Scots Whay Hae!

Episodet

• 
  Rodge Glass - As One: Remaking Suede 11.09.2026 1h 16min

  For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali catches up with previous guest, writer Rodge Glass to talk about his latest book As One: Remaking Suede - which is published with New Modern.Rodge begins by giving a brief description of this biography of Suede, before explaining how he came to write it, detailing his own relationship with the band, and why the book concentrates on the most recent albums. He also sets out the practicalities and challenges in chronicling the band, particularly at this stage of their career.The two then discuss the complex nature of nostalgia, the unlikely career arc of Suede, the individual personalities involved, music press reaction (then and now), just some of the perhaps unlikely influences over the years, and a whole lot more.They also talk about an idea which runs through all of Rodge’s books, the importance of “making imagined things”, and how that applies to As One. It’s always a pleasure to have Rodge on the podcast, and, as you’ll hear, this one could have gone on into the wee small hours.We hope it’ll entice to investigate the book, the band, and their new music whether you are a Suede fan or not.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
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  Leah McAleer, Louise Lockwood and Sarah Howitt - BEL 07.09.2026 50min

  The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about the powerful and poignant feature documentary BEL which looks at the life and times of the late singer songwriter Beldina Odenyo who made magnificent music as Heir of the Cursed.Ali spoke to Beldina’s sister Leah McAleer as well as the film’s director Louise Lockwood and producer Sarah Howitt to hear how BEL the movie came about, how it developed, and the collaborative process behind it.Leah gives some background into Beldina’s young life growing up in Dumfriesshire, and the journey she undertook to become Heir of the Cursed, before Louise and Sarah explain their roles in the making of BEL.The conversation turns to the significant personal footage of Beldina including video diaries, live performances (from early bedroom sessions to a legendary night at the Usher Hall), and poignant photographs with friends and family. They also discuss creating a narrative, following Leah through the process of recording an album of Beldina’s songs, the vital contribution of others, the standing in which Beldina is held, her ability to connect across generations, and so much more.BEL is a beautiful film which celebrates and commemorates the life and work of a musician who left her mark on all those who knew her or saw her perform. It deals with grief and loss, but what is overwhelming is the love which not only runs through the film, but which is also evident in this conversation. BEL is a fitting tribute to Beldina, and it was a privilege to be able to discuss the film, the artist, and one extraordinary individual.We want to make you aware that the conversation touches on themes of mental health and death by suicide. If you have been affected by anything discussed, free and confidential support is available from The Samaritans and the Scottish Association for Mental Health.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
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  Metaphrog - Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares 03.09.2026 1h 3min

  For the latest podcast Ali spoke to author and illustrator duo John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs who are better known as Metaphrog and who are behind number of award-winning graphic novels and comics. Their latest is Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares which is out now, published withThe two talk their initial experiences of comics and animation and other formative influences, how they met and came to work together, how they actually do work together, the early publications, the importance of telling stories, and how all of that feeds into the latest book.The discussion then turns to all things Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares, the true events which inspired it, the initial imagery which proved to be the spark, the variety of influences from literature, film, TV, and elsewhere, and what’s next for Wilomina.Metaphrog have long been central figures in Scottish arts and culture, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to get to talk to John and Sandra about their life and work past, present, and future. If you aren’t yet familiar or aware of what they do then this is the perfect introduction. If you are, then I’m sure you’ll be keen to learn more.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
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  Gabriella Bennett - How To Build A City 18.08.2026 56min

  For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Gabriella Bennett to talk about her fascinating new book How To Build A City: Journeys Into The Urban Future, which is published with Headline.Gabriella begins by giving her description of the book, and explains how she came to write it.The two then talk about the mix of travel writing, urban planning, and personal reflection and getting the balance right, before discussing the starting point of Scotland’s New Towns, and Glenrothes specifically, and, more widely, how place affects both the individual and community.The conversation also touches upon just a few of the places Gabriella visited and why, the lessons learned, the very notion of home, and what it means to belong.How To Build A City is one of the most ambitious, perceptive and thought-provoking publications of the year. It’s also one of the best - a book which will make you reflect not only the places you live and have lived, but your relationship with them and how they shape you, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk in such detail with Gabriella.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com
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  Alan Parks - Deception: A Joseph Gunner Thriller 14.08.2026 49min

  For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Show Ali spoke to writer Alan Parks to hear all about his latest novel Deception, which is the second Joseph Gunner thriller, and which is published with Baskerville.First the two look back to the first time they spoke for the podcast in April 2021 and consider how the world has changed since then, before Alan gives a brief description of Jospeh Gunner, how he became involved with the British Secret Service, and how he came to be in ‘40s New York which is where we meet him in Deception.The conversation turns to the joys of research, portraying real people in fiction, the importance of place, the appeal of New York, and the attitudes of pre-war America.Alan also talks about where Gunner goes next, before bringing us up to date with his other series of novels which feature troubled policeman Harry McCoy, which includes six novels and a seventh on the way. He also talks about his life as a writer, promoting his work at home and abroad, why he would never set a book against the backdrop of the music industry (where he used to work) and what he is reading right now.It’s always a pleasure talking to Alan about his work, and if you aren’t yet acquainted with either Joseph Gunner or Harry McCoy then we hope this conversation will convince you to check them both out.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
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  Scott Rowley - Stay Alive: The Life & Death of Stuart Adamson 07.08.2026 1h 5min

  For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Scott Rowley to talk about Stay Alive: The Life & Death of Stuart Adamson, his authorised biography of the late, great, Skids and Big Country musician.Scott explains how he came to be the one to write this book, the ‘authorised’ aspect and what that lends to it, his own background in music journalism, and his initial writings about Adamson many years before.The two then talk about the music and legacy of the Skids, all things Big Country, what they thought about both bands at the time, and how that has changed (if it has) over the years.They go on to discuss the Stuart Adamson who emerges from the book, the key relationships of his life including family, friends, bandmates, and musical contemporaries, and his various struggles with fame, mental health, and addiction.Scott then talks about how he thought the book might be received, the reality of how it has been, and how writing it has given him a taste to do more.This was such an interesting interview about a Scottish musical legend whose life ended far too soon, and what emerges from the chat, as it does from Scott’s book, is the picture of a complex and troubled man who was respected, admired, and ultimately loved by those who knew him best.If you are a fan of Stuart Adamson and the music he made (and the bands he was central to) then this is an essential listen, but you don’t have to be to get something from it as Adamson’s is a recognisably human story with everything that entails.For further details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
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  Olga Wojtas - Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues 28.07.2026 45min

  For the latest podcast Ali caught up with returning guest Olga Wojtas to talk about the latest in her Miss Blaine’s Prefect series of novels, Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Parcel of Rogues.Olga explains the unusual premise of the series, and exactly who Miss Blaine’s Prefect, aka Shona McMonagle, is, and how she came to find herself (spoiler alert - not really) travelling time.The two then discuss why Olga set this latest book in Enlightenment Edinburgh, writing about, and subverting, real historical characters including Robert Burns and Walter Scott, as well as other Enlightenment figures such as Adam Smith, Joseph Black, Henry Mackenzie, and Adam Ferguson, and why she wanted to investigate this time and place in particular.They also talk about the changing face of Edinburgh as a city over the centuries, before Olga details the research behind the novel and what she learnt about her home city.It’s always a pleasure to have a chat with Olga who is great company, and we hope this comes across in this episode. If you aren’t yet a fan of Miss Blaine’s Prefect then we hope this will convince you to get acquainted. And if you are already a regular reader then this will remind you why, and, as an enticement to listen to the end, we also get to learn a little more about Miss Blaine herself!For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
• 
  Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 4) | The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde, A Play on Words, 3 Times I Killed 21.07.2026 59min

  The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the fourth and final of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, writer and performer Andy Dickinson spoke about his Fringe show The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport), to give it the full title. “Deacon Brodie isn’t that well known outside of Edinburgh. Yet he inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Jekyll and Hyde. By day, in the 18th century, he was a respectable cabinetmaker. By night, a masked burglar in Edinburgh’s Old Town”.Then actor and writer Brian Dykstra tells us all about A Play On Words, which The New York Times described as ‘Who’s On First? meets Waiting for Godot’. “Rusty and Max have been friends for most of their lives and they’ve been arguing almost the entire time. Today, they’re scheming up something big.”Finally, New York attorney Andrea Coleman details her Fringe show 3 Times I Killed. “Blending courtroom drama and humour, this show celebrates the joy and absurdity of being alive. At its heart, the play asks what happens when you push your fear to the side and let yourself be a “killer”.These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what’s happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope they get you in the mood for this year’s Fringe.Thanks to James Coutts from Opening Lines Media for arranging these interviews.Full details, and all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com
• 
  Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 3) | The Last Drop, By A Thread, The Great Chevalier 17.07.2026 1h 3min

  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 festival this year.First of all, he spoke to writer and director Dante Passarelli about The Last Drop which is part of the São Paulo Showcase and which was nominated for Brazil’s 2024 Shell Award for Best Playwriting. In the play, “A couple awaits a real estate agent to visit their historic but decayed apartment. A mould stain appears on the ceiling, revealing an unstoppable leak. A man is then called in to fix the ceiling but abruptly disappears.”Then performers, and directors, of One Fell Swoop Circus Jonathan Morgan and Charice Rust talk about their Fringe show By a Thread which “weaves virtuosic acrobatics through moments of confusion, hilarity, romance, playfulness, fear and friendship, uncovering the threads of connection present in all relationships.”Finally, from the Ballet National Folklorique du Luxembourg, Simone Mousset and the great man himself, M. Chevalier, discuss The Great Chevalier which they bring to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. “Hailed as the Bad Boy of Folklore and renowned for his expertise, bold artistic vision, and magnetic stage presence, Mr Chevalier pays tribute to Summerhall as part of the 50th anniversary of the company’s iconic Pigeon Dance.”Thanks to Ambrose, Agnes and Calum from Storytelling PR for arranging these interviews.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over the scotswhayhae.com
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  Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 2) | Helen Bradley, Glass Child, Sanctuary 10.07.2026 56min

  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 festival this year.First of all, I spoke to writer and performer Kara Wilson about her one-woman show Helen Bradley: Painter and Storyteller. “This is the sixth painter play that Kara Wilson has written, where she portrays the artist at work and completes an oil painting in her style during the show. Privileged to work with Helen Bradley’s family, Kara has amassed a treasure trove of verbatim stories and first-hand knowledge.”Then siblings Maitreyah and Kayah talk about their show Glass Child. “Expressed through dance, theatre and storytelling Glass Childhighlights their connection and how their lives have been affected by other people’s perceptions.”Finally, award-winning writer Jacob Sparrow tells us about his debut play Sanctuary. “This beautiful, evocative play is about the AIDS epidemic in the 90s and is set in Suffolk. It is about loneliness and the legacy of shame, but also the contours of hope and the right to live.”These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what’s happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope they get you in the mood for this year’s Fringe.Thanks to Georgina from Chloé Nelkin Consulting for arranging these interviews.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
• 
  Edinburgh Fringe Preview 2026 (pt. 1) | Mythos Ragnarök, Tell Me, Target Audience 07.07.2026 1h

  The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Festival Previews, where Ali talks to a few of the artists who will be appearing at the festival this year.First of all, Ed Gamester talks about Mythos Ragnarök, where you can “join Loki, Thor and the Norse Gods in this five-star groundbreaking blend of mythological storytelling and high-octane wrestling.”Then Sadiq Ali takes us through his latest show, Tell Me, where “two timelines collide in this bold fusion of dance and circus, offering a fresh perspective on HIV. When Grace receives a diagnosis, she is transported back to the 80s alongside Michael, a gay man navigating a very different reality.”Finally, Dan Bishop discusses Target Audience where “A TV production company gets word from Whitehall that they must adapt their programming to align with the government’s new policy to rapidly prepare the country for war.”These podcasts are always a joy to record and get just a taste of what’s happening in Edinburgh this August, and we hope they get you in the mood for this year’s Fringe.Thanks to Georgina from Chloé Nelkin Consulting for arranging these interviews.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
• 
  Bloody Scotland - Debut Prize Shortlist 2026 02.07.2026 1h 5min

  For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year’s Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include May Rinaldi - Liar Thief, Zoë Rankin - The Vanishing Place, Linda Duncan McLaughlin - Original Sins, Frances Crawford - A Bad, Bad Place, and Kirsty Lockwood - We Know What You Did.They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to the inspirations behind each book, different ways to approach writing a debut, the welcoming world of the crime fiction community, what it means to be shortlisted, the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland, and why being part of the first all-female shortlist for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize is so significant and exciting.There is also a fascinating chat about the ups and downs on their roads to getting published and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published writer.It’s 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 18th - 20th September. Tickets are on sale now.For full details, and all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com
• 
  Graeme Thomson - In Another World: The Four Seasons of Talk Talk 23.06.2026 59min

  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
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  John Crosbie - Agnes Owens: The Centenary Editions 16.06.2026 48min

  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
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  Colin Burnett - Family Man: The Third Book Of Aldo 09.06.2026 39min

  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
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  Martin MacIntyre - A Summer Like No Other 05.06.2026 47min

  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
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  Andrew Meehan - Hey Man 29.05.2026 56min

  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
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  Zoe Alba Farrugia - Solas Festival 2026 26.05.2026 28min

  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
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  Murray Pittock - The Shortest History of Scotland 22.05.2026 48min

  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
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  Chris Brookmyre - Quite Ugly One Evening 19.05.2026 45min

  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