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Alison Irvine - Barrowland episode artwork

Feb 24, 2026 46 min

Alison Irvine - Barrowland

from Scots Whay Hae! Hosted by Alistair Braidwood

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Alison Irvine to talk about her fascinating and insightful new book about Glasgow's famous Barrowland Ballroom. To give its full title, the book is called Barrowland: The Inside Story of Glasgow’s Beloved Ballroom and it's published by Luath Press. Alison explains that the book's origins are in a previous publication, and the importance of her regular collaborators Chris Leslie and Mitch Miller - all part of the artist collective Recollective - to this project. She then talks about the process of gathering interviews, research, the two part structure of the book, the symbiotic relationship between the ballroom and the Barra's market, and getting involved as a member of staff. The two then discuss, and reminisce about, their own personal Barrowland memories, key moments in its history, and try to put into context what it is that makes this venue the legendary place it is. Barrowland the book is a brilliant read, one which looks beyond the music (although there is plenty of that) to the people as well as the place and gives an overview of this most iconic venue. It was such a privilege to be able to talk in-depth with Alison about it. We like to think it's an essential listen. Full details, and all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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Alison Irvine - Barrowland

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Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart by Alexandre Dumas Loyal Books The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion.The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. - From the Introduction Age of Elizabeth by Mandell Creighton Loyal Books This short history by the eminent British historian, Mandell Creighton, places Elizabeth and her reign within the context of 16th century European political, religious, and military events. Elizabeth overcomes her two great rivals, King Philip of Spain and Mary, Queen of Scots. England gradually unites behind her Queen, who survives multiple assassination plots. After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English, lightly taxed by their frugal sovereign, launch flourishing commerce enterprises. The author writes of the Protestant Reformation that "a change of belief meant a revolt from authority." In this age of individualism, personal daring, and a consciousness of national greatness, the golden age of Elizabethan literature breaks new ground in historiography, literary theory, poetry, and above all, drama.

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