Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to artists Angie Lewin & Rebecca Collins about their part in the Welcoming Spring exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Angie and Rebecca talk about the exhibition, their work and processes, celebrating Scottish nature, the importance of their surroundings in their paintings, and what it's like when you show your work publicly. The three also discuss the work of Joe Hogan and Katie Watson - the other artists showing at the exhibition - the tradition of Scottish artists whose work is similarly inspired by nature, and a whole lot more. It's a warm and insightful conversation which will be of interest to anyone interested in art of any kind. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Indigo Korres, who is the programme co-ordinator of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival's Trans Generational Tour which kicks off in Inverness on the 22nd April. Indigo talks about the history of SQIFF, the aims and ideas behind the Tour, gives a breakdown of the itinerary and what attendees can expect from the programme, details how people can take part and get tickets, and a whole lot more. The two also talk about the importance of growing communities, the power of cinema to bring people together, the importance of learning from history, encouraging intergenerational conversation and interaction, and focusing on positive stories in even the most challenging times. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Olaf Furniss, journalist and founder of Born To Be Wide, an organisation which hosts music business seminars and Scotland's music industry convention/showcase Wide Days, which this year is on between 13-15th April in Edinburgh. The two talk about the history of Born To Be Wide, this year's Wide Days, what people can expect, how they can attend and get involved, the different strands of the convention, the importance of bringing industry professionals and artists together, and a whole lot more. Olaf also explains how the bands and musicians are selected to play, the growing international facet to Wide Days, and gives just a short preview as to what he's most looking forward to. As you'll hear, Olaf and Born To Be Wide have been involved in Scottish music for many years and it was a real treat to be able to talk to him about Wide Days and so much more. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com ***The Bat

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke once again to writer David F. Ross to talk about his most recent novel 'Dashboard Elvis Is Dead', which is out now published by Orenda Books. The two caught up in Ali's kitchen and the conversation covers David's reasons for wanting to write this book, the inspirations behind it, the strong bonds created between author and their characters, why it was important to have a Scottish strand in the plot, the challenges in writing about real events, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the importance of American culture in both their lives, and the complex nature of that relationship. It's always a pleasure to talk to David as there are few writers who talk about what they do with such clarity and self-reflection. For full details, all the ways to listen, and for all the relevant link, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest SWH! podcast is all about this year's Glasgow Short Film Festival, with Ali joined by Programme Director Sanne Jehoul and filmmaker Duncan Cowles. Sanne gives us a bit of background to the festival, takes us through some of the highlights, talks about the competitions which are so important to every festival, the art of programming, the complex question as to what constitutes a 'short film', and so much more. Duncan tells us about the films he has screening this year, his history with the GSFF, the importance to filmmakers of festivals such as this one, and talks about what he is looking forward to this year. There are also interesting conversations between the three as they discuss the impact of the pandemic on filmmakers and festivals, the return of live audiences, and the importance to individuals and the wider industry of such events. It's a conversation which goes beyond the festival itself - although all your questions should be answered - to look at just why short films are a

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Catriona Child, to talk about her latest novel 'Fade Into You', which is published by Luath Press. The two talk about the writing of the book, the inspirations behind it, the setting of the 1990s, the soundtrack, the importance to being true to the past, and whole lot more. They also discuss the teenage years and how keenly everything is felt at that time, and the transition from those years into some kind of adulthood. It was lovely to catch up with Catriona, 10 years after she was last on the pod, and talk about what already feels like one of the best books of 2023. For further details, including where you can buy 'Fade Into You', head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast - the second of our Glasgow Film Festival specials - Ali catches up with musician and composer Scott Twynholm about his work on James Price's 'Dog Days' which premiered earlier in the week. Scott talks about how he came to work on 'Dog Days', collaborating with the director and editor, how every project is different and brings its own challenges, how the film was received by the audience, and where you'll be able to see if you missed it at the festival. The two also discuss Scott's other film work, such as the soundtracks to 'Ride the Wave', 'Alasdair Gray: A Life In Progress' and Rachel Maclean's 'Make Me Up!', how working in theatre differs to film, his solo career and the inspirations which drive it, his early years as a member of Looper and Metrovavan, and much more. Scott is one of SWH!'s favourite musicians, one we have wanted to get on the podcast for a while. Talking about soundtracks at the Glasgow Film Festival seemed like perfect timing. Further details and all the relevant l

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist (former BBC Foreign Correspondent, no less) Martin Patience to talk about his debut crime novel 'The Darker The Night', which is published by Polygon Books. The two talk about Martin's reasons for writing it, what he found challenging writing fiction, how his journalism fed into the novel, Glasgow as a character, the perspective living and working abroad gives him with regard to Scotland, writing about Scottish politics, and getting the balance right between truth and fiction. Martin also discusses his time as a foreign correspondent, the people and places he met, the highs and lows of the job, and a whole lot more. It's a podcast which offers two stories for the price of one, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Martin about his life and work. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. For full details, including where you can buy 'The Darker The Night', head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, and the first of our Glasgow Film Festival podcasts for 2023, Ali spoke to Muta'Ali, the director of the documentary 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali'. The two talk about the making of the film, Muta'Ali's initial involvement, the importance of Executive Producer Mick McAvoy, working with writer Stuart Cosgrove (whose book 'Cassius X' is the inspiration for the film), the challenges posed by COVID, the relationships which shaped the young Clay/Ali, and a whole lot more. Muta'Ali also gives context to the film by discussing America of the time, the cultural and social tensions, the spiritual journey that the young boxer was beginning, and how he was viewed inside, and outside, the sport. It's an informative and insightful discussion about a film which is as much about social history as it is about arguably the world's greatest sporting icon. Further details and all the relevant links - including how to get tickets for 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali' - are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcomed back previous guest Rodge Glass (right) to talk about Gray Day 2023 (Saturday 25th Feb) - the third annual celebration of the life and work of Alasdair Gray.  This year the inspiration is his 1992 novel 'Poor Things', and Rodge talks about the novel, how it fits into the Gray canon, the event at Glasgow's Oran Mor on the evening of the 25th and who will be appearing, the importance of the Alasdair Gray Archive, as well as discussing the forthcoming film adaptation by Yorgos Lanthimos & starring Emma Stone, and a lot more. It's always a pleasure to talk to Rodge Glass, biographer to, and one of the leading authorities on, Alasdair Gray, and Gray Day - Poor Things promises to be a very special night indeed. Further details and all the relevant links - including where to get tickets from - are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, Ali spoke to writer Allyson Shaw about her book 'Ashes & Stones: A Scottish Journey In Search of Witches and Witness' which examines the Scottish witch hunts and trials of the 16th-18th century, uncovering stories untold, and bearing witness to the people behind them. 'Ashes & Stones' is part historical investigation, part travelogue, part memoir, and Allyson talks about all aspects of the book, why she wanted to write it, the research behind it, the importance of the various memorials she uncovered - and how their meaning and purpose has changed - and why she brought her own life into the story. The two also talk about the reasons behind the Scottish witch hunts, the extent of the persecution, the collusion between the state and the church, the importance of remembrance and acknowledgment, the lessons for today, and so much more. 'Ashes & Stones' is a great read, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to all about it with Allyson. Further details, and all the relevant l

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Leila Aboulela to talk about her latest novel, 'River Spirit', which will be published with Saqi Books on the 7th March. Leila spoke about her reasons for writing it, the research required, her interest in Sudanese history, why this period is so important to the country and its people, exploring history through fiction, managing the balance between real events (and individuals) and fiction, the Scottish strand to the story, and much more. The two also discuss Leila's desire to bring Sudanese and Scottish culture together, the importance of memory, history repeating itself, and Aberdeen's current, and thriving, writing, arts, and culture scene. It's a wonderful and warm conversation with one of Scotland's finest and most admired writers, and we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did recording it. All the relevant links as to where you can learn more about Leila Aboulela's life and work, and where you can buy a copy of 'River Spirit', are over at scotswhayh

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to theatre director Tania Azevedo and musician and composer Finn Anderson about the new folk musical A Mother’s Song which will has its World Premiere at the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling from 23 - 26 February 2023. The three talk about the ideas behind A Mother's Song and its years in the making, and how it has developed over those years, Tania and Finn also set out the story, the transatlantic aspect of the production, the accompanying EP which is coming out, the single 'Sarah's Song', their hopes and fears as the Premiere approaches, and a whole lot more. It was great to learn all about this ambitious and exciting production, and we hope this whets your appetite for A Mother's Song. All the relevant links as to where you can learn more and buy tickets are over at scotswhayhae.com

Each week, for the Scots Whay Hae! Radio Show, Ali interviews the artists of the week. Usually the interviews are around 10-15mins, with the unedited versions available on our YouTube channel. Last Saturday's was a chat with Gill Higgins and Hannah Jarrett-Scott from the wonderful CLR Theory, and we blethered on for nearly 40mins so we thought is was too good not to make it into a podcast episode, so here it is. The three talk about how CLR Theory came to be, the forthcoming album 'Waves', the launch night at Glasgow's Glad Cafe on the 20th January (when they will be supported by the the iconic Jill Lorean), how Lockdown helped shape the band and their music, the Workers' Stories Project that they were part of, and so much more. It's such an easy conversation that it is no wonder time flew! You can find links to the band, their music, and the gig at The Glad, at scotswhayhae.com

For the first SWH! podcast of 2023 Ali spoke to Dawn Taylor, the Artistic Director & CEO at Puppet Animation Scotland, to learn all about this year's MANIPULATE International Festival of Visual Theatre which runs from 2nd - 12th February. Now in its 16th year, this year's festival will be the biggest yet and Dawn talks about the challenges met during lockdown and the valuable lessons learned, the history of the festival, the importance of supporting non-ext based theatre and film, just what festival goers can expect, and how and where people can get tickets and get involved. She also sets out just some of the extensive programme which you can find at manipulatefestival.org or you can find all the relative links at scotswhayhae.com

For our final podcast of 2022, Ali once again jumps on Zoom to talk to Andy, his brother who runs a gallery in Braemar, for what has become a regular end of year chat. The two talk about the highlights of their cultural year, which includes recorded music, live gigs, books, art, podcasts, films, magazines, & more. We hope you excuse this self-indulgence and enjoy the chat, and that you find something which you would like to investigate further. It's further proof that there was loads of great art being made in, and about, Scotland in 2022.

For the latest SWH! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2022 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and 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 films you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.   They talk about small indies and major blockbusters, this year’s Glasgow Film Festival, the problems facing cinemas, directors old and new, documentaries, drama, the return of unlikely heroes, TV on the big screen, and a whole lot more. All the details, and all the ways to listen, at scotswhayhae.com

For our latest roundup of 2022 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. They each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark in the last 12 months. 

For the last in our Best Books of 2022 podcasts, Ali caught up with poet, writer, singer/songwriter, and previous podcast guest, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, to learn about his Gaelic books of the year and other aspects of Gaelic writing over the last 12 months.

This is the second of our Best Books of 2022 podcasts. For both, Ali is once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, and in this podcast the two talk crime fiction, poetry, memoirs and other non-fiction, publishing, and what we can look forward to in 2023. And you can catch up with our Best Books of 2022 - Part I podcast over at scotswhayhae.com . Always a SWH! highlight of the year, when taken together, these podcasts reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing.