Leugh Mi/Book Show - Episode Guide

In this series Anna Macleod is in conversation with two guests each week about their favourite books and also finds out more about their lives. In this episode Ishi Maclean talks about how an account of a journey from London to Sydney inspired her own travels in Africa and other places. She also discusses the book that continues to inspire her own ambitions to be a writer. Domhnall Iain Macdonald talks about the lasting impact the poetry of Sorley Maclean has had on him as well as how his further book choices reflect his academic studies into addiction and the workings of the brain.

In this episode Aideen O' Malley talks about the books she associates with her upbringing in Dublin, as well as the book that gave her a greater understanding of autism, a condition which affects her family. The Rev John D. Urquhart's childhood on the east coast of Harris was very different, and he discusses the very personal nature of one of his book choices and also how another book choice served to confirm to him the link between art and religion.

In this episode two teachers discuss their choices. Sarah Fraser talks about her childhood reading in North Uist, and how today she is as likely to be found leafing through cake books as she is reading the latest Scandi-noir thriller. Iona Brown is from Tiree and now teaches in South Uist. Her book choices range from a look at racial tensions in America's deep south in the 1960s to a well-thumbed collection of Gaelic song.

In this episode, well-known broadcaster Gilleasbuig Ferguson discusses the book which highlights his personal connections with Canada, and also explains why a special copy of an old dictionary means so much to him. When Catriona MacRae isn't busy working as a GP, her favourite reading takes her to places as far apart as Majorca and Afghanistan. She also talks about how reading is an important family activity and how a favourite book was recommended to her by her daughter.

This programme features the choices of two guests with Lewis connections. Coinneach Morrison's book choices reflect his interest his interest in science fiction, the environment and Japanese language and culture. Mairi Alice Bartlett's love of story-telling extends to a passion for drama, but she also talks about how strong female characters draw her to all kinds of fiction.

In this programme we hear from Anna Martin and Kirsty Maclean about their Australian connections, amongst other things. One book in particular revealed to Anna Martin the turbulent history of Australia's aborigines, but she also explains why a certain children's storybook means so much to her and her family. Kirsty Maclean's book choices also take her back to Australia, the land of her birth, and she also reveals how two novels centred on World War II have had an impact on her.

When Donald MacNeil isn't busy in his role as director of Comann na Gàidhlig, he likes nothing better than a good detective novel. He also talks about the book he first read as a boy but which he still returns to. Amongst Josie Macleod's choices are a novel that many school pupils have read for their exams, as well as one of the great romantic novels of the 19th century.

Ruairidh Alasdair Maclennan has no shortage of reading to do for his master's degree at Glasgow University, but he also likes to read for pleasure. He'll talks about the books that have influenced him since childhood and more recently. Anna MacQuarrie is originally from the Black Isle and also has family connections with Mull and Harris. Archaeology is one of her passions, and her book choice takes us to places as far apart as Japan and the Arctic Circle.

In this episode, Alasdair MacCalum talks about his upbringing in Stepps, near Glasgow, and his work as a Gaelic development officer in the Scottish Parliament. His reading, however, takes us to different worlds and dimensions, as he talks about his passion for science fiction. Sarah MacEachen is from South Uist, where she works translating children's books into Gaelic. When not doing that, her own choice of books takes us from conflict in prehistoric times to a tale of murder on the Isle of Lewis.

In this episode, Alasdair MacLeod talks about his work as a councillor in Point on the Isle of Lewis. His book choices, meanwhile, reflect his interest in cooking and the environment, amongst other things. Calum Macleod is from Inverness, with connections to the Isle of Barra. His reading ranges from American history to Russian culture - via the seedier side of Edinburgh!

In this episode, Shona Henderson talks about her reading while growing up on the Isle of Harris, and also the well-thumbed book that had guided her up many a Scottish mountain. John Norman Macdonald also grew up in Harris, but he also be talks about the time he spent on a Kibbutz in Israel during the first Gulf War. His book choices also reveal his interest in Highland and American history.

In the final programme of the series, Anna will be talking to Tommy MacAskill, originally from Skye but now living in London. His diverse fiction choices include Daphne du Maurier and Stephen King and we'll also hear about his own writing for stage. Michael Hill is originally from Ayr and now also lives in London. His work as a voice coach also brings him into contact with actors and on Leugh Mi he explains how one book in particular literally changed his life!

In this episode, Angela MacEachen discusses how a book about a charity has impacted on her life. She also discusses the book that she first read whilst a student in secondary school. Bill Innes talks about his lasting love of books since childhood, in particular historical books and his passion for researching this topic.

In this episode, Christina McGonigle speaks fondly of her father's storytelling and of a book that illustrates the loving relationship between a young girl and her grandmother. Rob Dunbar gives an account of his travels after leaving Canada and learning Gaelic. He also reads from a book by Hugh Brody, a Canadian who had a deep interest in the country's indigenous population.

In this episode, Victoria Kilgour, a Gaelic learner, explains how the language has steered her life and reads an excerpt of the book The Beach. Evelyn Coull, who appeared in the soap Machair, discusses a book of poetry by Murdo MacFarlane and reads from The Sea Room.

In this episode, Ishbel Murray, a teacher and artist, tells of her travels and discusses The Book of Books by Melvyn Bragg, which was written after a personal tragedy. Alasdair Crow, who is a Gaelic-learner, tells us why he is now learning to speak Icelandic and reads from the book Ùpraid, which was translated from Gaelige to Gaelic.

In this episode, Fay MacDiarmid, who has ties with Tiree but lives on the Isle of Skye, has chosen A Scots Quair by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, which is set in the rich farmlands of the north east of Scotland. Donald Cameron, who recently retired and moved back to North Uist, tells of his time as a chef in London. He reads from the book Samhraidhean Dìomhair by Catriona Lexy Campbell. This book was made into a drama which aired on Radio nan Gàidheal.

In this episode, Maureen MacLeod, originally from Ness on the Isle of Lewis, tells of her travels around the world and reads from the humorous book Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson. Tim Armstrong, who was raised in Seattle, Washington, learnt Gaelic and is also a writer. He works full-time at the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye. One of his chosen books is An t-Aonaran by Iain Crichton Smith.

In this episode, Mairi Kidd, originally from the Isle of Lewis but now living in London, tells of her work as a publisher. She also reads a passage out of the book Possession by AS Byatt, which is full of intrigue and wit. Hailing from Yorkshire, Gaelic learner Marcus Turner works at Inverness Primary Gaelic School. One of the books he has chosen is The Gay Decameron by Christopher Whyte, which is set in Edinburgh.

In this episode, John Neil MacDonald, originally from South Uist but who now lives in Edinburgh, talks about his work for a Scottish charity. He also shows photographs from a book called Tìr a Mhurain by photographer Paul Strand. Hailing from Barra, Michael Buchanan, a news reporter, now lives in London. One of his book choices is Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which is set in Afghanistan and is a story about friendship and redemption.

In the first show Màiri Sìne Campbell selects a crime thriller, blending fact and fiction and also a humorous read about a family from the Ukraine living in the UK. Carmine Colajezzi shares his passion for Gaelic literature and Italian folktales.

Anna MacLeod talks to guests Dolina MacLennan and Helen MacInnes about their favourite books. Dolina MacLennan's choices reflect Scottish heritage, with a novel based on the life of Sutherland-born poet Marion Angus and a collection of Gaelic proverbs. Helen MacInnes speaks about her love of travel and how this influences her reading choice.

Anna MacLeod talks to guests Rody Gorman and Ramsay MacMahon about their favourite books. Rody's choice is James Joyce's Ulysses, a book he started reading at 17 years of age and completed only two years ago. Meanwhile, Ramsay MacMahon discusses the works of other classic writers, such as Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde, and their treatment of the human condition.

Anna MacLeod talks to guests Carina MacLeod and Hannah McKirdy about their favourite books. Carina shares her passion for Faith Healer, an intriguing stage play written by Brian Friel. Meanwhile, the works of Iain Banks features as Hannah McKirdy talks about The Steep Approach to Garbadale, set in Scotland and abroad and based on a family facing difficult times.

Anna MacLeod talks to guests Maureen Hammond and Donald MacCormick about their favourite books. Artist and teacher Maureen discusses a pictorial account of Southern France, while antiquarian bookseller Donald recalls Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. They also share their views on books about the Clearances and stories of the spirit world.

Amanda Millen discusses Alan Garner's fantasy fiction novel 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen', which is based on English folklore, along with the diverse works of Iain M. Banks. Short story writer Seonaidh Charity looks at 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' and considers how Hemingway's own voice and personal experience are prevalent in his writing.

Roddy MacIver reads from Raymond Chandler's classic crime thriller The Long Goodbye, and in Roddy's opinion, the best opening of a book ever written. Roddy also selects Dìomhanas by Finlay MacLeod, as a collection of beautifully and keenly observed short stories. Mairi Bremner takes us on a Long Walk to Freedom with Nelson Mandela's compelling autobiography and reads from The Robe, a novel rich with adventure, faith and romance by Lloyd C Douglas.

Susanne Macdonald, now a teacher in Scotland, spent a great deal of time in Greece and a book that has stayed with her over the years is 'Never Cry Wolf' by Farley Mowat, an exploration of Arctic wolves in their natural habitat. Susanne has also chosen 'The Wherabouts of Eneas McNulty' by Sebastian Barry, a fictional novel capturing one young man's experience of Ireland in the early part of the 20th century. Rev Angus Smith was an army chaplain for many years and belief and war are subjects which feature in his selected books; 'The Tartan Pimpernel' by Donald Caskie and 'The Battle for the Falklands' by Max Hastings and Simon Jenkins. Rev Smith also reads 'In Flanders Field' by John McCrae from War Poems, an anthology edited by Vivian Head.

This week, Iagan MacNeill and Seonag Anderson discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Eilidh Daniels and Mata MacIver discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Kerry Anne MacLeod and Seumas Campbell discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Abi Lightbody and Cailean Maclean discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Catriona Campbell and Gordon Cameron discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Jim Whannel and Kathleen Reddy discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Lindsey Charnley and Lewis Laing discuss books of special interest to them.

This week, Agnes Mitchell and Angus MacCuish discuss books of special interest to them.

In this programme, Hedda MacLeod and Karen Oakley discuss books that are special to them.

In the final programme of the series, Ruairidh Graham and Viktoria Marker discuss books that are special to them.

This week, Josie Burgess and Ricky Hannaway discuss books of special interest to them. Josie chats about short stories collection ‘A' Ghlainne agus sgeulachdan eile', by Màiri E. NicLeòid and reads a comical excerpt from ‘An Detox'. She also discusses a moving story by author JoJo Moyes, ‘Me Before You'. Ricky has selected the WWII classic set in Japan - ‘Empire of the Sun' by JG Ballard - to discuss, along with a poignant insight into mental health with the fictional novel ‘The Trick is to Keep Breathing', penned by Janice Galloway.

In this episode, Martin MacIntyre and Joy Dunlop discuss books of special interest to them. Martin and Joy are immersed in the arts and have selected an array of styles, including a blend of autobiography and literary fiction, poetry and short stories from Gaelic, Scots and American writers. Martin's choices include John Irving's ‘Last Night in Twisted River', a novel which spans 50 years, and sublime poetry collection‘Four Points of a Saltire'. Joy's choices include ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', Maya Angelou's rich blend of autobiography and literary fiction, and a collection of short stories by Iain Crichton Smith, ‘An Dubh is an Gorm'.

This week, Domhnall Ruadh Smith and Charles Wilson discuss books of special interest to them. Domhnall Ruadh's choices include ‘Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society', by much-lauded writer Bill Bryson, and book on a cultural and nomadic journey through Australia, The Songlines', by Bruce Chatwin. Charles's choices include ‘1984', George Orwell's quintessential dystopian novel where ‘Big Brother' is watching, and beautifully illustrated Welsh folklore epic 'An Mabinogi', translated into Gaelic by John MacDonald.

This episode sees Rosemary Ward and Ben Ó Ceallaigh discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books included cover the language of politics and geopolitics, humorous stories and youth fiction. Gaelic writers also feature prominently within the selection. Rosemary Ward has an enduring association with literature through her work at the Gaelic Books Council and is presently a director of Scottish Book Trust. Ben Ó Ceallaigh hails from the west of Ireland and is currently studying language revival. Language politics and the way language and linguistic differences between peoples are dealt with in the political arena are also of great significance.

This week, Lana Pheutan and Kevin Rodgers discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books includes Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', James Fin Garner's ‘Politically Correct Bedtime Stories' and ‘White Line Fever', a rock 'n' roll, tell-all biography from Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Lana and Kevin's opinions are diverse and none more so than over the matter of horror stories. Who might the terror seeker be and who might prefer a peaceful yarn?

Margaret Ann Beggs and Megan Dale discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books include a love story set in the Highlands, a collection of stories and anecdotes from the Western Isles and youth fiction. Margaret Ann Beggs is head of support services on the Isle of Barra and a very keen reader. One of her choices comes in the shape of local book ‘Tales from Barra: As Told by The Coddy'. Megan Dale is from Contin Ross-shire and currently in her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh, where she is studying a joint degree in Gaelic and Scottish History. Her selection includes the biography of Jo Cox - More in Common - written by Brendan Cox.

This week's guests are Shelagh Campbell and Finlay Cunniffe. The book topics range from the visceral to the comical, the scientific and historical to animated literature. There are most certainly books to ponder over and books to laugh over, such as Cailèideascop, by Daibhidh Eyre, The Twelve Caesars, by Suetonius and The Complete MAUS, by Art Spiegelman. Shelagh Campbell hails from Glasgow and is the sales and marketing officer for the Gaelic Books Council, so she is familiar with a rich assortment of literary styles and genres. Finlay Cunniffe from Edinburgh is currently studying anatomy at the University of Glasgow and is particularly fond of science fiction works He is also a writer in his own right, winning a poetry competition while still at school.

Guests Gillian Munro and Seona McClintock discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books include classic Scottish fiction, a relatively new comedy fiction novel from a Scottish author and a US travelogue. Gillian Munro is the Principle of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and her literary choices are greatly inspired by her east coast homeland and upbringing. Gillian discusses works by Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Neil M Gunn. Seona McClintock from Glasgow works as a theatre producer and is also a writer and broadcaster. Seona's passion for literature is matched by her zeal for travel and an author or subject matter will influence her holiday destination.

Anna Macleod is in conversation with Babs Macgregor and Sophie Stephenson about their favourite books. The book topics range from the delightful relationship between a young singer and the village poet who inspired her, in Le Mùirn, by Catriona Murray, to two commentary reads; one set in Glasgow - Poverty Safari, by Darren McGarvey - and the other in Palestine, Prickly Pearls of Palestine: The People Behind the Politics. by Hilda Reilly. Also included is a book about community inspired poetry from Canada called Brigh an Orain - A Story in Every Song: the Songs and Tales of Lauchie MacLellan. Babs Macgregor. from Lewis. now lives and works in Glasgow in a food cooperative and in her own words is 'a perpetual student'. Sophie Stephenson is from Fort Augustus and works in Skye as marketing officer for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, while also teaching dance.

This week's guests are Calum MacDonald and Inge Birnie, who discuss works including travel writing, eclectic fiction set here at home and further afield and an historical account of events which shaped the Highlands. Indeed they take us on a literary tour from Harris to the Himalayas with books such as Secrets of the Sea Hous, by Elisabeth Gifford, Himalaya, by Michael Palin, Another Country, by James Baldwin and The Making of the Crofting Community, by James Hunter. Calum hails from North Uist and made his home in Glasgow whilst studying Gaelic at the University of Glasgow. He now works as an actor and TV presenter. Ingie is from the Netherlands and now lectures at the University of Strathclyde in teacher training courses and also works at an international level to develop language learning strategies for children.

Anna Macleod is in conversation with two guests each week about their favourite books. This week, she is joined by Rev Donald Michael MacInnes and Joe Sanders.
 

Margaret MacLeod and Robbie MacLeod discuss books of special interest to them, in conversation with Anna Macleod, which include Around the World in 80 Days, by Michael Palin.

Anna Macleod is joined in conversation by Skye Gaelic singer Eilidh Cormack and TV researcher Euan MacLean from Glasgow, who discuss books of special interest to them.

Katharina Siebert from Italy and retired lecturer Christina Walker, who lives in Aberdeen, reveal their favourite books.

Anna Macleod chats to Iain Stephen Morrison from South Uist and Amina Davidson, who lives in Glasgow, about their favourite books.

Sandra Corbett from Lewis and Fanch Bihan-Gallic from Brittany discuss books of special interest to them. Presented by Anna Macleod.

Anna Macleod chats with Mairi E MacLeod and Eoghan Stewart, who discuss books of special interest to them. Both guests enjoy reading but also write books and poetry.

Anna Macleod is in conversation with guests Rhona Dougall and Aonghas MacNeacail, who recommend two books of special interest to them.

Anna Macleod talks to Priscilla Scott and Adam Dahmer about books of special interest to them, including Susan Vreeland's Girl in Hyacinth Blue, and Ronald Hutton's The Witch.

Anna Macleod talks to Iona Whye and Calum Bayer, who discuss books of special interest to them.