Great Scot‪!‬ The Big Light

I first met Nicky Benedetti in 2003 when she was 16 years old and had just won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award, the first Scot to do so. I was struck by how mature she seemed for one so young - friendly, outgoing, and deadly serious about her music. I've followed her glittering career over the years, and she never fails to impress, both as a consummate musician and charismatic, exciting performer, and for her dedication to opening up the world of classical music to children and young people through her foundation. Having watched her mesmerizing performances at the Royal Albert Hall for the socially distanced BBC Proms, I was eager to find out what the experience had been like for her, performing without an audience. She talks about that and everything else with her usual candour.






Nicola Benedetti website: https://www.nicolabenedetti.co.uk/


Benedetti Foundation: https://bit.ly/3nF8lJz


Follow Nicola on Twitter: @NickyBenedetti


Follow the Benedetti Foundation on Twitter: @benedetti_fdtn






For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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I was delighted to snaffle Brian Cox for the 'Great Scot!' podcast series. He lives in the USA and we hooked up when he was in Scotland recently visiting family and friends. We had last met in May 2019 when we did an In Conversation event together onstage at Dundee Rep, in celebration of the theatre’s 80th Anniversary. It was a wonderful night, packed to the rafters, with the audience hanging on his every word. 






As you’ll hear, Dundee Rep proved to be life-changing for Brian, whose childhood had been turned upside down after the untimely death of his beloved father. Like many of my Great Scots, Brian owes much to thoughtful, nurturing teachers, who, early on, spotted his talent and gently steered him towards the theatre. And you can take the boy out of Dundee … find out which local delicacy is one of his all-time favourite foods! 






Dundee Rep: https://www.dundeerep.co.uk/


Demarco Archive: https://www.demarcoarchive.com/


The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg: https://bit.ly/3iyovkk


Succession TV series: HBO - https://www.hbo.com/succession


Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park: https://bit.ly/2GpaiJl






For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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As one of the world’s leading anatomists and forensic anthropologists, Professor Dame Sue Black has spent much of her working life dealing with death and its aftermath - in war zones, in the wake of natural disasters and in murder cases. I was curious to know how it’s possible to be immersed in that world – one which many of us don’t like to think about, much less make our life’s work – and be as well-balanced, cheery and positive as Sue clearly is. Could we all learn something from Sue Black’s approach to life – and death? And how much is that straightforward attitude of hers a result of her early upbringing in rural Scotland. You’ll have to listen to find out…. 






Books by Sue Black:


'All That Remains: A Renowned Forensic Scientist on Death, Mortality, and Solving Crimes' - https://bit.ly/3kTuYI8'Written In Bone: hidden stories in what we leave behind' - https://bit.ly/2HCIO3d

Sue on Twitter: @ProfSueBlack






For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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I’m so glad that Alan Cumming and I were able to meet face to face in Glasgow for our 'Great Scot!' chat in those heady pre-Covid days at the end of last year. I’ve known Alan since he was starting out in his career in the 1980s and he really hasn’t changed that much. The hair may be silver, but he still has those twinkly eyes, the dimples, that wicked laugh – and the most extraordinary work ethic. He always has multiple projects on the go, as he did when we met up, but, as ever, he was generous with his time and thoughtful in his answers. 






Alan's memoir, 'Not My Father's Son': https://canongate.co.uk/books/2263-not-my-fathers-son-a-family-memoir/


Alan’s website: http://www.alancumming.com/


Twitter: @Alancumming


Instagram: @alancummingsnaps






For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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What can I say about Billy Connolly? He’s a global star, one of the most influential comedians of all time, an actor, musician, artist, writer and adventurer. Think of Billy and you smile – he’s brought laughter and light into the lives of millions of people across the world. It’s a delight and an honour to have Sir William Connolly - The Big Yin - as a guest on 'Great Scot!'. I’m so pleased that we were able to record this podcast pre-Covid, face to face in his home town of Glasgow. I hope you enjoy our conversation.






Two of Billy's books (mentioned in the episode):


MADE IN SCOTLAND: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1116645/made-in-scotland/9781785943744.html


TALL TALES AND WEE STORIES: https://www.tworoadsbooks.com/titles/billy-connolly-3/tall-tales-and-wee-stories/9781529361353/






For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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I’m thrilled that my guest for Episode 2 of 'Great Scot!' is one of my all-time favourite actors – a star of stage and screen who just happens to be a fellow Glaswegian, James McAvoy. His ascent to the top of his profession has been rapid - in films as varied as Atonement, Filth, X-Men, Victor Frankenstein and Split, as well as his much lauded, Olivier-nominated performance in Cyrano de Bergerac. James rarely does in-depth interviews, so I was chuffed that he made time to chat to me from his home during lockdown in July, when we hooked up via Zoom. As you’ll hear, he’s thoughtful, funny and has lots of fascinating insights into the craft of acting.






Follow James on Instagram: @jamesmcavoyrealdeal


For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot

 



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