Scots Whay Hae‪!‬ Alistair Braidwood

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Ali spoke to crime writer, and returning guest, Douglas Skelton to talk about the latest entry in the 'Rebecca Connolly' series of crime thrillers, 'The Hollow Mountain' which is out now, published on the Polygon imprint of Birlinn Ltd.

Douglas talks about the origins of Rebecca Connolly and the inspiration behind them, the importance of place and returning to Glasgow as a setting, the true stories which are central to each novel, constructing and developing memorable characters, having a strong supporting cast, the pleasure taken in cultural referencing, and more.

The two also discuss Douglas' other current series, the 'A Company of Rogues' books (the latest of which is 'A Grave for a Thief', published by Canelo), the challenges, and the freedom, that comes with writing historical fiction, and the inspirations, (literary and otherwise) behind these books.

He is also very honest about the highs and lows of writing, and what's coming next. Douglas has long been one of our favourite writers, and it's always a treat to have a conversation with him. If you don't know his work then we hope this podcast will persuade you to investigate further.



For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer, and previous guest, Louise Welsh to talk about her latest novel To The Dogs, which is out now published by Canongate Books.

The two talk about the complex issue of class, the hold of the past, the setting of Glasgow, the central character of Jim Brennan, the parallels between gangland life and academia, the changing politics of university life, building towards a dramatic conclusion, and much more.

They also discuss The Second Cut, Louise's sequel to her critically-acclaimed and much-loved debut The Cutting Room, and the return of the protagonist Rilke, as well as her role as Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, and revisiting the Empire Cafe project 10 years on.

Louise is not only one of SWH!'s favourite writers, but also one of our greatest supporters and it was great to have her back on the podcast. The result is an insightful and thoughtful conversation which will appeal to readers and writers alike.

For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Jane-Ann Purdy & Douglas Robertson to learn all about this year's Edinburgh Tradfest, which is on between the 3rd - 13th May.

They take us through the amazing line-up for 2024, with some of the finest bands and musicians around, as well as giving some history to the festival, and a run down of the various strands this year, which include film, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, storytelling, art exhibitions, and more.

Douglas and Jane-Ann also explain about the work of the Soundhouse Organisation (which they are both central to) and the importance of working with a variety of partners.

The three also discuss the healthy state of folk and traditional music in this country, as well as the collaborative, often cross-genre, nature of the music made by many of those in attendance.

It's an informative and enthusiastic conversation which we hope will fire your interest in what's happening at Edinburgh Tradfest 2024.

For full details, including all the relevant links and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to CD Boyland to hear all about The Glasgow Review of Books, and particularly the Live Hip-Hop + Poetry night which will be at Stereo in Glasgow on 26th May.

CD talks about the line-up, which includes Darren McGarvey, Iona Lee, Billy Letford, Imogen Stirling, Texture, and Johnny Cypher, all hosted by Loud Poets' Kevin Mclean.

The two then talk about the work of The Glasgow Review of Books, how it began, CD's role as co-editor, how people can submit and get involved, creating a space for Gaelic and Scots writing, and so much more.

The Glasgow Review Of Books is a wonderful resource for anyone with an interest in literature, taking Glasgow as its starting point, but covering writers and writing on a national, and international, basis. The level of discussion and criticism is informed and accessible, and at a time when the arts are under real threat it's heartwarming to hear about the work CD, his colleagues, and the contributors do.

For full details, including relevant links and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about the new experimental work 'Futuristic Folktales', and Ali caught up with Dance-theatre artist and director Charlotte Mclean, writer Nelly Kelly and composer Malin Lewis to learn all about it.

They each break down their individual roles before talking about the collaborative process involved, and how working together was inspirational, and educational, for them all. The talk also turns to the other members of the team, and the joys, and challenges, of making live theatre and going on tour, and how this was not only a new experience for the artists and performers, but how that will translate to audiences as well.

It's a warm and informative conversation about an exciting piece of dance-theatre which promises to inspire and uplift, and we hope it will leave you wanting to experience it for yourself.

For further details, including relevant links and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast - the second relating to this year's Paisley Book Festival - Ali spoke to writers Alan Bissett and Brian Conaghan, who will be at the festival alongside Graeme Armstrong as part of the Scottish Masculinities event - Sunday 28th April, 5-6pm.

Alan and Brian talk in detail about their latest books; 'Lads' and 'Treacle Town' respectively, and how they relate to the theme of masculinity. They also talk about the project where they have been involved with young people in Renfrewshire and Glasgow schools, the lessons they learned from their own experiences, the generational differences they have noticed, and the importance of conversation.

The three also discuss some of the novels which have helped shaped them, the work of Des Dillon, the impact of Graeme's novel 'The Young Team', and the importance of the culture which originates from towns on the national psyche. It's a cracking conversation which only scratches the surface of the subject, and which will hopefully whet appetites for Alan, Brian, and Graeme's event.

For full details, including the relevant links and all the ways to listen, head over to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠