Scots Whay Hae!

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 had a notable influence on a new generation of writers.

The two then discuss The Cut Up (avoiding spoilers) and the wider cast of characters involved, the world of antiques against which the novel is set, writing violence, the importance of detail, moral ambiguity, representing the senses, the joys of writing about Glasgow, and more.

They then go on to talk about Louise's work alongside Jude Barber with The Empire Cafe and the accompanying podcast Who Owns The Clyde?, with Louise hinting at plans for events to run alongside the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

It's always a pleasure to talk with Louise, especially about Rilke, but this conversation offers a much wider discussion. We hope you get the same enjoyment from listening as we did recording it.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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 how he worked with a number of other artists from different genres and what they each brought to the recordings, before Oğuz sets out his own musical background, his work in theatre, TV and other areas (and what he likes to listen to when he cooks!).

It's a fascinating conversation about an inspirational and multi-faceted album, and it was such a pleasure to be able to discuss it in detail with Oğuz himself.

Oğuz would like to acknowledge the funding and support of Creative Scotland and the National Lottery without whom RESIST would not have been possible.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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 based theatre, film and other forms of performance, getting the balance between international and national right, the importance of building lasting relationships with audiences, and just what festival goers can expect.

The two also discuss just a few of the potential highlights, the various workshops, the brand new competition strand, the community aspect, and how and where people can get tickets, and get involved.

It's a great introduction to this year's MANIPULATE festival, and should whet the appetite for what's to come.

For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

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 hear enough time to discuss this fascinating and thought-provoking book, and the ideas it proffers.

Peter sets out why he wanted to write this book and its academic roots, before talking about keeping it local, referencing well-kent figures (including Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini), and using his immediate surroundings as a starting point for his investigations. He then talks about the central ideas examined, the importance of being curious, the nature of belief, critical thinking, his interest in magic, and so much more.

It was such a pleasure to be able to talk in-depth to Peter about this accessible and stimulating book, one which takes everyday scenarios to explore his theories of 'radical thinking', and which looks to the past to offer important lessons for the present.

For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

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 away to London to make their fame and fortune, and just what the musical landscape was like at the time.

He then talks about the new album, the musicians he has collaborated with, why now was the time to make it, musical influences, and what the future holds.

The two then discuss some of the themes of the album, the difference between writing songs and writing fiction, and how Peter came to the crime genre.

Peter May is one of best known and celebrated crime writers around, but his musical side has remained mostly unknown until now, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to him about that side of his creative life. If you thought you knew about Peter May, think again.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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 fancy.

There are favourite directors, dazzling debuts, documentaries, legends on screen and off, laughs, tears, and some sensational swearing.

The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this movie chat offers plenty of choice.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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 for Scottish music, (and on another day possibly would), but we hope you enjoy their musical musings, meanderings, and memories.

There's a Spotify playlist where you can listen to all the songs Fiona and Ali talk about, and if you like what you hear then please explore further, follow, and support the bands, musicians, artists, and labels involved.

The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this music chat offers plenty of choice.

For full details, including all the ways to listen (and the playlist), head over to scotswhayhae.com

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!

Callum is always great to talk to (check out his appearance on the SWH! podcast from earlier this year) and this was a highly enjoyable conversation about a genre of Scottish writing which continues to go from strength to strength.

The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this crime chat offers plenty of choice.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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 of friendships, love, loss, what it means to be alive, examinations of the ancient world right up to the present day, and so much more, and we're certain you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself.

Always a SWH! highlight of the year, the aim of this podcast is to reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. It may be our longest podcast of the year, but it's always one of the best...

For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

And don’t forget to check out the Books from Scotland website for more of the best of Scottish books.

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 work they do, before discussing the importance of place more widely, and the history of independent and grassroots theatre in Glasgow.

David explains how he came to be involved in theatre, and what it was which attracted him to start Theatre 118, who else is involved and the importance of collaboration, before he goes through some of the shows they have put on to date, and what's coming in the future - including the forthcoming panto Jack & the Privately Owned Beanstalk.

Theatre 118 is the latest in the long and fine tradition of DIY small theatre producers and makers, and this conversation with David is the perfect place to get acquainted and learn how to get involved.

For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com