Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Ewan Morrison to talk about his latest novel For Emma, which is published on the 25th March with Leamington Books.Ewan gives an overview of the novel before talking about Robert Louis Stevenson, his choice of quotations which are the book's epigraph, the structure of the novel, the central characters, and the sense of paranoia which runs throughout.The two also discuss the central themes which include technology and transhumanism, but also the very human traits of love, regret, addiction, and grief. They also mull over the humour which comes, perhaps unexpectedly, from events rather than the writing itself.Ewan was last a guest on on the SWH! podcast way back in July 2012, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to one of the finest writers around once again, especially about this fascinating book.Ewan will be launching For Emma at Waterstones Argyle Street in Glasgow on 3rd April, in conversation with Nicola Meighan.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.comAll images of Ewan are credited to Angela Caitlin, 2025

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Karen Campbell to talk about her latest novel This Bright Life, which will be published later this month with Canongate Books.Karen gives a synopsis of the novel before breaking down the three central characters of Gerard, Margaret and Claire and their role in events, why it had to be set in Glasgow, and, more widely, the importance of place.The two then talk about Karen's novels more generally (this is her ninth), the themes and ideas which interest her, writing about people who all too rarely appear on the page, and how she has changed as a writer over time. There is also a conversation about other Scottish novels, Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Hugh MacDiarmid, and the notable impact of, and response to, her previous novel Paper Cup. It's always a pleasure to talk to Karen, and with This Bright Life one of SWH!'s Ten Books for 2025 it was a privilege to be able to discuss it in such detail.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Show Ali spoke to writer and academic Esa Aldegheri to talk about There She Goes: New Travel Writing by Women, an anthology of travel tales which celebrates the stories of women for which Esa is the editor, and which will be published by Saraband Books on 6th March.Esa explains how this anthology came about, including the origins of the title, and how the impressive list of contributors were assembled before discussing how the themes and ideas in the book emerged through the individual responses, and the importance in including a wide range of writers and styles.The two then talk about individual chapters and what they cover (without giving any spoilers!), as well as the nature of travel writing and how it has changed, and how this anthology challenges those preconceptions and addresses the subject in new and surprising ways.It's a fascinating and inspiring conversation about this excellent collection of essays, and travel writing itself. An essential listen about a book which deserves to be read far and wide.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Chris McQueer who was last a guest back in 2018. Since then Chris has been working on his debut novel which is now with us in the form of Hermit, published with Wildfire Books on the 27th February.Chris gives a synopsis of Hermit before explaining how the novel has changed in terms of style and story over the years while the central characters of Jamie and Fiona were always there.The two discuss the inspirations behind all the characters, how the structure helped the writing, finding the rhythm of this novel, writing about difficult subjects, and the dark and depressing research Chris undertook to best understand the online subculture of incels.Chris also talks honestly about the challenges in, and expectations of, writing his first novel after the success of his two short story collections HINGS and HWFG, and what he's looking forward to next. Hermit is one of the most eagerly-awaited novels of the year, and it was such a pleasure to be able to discuss it with the author in such an open and insightful manner.For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, Saltire Prize shortlisted author David F. Ross to hear all about his new novel The Weekenders which is published on the 27th February with Orenda Books.David gave a brief synopsis before talking about why this was a book he wanted write, the structure of the novel, the various strands and how they work together, and creating the central characters who drive each of those stories.The two also discuss the themes of wealth and power and how they corrupt, nature versus nurture, the role Glasgow plays in the novel, why it was important to David to set events there and represent the city as honestly as possible.The Weekenders is David's seventh novel and he reflects on how he has changed as a writer over that time, why Orenda is the only publisher for him, and there's so much more.It's always a pleasure to catch up with David, and this is a must listen for readers and writers alike.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! popdcast Ali spoke to writer Allan Gaw to talk about his debut novel The Silent House Of Sleep, which is the first in the Dr Jack Cuthbert series, all to be published with Polygon Books.The Silent House Of Sleep won the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut Prize last year, and Allan talks about first being on the shortlist, his surprise at winning, and the novel being named Waterstones Book of the Month.He then gives a detailed synopsis (don't worry - nae spoilers) before the two talk about the central character of Dr Jack Cuthbert and the memorable supporting cast.Allan also details the research he undertook for this novel, particularly the chapters set during World War One, and sets out what's coming next for Dr Jack Cuthbert.The Silent House Of Sleep is one of the most exciting debut novels in years, with a central character who is complex and utterly compelling. If you are a crime fiction fan then this could be the start of a beautiful relationship. If you think crime isn't for you, take a chance on this series. You won't regret it.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over atscotswhayhae.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 12th - 15th February. Now in its 18th 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, the importance of building lasting relationships with audiences, and just what festival goers can expect. The two also talk about the challenges faced in putting together this year's programme, and those facing all festivals across the arts, before discussing just a number of potential highlights, some of the companies and artists appearing, 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... Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to singer-songwriter and author James Yorkston to talk about his latest novel, Tommy The Bruce - which is published by Oldcastle Books. James gave a brief synopsis, before explaining why this was a story he wanted to tell, why the small-town setting is crucial, creating the central character of Tommy Bruce, the importance of understanding the motivations of all his characters, his hotel experiences, and why it is hard to escape your formative years. The two also discuss James' writing processes, whether that be in fiction or his songs, the vital role stories play in all our lives, and why he likes to balance music and prose. This is an insightful and in-depth conversation with a central figure in Scottish culture, and it was such a pleasure to talk about Tommy The Bruce and so much more. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to musician Clare Stewart who is a founding member, and artistic director, of the vocal ensemble APOLLO5 to talk about their new album 'Anam'. 'Anam' means 'soul' in Gaelic, and Clare talks about the strong Celtic theme which underpins the album, which features new arrangements of folk songs, pagan texts, poetry, brand new commissions inspired by Scottish and Irish musical traditions, and traditional instruments which include the Uilleann pipes. Clare also talks about the band more generally, collaborating with others, her own musical background and influences, and the healthy state of Scottish music today. It's an interesting and insightful conversation which should whet you're appetite for 'Anam' and all things APOLLO5. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the first Scots Whay Hae! Podcast of 2025 Ali caught up with writer and journalist Peter Mohan to talk about his book 'Cheers, Govanhill', in the appropriate setting of Queen's Park Cafe (which features numerous times). The two talk about the origins of the book and the blog which it's taken from, how it started, and how it developed, the history of the area, Peter's personal connections, and how chronicling the changes in Govanhill, and Glasgow more widely, helped Peter better understand the people as well as the place. Peter also explains his style of writing, his influences - particularly James Kelman - the balance between fact and fiction, and the feedback he has had to the book, and to the blog. 'Cheers, Govanhill' is a great example of how by concentrating on the personal and the specific you can comment on universal themes, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Peter about this fascinating, and hugely entertaining, book. And thanks to Queen's Park Cafe for being such welcoming hosts. You can find full details, including all the ways to listen, here - scotswhayhae.com