Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to writer Ryan O'Connor about his debut novel The Voids (out now, published by Scribe Publications). Ryan talks about the autobiographical nature of The Voids, why he set it in Glasgow, but also the reasons it could have been set elsewhere, the influences on his work - both literary and other - the fine judgment required in introducing humour to dark tales, the difficulty in deciding what to leave out, and what to leave in, and so much more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his latest novel The Heretic, which is a follow up to the award-winning The Quaker. Liam joined us all the way from his home in New Zealand to discuss the challenges in writing a sequel to such a successful book, capturing the attitudes of the mid-seventies and making them relatable to modern readers, the importance of place, the joy of returning to, and developing, well-loved characters, and so much more.

He also talks about an excellent literary Easter Egg which will delight fellow crime fiction fanatics. It's always a pleasure to talk books with Liam, and man steeped in Scottish literature and crime fiction, and we hope you'll find plenty to enjoy and investigate further.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet, linguist, translator, and musician Anne Pia to discuss her life and work, and her forthcoming book which she is working on at the moment. The two talk about poetry, memoir, translations, food, music, migration, lockdown, and a whole lot more. They also look at the themes which run through all. her work, which include identity, belonging, family, and love. It's a wonderfully warm and engaging conversation with a writer whose work comes from the heart and soul, and it was a pleasure to spend time in Anne's company. We hope you agree.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to translator, poet, (and, in his own words, "recovering academic") Brian Holton to talk about his latest book, 'Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds: Li Bai an Du Fu in Scots', which is available now with Taproot Press. Brian translates modern and classical Chinese poetry, and fiction, and this collection is his translations of poetry by two of the most renowned poets of Ancient China into Scots. 

Brian tells us a bit about Li Bai and Du Fu, their importance in Chinese culture, and why he wanted to translate these poems into Scots. The two also discuss how Brian became a translator, the rich history of Scots language, the importance of translations in understanding other people and their cultures, and a whole lot more. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Brian about this fascinating, and beautiful, book and we hope you enjoy listening in.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to poet and writer Andrés N. Ordorica about his wonderful debut collection 'At Least This I Know', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the themes the poetry examines - particularly that of belonging - the structure of the book and the story that emerges, the influence of Edwin Morgan, and the importance of colour to Andrés's life and work.

Andrés also talks about the importance of safe spaces and communities for artists and writers to be able to develop and share their work. It's an insightful and engaging conversation with a writer of rare talent.

The latest SWH! podcast in collaboration with Scottish Opera is an interview with soprano, and Scottish Opera Emerging Artist, Catriona Hewitson ahead of the latest production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', where she will be Tytania. It opens with three performances at Theatre Royal Glasgow on February 22, before transferring to Festival Theatre Edinburgh for a further three performances, and it was great to hear all about it from Catriona, as well as hearing about her life in music, her role in Scottish Opera, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to MSP and writer Alasdair Allan about his book 'Tweed Rins Tae the Ocean', which follows Alasdair and friends as they walk along the Scottish Borders from east coast to west. Along the way we not only learn about the places and people they encounter, but also about the rich history, literature, and language of these often debated lands.

So much more than just another travelogue, Allan's knowledge and research lifts the book to another level giving an insightful and often surprising picture of a part of Scotland which is too often consigned to the past. Alasdair Allan has managed to keep the mystery and mythology of the Borders while bringing the reader right up to date, and it was a real pleasure to be able to talk to him about the book and what inspired it.

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2022 Ali speaks to journalist, cultural commentator, and music biographer Graeme Thomson to talk all about his latest book, 'Themes For Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds', which concentrates on the early years and albums of one of Scotland's most successful and lauded bands. The two talk about the unusual working methods of the band, the many changes they went through, and the feverish work ethic which defined them from the start.

They also talk about the influence Simple Minds' music had on others, the influence of individual members, the inspiration taken from their home town, the ambition which drove them on to bigger, if not necessarily better, things, and why the music endures. It's an insightful interview which will interest not only admirers of 'the Minds', but music fans more generally as a picture emerges of a band unlike any other.

For the latest in our Best of 2021 podcasts it's all about music, with Ali joined by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and champion of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. The two have picked 10 of their favourite to represent a fantastic year of Scottish music. 

There's great songs and singers, pop, jazz, hip-hop, indie, electronica, folk, and more, and it was such a pleasure to take a trip back through just a sample of the soundtrack to the last 12 months. 

And there's a Spotify soundtrack to accompany the podcast to let you listen to all the music under discussion which you'll find alongside all the ways to listen at scotswhayhae.com

In a year when cinemas remain closed for the first few months, we did once again worry we wouldn't have that much to talk about when it came to the Best Films of 2021, and once again we were wrong. Because film found a way, with many memorable releases making it onto cinema screens as well as on the increasing variety of streaming services.

To celebrate that, and all things film, Chris Ward, Wesley Shearer, and Ali reunite for their annual chat about their favourite movies of the year.

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 films during lockdown, this year’s Glasgow Film Festival, returning to cinemas (or not!), directors old and new, documentaries, new drama, musicals, the cinema vs home viewing, and a whole lot more.