Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to previous guest Anne Pia, this time to talk about her new book 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' which is part cookbook, part memoir. Anne talks about the reasons for writing it, the importance of food and family throughout her life, embracing her Italian heritage, the importance of pasta, marrying food with wine and music, and a lot more.

Sharing a love of food and cooking, the two also discuss their food philosophies, the importance of seasonal produce, the adaptability of national cuisines, and why simplicity is often the key to good cooking. 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' is a cookbook which demands to be used, and often, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Anne about it and the culinary delights. A conversation to whet the appetite, perhaps best not listen on an empty stomach.

For further information, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the second of our two Edinburgh Fringe Festival Specials, Ali spoke to another selection of artists who will be performing this year. They include actor / comedian Charlie Vero Martin, performer / devisers David Banks & Sadiq Ali, Fringe legend Mervyn Stutter, & members of the Voloz Collective Sam Rayner & Olivia Zerphy, each of whom tell us about their Edinburgh shows for 2023.

They are further fascinating conversations about four more of the finest shows in town this August. While it's only a snapshot of what's going on, it confirms the breadth and variety of what's on offer at the Fringe, with something for everyone. The size of the festival can be overwhelming, so if you are looking for some guidance as to what to see this is the perfect place to start.

For full details, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠ where you can still find our Edinburgh Fringe Special - Part One.

For the first of two Edinburgh Fringe Festival Specials, Ali spoke to a variety of artists who will be performing this year. They include actor and playwright Raymond Wilson, dance artist & choreographer Katie Armstrong, musicians Andrea Baker & Howard Moody, & contemporary dance performer & choreographer Solène Weinachter, each of whom tell us about their Edinburgh shows.

They are fascinating conversations about four of the finest shows in town this August, all part of the prestigious Made In Scotland showcase of events. While it's only a snapshot of what's going on, it hints at the breadth and variety of what's on offer at the Fringe, with something for everyone. The size of the festival can be overwhelming, so if you are looking for some guidance as to what to see this is the perfect place to start.

For full details, and all the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali catches up with writer Denise Mina to talk about her new historical novel 'Three Fires', which is published by Polygon Books.

Following on from the equally compelling 'Rizzio', 'Three Fires' takes a historical figure and uses significant events from the past to comment and question the present day. Denise talks about the central, complex, character of Girolamo Savonarola and how his ideas, and the resulting actions and following he inspired, are still felt today. She also talks about her approach to writing historical fiction, the satisfaction in writing complicated individuals, the joy of research, bringing the past and the present together, and so much more.

The two also talk about Denise's new Philip Marlowe novel 'The Second Murderer', (which is published by Harvill Secker), and the challenges in writing someone else's character.

It's a warm and informative conversation with one of Scotland's finest and favourite writers, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Denise about her latest work.

For further details, including all the relevant links, head to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali talks to director Pauline Lynch and actor Fletcher Mathers about the new Scots language theatre company Braw Clan, and the forthcoming production 'Secret Wrapped In Lead' which will be touring throughout the Clydesdale district in July.

The play, which is written by Martin Travers, is based on the true story of Dorothy and William Wordsworth's visit to Leadhills in 1803, and Pauline and Fletcher tell us what they can about the story (avoiding spoilers), the challenges faced in getting the play from the page to the stage, as well as breaking down their own roles.

They also discuss the formation of Braw Clan, the importance of keeping it local, the various dates on the tour, why Scots is at the heart of what they do, the sense of community which drives the company, and their hopes and plans for the future. It's exciting to hear about this new theatre company and the conversation whets the appetite for their debut production.

For full details, including all the relevant links, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Etienne Kubwabo, the Writer/Director/Producer of the new film from Mile Away Films, 'The Difference Between Us', as well as some of the cast - Craig Andrew Mooney, Alex Jackson, Paul Stirrat, and Wam Siluka Jr - to learn all about this debut feature.

Etienne sets out the inspiration behind the film, the personal nature of the production, the collaborative process involved in filmmaking, and the importance of trust. We then get a fascinating insight into the casting process from both sides, learn why everyone was so keen to be involved in the project, the process of building characters, and relationships, on screen and off, and a whole lot more

It's rare to get such an appreciation of the creative process, from so many of those involved, on one podcast, and we really appreciate everyone giving up their time to talk to SWH!. It's a conversation which really whets the appetite for 'The Difference Between Us'.

For further details, and all the relevant links, head to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Rebecca Smith about her new book 'Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside' (published by William Collins) which is part memoir, part examination of the sociopolitical construct of the countryside, something which is all too rarely written about.

Rebecca explains her reasons for writing the book, the difficulty in contextualising her childhood, cutting through the romance and mythology of rural living, the often contradictory nature of tied housing (and other economic factors of working and living in the country), the complexities of class, and more.

The two also talk about the extensive research behind the book, and a number case-studies named are explained. It was such a pleasure to talk to Rebecca about an area of British life that passes many of us by, even if we are regular visitors to the great outdoors. It's a podcast which works as a companion piece to the book, and we hope it will convince you that Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside is an essential read.

For further information and all the relevant links head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and academic David Manderson to talk all things Alan Sharp, who is the subject of David's new book 'The Anti-hero's Journey: The Work and Life of Alan Sharp'.

David explains what drew him to write about his subject, Sharp's early life and writing, the move into radio and TV, a remarkable success in Hollywood, the mystery of the 'missing years', and so much more.

The two also discuss Alan Sharp's place, or rather absence, from the Scottish literary and cultural canon, and why this book is not only a timely reassessment of the man and his work, but that it will hopefully encourage further investigation and discussion into a writer too few are aware of.

For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to poet, playwright, and now podcaster Hannah Lavery about Quines Cast - the podcast she hosts alongside Stellar Quines' Artistic Director & CEO Caitlin Skinner - Series 2 of which is currently being recorded across a number of live events before being available to catch up with in podcast form later in the year.

Hannah talks about how Quines Cast began, and why, her own career as a writer, what listeners can expect from the new series, the make-up of the live shows, the themes which drive each episode, Series 1, and much more.

The two also talk about the theatre company Stellar Quines which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and you can find out more, including how to support them, and Quines Cast, by clicking on the links over at scotswhayhae.com, where you can find further details about how you can be in the audience for a live recording, and listen to both Series 1 and 2 when then time comes.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali was joined once again by writer and journalist Peter Ross to talk about his latest book 'Steeple Chasing: Around Britain By Church'. Peter talked about why he wanted to write it, the relationship to his previous publication 'A Tomb With A View', the structure of the book, how churches engage with the senses, the future of these buildings, church art, why it is in the interaction between people and place where the stories emerge, and much more.

The two also discuss their own relationships with churches, particularly early experiences, as well as the welcome renaissance of print in both books and magazines. Peter is one of the finest writers around, and 'Steeple 'Chasing' is possibly his best book yet, and it was a pleasure to talk to him about it.

For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com