Scots Whay Hae!

Alistair Braidwood
  • 5.0 (24)
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  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
Scots Whay Hae!

Scots Whay Hae! is the place to discuss modern Scottish Culture whatever and wherever that may be.

  1. Rhona Brown - The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson

    10 HR AGO

    Rhona Brown - The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to Professor Rhona Brown to hear all about The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies which is a two-year research project, which runs from October 2023 until October 2025. A key poet of the Scottish eighteenth century, Rhona explains exactly who Robert Fergusson (1750-74) was and why he is so important to Scottish literature and culture more generally. She talks about his relationships to the better known Allan Ramsay and Robert Burns, how he was regarded in his too-short life time, his love of his home city of Edinburgh, and his sad demise. The two also discuss Fergusson's life and work, his legacy, his use of Scots, the challenges faced in collecting the works, rewriting past wrongs, and why this is a poet still relevant today. Rhona also sets out the various events and exhibitions which are happening to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his death, and celebrate his work. If you are not aware of Robert Fergusson (or even if you are) then this is an insightful and informed conversation which could lead to you discovering a new favourite poet. For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    44 min
  2. Malachy Tallack - That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz

    3 DAYS AGO

    Malachy Tallack - That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to author and singer/songwriter Malachy Tallack about his new novel and album, both of which are called That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz. Malachy tells us which came first, and how they developed, before giving a brief synopsis of the novel. He talks about the two strands and explains why these were stories he wanted to tell, before discussing his central characters of Sonny and Jack, and how their tales are intertwined. The two then talk about the album, which are 'Jack's songs' and how the idea to record them came about, the inspirations behind it, the importance of country music to Shetland, and the complexities of recording songs written by a fictional character. Also under discussion is the influence of music in our formative years, the importance of place, how seemingly insignificant words or events can be carried for a lifetime, the differences between contentment and happiness, and a whole lot more. That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz is one of the best novels of the year, and also a wonderful collection of songs, and it was a pleasure to be able to talk to Malachy about both. Each is worthy of your attention, but when taken together you have something very special indeed. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    38 min
  3. Graeme Macrae Burnet - A Case of Matricide

    30 SEPT

    Graeme Macrae Burnet - A Case of Matricide

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to previous guest, the writer Graeme Macrae Burnet, to hear all about his latest novel A Case Of Matricide, which is the final book in the Georges Gorski trilogy (all published on the Contraband imprint of Saraband), which are described as "a series of novels set in the unremarkable French town of Saint-Louis", but to say there is so much more is the biggest understatement. Before giving a brief synopsis of A Case Of Matricide Graeme talks about the trilogy as a whole and how it came about, creating the character of Georges Gorski, and how the latest novel relates to the other two. Carefully avoiding spoilers, the two then discuss the nature of the trilogy, crime novels where the crimes are not to the fore, the perils of using - and mildly abusing - a real place in the shape of Saint-Louis, telling a story through small details, and the themes they address. They also talk about the influence of 20th century European literature, naturalism versus existentialism, and the different levels to writing, and therefore reading, A Case Of Matricide. It's always a treat to talk to Graeme, one of Scots Whay Hae!'s favourite writers, someone who is always interesting in terms of how he works and why. If you are unaware of his writing, or are only familiar with his Booker-listed His Bloody Project and Case Study, then this is the perfect place to find out more, and discover the Georges Gorski Trilogy. For full details, and all the ways to listen, go to scotswhayhae.com

    1h 3m

  4. 27 SEPT

    Robert J. Harris - Redfalcon: Richard Hannay Returns

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Robert J. Harris to hear all about Redfalcon: Richard Hannay Returns his latest outing for John Buchan's hero, familiar to most from the novel, and numerous film adaptations of, The 39 Steps. Robert talks about how he came to write the Richard Hannay novels, how he approaches writing in another writer's style, adapting the cast of supporting characters from the original source material, the various screen versions of Hannay (and which he prefers) and the other influences he embraces. The two also talk about his Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson novels, which bring the heroes into the Second World War, and the enduring appeal of Holmes in particular. SWH! have long been admirers of Robert J. Harris, a writer who manages to bring beloved literary characters to life while always staying faithful and respectful to the original authors' vision, and this was a great opportunity to investigate the process and inspiration behind his work. For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    40 min
  5. Grant McPhee - Postcards from Scotland

    20 SEPT

    Grant McPhee - Postcards from Scotland

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker and writer Grant McPhee to talk about his book Postcards from Scotland: Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995 which is published by Omnibus Press. Grant talks about how the book came about and why these are the years he wanted to cover, his film Teenage Superstars which inspired it, how the structure is shaped by the interviews, his previous book Hungry Beat (written with Douglas Macintyre) which set the template, the importance of the legendary, and often misunderstood, C86 cassette, and how many of the musicians in the book changed, and continue to change, Scotland's cultural landscape. The two also discuss the importance of place in the story, particularly outside of the cities, as well as talking about some of the lesser known bands who appear on these pages. It's a comprehensive conversation as befits such a book which covers its subject so thoroughly, and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to the text and the music it celebrates. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    49 min
  6. Bloody Scotland - The McIlvanney Prize Finalists 2024

    12 SEPT

    Bloody Scotland - The McIlvanney Prize Finalists 2024

    The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is another 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 D.V. Bishop (A Divine Fury), Chris Brookmyre (The Cracked Mirror), Val McDermid (Past Lying), Abir Mukherjee (Hunted) and Kim Sherwood (A Spy Like Me). All the writers give a brief synopsis of their shortlisted novels before explaining a bit more about why they chose to wrote them, and agree that they once again prove the variety of crime writing at the moment. They also discuss the importance of literary prizes, and the impact not only of winning, but simply being long and/or shortlisted can have in terms of publicising and selling a novel, before setting out just why the crime-writing community is such a supportive and welcoming one. 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. And Bloody Scotland is on between 13th - 15th September. Tickets are on sale now. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    1h 9m
  7. Jenny Lecoat - Beyond Summerland

    10 SEPT

    Jenny Lecoat - Beyond Summerland

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Jenny Lecoat about her new novel Beyond Summerland, which is published on the Polygon Books imprint of Birlinn Ltd. After offering a carefully considered description of the book - which is set on Jersey just after the Second World War - Jenny explained why she wanted to write about this time and place, her personal connections, and how occupation shaped the island and those who live there, something which continues to the modern day. The two also discuss what's interesting when writing about small communities, the joy of research, how the best historical novels speak to the present day, and if there are any comparisons between writing fiction and Jenny's other work, which includes film, TV, radio, and more. It was so interesting to be able to talk to Jenny about Beyond Summerland, a novel which can be read on a number of levels, and hear about her approach to writing. One for book lovers and writers alike. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    40 min

  8. 6 SEPT

    Cathie Boyd - Sonica Festival 2024

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to the Founding Artistic Director of Cryptic Cathie Boyd to hear all about this year's Sonica Festival, which runs at 16 venues across Glasgow between 19th-29th September. Cathie talks about the history of both Cryptic and the Sonica Festival before taking us through just some of the extensive programme, the wide variety of what's on offer, the multiple venues where events will take place, before Ali offers his picks of the festival which prompts more detailed discussion. The two also talk about the importance of funding to festivals such as Sonica, and in the Arts and culture more generally, taking into consideration the recent news of the severe cuts to arts funding from the Scottish government leading Creative Scotland to close its Open Fund for Individuals arts grant. It was great to be able to talk to Cathie and get an insight into what is one of the highlights of the cultural year. And watch out for the p.s. at the end of the interview to find out about another festival highlight. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

    34 min
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5
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About

Scots Whay Hae! is the place to discuss modern Scottish Culture whatever and wherever that may be.

Information

  • Creator
    Alistair Braidwood
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2024
  • Episodes
    345
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alistair Braidwood
  • Show Website
    Scots Whay Hae!

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