the book and what inspired it.

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2022 Ali speaks to journalist, cultural commentator, and music biographer Graeme Thomson to talk all about his latest book, 'Themes For Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds', which concentrates on the early years and albums of one of Scotland's most successful and lauded bands. The two talk about the unusual working methods of the band, the many changes they went through, and the feverish work ethic which defined them from the start. They also talk about the influence Simple Minds' music had on others, the influence of individual members, the inspiration taken from their home town, the ambition which drove them on to bigger, if not necessarily better, things, and why the music endures. It's an insightful interview which will interest not only admirers of 'the Minds', but music fans more generally as a picture emerges of a band unlike any other.

For the latest in our Best of 2021 podcasts it's all about music, with Ali joined by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and champion of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. The two have picked 10 of their favourite to represent a fantastic year of Scottish music.  There's great songs and singers, pop, jazz, hip-hop, indie, electronica, folk, and more, and it was such a pleasure to take a trip back through just a sample of the soundtrack to the last 12 months.  And there's a Spotify soundtrack to accompany the podcast to let you listen to all the music under discussion which you'll find alongside all the ways to listen at scotswhayhae.com

In a year when cinemas remain closed for the first few months, we did once again worry we wouldn't have that much to talk about when it came to the Best Films of 2021, and once again we were wrong. Because film found a way, with many memorable releases making it onto cinema screens as well as on the increasing variety of streaming services. To celebrate that, and all things film, Chris Ward, Wesley Shearer, and Ali reunite for their annual chat about their favourite movies of the year. Picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for films you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.  They talk about films during lockdown, this year’s Glasgow Film Festival, returning to cinemas (or not!), directors old and new, documentaries, new drama, musicals, the cinema vs home viewing, and a whole lot more.

For the first of our Best of 2021 podcast it's about all things bookish as Ali is once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly. The two look at the themes and trends of the year, the notable debuts, poetry, publishing, crime, memoirs and non-fiction, the return of some notable names, and a whole lot more. They also look ahead to 2022 to see what's coming in the year ahead. It's a podcast which reflects, and celebrates, a memorable year in Scottish writing.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali talks to one of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite singer/songwriters, Annie Booth, to mark the release of her latest album 'Lazybody'. The two discuss how Annie feels to have a new record out, how it came to be, the differences between playing in a band and working solo, working with producer/musician Chris McCrory, the importance of collaboration, the exciting current state of Scottish music, and a whole lot more. The two also talk about putting yourself in front of other people (both on record and live), and the importance of perspective. Altogether it's an honest and insightful conversation which will ring true with many who want to create, but find some aspects of being an artist challenging.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Charlie Roy about her debut novel 'THE BROKEN PANE', which we consider one of the books of the year so far. The two discuss why this was the story Charlie wanted to tell, how the structure of the novel developed, her close relationship with, and the duty of care she felt for, her central character 'Tam', the importance of redrafting, creating believable and memorable secondary characters, and the complex nature of family secrets. Charlie also talks about the themes of mental health, women's lives, and family, and why they are important to all her work, as well as explaining the central role her dog played in the writing of 'THE BROKEN PANE'. It's an interview which offers real insight into the life of a writer and what writing a novel entails.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer C. F. Peterson about his new novel 'The Purified', available now - published by Scotland Street Press. It's the second in the Duncul series following on from 2017's 'Errant Blood'. The two talk about the challenges of writing a sequel, setting the books in the Scottish Highlands, Calum's approach to writing, the writers who influence him, and working with Scotland Street Press. They also go into detail about some of the themes Calum covers in 'The Purified', including rewilding Scotland, climate change, anarchism, land ownership, nationalism, and a whole lot more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer George Paterson about his debut novel 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter', available on 21st October 2021 - published by Into Books. The two discuss what inspired George to write this novel, the influence of all things American, specific influences, American literature, the importance of film with regard to the way the book was written, and much more. The conversation also touches upon research, working with the Into Creative team, and the way that books can change lives. 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter' is a great debut, one which we consider "Possibly the finest American novel not to come out of America", and it was a pleasure to discuss the themes and ideas behind it. If you're looking for your next read, this not only could, but should, be it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer Iain Maloney (live from Japan!), and Angela and Paul Docherty from his publishers Liminal Ink. The main reason is to talk about Iain's new novella 'Life is Elsewhere/Burn Your Flags', a terrific, timeless, treatise on what happens when love dies, set against the specific backdrop of COVID. However, the conversation also covers the relationship between writer and publisher, the steep learning curve for new publishers, why the three wanted to work together, and so much more. We consider it a must-listen for readers, writers, and others interested in the world of books and publishing.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and returning guest, Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest novel 'Case Study' (published by Saraband). As with all of Graeme's books there's a lot to discuss, and the conversation turns to the life and work of R.D. Laing, the importance of research, the structure of the novel, how Graeme approaches writing, the excitement of writing a controversial character, the common threads which run though his fiction, the appeal of the cultural movements of the 1960s, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the cult of the author and the affect that has on the way books are marketed and received, and perhaps on the reader as well. It's always great to have Graeme on the podcast, and it was such a pleasure to be able to catch up with him in real life. The result is an insightful and entertaining interview which will give you a taste of what is undoubtedly one of the best books of the year.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Charles E McGarry about his new novel 'The Mystery of the Strange Piper', the latest in the 'Leo Moran Mysteries'. We consider Leo Moran to be one of the most memorable literary characters of recent times, and the two discuss how Leo came to be, the inspirations behind him and the series, the supernatural aspect, Leo Moran's moral and aesthetic sensibilities, and a whole lot more. You can also find out about Charlie's podcast series 'Debut' and where to find it. It's one of the most interesting and insightful interviews with a writer we have put out, and we think you'll agree.