Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with Scott Hames who lectures in Scottish Literature at the University of Stirling. The reason was to talk about Scott's fascinating book 'The Literary Politics of Scottish Devolution', and look in some detail at the themes and ideas he addresses. The book's subtitle is 'Voice, Class, Nation' and Scott sets out the relationship between the three. It's a fascinating conversation about Scotland's recent social, political, and cultural history. You can get your own copy of 'The Literary Politics of Scottish Devolution' from Edinburgh University Press.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali and his brother Andy got back together once again, virtually speaking, to talk music. Following previous pod chats about their favourite Scottish records of the 1980s and ’90s, this time round it's the '00s, and they each pick 10 Scottish records from that decade and discuss what they mean to them, and why.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Olga Wojtas about her novels Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Golden Samover and Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Vampire Menace (both published on the Contraband imprint of Saraband Books). Olga is one of warmest, wittiest, and downright readable writers around, and it was such a pleasure to be able to chat about her writing, the influences and inspirations behind the 'Miss Blaine's Prefect' books, how she feels about Muriel Spark and The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, the importance of a good mentor, and of a supportive publisher, the joy of writing about other times, people, and places, and the why proper research is not just vital, but a pleasure.

For the latest podcast we spoke to journalist and writer Joe Donnelly about his book 'Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives'. Joe is a gaming enthusiast and mental health advocate and 'Checkpoint' considers the intersections of video games and mental health, and explores his belief that the interactive nature of games makes them uniquely placed to educate and inform. Joe and Ali discuss this thesis, as well as the personal story that underpins the book. It's a fascinating, honest, and insightful discussion which will be of interest to everyone, whether you consider yourself a gamer or not.

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcome back writer, storyteller, and mountaineer John Burns who was a guest previously when he talked about his novel 'Sky Dance' as well as his fascinating life. During that chat he mentioned his one-man show about infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, and we thought we had to talk to him again to learn more about this controversial historical figure. If you thought you knew about Crowley, then this may change your mind. If you have no idea who he is, prepare to be intrigued.

For the latest SWH! podcast the Braidwood brothers got back together following their previous chat about their favourite Scottish records of the 1980s to talk about what they were listening to in the 90s. Once again they pick 10 records from the decade and discuss what they mean to them, and why. With one in Aberdeen for much of that time, and the other in Glasgow, it's interesting to learn how their listening habits were influenced by where they lived, and what they were up to.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Alan Parks about his latest Harry McCoy thriller, Bobby March Will Live Forever. The two discuss the world of Harry McCoy and those who share it, the importance of returning characters, why he set the novels in 1970s Glasgow, the city's complex relationship with crime and its criminals, the inspirations for Bobby March, and why he is unlikely to write a novel based in the music business.

The Harry McCoy novels are among the most exciting of recent times, and it's fascinating to get an insight into the influences and ideas behind them. With a fourth on the way, and hopefully many more to follow, Alan Parks is set to deliver a crime series which will stand the test of time.

Please forgive the indulgence, but for our first podcast using Zoom Ali caught up with Braemar Gallery owner and gig-promoter Andy Braidwood, who just happens to be his brother. The primary reason was to see if this worked as a way to podcast, but also for the two to catch up and talk about the most influential Scottish music of their formative years. Each pick ten albums or EPs from before 1990 which mean something important to them, and they discuss who, what, when, and why. We hope it's as enjoyable for you to listen to as it clearly was for the brothers to record. If nothing else it proves we can continue with the SWH! podcasts in these peculiar times.

For the latest podcast SWH! spoke to documentary filmmaker Darren Hercher about his film Dooman, which airs on BBC Scotland on Tuesday 31st March, 10pm. Shot against the striking backdrop of Inverclyde, Hercher looks at the world of 'doo-flyers' in Greenock, and he explains why he took on the project, the relationships involved, the importance of getting beyond his own - and viewers - initial expectations to uncover the individual stories, explains that time spent filming is never wasted, why each film has to develop its own life and character, suggests that less is often more when it comes to soundtrack, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast SWH! caught up with writer Vicki Jarrett to talk about her latest novel Always North (out now, published by Unsung Stories). As Vicki explains, it's a story that has been over 10 years in the telling from the inspiration of an unforgettable video to final publication. She discusses the themes and ideas which are at the book's heart, the vital role of her central character and the moral dilemmas she faces, the coincidental yet prescient timing of publication, the speculative writers who have inspired her, and a whole lot more.