Scots Whay Hae! podcast

55:46

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Karen Campbell to talk about her latest novel This Bright Life , which will be published later this month with Canongate Books . Karen gives a synopsis of the novel before breaking down the three central characters of Gerard, Margaret and Claire and their role in events, why it had to be set in Glasgow, and, more widely, the importance of place. The two then talk about Karen's novels more generally (this is her ninth), the themes and ideas which interest her, writing about people who all too rarely appear on the page, and how she has changed as a writer over time. There is also a conversation about other Scottish novels, Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Hugh MacDiarmid, and the notable impact of, and response to, her previous novel Paper Cup . It's always a pleasure to talk to Karen, and with This Bright Life one of SWH!'s Ten Books for 2025 it was a privilege to be able to discuss it in such detail. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Esa Aldegheri - There She Goes 39:13

9 days ago39:13

39:13

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Show Ali spoke to writer and academic Esa Aldegheri to talk about There She Goes: New Travel Writing by Women, an anthology of travel tales which celebrates the stories of women for which Esa is the editor, and which will be published by Saraband Books on 6th March. Esa explains how this anthology came about, including the origins of the title, and how the impressive list of contributors were assembled before discussing how the themes and ideas in the book emerged through the individual responses, and the importance in including a wide range of writers and styles. The two then talk about individual chapters and what they cover (without giving any spoilers!), as well as the nature of travel writing and how it has changed, and how this anthology challenges those preconceptions and addresses the subject in new and surprising ways. It's a fascinating and inspiring conversation about this excellent collection of essays, and travel writing itself. An essential listen about a book which deserves to be read far and wide. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Chris McQueer - Hermit 52:53

16 days ago52:53

52:53

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Chris McQueer who was last a guest back in 2018. Since then Chris has been working on his debut novel which is now with us in the form of Hermit, published with Wildfire Books on the 27th February. Chris gives a synopsis of Hermit before explaining how the novel has changed in terms of style and story over the years while the central characters of Jamie and Fiona were always there. The two discuss the inspirations behind all the characters, how the structure helped the writing, finding the rhythm of this novel, writing about difficult subjects, and the dark and depressing research Chris undertook to best understand the online subculture of incels. Chris also talks honestly about the challenges in, and expectations of, writing his first novel after the success of his two short story collections HINGS and HWFG, and what he's looking forward to next. Hermit is one of the most eagerly-awaited novels of the year, and it was such a pleasure to be able to discuss it with the author in such an open and insightful manner. For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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David F. Ross - The Weekenders 53:58

23 days ago53:58

53:58

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, Saltire Prize shortlisted author David F. Ross to hear all about his new novel The Weekenders which is published on the 27th February with Orenda Books. David gave a brief synopsis before talking about why this was a book he wanted write, the structure of the novel, the various strands and how they work together, and creating the central characters who drive each of those stories. The two also discuss the themes of wealth and power and how they corrupt, nature versus nurture, the role Glasgow plays in the novel, why it was important to David to set events there and represent the city as honestly as possible. The Weekenders is David's seventh novel and he reflects on how he has changed as a writer over that time, why Orenda is the only publisher for him, and there's so much more. It's always a pleasure to catch up with David, and this is a must listen for readers and writers alike. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Allan Gaw - The Silent House Of Sleep 43:00

30 days ago43:00

43:00

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! popdcast Ali spoke to writer Allan Gaw to talk about his debut novel The Silent House Of Sleep, which is the first in the Dr Jack Cuthbert series, all to be published with Polygon Books. The Silent House Of Sleep won the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut Prize last year, and Allan talks about first being on the shortlist, his surprise at winning, and the novel being named Waterstones Book of the Month. He then gives a detailed synopsis (don't worry - nae spoilers) before the two talk about the central character of Dr Jack Cuthbert and the memorable supporting cast. Allan also details the research he undertook for this novel, particularly the chapters set during World War One, and sets out what's coming next for Dr Jack Cuthbert. The Silent House Of Sleep is one of the most exciting debut novels in years, with a central character who is complex and utterly compelling. If you are a crime fiction fan then this could be the start of a beautiful relationship. If you think crime isn't for you, take a chance on this series. You won't regret it. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Dawn Taylor - Manipulate Festival 27:54

5 weeks ago27:54

27:54

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 12th - 15th February. Now in its 18th 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, the importance of building lasting relationships with audiences, and just what festival goers can expect. The two also talk about the challenges faced in putting together this year's programme, and those facing all festivals across the arts, before discussing just a number of potential highlights, some of the companies and artists appearing, 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... Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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James Yorkston - Tommy The Bruce 42:45

6 weeks ago42:45

42:45

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to singer-songwriter and author James Yorkston to talk about his latest novel, Tommy The Bruce - which is published by Oldcastle Books. James gave a brief synopsis, before explaining why this was a story he wanted to tell, why the small-town setting is crucial, creating the central character of Tommy Bruce, the importance of understanding the motivations of all his characters, his hotel experiences, and why it is hard to escape your formative years. The two also discuss James' writing processes, whether that be in fiction or his songs, the vital role stories play in all our lives, and why he likes to balance music and prose. This is an insightful and in-depth conversation with a central figure in Scottish culture, and it was such a pleasure to talk about Tommy The Bruce and so much more. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Clare Stewart - APOLLO5 33:04

7 weeks ago33:04

33:04

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician Clare Stewart who is a founding member, and artistic director, of the vocal ensemble APOLLO5 to talk about their new album 'Anam'. 'Anam' means 'soul' in Gaelic, and Clare talks about the strong Celtic theme which underpins the album, which features new arrangements of folk songs, pagan texts, poetry, brand new commissions inspired by Scottish and Irish musical traditions, and traditional instruments which include the Uilleann pipes. Clare also talks about the band more generally, collaborating with others, her own musical background and influences, and the healthy state of Scottish music today. It's an interesting and insightful conversation which should whet you're appetite for 'Anam' and all things APOLLO5. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Peter Mohan - Cheers, Govanhill 43:55

7 weeks ago43:55

43:55

For the first Scots Whay Hae! Podcast of 2025 Ali caught up with writer and journalist Peter Mohan to talk about his book 'Cheers, Govanhill', in the appropriate setting of Queen's Park Cafe (which features numerous times). The two talk about the origins of the book and the blog which it's taken from, how it started, and how it developed, the history of the area, Peter's personal connections, and how chronicling the changes in Govanhill, and Glasgow more widely, helped Peter better understand the people as well as the place. Peter also explains his style of writing, his influences - particularly James Kelman - the balance between fact and fiction, and the feedback he has had to the book, and to the blog. 'Cheers, Govanhill' is a great example of how by concentrating on the personal and the specific you can comment on universal themes, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Peter about this fascinating, and hugely entertaining, book. And thanks to Queen's Park Cafe for being such welcoming hosts. You can find full details, including all the ways to listen, here - scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Best Film of 2024 - with Chris Ward 1:21:09

11 weeks ago1:21:09

1:21:09

For the latest SWH! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2024 pods for this year, Ali is joined once more by our longest serving contributor, Chris Ward, to talk all things film, or at least to talk about their films of the year. (Unfortunately fellow film pod regular Wesley Shearer couldn't do this year, but he let us know his films of the year as well). Chris and Ali each pick seven films to talk about. As usual, Ali's picks have a Scottish bent, including films from this year's Glasgow Film Festival, two literary adaptations, and some memorable music documentaries, as well as something of a curve ball, while Chris considers films from far and wide. At a time of year where the choice of what to watch can be overwhelming, hopefully you'll find inspiration from their chat. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Best Music of 2024 - with Fiona Liddell 1:10:19

12 weeks ago1:10:19

1:10:19

For our latest roundup of 2024 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 ever, 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. What this podcast proves is how much we would all miss them if they were gone. For full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Best Books of 2024 - with Vikki Reilly 2:13:59

13 weeks ago2:13:59

2:13:59

As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2024 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 2025. The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There's food, drink, crime, comedy, coming-of-age, drama, history, sci-fi, 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. Details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Carina Contini - The Contini Cookbook 42:42

14 weeks ago42:42

42:42

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to restauranteur and writer Carina Contini about her new book The Contini Cookbook, published by Birlinn Books. Carina runs a number of well-regarded establishments in Edinburgh with husband Victor, including Contini George Street, and the cookbook captures the ethos not only of what they do, but who the Contini Family are. Written over a period of 10 years, Carina shares 100 tried-and-tested dishes close to her heart. She talks about why she wanted to write it, why now was the right time, what working in the restaurant trade means to her, her family background, and her experience of being Italian Scots (or, possibly, Scots Italian). The two also discuss how the food industry in Scotland has changed over recent years and decades, as well as the challenges faced in hospitality today. And there there's the food itself! This is a warm and insightful conversation, not only about food and drink, but about the role it plays in our lives, and other people's. And if you know someone who loves cooking, then SWH! can highly recommend The Contini Cookbook as the perfect gift. Full details. including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Fergus Morgan - A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays 45:39

15 weeks ago45:39

45:39

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with journalist, critic, and presenter Fergus Morgan to talk about the excellent podcast A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays, which you can get in all the usual places. Scottish drama doesn't get the coverage it deserves, but Fergus's podcast goes some way to right that situation. He talks about why he chose these six plays, gives a brief explanation of each, emphasises the importance of putting them in historical context, and offers an alternative timeline if events had been different. The two also discuss those who didn't make the final six, the themes uncovered from Fergus's research, the seventh bonus live podcast, and the current state of drama in Scotland. In an increasingly busy podcast world, A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays is one of the year's best and I highly recommend it whether you know your history, or if you are a newcomer to the glorious world of Scottish drama. It was such a pleasure to talk to Fergus and get behind the stories he has to tell, and the plays which inspired them. For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com…

Scots Whay Hae!

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Alan Taylor - Edinburgh: The Autobiography 46:52

15 weeks ago46:52