For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2025 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and a returning Wesley Shearer to talk all things film, or at least to talk about their films of the year.
Once again picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for the movies you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.
There are favourite directors, dazzling debuts, documentaries, legends on screen and off, laughs, tears, and some sensational swearing.
The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this movie chat offers plenty of choice.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
For our latest roundup of 2025 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Gefahrgeist's Fiona Liddell. As is now customary, they each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark over the last 12 months.
As they make clear, they could easily have picked many, many, more examples from what was another incredible year for Scottish music, (and on another day possibly would), but we hope you enjoy their musical musings, meanderings, and memories.
There's a Spotify playlist where you can listen to all the songs Fiona and Ali talk about, and if you like what you hear then please explore further, follow, and support the bands, musicians, artists, and labels involved.
The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this music chat offers plenty of choice.
For full details, including all the ways to listen (and the playlist), head over to scotswhayhae.com
For this, the inaugural Scots Whay Hae! Best Crime Fiction podcast Ali was joined by writer Callum McSorley to talk about some of the best books published this year, and to take a look at what's coming in 2026.
Each picking six of their favourites, the chat turns to great debuts, superb sequels, welcome returns, award winners, new voices, whisky, weekenders, even werewolves, and so much more!
Callum is always great to talk to (check out his appearance on the SWH! podcast from earlier this year) and this was a highly enjoyable conversation about a genre of Scottish writing which continues to go from strength to strength.
The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this crime chat offers plenty of choice.
Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2025 podcasts is all about books, when once again Ali is joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to talk about the standouts of the year, and to give a heads up as to what's coming in 2026.
The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There are debuts to Last Words, complicated families, celebrations of friendships, love, loss, what it means to be alive, examinations of the ancient world right up to the present day, and so much more, and we're certain you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself.
Always a SWH! highlight of the year, the aim of this podcast is to reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. It may be our longest podcast of the year, but it's always one of the best...
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
And don’t forget to check out the Books from Scotland website for more of the best of Scottish books.
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to theatre director and producer David Hewitson who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 118, a new fringe venue dedicated to grassroots, DIY and emerging theatre makers.
David gave some background to Theatre 118, where they are based and why, and what their aims are.
The two then talk about the work of the Outer Spaces charity and the work they do, before discussing the importance of place more widely, and the history of independent and grassroots theatre in Glasgow.
David explains how he came to be involved in theatre, and what it was which attracted him to start Theatre 118, who else is involved and the importance of collaboration, before he goes through some of the shows they have put on to date, and what's coming in the future - including the forthcoming panto Jack & the Privately Owned Beanstalk.
Theatre 118 is the latest in the long and fine tradition of DIY small theatre producers and makers, and this conversation with David is the perfect place to get acquainted and learn how to get involved.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, writer Tom Brogan to talk all about his latest book Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player which is published by Pitch Publishing.
This was a real treat for Ali as Kenny Dalglish is his first, and arguably greatest, hero, and the two talked about what the player, and the man, means to them both (and they are remarkably similar stories).
Tom then sets out the structure of the book, the inspiration behind wanting to write it, the research involved, and why the timing of publication was perfect.
Ali then picks 10 matches/chapters to discuss to try and give an overview of the book, the stories told, and give part of the picture of the man himself from schools and amateur days, through his time at Celtic, the move to Liverpool, European success, playing for Scotland, becoming a player/manager, and beyond.
It's always a pleasure to have Tom on the podcast and this became an hour of celebration of, and adoration for, a player who is conceivably the best footballer to come out of Scotland, but whose story is about much more than simply the game.
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, broadcaster and campaigner Darren McGarvey (also known as rapper Loki) to talk about his book and live show, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the album Not Funded By Creative Scotland, which are three central strands of the same multi-media project, and the two discuss just how they work together, but also stand alone.
Darren talks about the challenges of taking the show to the Fringe, but why it was important to do so, before talking about the differences, and similitude, in writing the book, album, and for a live performance, and the responses to each.
The two then discuss each strand in detail - how the album was recorded, the research behind the book, the difference between committing words to the page, and saying them on stage, and where his love of language comes from.
Darren explains what the Trauma Industrial Complex is, talks about the contradiction at the heart of the book, the difference between sharing and oversharing, the freedom that his music brings, and why. He also reflects on the changes in Scotland's hip-hop community over the years, and what being nominated for Best Hip Hop artist for this year's Scottish Alternative Music Awards means.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to be able to sit down with Darren and talk about not only his current work, but also to reflect on his varied and rightly celebrated past, and to consider the future. SWH! consider him one of Scotland's most thoughtful, reflective, and necessary, cultural figures, and we hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we did recording it.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to to choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan to hear all about The Gaze – you, me, us, and them a new interactive installation with live performances which premieres at The Tramway in Glasgow on November 22nd before it goes to The Studio, Capital Theatre in Edinburgh on 28th February in the new year.
Himadri expands on the brief description above, before breaking down the title, talking about the themes and ideas explored, the inspirations behind it, its academic origins, and just what audiences can expect.
The two then talk about how The Gaze relates to Himadari's previous work, the importance of collaboration, and her continued work as part of Theiya Arts, before she tells her own engaging story about how she game to dance and choreography.
Himadri Madan is among the most exciting voices in theatre today, and it was fascinating to learn about the ideas behind The Gaze – you, me, us, and them, and the practicalities and challenges in bringing such a personal piece to the stage.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we welcome back writer Peter Ross to talk to Ali about his latest book Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland - published by Headline - and which is the last in the 'fox trilogy' (and to find out what that refers to, you'll have to listen in).
Peter gives an overview of the book, and how it fits alongside previous publications A Tomb With A View and Steeple Chasing, before discussing the structure, the quotes in the epigraph, the importance of people as much as place (carefully considering who to include and why), his thoughts on recounting personal stories in this latest volume, and so much more.
The two also mull over why it is that ancient times and places continue to cast a spell over modern life, and if that interest fluctuates depending on the state of the nation, and the world at large, before Peter expands on his working process, how he overcomes any initial suspicion, and then connects with those he meets.
We have recorded a number of podcasts with Peter over the years, but, as with Upon A White Horse, we feel this the best yet, and it was fascinating, and thought-provoking, to hear this writer reflect not only on his latest book, but his writing more widely. If you know the work of Peter Ross then you'll want to listen to this one. If you don't, what a perfect place to get aquatinted.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com
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