Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast we welcomed back previous guest Rodge Glass (right) to talk about Gray Day 2023 (Saturday 25th Feb) - the third annual celebration of the life and work of Alasdair Gray.  This year the inspiration is his 1992 novel 'Poor Things', and Rodge talks about the novel, how it fits into the Gray canon, the event at Glasgow's Oran Mor on the evening of the 25th and who will be appearing, the importance of the Alasdair Gray Archive, as well as discussing the forthcoming film adaptation by Yorgos Lanthimos & starring Emma Stone, and a lot more. It's always a pleasure to talk to Rodge Glass, biographer to, and one of the leading authorities on, Alasdair Gray, and Gray Day - Poor Things promises to be a very special night indeed. Further details and all the relevant links - including where to get tickets from - are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, Ali spoke to writer Allyson Shaw about her book 'Ashes & Stones: A Scottish Journey In Search of Witches and Witness' which examines the Scottish witch hunts and trials of the 16th-18th century, uncovering stories untold, and bearing witness to the people behind them. 'Ashes & Stones' is part historical investigation, part travelogue, part memoir, and Allyson talks about all aspects of the book, why she wanted to write it, the research behind it, the importance of the various memorials she uncovered - and how their meaning and purpose has changed - and why she brought her own life into the story. The two also talk about the reasons behind the Scottish witch hunts, the extent of the persecution, the collusion between the state and the church, the importance of remembrance and acknowledgment, the lessons for today, and so much more. 'Ashes & Stones' is a great read, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to all about it with Allyson. Further details, and all the relevant links, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Leila Aboulela to talk about her latest novel, 'River Spirit', which will be published with Saqi Books on the 7th March. Leila spoke about her reasons for writing it, the research required, her interest in Sudanese history, why this period is so important to the country and its people, exploring history through fiction, managing the balance between real events (and individuals) and fiction, the Scottish strand to the story, and much more. The two also discuss Leila's desire to bring Sudanese and Scottish culture together, the importance of memory, history repeating itself, and Aberdeen's current, and thriving, writing, arts, and culture scene. It's a wonderful and warm conversation with one of Scotland's finest and most admired writers, and we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did recording it. All the relevant links as to where you can learn more about Leila Aboulela's life and work, and where you can buy a copy of 'River Spirit', are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to theatre director Tania Azevedo and musician and composer Finn Anderson about the new folk musical A Mother’s Song which will has its World Premiere at the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling from 23 - 26 February 2023. The three talk about the ideas behind A Mother's Song and its years in the making, and how it has developed over those years, Tania and Finn also set out the story, the transatlantic aspect of the production, the accompanying EP which is coming out, the single 'Sarah's Song', their hopes and fears as the Premiere approaches, and a whole lot more. It was great to learn all about this ambitious and exciting production, and we hope this whets your appetite for A Mother's Song. All the relevant links as to where you can learn more and buy tickets are over at scotswhayhae.com

Each week, for the Scots Whay Hae! Radio Show, Ali interviews the artists of the week. Usually the interviews are around 10-15mins, with the unedited versions available on our YouTube channel. Last Saturday's was a chat with Gill Higgins and Hannah Jarrett-Scott from the wonderful CLR Theory, and we blethered on for nearly 40mins so we thought is was too good not to make it into a podcast episode, so here it is. The three talk about how CLR Theory came to be, the forthcoming album 'Waves', the launch night at Glasgow's Glad Cafe on the 20th January (when they will be supported by the the iconic Jill Lorean), how Lockdown helped shape the band and their music, the Workers' Stories Project that they were part of, and so much more. It's such an easy conversation that it is no wonder time flew! You can find links to the band, their music, and the gig at The Glad, at scotswhayhae.com

For the first SWH! podcast of 2023 Ali spoke to Dawn Taylor, the Artistic Director & CEO at Puppet Animation Scotland, to learn all about this year's MANIPULATE International Festival of Visual Theatre which runs from 2nd - 12th February. Now in its 16th year, this year's festival will be the biggest yet and Dawn talks about the challenges met during lockdown and the valuable lessons learned, the history of the festival, the importance of supporting non-ext based theatre and film, just what festival goers can expect, and how and where people can get tickets and get involved. She also sets out just some of the extensive programme which you can find at manipulatefestival.org or you can find all the relative links at scotswhayhae.com

For our final podcast of 2022, Ali once again jumps on Zoom to talk to Andy, his brother who runs a gallery in Braemar, for what has become a regular end of year chat. The two talk about the highlights of their cultural year, which includes recorded music, live gigs, books, art, podcasts, films, magazines, & more. We hope you excuse this self-indulgence and enjoy the chat, and that you find something which you would like to investigate further. It's further proof that there was loads of great art being made in, and about, Scotland in 2022.

For the latest SWH! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2022 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and 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 films you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.   They talk about small indies and major blockbusters, this year’s Glasgow Film Festival, the problems facing cinemas, directors old and new, documentaries, drama, the return of unlikely heroes, TV on the big screen, and a whole lot more. All the details, and all the ways to listen, at scotswhayhae.com

For our latest roundup of 2022 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician, podcaster, radio presenter, and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Fiona Liddell. They each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark in the last 12 months. 

For the last in our Best Books of 2022 podcasts, Ali caught up with poet, writer, singer/songwriter, and previous podcast guest, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, to learn about his Gaelic books of the year and other aspects of Gaelic writing over the last 12 months.