Scots Whay Hae!

Alistair Braidwood
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. Graeme Thomson - In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk

    Jun 23

    Graeme Thomson - In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, music journalist and writer Graeme Thomson to talk about his new book In Another World: The Four Seasons Of Talk Talk which is out now, published with New Modern. Graeme explains why he wanted to write about Talk Talk, the structure of the book, why he focuses on four featured albums, and what they mean to him, and the challenges in writing a book about a band who refuse to, or simply can’t, talk about it. The two then discuss the band’s early years, the personal nature of the book and how that weaves the story together, why the music which comes to mean the most to us is often about timing, before they go through those albums one by one. The conversation then turns to the enigma who was singer/songwriter Mark Hollis and the toll his working process was to take on all those involved, the myriad of influences, the importance of what was left out, Talk Talk’s legacy, and who could possibly compare. Graeme Thomson is one of the finest music critics and writers around, and In Another World: The Four Seasons Of Talk Talk is not just the latest example, but one of his best. It works both as an introduction to, and, for those already familiar, a reimagining of, this mercurial band and their greatest works. It’s a special book that makes you listen anew, but Graeme Thomson has managed to do just that and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk about Talk Talk in such detail and depth. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

    59 min
  2. John Crosbie - Agnes Owens: The Centenary Editions

    Jun 16

    John Crosbie - Agnes Owens: The Centenary Editions

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we spoke to John Crosbie, the son of one of Ali’s favourite writers, Agnes Owens whose centenary is being marked in a number of ways, including a handsome set of new editions of her work. Four are available now (see below) with another three coming later in the year - all published on the Polygon Books imprint of Birlinn. John starts by talking about Agnes and who she was as a writer, how she came to first be published (appropriately, with Polygon for the debut Gentlemen of the West), being part of the short story collection Lean Tales alongside James Kelman and Alasdair Gray, being part of a notable Glasgow Group of writers, the importance of writing groups, her influences, and ponders why Agnes is not, to date, as well known as she should be. The two then discuss the new editions, (which include Gentlemen of the West, Like Birds in the Wilderness, A Working Mother and For the Love of Willie), the introductions from writers Dani Garavelli, Kirsty Logan, Kirstin Innes, and Heather Parry, critical acclaim versus commercial success, the legacy which Agnes leaves behind, the Agnes Owens Archive and the important part it has played in celebrating that legacy and promoting the woman and her work, and the possibility of what would be an eagerly-awaited biography. Agnes Owens is one of Scotland’s finest writers, and it was a true privilege to be able to talk in detail about her work, and life, with someone who knew her better than most. If you are aware of Agnes Owens then you’ll already be excited about the new editions, and I think you’ll enjoy this interview. But we also hope that this podcast will reach those for who Agnes’ writing has passed them by as now is the perfect time and opportunity to rectify this. There is no way you’ll regret it, and you may just discover your new favourite writer... For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

    49 min
  3. Colin Burnett - Family Man: The Third Book Of Aldo

    Jun 9

    Colin Burnett - Family Man: The Third Book Of Aldo

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Colin Burnett to talk about his new novel Family Man, which is also The Third Book of Aldo, and it’s published with Tippermuir Books. Colin talks about all things Aldo, including the first two books A Working Class State of Mind and Who’s Aldo?, before telling us where the man finds himself at the beginning of this book, and gives an overview of the plot, carefully avoiding spoilers. The two then discuss Aldo’s ‘family life’ and why he has more to lose then ever, his journey to this point, if having established characters is freeing, how Colin’s writing has changed across the series, the importance of a strong sense of place, and why he always returns to Leith. They also talk about writing in Scots, influences, being published, and Colin has some advice for others looking to do likewise. As Colin suggests, Family Man is his most thrilling and fast-paced novel to date, a real page turner, but taken together these ‘books of Aldo’ have introduced a new and vital voice to Scottish writing, and it was a real pleasure to be able to talk in detail to Colin about them. For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

    39 min
  4. Martin MacIntyre - A Summer Like No Other

    Jun 5

    Martin MacIntyre - A Summer Like No Other

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Martin MacIntyre to talk about his novel A Summer Like No Other which is published by Luath Press. Martin begins with a reading before he gives an overview to the novel, which is a translation from the original Gaelic version, Samhradh ‘78. The two then discuss the central characters, the key role the Gaelic language plays in terms of character and plot, (even in this translated adaptation), the use of footnotes, the importance of telling and sharing stories from all parts of Scotland, the tales of ‘Ossian’ and ‘Finn McCool’, island living, the move from adolescence into adulthood, and so much more. They also reminisce about the 1978 World Cup, which is the backdrop to the titular summer. Martin then talks about his other work, including poetry, and the podcast concludes with him reading one of his poems in both Gaelic and English. We have been wanting to get Martin on the podcast for a while, so it was a great pleasure to finally get to talk to him about his life and work. For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

    48 min
  5. Andrew Meehan - Hey Man

    May 29

    Andrew Meehan - Hey Man

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Andrew Meehan to talk about his new novel Hey Man, which is published with Muswell Press. Andrew gives the first of two readings before he gives an overview of the book, why he is drawn to the theme of friendship in all its forms, gives a brief outline of his central characters Ian and Tommy, and explains the novel’s three-part structure. The two then talk about the ways friendships can change over the years, the nature of the ones which can come to change and define us, ageing and the perspective it (hopefully) brings, contemplating and better understanding the person we used to be, and the lives of fictional characters beyond the page. This episode was recorded at the beginning of the recent run of good weather, when grass is there to be cut, and you may hear some evidence of this in the background but hopefully it won’t affect your enjoyment of what is an honest and insightful conversation about the fellowship of friendship and those bonds which bind. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

    57 min
  6. Zoe Alba Farrugia - Solas Festival 2026

    May 26

    Zoe Alba Farrugia - Solas Festival 2026

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Zoe Alba Farrugia, who is the Head of Programme for this year’s Solas Festival, which is at Errol Park, 19th–21st June. Zoe gives some background and history to the festival, stressing that it is so much more than a music festival. She then talks about the different strands, which include Wellbeing & Spirituality, Literature, Poetry & Spoken Word, Children & Families, and much more. The two then discuss the music lineup, and offer just a few highlights which they are looking forward to, before Zoe talks about the joys of working at Solas and how you can get involved. Solas Festival is one of the most warm and welcoming festivals of the year, in a stunningly beautiful setting, and genuinely with something for everyone (they will even be showing the Scotland v Morocco World Cup game on the Friday night) and this chat with Zoe gives you a great overview of what to expect, and the best way to experience everything the festival has to offer. For all the details, including all the ways to listen (and to get festival tickets) head to scotswhayhae.com

    29 min
  7. Murray Pittock - The Shortest History of Scotland

    May 22

    Murray Pittock - The Shortest History of Scotland

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor Murray Pittock to talk about his latest book The Shortest History of Scotland, which is published with Old Street Publishing Ltd. “From Columba to The Corries, the Picts to Paisley, Doggerland to Devolution – here is the unmissable story of Scotland.” Murray tells us how he came to write this book, the challenges in deciding what to include and why (and fitting it into just over 200 pages), and how such restrictions shaped the structure and style. He also explains why he selected quotations from Václav Havel and Edwin Muir for the epigraph, where and why he chose to begin this story, and the challenges in dividing the eras and periods. The two then discuss the relationships with England and the rest of Europe, the Declaration of Arbroath, the importance of the formation of the royal burghs and how they held the key to trade, the economy, and education. They also touch upon the Enlightenment, early Scottish literature, John Knox, the Darien scheme, and so much more. There is also conversation about the present day and what the future may hold, and the complex yet important issue of selling Scotland around the world. It was such a pleasure to be able to talk to Murray, and the result is a fascinating dialogue about the nation’s history and more. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

    49 min
  8. Chris Brookmyre - Quite Ugly One Evening

    May 19

    Chris Brookmyre - Quite Ugly One Evening

    For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Chris Brookmyre to talk about Quite Ugly One Evening, the latest Jack Parlabane mystery which is published 30 years after his celebrated debut Quite Ugly One Morning, a novel which introduced us to both the writer and his notable creation. Chris talks about his fondness for Parlabane, why he keeps returning to him, and how Jack has changed over the years. He also considers how he himself has changed as a writer, and that working as a part of Ambrose Parry with his wife Marisa Haetzman has been a big part of that progression. The two then talk about the new novel, the cruise liner setting, the unusual ‘research’ behind it, the concept of the locked room mystery, writing as a form of personal investigation, contemplating the past through his characters, and the inspirations behind the invented children’s TV show The Imaginators which is central to the plot. They also discuss the humour in his work, with Chris talking about his comedy heroes, the comparisons between crime writers and comedians, the art of storytelling, and trying to make sense of the world through the process of writing. He also makes it clear he won’t be writing a follow up to the acclaimed The Cracked Mirror any time soon! It’s always a pleasure to talk to Chris about his work, and to be able to do so in detail about Jack Parlabane (a character who changed the nature of Scottish crime fiction) was a real privilege. Whether you are a Chris Brookmyre fan or not (or should that be, “not yet)” this is a warm and engaging conversation with one of Scotland’s finest writers. For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

    45 min
See All (432)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    432
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alistair Braidwood
  • Show Website
    Scots Whay Hae!

You Might Also Like