For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to crime writer Marion Todd to learn all about Dead Man's Shoes, the latest in the DI Clare Mackay series of thrillers.
Marion talks about the challenges and advantages in writing a long-running series (Dead Man's Shoes is the ninth entry) before giving a spoiler-free breakdown of the novel, explains what comes first - plot or people - and the difficulties in hitting that balance between cosy and gritty crime.
The two then discuss some of the series' characters (including Clare Mackay herself) and Marion's imaginative way of creating them, before moving onto the importance of place, and the setting of St Andrews in particular.
Marion then sets out what attracted her to writing in the crime genre, the importance of book festivals, talks about the next novel and how far she works ahead, before revealing news which will be exciting to Marion's many fans.
This is a discussion which will appeal to readers, but also to writers old and new as Marion offers real insight into how and why she writes, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk in depth about all things Clare Mackay, and much more.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with Donald Smith, the director and founder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, to hear all about this year's programme, which features over 120 events and which will take place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland from 22nd October - 1st November.
Donald breaks down the title Lights Of The North and how that relates to the international aspect of the festival, before going through the themes and strands for this year and explaining the nationwide scope in terms of people and place.
This, the festival's 36th year, is also Donald's last (at least as director) and he looks back not only to previous festivals but also how he came to be involved, as well as the inspirational individuals and moments which fired his passion for storytelling, and for sharing that passion with others.
The two then discuss the communal nature of storytelling and how that fundamentally leads to greater empathy, understanding and generosity.
It was such a pleasure to be able to talk at length with Donald, not only about this year's festival, but also about his life and work to date, and we hope you find it as fascinating and inspiring as we do.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Foday Mannah to hear all about his award-winning debut novel The Search for Othella Savage, which is published by Quercus Books, and which was shortlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.
Foday gives a brief synopsis of the novel, speaks about the real-life incident which inspired him to write it, and why it was important to set events in both Scotland and Sierra Leone. He also explains the quote from Mongo Beti which is the novel's epigraph.
The two then talk about the themes of the novel (which include power, corruption & lies - but also friendship and family), some of the central characters, and the challenges in writing about politics and religion.
They also discussed the changing face of the crime genre and attitudes towards it, the importance of crime writing festivals such as Bloody Scotland, literary awards, and creative writing courses, before Foday offers some advice to prospective writers, and book recommendations to anyone looking for a new read.
It's always a pleasure to talk to Foday (you can still listen to our podcast with all of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize shortlisted authors) and The Search For Othella Savage is not only a gripping and exciting (and thought-provoking) thriller, it offers a representation of a community rarely, if ever, portrayed in Scottish literature. For readers and writers alike, this is a must-listen episode.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Scottish-Norwegian filmmaker Iain Forbes to hear all about his award-winning, and Oscar-qualified, short film After Dark.
Iain talks about his Scottish roots, gives a brief summary of the film, the critical reception, how and where it was shot, the casting of his two leads, and the personal nature of the story.
The two also discuss the themes which underpin events, including the battle between the desire to help others versus the fear of possible consequences, and how audiences might react to the central relationship.
After Dark is a thought-provoking film which packs more into its 10 minute running time than many features manage, and it was fascinating to be able to talk it over with Iain.
Hopefully it will be available for everyone to view soon, but for now enjoy this chat with the writer/director which is bound to whet your appetite.
Full details, including all the ways to listen are over at scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest book Benbecula, which is the new entry in Polygon Books' Darkland Tales series of novellas which have quickly become essential reading.
Graeme tells us how he came to write his Darkland Tale, why it was this story, the brutal true crime which is at its heart (and it is true, no matter what regular readers of Graeme's might believe!), the research undertaken, creating a sense of place, understanding your central characters, the importance of visiting the island of Benbecula and the scene of the crimes, and the challenges of writing to a specific format.
The two also discuss the gothic tradition, unexpected reactions, how historical fiction speaks to the present day, and how Benbecula links to His Bloody Project, Graeme's Booker shortlisted 2016 novel.
One of the most interesting and insightful writers around, it's always a pleasure to have Graeme as a guest on the podcast, and this latest episode shows just why that is. If you are at all interested in the world of books, then this is the podcast for you...
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is our latest collaboration with Bloody Scotland - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - where Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is awarded for the best Scottish crime book of the year.
They include Tariq Ashkanani (The Midnight King), Liam McIlvanney (The Good Father), Callum McSorley (Paperboy), Denise Mina (The Good Liar) and Sir Ian Rankin (Midnight In Blue).
All the writers give a brief synopsis of their shortlisted novels before explaining a bit more about why they chose to write them, the levels of research involved, how they feel Scottish crime writing has changed over their time as writers (and readers), and so much more.
They also talk about the role crime book festivals, and Bloody Scotland in particular, have had in shaping those changes, encouraging a greater variety of styles, genres, and writers, to be part of the conversation.
The McIlvanney Prize is one of the most significant literary prizes around, and a great guide as to the best crime fiction on offer, so it was such a pleasure, and a privilege, to be able to talk to these great authors. This is a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.
Bloody Scotland is on between 12th - 14th September. Tickets are on sale now.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, can be found over at scotswhayhae.com
For the latest, and last, of this year's Scots Whay Hae! Fringe Preview podcasts Ali spoke to musician and storyteller Kirsty Law about her show Scotland Unsung, which is going to be at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile from the 20th-24th August.
Kirsty talks about the structure of the show, why she picked the songs she has, the happy accident of having an Edinburgh focus, the influence of Virginia Woolf's classic novel Orlando: A Biography, and why she considers The Scottish Storytelling Centre a home from home.
The two also discuss the chequered and complex history of how Scottish ballads and songs have been regarded over the years (and why), and look at perceptions of Scottish culture more widely.
It's always a pleasure to talk to Kirsty Law, and this conversation should whet your appetite for what sounds like a magical musical show, one which looks at the rich tradition of Scottish folk music, songs, and stories, with a fresh eye.
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 musician Andy Bollen about his latest book Definitely Maybe: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Oasis, a timely publication - out now with Polygon Books.
Although this book is ostensibly about the band, it's actually part-memoir concerning Andy's life in and around music, as well as an overview of British, and particularly Scottish, culture in the '90s.
The two talk about public perceptions of Oasis, their own initial thoughts, the pros and cons of Britpop, the changing face of indie, the lost art of A&R, their own musical memories across that decade, and much, much more.
At the heart of this story is the infamous night at Glasgow venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - 31st May 1993 - where, to over simplify hugely, Oasis were spotted by Creation Records' Alan McGee.
It's one of those occasions where if everyone who said they were there actually was it would have broken the laws of physics, and a number of myths and legends have been told over the years as a result. To capture that sense of uncertainty there are five separate chapters dealing with that evening giving various points of view (think Rashomon, classic film fans) and Andy (who was definitely there) talks about the reasons for this, and his attempt to get to some form of truth.
This is a warm and engaging conversation about a time in popular culture which was in part shaped by Oasis and the hype around them, but which acknowledges and celebrates the fact that there was so much more going on. It's also touches on the nature of storytelling itself. Whether you were there or not this is a podcast you'll be sure to enjoy.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the third of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.
First of all actor, writer and theatre maker James Clements' tells us all about The Burns Project where we are promised "An immersive theatrical Burns experience like no other.". Without any spoilers, James talks about the research undertaken, how the show came together, working with director Cora Bissett, the extraordinary setting of The Drawing Room at The Georgian House, collaborating with the National Trust for Scotland, and much more.
Then writer, performer (and regular guest on the SWH! podcast over the years) Alan Bissett talks about his show When Billy Met Alasdair where, using a photo of the occasion as the inspiration, Alan imagines the conversation between Billy Connolly and Alasdair Gray when they met at the launch of Alasdair's novel Lanark at the Third Eye Centre (now the CCA). He talks about creating a script from that initial premise, being in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and the perilous nature of finally making it to the stage.
These shows take on three Scottish icons with a global reach who have changed the face and very nature of Scottish culture, and it was fascinating to hear about both, which happen to feature in the SWH! Top 10 Picks Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope these discussions get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the Fringe this year.
First of all writer/director Aoife Parr and composer and sound designer Tom Baines talked about their show Anatomy of Pain which is "An unflinching look at the NHS through the eyes of a young person’s struggle with a lifelong medical condition". That condition is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Aoife talks about the personal story which inspired this show before Tom and Aoife talk all about how they work together.
Actor and writer Ruaraidh Murray then tells us about Colours Run, which "is a gritty dark comedy two-hander about a troubled Hibs casual Pongo and his brother Pete", written by Mikey Burnett. It's theatre company 4PLAY’s first Edinburgh Fringe Festival production and Ruaraidh details not only the play, but the work of 4PLAY as well.
Connor McKenna is the writer/performer behind one-man show Seltzer Boy and he details the inspiration behind it, and the themes he wanted to explore. He also discusses some of the differences he has found between eating and drinking in his native America and his now home of Scotland.
These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope these discussions about three very different shows get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to music journalist, critic (and tour guide) Fiona Shepherd to talk about Glasgow's Greatest Hits: Tales From The City Of Music which is published by Polygon Books. Fiona co-authored the book with Alison Stroak and Jonathan Trew with whom she also founded Glasgow Music City Tours.
Fiona talks about Glasgow's reputation and status as a City of Music (a title granted by UNESCO, no less) before the two talk about the structure of the book and breakdown the chapters, having a discussion on each one, with Fiona picking a few of her favourite stories and anecdotes along the way.
Talk turns to subjects such as musical founding fathers and mothers, venues past and present, artists with a global reach, the independent scene, cult heroes, infamous gigs, club culture, and so much more, including what the future holds.
There is so much to talk about in relation to Glasgow's Greatest Hits and in this podcast we only really manage to scratch the surface, but it works as the perfect introduction to the subject and the book itself, and we're sure you'll have plenty of your own stories and memories which are stirred by this conversation.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include David Goodman - A Reluctant Spy, Natalie Jayne Clark - The Malt Whisky Murders, Foday Mannah - The Search for Othella Savage, Claire Wilson - Five By Five, and Richard Strachan - The Unrecovered.
They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to what inspired these stories, approaching a debut, the importance of agents, the welcoming world of the crime fiction community, what being shortlisted brings, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland.
There is also a fascinating chat about the ups and downs on the road to getting published, learning from rejections, and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published writer.
It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.
Bloody Scotland is on between 12th - 14th September. Tickets are on sale now.
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 and academic Liam McIlvanney to talk about his superb new novel The Good Father, which is published with Zaffre (and which is rightly longlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland McIlvanney Prize).
It's a novel which is difficult to discuss without offering spoilers, but they just about manage it. After giving a brief description, Liam explained why this was right time for him to tell this story, and that while it felt easier than previous novels in terms of speed of writing, the subject matter was as challenging as anything he has undertaken to date.
Liam then explained the epigraph from Robin Robertson, why he prefers to read poetry when writing fiction, the challenges in creating his characters (particularly the central figure of Gordon Rutherford), and why this is his most personal novel yet.
The two then talk through the themes and ideas, the pacing and structure, and the very nature of writing about crime, before an in depth discussion about the importance of the Scottish Ballad tradition to Scottish literature, from Hogg and Stevenson, through to Muriel Spark and beyond. And there's so much more!
The Good Father is arguably Liam's best novel to date and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to the writer in person about it, and we consider this episode a must listen, not only for fans of Liam McIlvanney's writing, or even crime fiction, but anyone with an interest in the world of books.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year. The three shows discussed this time around are all part of the Made In Scotland Showcase, which has come to be a reliable mark of quality.
First of all, Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge talk about These Mechanisms, "[...] a show treading the lines between dance, physical theatre, object manipulation and contemporary circus."
Then Scottish dancer, choreographer, and multi-disciplinary artist Mark Bleakley discusses Stepping in… Spilling out which "[...] roots itself in Bleakley’s personal history of dance practice in Bboying (Breakdancing) and House to traverse the interlinking people, spaces, and memories that make up stepping as a culturally, historically, and emotionally layered motion."
Finally, Indra Wilson talks about FLOAT, "a new autobiographical solo show about the lonely turbulence of experiencing pregnancy loss as a young queer person."
These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what's happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope they get you in the mood for this year's Fringe.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Andrew Meehan to hear all about his latest novel Best Friends, which is published by Muswell Press.
Andrew gave a brief synopsis before talking about where the initial idea came from, creating relatable and believable central characters in June Wylie and Ray Draper, the importance of coming to care for them and their relationship, why he wanted to avoid looking too far into the past, and capturing the pros and cons of relationships in later life.
Andrew also read a passage from the book which will really give you an idea as to the tone and style of the writing, and the conversation also touches upon the importance of place, authentic language, and why this is ultimately a novel of hope.
The two also discuss living alone, loneliness, growing up and growing old, hopefully with the same humour and warmth that is a mark of Andrew's novel
Best Friends is a joyous and life-affirming read, destined to be one of the year's best, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to Andrew in-depth and learn all about it. If you enjoy this podcast you will love the novel, and we hope you do both.
For full details head over to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman who write together as Ambrose Parry to hear all about The Death of Shame - the fifth novel in the Raven and Fisher series - and much more.
They talk about how they initially came to collaborate, something which brought together two distinct parts of their life; namely Chris's crime writing and Marisa's research for her master's degree in the History of Medicine.
They then discuss the two central characters of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher and where they find themselves in The Death of Shame, the challenges of writing historical fiction, what makes Edinburgh the perfect location, the importance of using real people and events (but treating both with respect) and the parallels in the novel to the present day.
The three then talk about the proliferation of crime festivals, including this year's Bloody Scotland, and why they are a joy to attend whether as writers, or readers. This is a warm and insightful conversation which touches on a numbers of fascinating subjects, and it was such a pleasure to be able to learn more about Ambrose Parry and their brilliant books.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com
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