Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Natalie Jayne Clark to hear all about her debut novel, The Malt Whisky Murders which is published on the Polygon imprint of Birlinn.

Natalie gives a reading from the book, before talking about the initial idea behind the novel, pitching that idea at Bloody Scotland, getting published, developing the central characters, creating a supporting cast, influences, the importance of place, and a lot more.

A large part of the interview is about the two's shared love of whisky, and the central role the drink and the industry play, not only in the novel, but in Natalie's life more generally.

Add to that a celebration of, and praise for, the work of Iain Banks and you have a personal and personable chat about more than a few of their favourite things, and it was a pleasure to head through to Perth to record it.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to poet Gordon Meade to hear all about this new collection of selected poems Beyond The Ninth Wave, which is published with the Into Poetry imprint of Into Books.

Gordon gives a career overview, going back to his early interactions with poetry, his first experience of being published, and the extraordinary story which lead to his writing seriously and subsequent career.

The two also discuss poetry more widely, the inspirations on - and the themes explored in - his work, the challenges in selecting the poems for this collection, and the joys of collaboration.

All of this, and Gordon gives three fantastic readings. It's a warm and winning conversation with a writer taking time to reflect on his life and work, and it was a pleasure and privilege to be part of that conversation.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to comic book artist and writer Emily Brooks Millar to hear all about her new illustrated book Birddad. which is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign.

The first comic book artist to appear on the SWH! podcast (we think!), Emily talks about how she came to work in the medium, the importance of the support and encouragement from those around her, the challenges faced, and her experiences in the genre.

The two also discuss comics and graphic novels, and art more widely, getting published, influences, inspirations, collaborations, and much more.

Also a fantastic painter (you can find examples of Emily's work on her website) this is a fascinating and far-reaching conversation about an area of the arts we have overlooked in the past, and as a result we believe it will be of interest to all.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Michael Pedersen, in the splendid surroundings of Glasgow's Mitchell Library, to talk about his debut novel Muckle Flugga, which is published with Faber & Faber.

Michael describes the place and people of Muckle Flugga before talking about why this is the story he has told for his debut, explaining that the time was just right.

He then breaks down the three central characters of The Father, his son Ouse, and the enigmatic interloper Firth, and what they each represent, which leads to a discussion of the themes which drive the novel.

The conversation also touches on the influence of the Gothic tradition, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Scottish literature more widely. All of that plus language and lighthouse chat, and a brilliant reading from Michael.

It was such a treat to be able to talk in depth to Michael Pedersen about this fantastic and life-affirming novel which is among the best debuts of recent times. The result is another memorable SWH! podcast, even if we do say so ourselves!

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker Ciaran Lyons to hear all about his debut feature Tummy Monster, which is playing across UK cinemas in May.

Ciaran talks about the audience reaction to the recent screening at the Glasgow Film Theatre, before describing the film, detailing why this story became his debut, the practicalities faced, expanding on the themes and ideas which drove it, and the collaboration necessary to realise his vision.

He also explains the casting process, and how he came to his two leads in particular, before setting out just some of the influences on his work, and this film especially.

It's an enthralling and informative conversation which will be of interest to anyone who loves film, and is interested in the realities and mechanics of what it takes to make it from page to screen.

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 Callum McSorley to talk about his new novel Paperboy, which is the sequel to his McIlvanney Prize winning debut Squeaky Clean, both published with Pushkin Vertigo.

Callum explains the premise of Squeaky Clean to give listeners an idea of his original vision, before explaining the ways Paperboy builds on that celebrated novel and his approach to writing a sequel.

He then talks about how much he loves writing these books, including the people, places, and their patter - a love of language to the fore.

The two also discuss the cast of characters, mapping events around the city of Glasgow, the importance of accurate references, and taking joy in dark comedy, before Callum details his experiences of life as a writer.

As you will hear from their conversation, Ali is a huge fan of these novels and it was such a treat to be able to talk to Callum about them. A warm and engaging conversation, this is one for anyone with an interest in writing or reading.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to double bassist and returning guest Roberto Cassani to hear all about the album Pictish Spaghetti which he has made with guitarist Graeme Stephen, and which is out now on Brooklyn label 577 Records.

Roberto talks about collaborating with Graeme and how that came about, the dynamic of the double bass and guitar, their recording process, the joys of improvisation, the landscape of Perthshire being an influence, the healthy state of jazz in Scotland today, and explains that intriguing album title.

He also tells the fascinating story of how he ended up living and making music in Scotland, before the two discuss his work as an educator, specifically his project Music for the Purpose of Joy which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on Roberto's improvisational approach.

The last time Roberto was on the podcast was during COVID and over Zoom, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to him face to face, especially in the beautiful setting of the town of Scone. The resulting interview is a warm, passionate and inspirational conversation which will lift spirits and gladden hearts, and we all need a bit of that.

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

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Carrie Marshall to talk about her latest book Small Town Joy, which is published by 404 Ink.

A widely-published writer, including the critically-acclaimed memoir Carrie Kills A Man, Carrie is also a musician with indie rock band Unquiet Mind, and Small Town Joy is an inquiry into the ways LGBTQ+ artists have shaped Scotland’s musical soundtrack.

Carrie explains the reasons for writing the book, the research involved, gives a global context, outlines the importance of dance music to the story and other genres, details just a few of her favourite characters who feature, (including those interviewed), the importance of place as well as people, and so much more.

The two also discuss the enduring significance of a song they both love; Bronski Beat's 'Smalltown Boy', Edwin Morgan, favourite bands and musicians, and what's happening across musical genres in Scotland today.

It's a fascinating and informative conversation about a joyous book which celebrates music and those who make it, while honestly addressing the challenges faced by many.

Quite simply, it's a must read for all music lovers.

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Fraser Scott who is the director of The Gray Plays, a concert reading of four short plays by Alasdair Gray, which will be at Oran Mor on the 4th May.

Fraser talks about the project, the book that inspired it, who is involved (including some well-kent names), and breaks down each of the four plays and why they were chosen.

He also explains how he came to know the work of Alasdair Gray, describes the influences on his own work, how he came to be involved in theatre, forming the company Outwith It, and so much more.

It's always a pleasure to discuss the life and work of Alasdair Gray, and The Gray Plays offers a rare (possibly unique) chance to see these plays performed. Tickets are available now, but, as Fraser suggests, they are going fast - so don't miss out...

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

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Craig A. Smith to hear all about his new novel The River, which is out now with Into Books.

Craig explains the full title of The River: A Path Of Least Resistance, why this was a story he wanted to tell, having a picture of the story in his head and the way it developed, the central character of Lachlan McCormack and what he represents, writing a love story, depictions of childhood, the structure of the novel which weaves together individuals, the nation, and the river itself, and much more.

The two also discussed Craig's 2013 debut novel The Mile, which was one of the few to address the Independence Referendum, and the possible connection between the two books, before revealing just a little about what he wants to write about next.

With The River, Craig A. Smith has a written a state-of-the-nation novel with a tender heart, and it was such a pleasure to be able to dig deep with writer himself.

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