Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest, and last, of this year's Scots Whay Hae! Fringe Preview podcasts Ali spoke to musician and storyteller Kirsty Law about her show Scotland Unsung, which is going to be at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile from the 20th-24th August.

Kirsty talks about the structure of the show, why she picked the songs she has, the happy accident of having an Edinburgh focus, the influence of Virginia Woolf's classic novel Orlando: A Biography, and why she considers The Scottish Storytelling Centre a home from home.

The two also discuss the chequered and complex history of how Scottish ballads and songs have been regarded over the years (and why), and look at perceptions of Scottish culture more widely.

It's always a pleasure to talk to Kirsty Law, and this conversation should whet your appetite for what sounds like a magical musical show, one which looks at the rich tradition of Scottish folk music, songs, and stories, with a fresh eye.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Andy Bollen about his latest book Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis, a timely publication - out now with Polygon Books.

Although this book is ostensibly about the band, it's actually part-memoir concerning Andy's life in and around music, as well as an overview of British, and particularly Scottish, culture in the '90s.

The two talk about public perceptions of Oasis, their own initial thoughts, the pros and cons of Britpop, the changing face of indie, the lost art of A&R, their own musical memories across that decade, and much, much more.

At the heart of this story is the infamous night at Glasgow venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - 31st May 1993 - where, to over simplify hugely, Oasis were spotted by Creation Records' Alan McGee.

It's one of those occasions where if everyone who said they were there actually was it would have broken the laws of physics, and a number of myths and legends have been told over the years as a result. To capture that sense of uncertainty there are five separate chapters dealing with that evening giving various points of view (think Rashomon, classic film fans) and Andy (who was definitely there) talks about the reasons for this, and his attempt to get to some form of truth.

This is a warm and engaging conversation about a time in popular culture which was in part shaped by Oasis and the hype around them, but which acknowledges and celebrates the fact that there was so much more going on. It's also touches on the nature of storytelling itself. Whether you were there or not this is a podcast you'll be sure to enjoy.

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

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the third of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.

First of all actor, writer and theatre maker James Clements' tells us all about The Burns Project where we are promised "An immersive theatrical Burns experience like no other.". Without any spoilers, James talks about the research undertaken, how the show came together, working with director Cora Bissett, the extraordinary setting of The Drawing Room at The Georgian House, collaborating with the National Trust for Scotland, and much more.

Then writer, performer (and regular guest on the SWH! podcast over the years) Alan Bissett talks about his show When Billy Met Alasdair where, using a photo of the occasion as the inspiration, Alan imagines the conversation between Billy Connolly and Alasdair Gray when they met at the launch of Alasdair's novel Lanark at the Third Eye Centre (now the CCA). He talks about creating a script from that initial premise, being in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and the perilous nature of finally making it to the stage.

These shows take on three Scottish icons with a global reach who have changed the face and very nature of Scottish culture, and it was fascinating to hear about both, which happen to feature in the SWH! Top 10 Picks Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2025.

These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope these discussions get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.

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

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.

First of all writer/director Aoife Parr and composer and sound designer Tom Baines talked about their show Anatomy of Pain which is "An unflinching look at the NHS through the eyes of a young person’s struggle with a lifelong medical condition". That condition is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Aoife talks about the personal story which inspired this show before Tom and Aoife talk all about how they work together.

Actor and writer Ruaraidh Murray then tells us about Colours Run, which "is a gritty dark comedy two-hander about a troubled Hibs casual Pongo and his brother Pete", written by Mikey Burnett. It's theatre company 4PLAY’s first Edinburgh Fringe Festival production and Ruaraidh details not only the play, but the work of 4PLAY as well.

Connor McKenna is the writer/performer behind one-man show Seltzer Boy and he details the inspiration behind it, and the themes he wanted to explore. He also discusses some of the differences he has found between eating and drinking in his native America and his now home of Scotland.

These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope these discussions about three very different shows get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to music journalist, critic (and tour guide) Fiona Shepherd to talk about Glasgow's Greatest Hits: Tales From The City Of Music which is published by Polygon Books. Fiona co-authored the book with Alison Stroak and Jonathan Trew with whom she also founded Glasgow Music City Tours.

Fiona talks about Glasgow's reputation and status as a City of Music (a title granted by UNESCO, no less) before the two talk about the structure of the book and breakdown the chapters, having a discussion on each one, with Fiona picking a few of her favourite stories and anecdotes along the way.

Talk turns to subjects such as musical founding fathers and mothers, venues past and present, artists with a global reach, the independent scene, cult heroes, infamous gigs, club culture, and so much more, including what the future holds.

There is so much to talk about in relation to Glasgow's Greatest Hits and in this podcast we only really manage to scratch the surface, but it works as the perfect introduction to the subject and the book itself, and we're sure you'll have plenty of your own stories and memories which are stirred by this conversation.

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

For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include David Goodman - A Reluctant Spy, Natalie Jayne Clark - The Malt Whisky Murders, Foday Mannah - The Search for Othella Savage, Claire Wilson - Five By Five, and Richard Strachan - The Unrecovered.

They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to what inspired these stories, approaching a debut, the importance of agents, the welcoming world of the crime fiction community, what being shortlisted brings, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland.

There is also a fascinating chat about the ups and downs on the road to getting published, learning from rejections, and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published writer.

It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.

Bloody Scotland is on between 12th - 14th September. Tickets are on sale now.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his superb new novel The Good Father, which is published with Zaffre (and which is rightly longlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland McIlvanney Prize).

It's a novel which is difficult to discuss without offering spoilers, but they just about manage it. After giving a brief description, Liam explained why this was right time for him to tell this story, and that while it felt easier than previous novels in terms of speed of writing, the subject matter was as challenging as anything he has undertaken to date.

Liam then explained the epigraph from Robin Robertson, why he prefers to read poetry when writing fiction, the challenges in creating his characters (particularly the central figure of Gordon Rutherford), and why this is his most personal novel yet.

The two then talk through the themes and ideas, the pacing and structure, and the very nature of writing about crime, before an in depth discussion about the importance of the Scottish Ballad tradition to Scottish literature, from Hogg and Stevenson, through to Muriel Spark and beyond. And there's so much more!

The Good Father is arguably Liam's best novel to date and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to the writer in person about it, and we consider this episode a must listen, not only for fans of Liam McIlvanney's writing, or even crime fiction, but anyone with an interest in the world of books.

Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year. The three shows discussed this time around are all part of the Made In Scotland Showcase, which has come to be a reliable mark of quality.

First of all, Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge talk about These Mechanisms, "[...] a show treading the lines between dance, physical theatre, object manipulation and contemporary circus."

Then Scottish dancer, choreographer, and multi-disciplinary artist Mark Bleakley discusses Stepping in… Spilling out which "[...] roots itself in Bleakley’s personal history of dance practice in Bboying (Breakdancing) and House to traverse the interlinking people, spaces, and memories that make up stepping as a culturally, historically, and emotionally layered motion."

Finally, Indra Wilson talks about FLOAT, "a new autobiographical solo show about the lonely turbulence of experiencing pregnancy loss as a young queer person."

These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope they get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.

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

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Andrew Meehan to hear all about his latest novel Best Friends, which is published by Muswell Press.

Andrew gave a brief synopsis before talking about where the initial idea came from, creating relatable and believable central characters in June Wylie and Ray Draper, the importance of coming to care for them and their relationship, why he wanted to avoid looking too far into the past, and capturing the pros and cons of relationships in later life.

Andrew also read a passage from the book which will really give you an idea as to the tone and style of the writing, and the conversation also touches upon the importance of place, authentic language, and why this is ultimately a novel of hope.

The two also discuss living alone, loneliness, growing up and growing old, hopefully with the same humour and warmth that is a mark of Andrew's novel

Best Friends is a joyous and life-affirming read, destined to be one of the year's best, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to Andrew in-depth and learn all about it. If you enjoy this podcast you will love the novel, and we hope you do both.

For full details head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman who write together as Ambrose Parry to hear all about The Death of Shame - the fifth novel in the Raven and Fisher series - and much more.

They talk about how they initially came to collaborate, something which brought together two distinct parts of their life; namely Chris's crime writing and Marisa's research for her master's degree in the History of Medicine.

They then discuss the two central characters of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher and where they find themselves in The Death of Shame, the challenges of writing historical fiction, what makes Edinburgh the perfect location, the importance of using real people and events (but treating both with respect) and the parallels in the novel to the present day.

The three then talk about the proliferation of crime festivals, including this year's Bloody Scotland, and why they are a joy to attend whether as writers, or readers. This is a warm and insightful conversation which touches on a numbers of fascinating subjects, and it was such a pleasure to be able to learn more about Ambrose Parry and their brilliant books.

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