Episode - #9 - Keeks Mc

Recorded in Glasgow just days before the Scottish Languages Act 2025 passed, this episode of Glasgow Sessions captures Scots language poet Keeks Mc right on the cusp of a historic shift for the language. At the time of our conversation, Scots was still fighting for formal recognition – still too often dismissed in institutions – even as poets like Keeks were proving that it is a living, contemporary literary medium. We talk about what it means to start writing at 40 and rapidly become one of the most distinctive Scots voices in the country, her award‑winning collections Rede Wi Yer Hert and Contermacious Temerity, and the joy and graft of choosing to write exclusively in her ain leed. The conversation ranges through class and language prejudice, humour as a form of resilience, mental health, and the responsibilities that come with speaking from and for a community. Together we also dig into the backlash faced by Len Pennie (@misspunnypennie) and the huge, undeniable impact she’s had in bringing Scots into everyday feeds, classrooms, and conversations. We talk solidarity, nuance, and why visible, vocal Scots creators matter so much at this particular moment in time. This is Keeks’ first ever podcast interview – a genuine world‑first for Glasgow Sessions – and you can feel what’s at stake for both Scots and Scottish poetry running underneath the whole conversation. If you enjoy the episode, please follow us on Instagtam @glasgowsessions, share, and tell a friend. The goal for Glasgow Sessions is to grow onto platforms like BBC Sounds and reach a wider international audience with the voices, stories, and languages that make this city what it is – and your support is a huge part of making that happen. Glasgow Sessions is created and hosted by Richard Lee.