Scots Whay Hae!
Scots Whay Hae! is a podcast dedicated to exploring modern Scottish culture in all its forms. Hosted by Alistair Braidwood, it covers topics ranging from arts and literature to music and broader cultural discussions. The show aims to capture the essence of contemporary Scottish identity and creativity wherever it manifests. Through interviews and commentary, it provides a platform for voices shaping Scotland's cultural landscape. Listeners interested in Scottish life and arts will find engaging and thoughtful insights here.
Episodes
Iddo Oberski - Balancing in Freedom
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to multi-disciplinary artist and performer Iddo Oberski about his one-person show Balancing in Freedom, which is at The Scottish Storytelling Centre on 20th November.Iddo tells us all about the origins of the show, its premiere last year, how it was received, and how it has developed over time. He also opens up about the personal nature of the piece and how making
Laura Jones-Rivera & Heather McDaid - 10 Years of 404 Ink
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Laura Jones-Rivera and Heather McDaid to celebrate 10 years of Scottish independent 404 Ink even as we mourn the passing of a publisher like no other.Recorded in the weeks running up to their final day back in July, the two gave some backstory to the formation of 404 Ink before telling the story through the prism of their writers and the books pu
Frances Crawford & Caroline Grebbell - Bloody Scotland Prize Winners Special
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is a Bloody Scotland Prize Winners Special, with the first joint winner of the Debut novel prize and the McIlvanney Prize for Best Crime Book of the Year Frances Crawford and the winner of this year’s Pitch Perfect, Caroline Grebbell.First of all returning guest Frances reflects on an incredible year, and the critical, and popular reaction to her novel A Bad, Bad
Halina Rifai - Creative Balance
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Halina Rifai to hear all about Creative Balance, a research and advocacy arm of We Are Here Scotland CIC, and Part One of their research which centres on the wellbeing of racialised people working in Scotland’s creative industries.Halina, who is the Project Lead, details the research which is called ‘Finding The Radiance In Between: Reimagining S
Dinos Chapman - Sonica 2026
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to artist Dinos Chapman to talk about his forthcoming appearance at Glasgow’s Tramway for this year’s Sonica Festival, but the conversation touched upon so much more.Dinos spoke about the improvisational nature of his work, performances which have inspired him, the importance of humour and comedy - something he sees as inevitable, defying (or even a
Rodge Glass - As One: Remaking Suede
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali catches up with previous guest, writer Rodge Glass to talk about his latest book As One: Remaking Suede - which is published with New Modern.Rodge begins by giving a brief description of this biography of Suede, before explaining how he came to write it, detailing his own relationship with the band, and why the book concentrates on the most recent albums.
Leah McAleer, Louise Lockwood and Sarah Howitt - BEL
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about the powerful and poignant feature documentary BEL which looks at the life and times of the late singer songwriter Beldina Odenyo who made magnificent music as Heir of the Cursed.Ali spoke to Beldina’s sister Leah McAleer as well as the film’s director Louise Lockwood and producer Sarah Howitt to hear how BEL the movie came about, how it developed, an
Metaphrog - Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to author and illustrator duo John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs who are better known as Metaphrog and who are behind number of award-winning graphic novels and comics. Their latest is Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares which is out now, published withThe two talk their initial experiences of comics and animation and other formative influences, how they met an
Gabriella Bennett - How To Build A City
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Gabriella Bennett to talk about her fascinating new book How To Build A City: Journeys Into The Urban Future, which is published with Headline.Gabriella begins by giving her description of the book, and explains how she came to write it.The two then talk about the mix of travel writing, urban planning, and personal reflectio
Alan Parks - Deception: A Joseph Gunner Thriller
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Show Ali spoke to writer Alan Parks to hear all about his latest novel Deception, which is the second Joseph Gunner thriller, and which is published with Baskerville.First the two look back to the first time they spoke for the podcast in April 2021 and consider how the world has changed since then, before Alan gives a brief description of Jospeh Gunner, how he became
Scott Rowley - Stay Alive: The Life & Death of Stuart Adamson
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Scott Rowley to talk about Stay Alive: The Life & Death of Stuart Adamson, his authorised biography of the late, great, Skids and Big Country musician.Scott explains how he came to be the one to write this book, the ‘authorised’ aspect and what that lends to it, his own background in music journalism, and his initial wri
Olga Wojtas - Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues
For the latest podcast Ali caught up with returning guest Olga Wojtas to talk about the latest in her Miss Blaine’s Prefect series of novels, Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues.Olga explains the unusual premise of the series, and exactly who Miss Blaine’s Prefect, aka Shona McMonagle, is, and how she came to find herself (spoiler alert - not really) travelling time.The two then discuss
Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 4) | The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde, A Play on Words, 3 Times I Killed
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the fourth and final of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, writer and performer Andy Dickinson spoke about his Fringe show The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport), to give it the full title. “Deacon Brodie isn’t that
Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 3) | The Last Drop, By A Thread, The Great Chevalier
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the third of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, he spoke to writer and director Dante Passarelli about The Last Drop which is part of the São Paulo Showcase and which was nominated for Brazil’s 2024 Shell Award for Best Playwriting. In the play, “A couple
Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 2) | Helen Bradley, Glass Child, Sanctuary
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, I spoke to writer and performer Kara Wilson about her one-woman show Helen Bradley: Painter and Storyteller. “This is the sixth painter play that Kara Wilson has written, where she portrays the artist at wo
Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 1) | Mythos Ragnarök, Tell Me, Target Audience
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, Ed Gamester talks about Mythos Ragnarök, where you can “join Loki, Thor and the Norse Gods in this five-star groundbreaking blend of mythological storytelling and high-octane wrestling.”Then Sadiq Ali takes
Bloody Scotland - Debut Prize Shortlist 2026
For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year’s Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include May Rinaldi - Liar Thief, Zoë Rankin - The Vanishing Place, Linda Duncan McLaughlin - Original Sins, Frances Crawford - A Bad, Bad Place, and Kirsty Lockwood - We Know What You Did.They each give a
Graeme Thomson - In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, music journalist and writer Graeme Thomson to talk about his new book In Another World: The Four Seasons Of Talk Talk which is out now, published with New Modern.Graeme explains why he wanted to write about Talk Talk, the structure of the book, why he focuses on four featured albums, and what they mean to him, and the challenges
John Crosbie - Agnes Owens: The Centenary Editions
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we spoke to John Crosbie, the son of one of Ali’s favourite writers, Agnes Owens whose centenary is being marked in a number of ways, including a handsome set of new editions of her work. Four are available now (see below) with another three coming later in the year - all published on the Polygon Books imprint of Birlinn.John starts by talking about Agnes and
Colin Burnett - Family Man: The Third Book Of Aldo
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Colin Burnett to talk about his new novel Family Man, which is also The Third Book of Aldo, and it’s published with Tippermuir Books.Colin talks about all things Aldo, including the first two books A Working Class State of Mind and Who’s Aldo?, before telling us where the man finds himself at the beginning of this book, and gives an overvi
Martin MacIntyre - A Summer Like No Other
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Martin MacIntyre to talk about his novel A Summer Like No Other which is published by Luath Press.Martin begins with a reading before he gives an overview to the novel, which is a translation from the original Gaelic version, Samhradh ‘78.The two then discuss the central characters, the key role the Gaelic language plays in terms of charac
Andrew Meehan - Hey Man
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Andrew Meehan to talk about his new novel Hey Man, which is published with Muswell Press.Andrew gives the first of two readings before he gives an overview of the book, why he is drawn to the theme of friendship in all its forms, gives a brief outline of his central characters Ian and Tommy, and explains the novel’s t
Zoe Alba Farrugia - Solas Festival 2026
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Zoe Alba Farrugia, who is the Head of Programme for this year’s Solas Festival, which is at Errol Park, 19th–21st June.Zoe gives some background and history to the festival, stressing that it is so much more than a music festival. She then talks about the different strands, which include Wellbeing & Spirituality, Literature, Poetry & Spok
Murray Pittock - The Shortest History of Scotland
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor Murray Pittock to talk about his latest book The Shortest History of Scotland, which is published with Old Street Publishing Ltd.“From Columba to The Corries, the Picts to Paisley, Doggerland to Devolution – here is the unmissable story of Scotland.”Murray tells us how he came to write this book, the challenges in deciding what to inclu
Chris Brookmyre - Quite Ugly One Evening
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Chris Brookmyre to talk about Quite Ugly One Evening, the latest Jack Parlabane mystery which is published 30 years after his celebrated debut Quite Ugly One Morning, a novel which introduced us to both the writer and his notable creation.Chris talks about his fondness for Parlabane, why he keeps returning to him, and how Jack has ch
Kenny Inglis - A Life in Music
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician and composer Kenny Inglis. Kenny was a recent artist of the week on the Scots Whay Hae! Show (which is on CamGlen Radio every Sunday between 7-9pm, and available to catch up with after that) but we thought he had so much more to say, and that this was the place to say it.Kenny spoke about his unusual road into making music, working in re
Ann Campbell - Dunoon Film Festival 2026
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke once again to Ann Campbell who is the Festival Director of the Dunoon Film Festival which this year runs between 8th - 10th May, and has the themes of ‘Film, Food & Fun’.Ann talks about those themes and how the programme relates to them before the two go through just some of the highlights of this year’s festival, which include The Orkney Dive w
Frances Crawford - A Bad, Bad Place
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Frances Crawford to talk all about her debut novel A Bad, Bad Place, which is published on the Bantam imprint of Penguin Books.Frances gives a brief description of the book (avoiding spoilers), before talking about why this was the story for her first novel, and the long and winding road to publication.The two then discuss the two central
Jess Orr - Paisley Book Festival 2026
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke once again to Jess Orr, the Associate Programmer for the Paisley Book Festival, to learn all about this year's programme - and what a programme it is!Jess explains this year's theme 'Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons' as well as breaking down the various strands of the festival which include Reclaiming History's Heroines and Wha
Billy Kay - Born In Kyle
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, Ali spoke to writer and broadcaster Billy Kay to hear about his memoir Born In Kyle: A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood, but the conversation turns to so much more.Billy talks about his lifelong passion for Scots language and culture, and explains that the roots of this are to be found in that Ayrshire childhood, which he sets out in detail.The two then
Luca Serra - This Is Home
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Luca Serra to talk all about his new novel This Is Home, which is published with Leamington Books.This Is Home is Luca’s debut novel in English, and he talked about the experiences, people and places which inspired it before the two discuss the four central characters and their roles - and that of a sauce-encrusted, sink-bound, pot!Much of
Grant McPhee - Caledonia Screaming
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer and filmmaker Grant McPhee to talk about his latest book Caledonia Screaming: Year Zero Vol 1 - Scottish Punk 1976 - 1977 which is published with Into Books.Grant has been a previous guest when he talked about the books Hungry Beat: The Scottish Independent Pop Underground Movement (1977-1984) and Postcards from Scotland: Scottish In
Donald S. Murray - The Loch Of The Bees
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali headed to Stirling to talk to writer Donald S. Murray about his new novel The Loch Of The Bees, which is published with Saraband Books.The two met at the lauded venue the Tolbooth as Donald is a member of the Metagama Ensemble who are behind Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey, a piece of theatre which mixes music, song, and spoken word, and which was playing t
Doug Johnstone - 20 Books in 20 Years
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with returning guest (one of our first, no less) writer Doug Johnstone to look back over 20 years as a published author in the run up to his 20th novel coming out in August of this year, as well as the new versions of his first two novels, all three to be published with Orenda Books.They went through the novels to date in order, from 2006's
Elgin & the Marbles - The Sun Never Sets
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician, and journalist, Callum Baird to talk all about his band Elgin & The Marbles, and the debut album The Sun Never Sets, which is out now with Last Night From Glasgow.Callum explained the reasons behind the name Elgin & The Marbles, the striking album cover, and how both link to the overall concept.The two then discuss the themes an
Penny Kiley - Atypical Girl
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Penny Kiley about her new book Atypical Girl: Punk Rock, Liverpool, and Trying to be Normal which is published by Polygon Books.Penny talks about why now for this book, her formative years in Liverpool, being in the right place and the right time, the local music scene in the late-'70s and into the 1980s, the importance
Alison Irvine - Barrowland
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Alison Irvine to talk about her fascinating and insightful new book about Glasgow's famous Barrowland Ballroom. To give its full title, the book is called Barrowland: The Inside Story of Glasgow’s Beloved Ballroom and it's published by Luath Press.Alison explains that the book's origins are in a previous publication, and the im
Linda Duncan McLaughlin - Original Sins
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to screenwriter, playwright, actor, and now novelist, Linda Duncan McLaughlin to talk about her debut novel Original Sins, which is published by Into Books.There was so much to talk to Linda about, but the conversation begins with her describing Original Sins, a novel not easily categorised, and the two then manage to discuss the novel without givin
Lesley Davidson - Beacon Book Festival
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Lesley Davidson, who is the co-director of the Beacon Arts Centre, to talk about the inaugural Beacon Book Festival which runs from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd February.Lesley tells us why now is the right time for the Beacon Arts Centre to host a book festival, and what the challenges were in programming, before talking about that programme - who
Louise Welsh - The Cut Up
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and regular guest over the years, Louise Welsh to talk about her latest Rilke novel The Cut Up, which is published with Canongate Books.Louise begins with a brief introduction to the central character of Rilke, before talking about the first novel in which he featured, Louise's celebrated 2002 debut The Cutting Room, a book which has
Oğuz Kaplangı - RESIST
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to composer and sound designer Oğuz Kaplangı to talk about his new album RESIST.Oğuz talks about the inspirations behind the project, the themes of resistance, solidarity, and human connection, the narrative which runs through the album, and his future plans for RESIST, which are very exciting.The two also discuss the importance of collaboration and
Dawn Taylor - Manipulate Festival 2026
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 4th - 10th February.Now in its 19th 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 ba
Peter Lamont - Radical Thinking
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh (and former magician) Peter Lamont to talk about his latest book Radical Thinking: How To See The Bigger Picture, which is published by Swift Press.It's a continuation of a conversation the two had at last year's Aye Write Book Festival when an hour was nowhere h
Peter May - Towards the Light
For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2026, Ali spoke to writer and musician Peter May to talk about his new album Towards The Light, but so much more.Peter admits that despite his fame as a writer of crime fiction (31 novels to date), music was always his first love (despite some painful memories of early piano lessons) and he goes on to talk about his early years playing in bands, running awa
Best Films of 2025 - with Chris Ward & Wesley Shearer
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2025 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and a returning 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 the movies you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fanc
Best Music of 2025 - with Fiona Liddell
For our latest roundup of 2025 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 they make clear, they could easily have picked many, many, more examples from what was another incredible year fo
SWH! Best Crime Fiction 2025 - with Callum McSorley
For this, the inaugural Scots Whay Hae! Best Crime Fiction podcast Ali was joined by writer Callum McSorley to talk about some of the best books published this year, and to take a look at what's coming in 2026.Each picking six of their favourites, the chat turns to great debuts, superb sequels, welcome returns, award winners, new voices, whisky, weekenders, even werewolves, and so much more! C
Best Books of 2025 - with Vikki Reilly
As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2025 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 2026.The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There are debuts to Last Words, complicated families, celebrations
David Hewitson - Theatre 118
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to theatre director and producer David Hewitson who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 118, a new fringe venue dedicated to grassroots, DIY and emerging theatre makers.David gave some background to Theatre 118, where they are based and why, and what their aims are.The two then talk about the work of the Outer Spaces charity and the w
Tom Brogan - Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, writer Tom Brogan to talk all about his latest book Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player which is published by Pitch Publishing.This was a real treat for Ali as Kenny Dalglish is his first, and arguably greatest, hero, and the two talked about what the player, and the man, means to them both (and they are remarkably s
Darren McGarvey - Trauma Industrial Complex / Not Funded By Creative Scotland
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, broadcaster and campaigner Darren McGarvey (also known as rapper Loki) to talk about his book and live show, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the album Not Funded By Creative Scotland, which are three central strands of the same multi-media project, and the two discuss just how they work together, but also stand alone.Darren talks about the
Himadri Madan - The Gaze – you, me, us, and them
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to to choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan to hear all about The Gaze – you, me, us, and them a new interactive installation with live performances which premieres at The Tramway in Glasgow on November 22nd before it goes to The Studio, Capital Theatre in Edinburgh on 28th February in the new year.Himadri expands on the brief description above, be
Peter Ross - Upon A White Horse
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we welcome back writer Peter Ross to talk to Ali about his latest book Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland - published by Headline - and which is the last in the 'fox trilogy' (and to find out what that refers to, you'll have to listen in).Peter gives an overview of the book, and how it fits alongside previous publications
Marion Todd - Dead Man's Shoes
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to crime writer Marion Todd to learn all about Dead Man's Shoes, the latest in the DI Clare Mackay series of thrillers.Marion talks about the challenges and advantages in writing a long-running series (Dead Man's Shoes is the ninth entry) before giving a spoiler-free breakdown of the novel, explains what comes first - plot or people - and th
Donald Smith - Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with Donald Smith, the director and founder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, to hear all about this year's programme, which features over 120 events and which will take place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland from 22nd October - 1st November.Donald breaks down the title Lights Of The North and how that relates to the i
Foday Mannah - The Search For Othella Savage
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Foday Mannah to hear all about his award-winning debut novel The Search for Othella Savage, which is published by Quercus Books, and which was shortlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.Foday gives a brief synopsis of the novel, speaks about the real-life incident which inspired him to write it, and why it was important to
Iain Forbes - After Dark
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Scottish-Norwegian filmmaker Iain Forbes to hear all about his award-winning, and Oscar-qualified, short film After Dark.Iain talks about his Scottish roots, gives a brief summary of the film, the critical reception, how and where it was shot, the casting of his two leads, and the personal nature of the story.The two also discuss the themes which underpin events
Graeme Macrae Burnet - Benbecula
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest book Benbecula, which is the new entry in Polygon Books' Darkland Tales series of novellas which have quickly become essential reading.Graeme tells us how he came to write his Darkland Tale, why it was this story, the brutal true crime which is at its heart (and it is true, no matter what
Bloody Scotland - The McIlvanney Prize Finalists 2025
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is our latest 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 Tariq Ashkanani (The Midnight King), Liam McIlvanney (The Good Father), Callum McSorley (Paperboy),
Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 - Part 4 - Scotland Unsung
For the latest, and last, of this year's Scots Whay Hae! Fringe Preview podcasts Ali spoke to musician and storyteller Kirsty Law about her show Scotland Unsung, which is going to be at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile from the 20th-24th August.Kirsty talks about the structure of the show, why she picked the songs she has, the happy accident of having an Edinburgh focus, the
Andy Bollen - Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Andy Bollen about his latest book Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis, a timely publication - out now with Polygon Books.Although this book is ostensibly about the band, it's actually part-memoir concerning Andy's life in and around music, as well as an overview of British, and particularly Sco
Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 - Part 3 - The Burns Project - When Billy Met Alasdair
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the third of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.First of all actor, writer and theatre maker James Clements' tells us all about The Burns Project where we are promised "An immersive theatrical Burns experience like no other.". Without any spoilers, James ta
Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 (Part 2) - Anatomy of Pain - Colours Run - Seltzer Boy
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.First of all writer/director Aoife Parr and composer and sound designer Tom Baines talked about their show Anatomy of Pain which is "An unflinching look at the NHS through the eyes of a young person’s struggle with a
Fiona Shepherd - Glasgow's Greatest Hits
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to music journalist, critic (and tour guide) Fiona Shepherd to talk about Glasgow's Greatest Hits: Tales From The City Of Music which is published by Polygon Books. Fiona co-authored the book with Alison Stroak and Jonathan Trew with whom she also founded Glasgow Music City Tours.Fiona talks about Glasgow's reputation and status as a City of
Bloody Scotland - Debut Prize Shortlist 2025
For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include David Goodman - A Reluctant Spy, Natalie Jayne Clark - The Malt Whisky Murders, Foday Mannah - The Search for Othella Savage, Claire Wilson - Five By Five, and Richard Strachan - The Unreco
Liam McIlvanney - The Good Father
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his superb new novel The Good Father, which is published with Zaffre (and which is rightly longlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland McIlvanney Prize).It's a novel which is difficult to discuss without offering spoilers, but they just about manage it. After giving a brief descriptio
Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 (Part 1): These Mechanisms - Stepping In...Spilling Out - FLOAT
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year. The three shows discussed this time around are all part of the Made In Scotland Showcase, which has come to be a reliable mark of quality. First of all, Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge talk about These Mechanisms, &quo
Andrew Meehan - Best Friends
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Andrew Meehan to hear all about his latest novel Best Friends, which is published by Muswell Press.Andrew gave a brief synopsis before talking about where the initial idea came from, creating relatable and believable central characters in June Wylie and Ray Draper, the importance of coming to care for them and their relationship, why he wanted to avoid lo
Ambrose Parry - The Death of Shame
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman who write together as Ambrose Parry to hear all about The Death of Shame - the fifth novel in the Raven and Fisher series - and much more.They talk about how they initially came to collaborate, something which brought together two distinct parts of their life; namely Chris's crime writing and Marisa's r
Natalie Jayne Clark - The Malt Whisky Murders
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Natalie Jayne Clark to hear all about her debut novel, The Malt Whisky Murders which is published on the Polygon imprint of Birlinn.Natalie gives a reading from the book, before talking about the initial idea behind the novel, pitching that idea at Bloody Scotland, getting published, developing the central characters, creating a supporting cast,
Gordon Meade - Beyond The Ninth Wave
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to poet Gordon Meade to hear all about this new collection of selected poems Beyond The Ninth Wave, which is published with the Into Poetry imprint of Into Books.Gordon gives a career overview, going back to his early interactions with poetry, his first experience of being published, and the extraordinary story which lead to his writing seriously an
Emily Brooks Millar - Birddad
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to comic book artist and writer Emily Brooks Millar to hear all about her new illustrated book Birddad. which is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign.The first comic book artist to appear on the SWH! podcast (we think!), Emily talks about how she came to work in the medium, the importance of the support and encouragement from those around her
Michael Pedersen - Muckle Flugga
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Michael Pedersen, in the splendid surroundings of Glasgow's Mitchell Library, to talk about his debut novel Muckle Flugga, which is published with Faber & Faber.Michael describes the place and people of Muckle Flugga before talking about why this is the story he has told for his debut, explaining that the time was just rig
Ciaran Lyons - Tummy Monster
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker Ciaran Lyons to hear all about his debut feature Tummy Monster, which is playing across UK cinemas in May.Ciaran talks about the audience reaction to the recent screening at the Glasgow Film Theatre, before describing the film, detailing why this story became his debut, the practicalities faced, expanding on the themes and ideas which d
Callum McSorley - Paperboy
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Callum McSorley to talk about his new novel Paperboy, which is the sequel to his McIlvanney Prize winning debut Squeaky Clean, both published with Pushkin Vertigo.Callum explains the premise of Squeaky Clean to give listeners an idea of his original vision, before explaining the ways Paperboy builds on that celebrated novel and his a
Roberto Cassani - Pictish Spaghetti
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to double bassist and returning guest Roberto Cassani to hear all about the album Pictish Spaghetti which he has made with guitarist Graeme Stephen, and which is out now on Brooklyn label 577 Records.Roberto talks about collaborating with Graeme and how that came about, the dynamic of the double bass and guitar, their recording process, the joys of
Carrie Marshall - Small Town Joy
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Carrie Marshall to talk about her latest book Small Town Joy, which is published by 404 Ink.A widely-published writer, including the critically-acclaimed memoir Carrie Kills A Man, Carrie is also a musician with indie rock band Unquiet Mind, and Small Town Joy is an inquiry into the ways LGBTQ+ artists have shaped Scotland’s musical soundtrac
Fraser Scott - The Gray Plays
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Fraser Scott who is the director of The Gray Plays, a concert reading of four short plays by Alasdair Gray, which will be at Oran Mor on the 4th May.Fraser talks about the project, the book that inspired it, who is involved (including some well-kent names), and breaks down each of the four plays and why they were chosen.He also explains how he ca
Craig A. Smith - The River
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Craig A. Smith to hear all about his new novel The River, which is out now with Into Books.Craig explains the full title of The River: A Path Of Least Resistance, why this was a story he wanted to tell, having a picture of the story in his head and the way it developed, the central character of Lachlan McCormack and what he represents, wri
Ann Campbell - Dunoon Film Festival
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to Ann Campbell who is the Festival Director of the Dunoon Film Festival which moves to Spring this year, and runs between 24th - 27th April. Ann talks about the history of the festival and the importance of the local community. She also explains her own role before breaking down this year's programme and what people can expect, emphasising that
