Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Linda Cracknell about her latest novel, 'The Other Side of Stone' (or is it a novella, or a short story collection?). As well as the format, the two discuss the importance of place in Linda's work, her fascination with derelict buildings, how and why she picked these stories to tell, the unusual starting point for 'The Other Side of Stone', the physical aspect to her writing, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating insight into the life and work of a writer who avoids easy categorisation, and who is all the better for it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with poet, spoken word artist, and scriptwriter Cat Hepburn to talk about her latest published collection 'Dating & Other Hobbies'. Cat is someone we've wanted on the podcast for a while, and it's fascinating to hear about the new poetry, her first published short stories, the way she approaches different forms of writing, using the personal to examine more universal themes, how things have changed since her previous publication '#GIRLHOOD', and so much more.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to rapper. poet, songwriter, and producer, Dave Hook (better known to many as Solareye). The two discuss the history of Stanley Odd and the band's new album 'STAY ODD: The Magic of Everyday Things', why they decided to publish a book of lyrics to go with it, some of the individual tracks and themes, the collaborative, supportive, and enduring nature of the Scottish Hip Hop community, and a whole lot more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Aidan Martin about 'Euphoric Recall', a memoir which deals with his recovery from extreme trauma and addiction. The two discuss why he wrote the book - and why he chose memoir over fiction, how it felt to return to these traumatic events, how writing helped his recovery, the inspiration for the book's structure, the reaction from friends and family, his involvement with recovery support, the kindness of strangers, his love for his home town of Ladywell, and so much more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke folksinger Iona Fyfe about her exceptional musical career, as well as her work in support of Scots language. They talk about her unconventional time at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the inspirational lecturers she encountered, her deep roots in traditional music, the recent changes she has seen in Folk, as well as her work with 'Oor Vyce - the campaign for the legal recognition of the Scots language', translating songs into Scots, the importance of representation, and a whole lot more. It's an insightful conversation with someone who is at the heart of many of the current cultural discussions and debates.

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcome back writer John D. Burns to talk about his latest book, 'Wild Winter - In Search of Nature in Scotland's Mountain Landscape'. Originally proposed as an account of Winter in the wilds of Scotland, the arrival of the COVID 19 pandemic threw those plans into disarray and the result is a very different book to the one John intended, but it's one which captures the relationship between man and the natural world in a manner which is entirely relatable, and in many ways comforting.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Martin Metcalfe who has been in a variety of bands over the years, but who is best known to many as the frontman of Goodbye Mr Mackenzie - one of Scotland's finest bands. Martin talks about the early days of the band, the music scene in Edinburgh in the '80s, the bands who influenced them and those they admired, their reformation and sell-out tour of 2019, the new live album, the forthcoming DVD documentary about the band, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat with one of Scottish music's most intriguing characters.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to Dr Craig Lamont about his fascinating  book The Cultural Memory of Georgian Glasgow which gives new insight into Scotland's largest city during what was known as the long 18th century, merging historical, literary, and memory studies. The two discuss the Scottish Enlightenment, the emerging print culture, the transatlantic slave trade, and how the philosophy, science, art, and religion, all helped to shape the city as it moved into its better know Industrial period. https://www.scotswhayhae.com/post/georgian-on-my-mind-the-swh-podcast-talks-to-craig-lamont

For the latest of our Glasgow Film Festival Podcasts Ali spoke to Australian filmmaker Heather Croall about her documentary 'Yer Old Faither' which, as the title suggests, is about her Glaswegian born Dad who took the family to settle in the infamous industrial city of Whyalla, Australia. It's a deeply personal film which will be nevertheless be relatable to all, and which uses home movies, family pictures, animation, and Heather's own footage, to tell a tale about one man's apparently ordinary life yet one which touched the lives of a whole community in extraordinary ways. It's a fascinating conversation about a fantastic film, one which we hope will persuade you to see the film for yourself.

For the latest in out series of Glasgow Film Festival podcasts Ali spoke to director, producer, and cinematographer Alastair Cole to talk about his film 'Iorram (Boat Song)', which is the first cinema documentary entirely in Scots Gaelic. Alastair talks about the unusual structure of the film, the vital importance of audio archive, the different types of cinematography used, the problems with filming at sea, connecting stories across time, and so much more.

For the second in our series of Glasgow Film Festival 2021 podcasts Ali spoke to Maya Medvesek, better known as internationally renowned DJ Nightwave, to talk about the music documentary 'Underplayed'. The film shines a light on gender inequality in the electronic dance music scene, and Maya, who features in the film, talks all about her experiences as a DJ, the challenges and discrimination she has faced, the women who were early pioneers for electronic music, the Producer Girls project, her hopes for the future, and so much more.

For the latest of our Glasgow Film Festival Podcasts Ali spoke to a previous guest, Anthony Baxter, this time around to talk about 'Eye of the Storm', his documentary about the landscape artist James Morrison. Anthony discusses why he chose James as his subject, the use of mixed media - especially Catriona Black's animation, the soundtrack and what it brings to the film, the importance of storytelling, how the art influenced his own work, and a whole lot more.

For the latest SWH! podcast, Ali caught up with Sorcha Dallas, the custodian of the Alasdair Gray Archive, to talk about the plans for Gray Day, which is the 25th February 2021 - the 40th anniversary of the publication of Alasdair's debut novel 'Lanark', a book which had a profound impact on Scotland's literature and culture. They talk about the day itself and what's happening to mark it, the wide-range of people involved, the 'Lanark' readings which have been posted in the run up to the 25th, the 'Gray Matters' podcasts which will be available on the day and beyond, the Alasdair Gray Archive itself, and a whole lot more. They also share some personal memories of Alasdair, and discuss why his work is so iconic. If you want to know more go to - thealasdairgrayarchive.org

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with filmmaker, DJ, and comic book creator Etienne Kubwabo to talk about 'Beats of War' his comic book series which is so much more. The two discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of place and why Etienne wants to put Scotland on the page, and hopefully on the screen, the influences from his own life that came together to create the characters and stories told, the musical side to the project, the importance of collaboration in all his work, his experience of Scottish culture, his hopes and dreams for what is to come, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat with a man who creates his art across different genres and forms. To learn more go to https://mileawayfilms.com/product/beats-of-war-comic-book/

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Young Adult author Ross Sayers about his latest novel 'Daisy on the Outer Line', as well as his previous work 'Mary's the Name' and 'Sonny and Me' (all published by the YA publisher Cranachan). Ross is one of our favourite writers, and there are none better writing in the field of YA fiction today. It's a fascinating conversation about finding the voice, language, getting "into character", the challenges when writing a time travel plot, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and performer Alan Bissett, who was one of our earliest podcast guests back in 2011. That was the year of his last novel 'Pack Men' and the two talk about his first book of published prose since, the novella 'Lazy Susan'. They discuss the character of Susie 'Q' Martin, the return to writing fiction, the novella as a format, the book's inventive structure, the relationship between author and reader, new ways to tell old stories, and so much more. It's a fascinating chat with one of Scotland's finest writers, and there's also the bonus of readings from Alan (as God!) and Rosalind Watt as 'Lazy Susan'.

The latest podcast is all about the forthcoming Paisley Book Festival, and Ali spoke to co-producer Keira Brown and writer-in-residence Imogen Stirling all about the festival, the necessary move to online, the theme of 'Radical New Futures', and a whole lot more. Keira talks us through the programme, and how people can get involved, and Imogen explains her role and some of the workshops she is running, and the events she has created. It's the perfect introduction to what promises to be a one of the must attend events of 2021. For full details go to paisleybookfest.com

For the first SWH! podcast of 2021 Ali spoke to writer David F. Ross about his latest novel 'There's Only One Danny Garvey' (out now, published by Orenda Books). The two try to avoid all spoilers as they talk about the inspiration behind the book, and Danny himself, as well as the setting of Scottish junior football, a different approach to writing this time around, the importance of music and mixtapes to the plot, and a whole lot more. It's always a pleasure to catch up with David, and we think this podcast kicks off the new year in fine style!

This is a bonus podcast for the end of this difficult year. During Lockdown 1 Ali recorded podcasts with his brother Andy to discuss their favourite albums from the 1980s to the last decade, which you can still find at scotswhayhae.com. Recently they got together once again to discuss their cultural year, and the things which have helped them through the last 12 months. They talk books, music, podcasts, art, anniversaries, festivals, opera, literary giants, ghosts, beer, the comfort of nostalgia, and more. This is our last podcast of 2020 so we wish all our listeners the very best over the festive period, and that you have a great 2021.

The final podcast for this year is our roundup of the Best Music of 2020, where Ali is joined by Richard Bull, the producer of BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart Show. They each pick 10 releases to talk about, but take a few detours and diversions along the way. We hope you enjoy their musical memories of the past 12 months, and find something of enough interest to investigate further.