Tuesday 18 August

Festival Partners

Moving Images 11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*
Full details of the Moving Images event are given on the WPP page.

From Petition to Action: Yesterday’s Children
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

There exists a generation of adults in Scotland who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, and are living with the long term consequences. A petition to the Parliament led, in 2001, to the formation of the Cross Party Group on Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Its members successfully lobbied government to produce the National Strategy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse – SurvivorScotland. This journey demonstrates how the public can influence the political process in Scotland and improve the lives of its citizens. Join the Cross Party Group’s former Vice Convener, Kenneth Gibson MSP, and Vice Convener and Petitioner, Anne Macdonald, as they discuss the group’s success. Chaired by Margaret Mitchell MSP, Vice Convener.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
Book "From Petition to Action: Yesterday’s Children" online

Annie Lennox and The SING Campaign
13.00 (14.00) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is probably the greatest health threat faced by the world today. Nowhere is the impact of the disease more pronounced than in Southern Africa, where in countries such as South Africa it is estimated that over 10% of the population is living with HIV and one in three pregnant women carry the virus. Annie Lennox is internationally renowned as a singer-songwriter but, through her SING project and work with Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation, she has also become a leading activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Join her as she talks about her personal experience of the disease in Africa, and the action that we can all take in fighting the pandemic. Chaired by Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer.
Book Annie Lennox and The SING Campaign online

From Darwin to Dolly – and Beyond!
15.00 (16.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*

Scotland is renowned as an innovative nation. Charles Darwin was introduced to evolutionary ideas here – and now it’s home to thriving life sciences research and industry. But what has happened since the demise of Dolly the sheep? What are the exciting developments now? And what will the future hold? This event will examine the past, present, and future of cutting-edge life science research in Scotland and look at how it compares to other countries.
In association with the ESRC Genomics Forum and the British Council.
Book From Darwin to Dolly – and Beyond! online

Scotland: A Co-operative Past and a Co-operative Future
15.00 (16.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Scotland has a long history of co-operatives – dating back to the Fenwick Weavers or the work of Robert Owen – and still has a vibrant co-operative sector, ranging from large retailers to rural workers’ co-operatives. This event explores the Scottish co-operative movement’s history and examines the modern-day prospects for co-operatives, including their potential for offering an alternative economic model in the face of the credit crunch.
In association with the Cross Party Group on Co-operatives.
Book Scotland: A Co-operative Past and a Co-operative Future online

The Scottish Parliament – Past, Present and Future
16.30 (17.30) Main Chamber – FREE* Book in advance 

To mark the 10th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, the current Presiding Officer, Alex Fergusson MSP, will be joined by former Presiding Officers, Sir David Steel and George Reid, to discuss the Parliament’s achievements, the challenges it has faced during its first 10 years, and the path devolution may take in the future. Chaired by BBC Scotland’s Political Editor, Brian Taylor.
Book The Scottish Parliament – Past, Present and Future online

*Tickets available in advance (subject to a booking fee) or on the day