Episodes
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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
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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
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Episodes manquant?
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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
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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
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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
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Alan Taylor to talk about this latest book, Edinburgh: The Autobiography, which is published with Birlinn Books.
Following on from 2016's Glasgow: The Autobiography, Alan talks about why the time was right for Edinburgh to get similar treatment (its publication coincides with the city's 900th anniversary), the format of the book, the research required, trying to maintain balance in terms of themes and subjects, and goes into detail about just some of the people who, and the places and events which, would shape Scotland's capital, especially its literary legacy.
The two also discuss the impact of two periods in particular, namely The Enlightenment and all things Edinburgh Festival, looking at the incidents which fired both, and how they came to change perceptions of the city both at home and abroad.
A conversation with Alan Taylor is always entertaining and educational, and an absolute pleasure, and, as a proud Glaswegian with an undying fondness for Edinburgh, it was fascinating to not only read the book (a review of which will be in the next SNACK magazine) but to be able to discuss it with the Editor himself. If you thought you knew Auld Reekie, think again.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to Jenna Gordon, who is the editorial director for Verve Books, to talk about all things independent publishing, and much more.
Jenna talks all about Verve Books, how it started, and how it's going, including what we can look forward to in terms of publications coming in the new year. She also breaks down her role of editorial director, and explains that with a small publisher it entails the wearing of many different hats.
The two also discuss publishing in Scotland, the resurrection of indie bookshops and the importance of working with them, book events, and Jenna's surprising inspiration for getting into publishing. She also offers practical advice about how to get involved yourself, as well as tips for writers on how to get published.
It's an honest, open, and informative conversation about how the world in independent publishing works today, although it moves so quickly this might have been a very different conversation if it was 12 months from now. One for book lovers and writers alike.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, the crime writer Denzil Meyrick to hear all about the latest novel in the Inspector Frank Grasby series, The Christmas Stocking Murders.
An appearance by Denzil on the podcast has quickly become a sign that Christmas is on the way, and it was great to catch up with him and hear about what Frank Grasby and friends, and enemies, are up to this time around.
Denzil gives a synopsis of The Christmas Stocking Murders, before talking about returning to 1950s Yorkshire, the appeal of coastal settings, how Frank's world has changed, and what he has learned, since events in the previous novel Murder at Holly House, introducing the memorable character of Superintendent Juggers, and the effect World War II has on everyone who appears in the series.
He also gives updates on all things DCI Daley, which include a new novel and the promised TV series. As always, a chat with Denzil just flies by, and it's always a pleasure to talk crime fiction with one of the best.
And once the conversation is over, keep listening as Denzil's publishers Transworld, Penguin Random House, have kindly allowed us to play a clip from the audiobook of The Christmas Stocking Murders, narrated by Tom Turner.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to artist Pat Law to hear all about GAFFER: Impressions from a Loch Fyne Skiff, a multimedia exhibition created by the Law family about the boat 'Kirsty' which will be on at the Scottish Maritime Museum until the 2nd of February 2025.
As well as Pat herself, the artists involved include Mhairi Law, an award-winning photographer specialising in rural environments, Kirsty Law, an innovative Scots song maker and singer, and Andy Law, the technical producer.
Pat talks about the inspiration behind the exhibition, the 'box of goodies' which were key, the personal connections, and why the lessons learned from maritime history have relevance today.
The two also talk about the skills needed not only to make and maintain such a vessel, but the attraction, attention and interest people have in and for them, before Pat explains her hopes for the exhibition, and for 'Kirsty' herself.
It's a fascinating conversation about a subject which speaks to a part of Scotland's history all too rarely covered in such an artistic, inventive and educational manner, and it whets the appetite for the exhibition itself.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest podcast Ali spoke to TV comedy writer and author Lee Stuart Evans to talk about his new novel Pleasantly Disturbed, which is published with Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd.
Lee gives a brief synopsis of the novel before talking about why he wanted to write it, and the central part music, and particularly Simple Minds, plays in the story he wanted to tell.
The two then go deep on their shared appreciation of the 'Minds, before talking about music obsessions, the strength of fandom - particularly in the formative years, the influence of Gregory's Girl and the films of John Hughes, and how, in your teens, and to quote Ferris Bueller, "life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".
It's an amiable and affable conversation which gets to the heart of why pop culture, and music in particular, can not just affect but change and shape lives, and it was such a pleasure to discuss Lee's novel in detail, but there's so much more.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast, Ali spoke to Gill Higgins, who makes music as Curlew. Gill talks all things Evolution, her debut musical solo project, which includes 'Air', 'Earth', 'Fire', and 'Water'.
She sets out what people can expect from the forthcoming live show at The Dream Machine in Glasgow, which promises to be "an ambient electronic soundscape launch at an immersive event with surround sound and 360° visuals."
The two then talk about Gill's life in and around music, the importance of a musical community and collaboration, the unexpected cultural consequences of COVID, and why making music as part of CLR Theory led to Curlew.
Gill also goes into further detail about Evolution, including her burgeoning relationship with electronic music and instruments - the synthesiser in particular - how her scientific and medical background fed into the project, reconnecting with nature, and how the music emerged from the process itself.
Gill is one of Scots Whay Hae!'s very favourite musicians, playing over the years with only the finest bands and musicians, and it was such a treat to be able to learn at length about Curlew and Evolution.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest podcast Ali caught up with crime writer Michael J. Malone to talk about the latest in his Annie Jackson series of thrillers, The Torments - out now, published with Orenda Books.
It's the sequel to The Murmurs, which was one of SWH!'s top five crime novels of last year, and Michael talks about the inspiration for that book before talking about The Torments and how it continues the story.
The two talk about the tradition of gothic thrillers, the importance of understanding place, blending genres and getting the balance right, and why horror has an enduring appeal.
They also discuss the collegiate nature of the crime writing community, the importance of festivals, and why crime chose Michael rather than the other way about.
SWH! have long been fans of Michael J. Malone's, but this series is really special and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to the man himself about these thrilling novels.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Dr Nandini Manjunath and Himadri Madan to hear all about Theiyā Arts and their new interdisciplinary mixed-media performance/exhibition Maiden | Mother | Whore.
Nandini and Himadri explain the themes and ideas behind the project, the number of organisations who they have collaborated with, how the show has developed, and the academcic as well as the performative sides of Maiden | Mother | Whore. They also explain the vital role audiences will play in the performance, and why this will mean a different show every time.
The conversation then turns to talk more widely about the work of Theiyā Arts, particularly what they do in and with the community, and how you can learn more and get involved.
It was such an interesting and informative chat about a show which will have a reach way beyond the actual performances, and we hope it will convince you to experience it all.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to Professor Rhona Brown to hear all about The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies which is a two-year research project, which runs from October 2023 until October 2025.
A key poet of the Scottish eighteenth century, Rhona explains exactly who Robert Fergusson (1750-74) was and why he is so important to Scottish literature and culture more generally. She talks about his relationships to the better known Allan Ramsay and Robert Burns, how he was regarded in his too-short life time, his love of his home city of Edinburgh, and his sad demise.
The two also discuss Fergusson's life and work, his legacy, his use of Scots, the challenges faced in collecting the works, rewriting past wrongs, and why this is a poet still relevant today. Rhona also sets out the various events and exhibitions which are happening to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his death, and celebrate his work.
If you are not aware of Robert Fergusson (or even if you are) then this is an insightful and informed conversation which could lead to you discovering a new favourite poet.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to author and singer/songwriter Malachy Tallack about his new novel and album, both of which are called That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz.
Malachy tells us which came first, and how they developed, before giving a brief synopsis of the novel. He talks about the two strands and explains why these were stories he wanted to tell, before discussing his central characters of Sonny and Jack, and how their tales are intertwined.
The two then talk about the album, which are 'Jack's songs' and how the idea to record them came about, the inspirations behind it, the importance of country music to Shetland, and the complexities of recording songs written by a fictional character.
Also under discussion is the influence of music in our formative years, the importance of place, how seemingly insignificant words or events can be carried for a lifetime, the differences between contentment and happiness, and a whole lot more.
That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz is one of the best novels of the year, and also a wonderful collection of songs, and it was a pleasure to be able to talk to Malachy about both. Each is worthy of your attention, but when taken together you have something very special indeed.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to previous guest, the writer Graeme Macrae Burnet, to hear all about his latest novel A Case Of Matricide, which is the final book in the Georges Gorski trilogy (all published on the Contraband imprint of Saraband), which are described as "a series of novels set in the unremarkable French town of Saint-Louis", but to say there is so much more is the biggest understatement.
Before giving a brief synopsis of A Case Of Matricide Graeme talks about the trilogy as a whole and how it came about, creating the character of Georges Gorski, and how the latest novel relates to the other two.
Carefully avoiding spoilers, the two then discuss the nature of the trilogy, crime novels where the crimes are not to the fore, the perils of using - and mildly abusing - a real place in the shape of Saint-Louis, telling a story through small details, and the themes they address.
They also talk about the influence of 20th century European literature, naturalism versus existentialism, and the different levels to writing, and therefore reading, A Case Of Matricide.
It's always a treat to talk to Graeme, one of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite writers, someone who is always interesting in terms of how he works and why. If you are unaware of his writing, or are only familiar with his Booker-listed His Bloody Project and Case Study, then this is the perfect place to find out more, and discover the Georges Gorski Trilogy.
For full details, and all the ways to listen, go to scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Robert J. Harris to hear all about Redfalcon: Richard Hannay Returns his latest outing for John Buchan's hero, familiar to most from the novel, and numerous film adaptations of, The 39 Steps.
Robert talks about how he came to write the Richard Hannay novels, how he approaches writing in another writer's style, adapting the cast of supporting characters from the original source material, the various screen versions of Hannay (and which he prefers) and the other influences he embraces.
The two also talk about his Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson novels, which bring the heroes into the Second World War, and the enduring appeal of Holmes in particular.
SWH! have long been admirers of Robert J. Harris, a writer who manages to bring beloved literary characters to life while always staying faithful and respectful to the original authors' vision, and this was a great opportunity to investigate the process and inspiration behind his work.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker and writer Grant McPhee to talk about his book Postcards from Scotland: Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995 which is published by Omnibus Press.
Grant talks about how the book came about and why these are the years he wanted to cover, his film Teenage Superstars which inspired it, how the structure is shaped by the interviews, his previous book Hungry Beat (written with Douglas Macintyre) which set the template, the importance of the legendary, and often misunderstood, C86 cassette, and how many of the musicians in the book changed, and continue to change, Scotland's cultural landscape.
The two also discuss the importance of place in the story, particularly outside of the cities, as well as talking about some of the lesser known bands who appear on these pages.
It's a comprehensive conversation as befits such a book which covers its subject so thoroughly, and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to the text and the music it celebrates.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is another collaboration with Bloody Scotland - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - where Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is awarded for the best Scottish crime book of the year.
They include D.V. Bishop (A Divine Fury), Chris Brookmyre (The Cracked Mirror), Val McDermid (Past Lying), Abir Mukherjee (Hunted) and Kim Sherwood (A Spy Like Me).
All the writers give a brief synopsis of their shortlisted novels before explaining a bit more about why they chose to wrote them, and agree that they once again prove the variety of crime writing at the moment.
They also discuss the importance of literary prizes, and the impact not only of winning, but simply being long and/or shortlisted can have in terms of publicising and selling a novel, before setting out just why the crime-writing community is such a supportive and welcoming one.
The McIlvanney Prize is one of the most significant literary prizes around, and a great guide as to the best crime fiction on offer, so it was such a pleasure, and a privilege, to be able to talk to these great authors. This is a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.
And Bloody Scotland is on between 13th - 15th September. Tickets are on sale now.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Jenny Lecoat about her new novel Beyond Summerland, which is published on the Polygon Books imprint of Birlinn Ltd.
After offering a carefully considered description of the book - which is set on Jersey just after the Second World War - Jenny explained why she wanted to write about this time and place, her personal connections, and how occupation shaped the island and those who live there, something which continues to the modern day.
The two also discuss what's interesting when writing about small communities, the joy of research, how the best historical novels speak to the present day, and if there are any comparisons between writing fiction and Jenny's other work, which includes film, TV, radio, and more.
It was so interesting to be able to talk to Jenny about Beyond Summerland, a novel which can be read on a number of levels, and hear about her approach to writing. One for book lovers and writers alike.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
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