Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali met up with the American novelist Andy Davidson before his event at The Edinburgh International Book Festival. In an ironically dreich Charlotte Square the two discuss Andy's terrific debut novel 'In The Valley Of The Sun' which is out now on the Contraband imprint of Saraband books, and which is one of the best of the year so far. It's a fascinating chat about influences and ideas, genre fiction vs literary fiction, horror writers and films, the importance of character, and why, in terms of writing, there really is no place like home. They also talk about the differences in publishing in the US as opposed to the UK. For anyone with an interest in writing, or reading, it's a must listen.

After our Dundee podcast Ali moves up the coast to Aberdeen to talk to Charley Buchan from Fitlike Records, writer Shane Strachan, and Mood Of Collapse blogger Jon Reid. The three talk about the changes in Aberdeen's arts and cultural community, the influence of the city's educational and civic insitutions, the importance of spaces and places, graduate and talent drain, what inspires them to do what they do, and their hope for what happens next. It's an impassioned and inspiring chat about past, present and future for the arts in Aberdeen.

For the latest podcast Ali visited Dundee to talk about all things artistic and cultural in relation to that great city. To do so he was joined by the co-founding director of Creative Dundee Gillian Easson, the writer and playwrite (and long term supporter of SWH!) Anna Stewart, and the TV and theatre actor, (currently on the brilliant 'The Terror' on AMC) Gordon Morris. All three are proud Dundonians and have a long and vibrant connection with the city's culture. They talk about the past, present, and their future hopes for the city and its artistic community, examining how it has become an internationally renowned centre for the arts while remaining determinedly committed to engaging with its citizens. It's a fascinating discussion which gives a great overview of a place, its people, and its culture.

In the latest podcast we look at the life and work of Muriel Spark with our guest Dr Colin McIlroy who is the Muriel Spark Project Curator at the National Library of Scotland, and who was instrumental in their recent The International Style of Muriel Spark Exhibition. This year is the centenary of the birth of Spark, and the exhibition was just part of the #MurielSpark100 celebrations which are ongoing throughout 2018. Colin tells us all about the exhibition, before he and Ali talk about the novels, Spark's life, her other writing, and so much more. If you are a newcomer to Muriel Spark, or think that she begins and ends with The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, this is the perfect podcast to persuade you to investigate further. If you are already a fan, then you're bound to find something new to you.

For the latest podcast Ali met up with writer Helen McClory at Edinburgh's Fruitmarket Gallery to talk about her life as a writer to date - and a very interesting story it proves to be. From studying creative writing in Sydney and Glasgow, to winning awards for her debut short story collection 'On The Edges Of Vision', walking Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson's dog, the difficult publication of her novel 'Flesh Of The Peach', writing about Jeff Goldblum, to her latest collection of short fiction 'Mayhem & Death', it is fascinating tale, and one which will be of interest to anyone who loves writing and reading.

For the lastest podcast, Ali spoke to Aye Write! Book Festival programmer, Bob McDevitt in Glasgow's CCA (which explains the background 'atmosphere'). They discuss the history of the festival, what to expect this year, Bob's personal highlights, the challenges of festival programming, his similar role for Bloody Scotland and the Pitlochry Winter Words Festival, and much, much more. There is also mention of 'Men In Kilts'. As a precursor to Aye Write! 2018 it's the perfect listen, especially when married to the SWH! preview which is over at the website right now. SWH! is delighted to be involved in some of this year's events, so hopefully see you there.

For the first podcast of 2018 Ali went to Edinburgh to talk to Heather McDaid and Laura Jones who are behind the innovative and acclaimed publishers 404 Ink. They talk about their inspirations and the reasons for starting working together, the phenomenon of their first book 'Nasty Women', the desire to publish new voices, the importance of social media and different methods of funding, the role of music, mixing content and contributors, and why the live experience is increasingly important for writers and publishers. For anyone interested in books, writers, writing and culture in general, which surely must be all of you reading this, it is a must listen. All this, and Jeff Goldblum too.

For latest podcast Ali met writer, broadcaster and food expert Rachel McCormack at Glasgow's Iberica restaurant to talk about her recent book on whisky and Scotland, the excellent 'Chasing The Dram: Finding The Spirit Of Whisky'. Over a glass of wine, the two discuss Rachel's book, their first memories of whisky, the perception of the drink at home and abroad, the mythology which has grown around it, and how it relates to Scotland, and a whole lot more. Put simply, she separates the truth from the fiction, and there is plenty of both when it comes to our original national drink.

This year we are recording three separate Best Of 2017 podcasts, one each for film and music, (which you can still hear), and this, Part III, which concentrates on the best books of the year, and all things literary. Catching up at the fabulous Lighthouse Bookshop, Ali chats with Birlinn Ltd and Polygon Books' very own Vikki Reilly about the highs-and lows of the year in Scottish publishing, as well as offering their recommendations and suggestions for the best books 2017.

This year we are recording three separate Best Of 2017 podcasts, one each for film, music, and books. For the first two, Ali and Ian are once again joined by irregular podcast guest and resident film expert Chris Ward, and Scottish music man & manager, Wesley Shearer. In this, Part II, we concentrate on the year in music, beginning with the best Scottish music of 2017 (many of whom appear on Track Of My Year: SWH!'s 10 Best Songs Of 2017 or on SWH!'s Best of 2017 Spotify list), before we discuss what else tickled our fancy and made our hearts fly.