I first met Nicky Benedetti in 2003 when she was 16 years old and had just won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award, the first Scot to do so. I was struck by how mature she seemed for one so young - friendly, outgoing, and deadly serious about her music. I've followed her glittering career over the years, and she never fails to impress, both as a consummate musician and charismatic, exciting performer, and for her dedication to opening up the world of classical music to children and young...

I was delighted to snaffle Brian Cox for the 'Great Scot!' podcast series. He lives in the USA and we hooked up when he was in Scotland recently visiting family and friends. We had last met in May 2019 when we did an In Conversation event together onstage at Dundee Rep, in celebration of the theatre’s 80th Anniversary. It was a wonderful night, packed to the rafters, with the audience hanging on his every word.  As you’ll hear, Dundee Rep proved to be life-changing for Brian, whose...

As one of the world’s leading anatomists and forensic anthropologists, Professor Dame Sue Black has spent much of her working life dealing with death and its aftermath - in war zones, in the wake of natural disasters and in murder cases. I was curious to know how it’s possible to be immersed in that world – one which many of us don’t like to think about, much less make our life’s work – and be as well-balanced, cheery and positive as Sue clearly is. Could we all learn something from Sue...

I’m so glad that Alan Cumming and I were able to meet face to face in Glasgow for our 'Great Scot!' chat in those heady pre-Covid days at the end of last year. I’ve known Alan since he was starting out in his career in the 1980s and he really hasn’t changed that much. The hair may be silver, but he still has those twinkly eyes, the dimples, that wicked laugh – and the most extraordinary work ethic. He always has multiple projects on the go, as he did when we met up, but, as ever, he was...

What can I say about Billy Connolly? He’s a global star, one of the most influential comedians of all time, an actor, musician, artist, writer and adventurer. Think of Billy and you smile – he’s brought laughter and light into the lives of millions of people across the world. It’s a delight and an honour to have Sir William Connolly - The Big Yin - as a guest on 'Great Scot!'. I’m so pleased that we were able to record this podcast pre-Covid, face to face in his home town of Glasgow. I hope...

I’m thrilled that my guest for Episode 2 of 'Great Scot!' is one of my all-time favourite actors – a star of stage and screen who just happens to be a fellow Glaswegian, James McAvoy. His ascent to the top of his profession has been rapid - in films as varied as Atonement, Filth, X-Men, Victor Frankenstein and Split, as well as his much lauded, Olivier-nominated performance in Cyrano de Bergerac. James rarely does in-depth interviews, so I was chuffed that he made time to chat to me from his...

I'm delighted to launch the 'Great Scot!' podcast series with the wonderful Annie Lennox - music superstar and celebrated humanitarian and activist. Named as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone, she has sold over 80 million records worldwide, and won countless awards and accolades including more Brit Awards than any other female artist in history. In 2008 she founded global women's rights organisation, The Circle. I hope you'll enjoy our conversation recorded during...

Hello! Janice Forsyth here. I'm thrilled to be hosting 'Great Scot!' - a brand new podcast series from The Big Light. Each week, I'll be speaking to a Scot who has really made an impact on the world. Upcoming guests include: Annie Lennox, Billy Connolly, James McAvoy and Alan Cumming. For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/greatscot   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

LAUNCHING SPRING 2020: Respected broadcaster Janice Forsyth in conversation with some of the world most famous names who just happen to be Scottish. In-depth, long form and engaging interviews. Cultural icon BILLY CONNOLLY and Hollywood star, ALAN CUMMING are already in the can. And coming up, we’ve more stellar names from the worlds of entertainment, music, sport, business and politics . . . For more information about the podcast: https://www.thebiglight.com/greatscot   See...