OurStory Scotland is produced by Ross Whyte and features voices from LGBTQ+ lives in Scotland. The episode is called “Songs From the Back of the Bus”.

Made in Scotland showcases the best independent podcasts, audio pieces and sound art from across Scotland. It's curated by the team at Bespoken Media, with support from AudioUK.

Join the Scotland Audio Network here: https://www.bespoken.media/scotland-audio-network

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Originally commissioned by ⁠Shaper/Caper⁠ for their 2024 'Queer & Now' exhibition, Songs From the Back of the Bus by Ross Whyte is a reworking of Brian Souter’s ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign billboards, which promoted his privately-funded 2000 referendum. The visual “noise” of that campaign is contrasted with LGBTQ+ voices.

An original score accompanies the testimonies of those who lived through and campaigned for the repeal of Section 28 (or Clause 2A, as it was known in Scotland).

The interviewees reflect on this significant period of recent Scottish history and discuss their concerns for what may yet lie ahead.

Voices:

Alex Heatherington

Sue John

Val McDermid

Jim Mearns

Edwin Morgan

Martin Thain

Louise Welsh

Jim Whannel

Ross Whyte

Archival recordings of interviews with Val McDermid, Edwin Morgan, and Louise Welsh used with kind permission by OurStory Scotland.

This podcast episode marks the 25-year anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland.

Follow Ross Whyte on Instagram: @rosswhytemusic