Scots Whay Hae!

This year was such a great one for Scottish writing that we had to split out Best Books of 2020 podcast into two parts to fit everything we had to talk about in. For both parts Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, who became a published author herself this year. The two pick their favourite books from the last 12 months, and take many detours and diversions along the way. We hope you find something of interest in their chat, and Part II will follow soon.

The latest SWH! Podcast is an interview with filmmaker Anthony Baxter who talks all about his latest documentary 'Flint', which premieres on BBC Scotland this Tuesday at 10pm (1/12/20) and will be available on iPlayer afterwards. The two talk about the tragic ongoing story behind the film, how and why Anthony became involved, the themes explored and the lessons to be learned, the timely nature of its release, the problems promoting a film in 2020, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat about one of the most important and hard-hitting films of the year.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke with The Bathers' founder and frontman, Chris Thomson, initially to discuss the remastered and reissued 'Marina Trilogy' of the 'Lagoon Blues', 'Sunpowder', and 'Kelvingrove Baby' albums, but the conversation also turns to Marina Records, the story behind the influential Friends Again, how The Bathers helped to capture and create the mood of Glasgow in the '90s, the importance of the band's style and image, the promise of new music, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Angela Hughes and her husband Paul about her memoir 'My Heart's Content: A Journey to Transplant'. Angela sets out not only why she wrote the book, but how it came to publication and the vital role that Paul, and their family and friends, play in the story. A searingly honest read, it is as much about love, and hope, as it is about Angela's specific journey, and, as a result, it is perhaps the most timely publication of recent years.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and presenter Damian Barr to talk all about the second series of The Big Scottish Book Club which airs on BBC Scotland this Sunday (25th). It's a welcome return to one of the all too few TV shows which unashamedly celebrates and discusses all aspects of the book world and those who love it, and it's great to get such an informed and personal insight into the show, and hear who Damian has lined up to appear this time round. If you love books, and I know you do, then this podcast, like The Big Scottish Book Club itself, is an absolute must.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to Jenny Sturgeon about her latest project 'The Living Mountain', which is not only the name of her new album but her series of podcasts, and the audio/visual live show which she hopes to tour, all of which are inspired by, and infused with the spirit of, Nan Shepherd's wonderful novella of the same name. Jenny Sturgeon is among SWH!'s favourite musicians - one steeped in the folk tradition as in evidence not only in her solo work, but also as a member of Salt House and Northern Flyway, and it was a real treat to talk to her about her work, and how she views the relationship between nature and art.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to singer and songmaker Kirsty Law about her latest project, Helm Arts - the multi-disciplinary production company and artist support service. The two talk about the ethos and ideas behind Helm, and the need to support, advise, and offer help to artists of all kinds. Kirsty relates Helm Arts to experiences in her own career, including the numerous collaborations, multi-disciplinary events, and other projects with which she has been involved over the years wether as producer, curator, or artist, and sometimes all three. It's a fascinating insight into a life lived in the arts, a role which is vital to the well-being of any culture and its people.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to artist and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie about his forthcoming exhibition 'Once Upon A Time', which is at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, Oct - Nov 2020. Lachlan explains the thoughts behind the show, and why his original plans had to be scrapped. 'Once Upon A Time' is partly inspired by reading fairy tales to his daughter, and he discusses the importance of the imagination (especially in periods of isolation) and the enduring influence of the supernatural in Scottish art. The two also discuss Lachlan's superb and comprehensive book 'The Story of Scottish Art' which will have its launch at the Gallery on 16th November. It's an engaging and enlightening conversation with a man who is at the very centre of Scottish Art.

For the latest podcast Ali catches up with Robert Kilpatrick who tells us about his role as General Manager at Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the process involved in the Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) as it reaches the Longlist stage, and his involvement with new record label ICEBLINK LUCK whose debut release with Ruby Gaines you can also hear. Robert is central to so much of what goes on in and around Scottish music and it was fascinating to talk to him about it all.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Graeme Armstrong about his novel 'The Young Team' and a whole lot more. 'The Young Team' is not just one of the books of the year, but one of the best in many a year, and it was fascinating to get an insight into how it came to be and hear how Graeme's life as a writer has developed. The two talk about literary influences, the importance of language, relating the personal in fiction, why the moments between 'events' are vital to any story, the relationship between the writer and reader, and many other aspects of this writer's life. Graeme even teases us with the possibility of things to come. If you love writing, reading, or both, then this podcast is a must listen.