Thursday 20 August

Diabetes and Time Travel
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*

In 1934, the author H.G. Wells together with R.D. Lawrence, a doctor from Aberdeen, set up the Diabetic Association (now known as Diabetes UK). Diabetes and Time Travel will use the motif of H.G. Wells’s Time Machine to explore the history and future of diabetes from its early diagnosis and treatment, the discovery of insulin, through to new and anticipated therapies. Particular focus will be placed on Scotland’s role in these developments, and on it being an example of progress in relation to the disease. Chaired by Karen Whitefield MSP. Participants include Brian Cox, Diabetes UK, Jane-Claire Judson, Diabetes UK Scotland, Marilyn Jackson, Diabetes UK Scotland, Dr Donald Pearson, Lead Clinician for Diabetes in Scotland.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Diabetes.
Book Diabetes and Time Travel online

Scotland’s Economy: Changing Needs or Needing Change?
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

With a decline in traditional industries, new economic challenges, and skills being increasingly important in providing opportunities for individuals – is Scotland best placed to compete? Where are the emerging industries? What skills do we need? Whose job is it to ensure the skills of our workforce are effectively utilised? Our panel of experts will explore these questions, informing us of what Scotland needs to do to stay ahead in the global economy. Chaired by John Park MSP. Participants include Professor Mary Malcolm, University of Abertay, John McNamara, Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, Dr Lesley Sawers, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Grahame Smith, STUC.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Skills.
Book Scotland’s Economy: Changing Needs or Needing Change? online

A Life in Politics – Clare Short
13.00 (14.00) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

With a Parliamentary career spanning 26 years – which ultimately saw her appointed as the UK’s first Secretary of State for International Development – the now independent MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Clare Short, discusses her life in politics and the issues that are important to her, including the war in Iraq, international development, climate change, and the need to make “politics fit for purpose”. Chaired by Alasdair Morgan MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer.
Book A Life in Politics – Clare Short online

Has Devolution Delivered for Women? Participation, Representation and Power
14.30 (16.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*

Since devolution, Scotland has been viewed as a world leader in establishing fair and effective representation for women in politics. So why did 2007 bring the first drop in the number of female MSPs since devolution? Wales, in comparison, has continued to maintain high representation of women since devolution. At the Parliament’s 10th anniversary in 2009, now is the perfect time to reflect on its role in developing the agenda for gender equality. A distinguished panel will discuss the key issues surrounding women and devolution. Chaired by Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman and Chair of the Hansard Society Working Group. Participants include Johann Lamont MSP (Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party), Professor Alice Brown (Former Scottish Public Services Ombudsman), Rosemary Butler AM (Deputy Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly), and Professor Laura McAllister (Professor of Governance, University of Liverpool & Independent Adviser to the Parliamentary Services Board of the National Assembly for Wales).
In association with the British Council and the Hansard Society Scotland.
Book Has Devolution Delivered for Women? Participation, Representation and Power online

Climate for Change – From Economic Crash to Eco Recovery?
15.00 (16.00) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

Not only has the recent collapse in the global economy devastated peoples lives, it appears to have pushed the ever-increasing threat of climate change from people’s minds. Yet could the economic crisis present an opportunity to build a sustainable future? Join Nicholas Stern – renowned author of The Stern Review and A Blueprint for a Safer Planet, Leo Murray – Media Producer of The Age of Stupid, and Andrew Price, author of Slow-tech: Manifesto for an Over-wound World, as they discuss how our economically destructive past could become an environmentally sustainable future. Chaired by Louise Macdonald, Chair of RSA Scotland.
In association with the RSA.
Book Climate for Change – From Economic Crash to Eco Recovery? online

A Life in Politics – Dennis Canavan
17.00 (18.00) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

Formerly a long-serving Labour MP, Dennis Canavan was elected as an independent Member of the Scottish Parliament from 1999-2007. A long time supporter of devolution, he has championed many issues, such as the abolition of corporal punishment, the promotion of sport, and the designation of St Andrew’s day as a national holiday in Scotland. Join him as he reflects on his life in politics, and the issues he holds dear. Chaired by Trish Godman MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer.
Book A Life in Politics – Dennis Canavan online

Devolution and the Arts: To be yersel’s – and to mak’ that worth bein’
17.30 (18.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*

For some, devolution is the fulfilment of 30 years of creative effort to reshape Scottish identity, for others, a final release from an unhealthy obsession with national identity. Cairns Craig, the University of Aberdeen’s Glucksman Professor of Irish and Scottish Studies, talks to some of Scotland’s leading artists including: acclaimed artist/photographer Calum Colvin; BBC Scotland’s Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean; award-winning Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside and Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland, about devolution’s impact upon the arts, and the influence of the arts on contemporary Scottish politics.
In association with the University of Aberdeen Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, and Word – University of Aberdeen Writers, Festival.
Book Devolution and the Arts: To be yersel’s – and to mak’ that worth bein’ online

Parliamentary Questions
17.30 (18.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Established as a firm favourite at the Festival of Politics, the PQ session provides an opportunity to take part in lively and stimulating debate with some of the Parliament’s leading politicians. MSPs from across the parties discuss topical questions posed in advance, by Festival-goers – either in person or via the Festival website.
Book Parliamentary Questions online

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