Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with returning guest (one of our first, no less) writer Doug Johnstone to look back over 20 years as a published author in the run up to his 20th novel coming out in August of this year, as well as the new versions of his first two novels, all three to be published with Orenda Books.They went through the novels to date in order, from 2006's Tombstoning to The Transcendent Tide. During the conversation, Doug talks about getting published initially, the unexpected order of his early publications, finding his rhythm as a writer, writing from experience, learning to edit his own work, the importance of place, portraying alternative Edinburghs, moving between subject matter (and later genre), changing publishers and finding a home with Orenda, stand alone novels versus writing a series, and so much more.The two also talk character, plot, pacing, and personal favourites, before Doug gives a glimpse into what comes next. One of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite authors, what this episode proves is that Doug Johnstone is among the most interesting, thrilling, yet always thought-provoking, writers at work today. Looking back over this storied career the picture to emerge is one of a master of his craft. Put simply, no one does it as Doug does.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician, and journalist, Callum Baird to talk all about his band Elgin & The Marbles, and the debut album The Sun Never Sets, which is out now with Last Night From Glasgow.Callum explained the reasons behind the name Elgin & The Marbles, the striking album cover, and how both link to the overall concept.The two then discuss the themes and ideas more thoroughly, Callum's various inspirations, working with Last Night From Glasgow, his experience of recording an album, the different methods of promotion, and the challenges and pitfalls in being satirical in the present day.The conversation then turns towards how working in the newspaper business fed into this musical project, the changing face of journalism, and how arts coverage needs to adapt to those changes.A musical chat which covers so much more, this is a in-depth interview with someone for whom music and work are closely entwined resulting in an album of songs which address the state of the nation. In short, this episode has something for everyone with an interest in arts and culture.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 journalist Penny Kiley about her new book Atypical Girl: Punk Rock, Liverpool, and Trying to be Normal which is published by Polygon Books.Penny talks about why now for this book, her formative years in Liverpool, being in the right place and the right time, the local music scene in the late-'70s and into the 1980s, the importance of the legendary club Eric's, and some of those musicians (famous & less so) who kicked off their careers there.The two then discuss all things Punk and Post-Punk, with a focus on the varied and vital music which came from that time and place, and what made it stand apart.Penny also explains how she came to write for the Melody Maker, recounts her experiences as a music journalist, reflects on what she has learned from writing the book, and relates why her autism diagnosis in 2018 put her previous life into a different perspective, and simply made sense.As you'll hear, this was a bit of a fanboy experience for Ali as he got to talk to a writer from his favourite music publication, and all about one of the most interesting and inventive times and places in musical history. If you feel similar in any way, this episode is a must.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 Alison Irvine to talk about her fascinating and insightful new book about Glasgow's famous Barrowland Ballroom. To give its full title, the book is called Barrowland: The Inside Story of Glasgow’s Beloved Ballroom and it's published by Luath Press.Alison explains that the book's origins are in a previous publication, and the importance of her regular collaborators Chris Leslie and Mitch Miller - all part of the artist collective Recollective - to this project.She then talks about the process of gathering interviews, research, the two part structure of the book, the symbiotic relationship between the ballroom and the Barra's market, and getting involved as a member of staff.The two then discuss, and reminisce about, their own personal Barrowland memories, key moments in its history, and try to put into context what it is that makes this venue the legendary place it is.Barrowland the book is a brilliant read, one which looks beyond the music (although there is plenty of that) to the people as well as the place and gives an overview of this most iconic venue. It was such a privilege to be able to talk in-depth with Alison about it. We like to think it's an essential listen. Full details, and all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to screenwriter, playwright, actor, and now novelist, Linda Duncan McLaughlin to talk about her debut novel Original Sins, which is published by Into Books.There was so much to talk to Linda about, but the conversation begins with her describing Original Sins, a novel not easily categorised, and the two then manage to discuss the novel without giving spoilers (also a tricky task).Linda then talks about writing in different forms, the importance of sharing work with others, creating characters, being surprised where the writing goes, and other fascinating aspects of being a writer.She also discusses being an actor and how that in turn impacts her writing, the importance of storytelling, her literary inspirations, what the future may hold, and so much more. It was so interesting to be able to talk in such detail with Linda Duncan McLaughlin, someone steeped in culture, and we hope you find this podcast episode equally compelling.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Lesley Davidson, who is the co-director of the Beacon Arts Centre, to talk about the inaugural Beacon Book Festival which runs from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd February.Lesley tells us why now is the right time for the Beacon Arts Centre to host a book festival, and what the challenges were in programming, before talking about that programme - who is on, and when, and taking us through the various strands.The two then talk about the Beacon Arts Centre and their work more widely, the importance of being a central part of the local community, the iconic building serving as a place which encourages creativity, the challenges and joys of working in the arts, and a lot more.A new book festival is always a cause for cheer, and this is a great addition to the cultural landscape of Scotland and particularly that of the Inverclyde area. The Beacon already has a righteous reputation as an important hub for the arts and culture, and it sounds as if the Beacon Book Festival will only add to that.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

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