Saturday 22 August

Aid to Development
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*

Aid plays a vital role in combating poverty and building infrastructure in developing nations. It is therefore unsurprising that at 2005’s G8 Summit at Gleneagles, leaders of the world’s largest economies recognised the need to increase significantly the aid they provide. Join our expert panel as it considers the importance of various forms of aid to the developing world, and its effectiveness in a time of global recession. Chaired by Jack McConnell MSP. Participants include Judith Robertson, Oxfam, Professor Alan Miller, The Scottish Human Rights Commission, Dr Peter Griffiths, Economist and Author, Patricia Ferguson MSP.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on International Development.
Book Aid to Development online

Oor Rabbie
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Oor Rabbie provides the perfect introduction (or refresher!), for people aged 8 and over, to the life and work of Robert Burns. With live music and a witty storytelling theatre, discover the history of Scotland’s famous bard through his best-known works – including Tam O’Shanter, Tae a Mouse, and Address to a Haggis. Folk singer and cellist Wendy Weatherby and storyteller Andy Cannon (Wee Stories Theatre) work together to create a unique theatrical experience.
A Foolish Notion Production.
Book Oor Rabbie online

Scottish Youth Theatre Love But Her Workshops
To accompany the Festival production of Love But Her, Scottish Youth Theatre is facilitating two drama workshops addressing the play’s themes and Burn’s work.

Secondary School Workshop – recommended age 15-21 years
11.00 (13.00) Education Centre FREE*

Focusing on characters and issues from the play, participants will creatively explore the language and story of the piece, introducing the lovers Burns and Nancy.
Book Secondary School Workshop online

Primary School Workshop – recommended age 8-11 years
14.00 (15.30) Education Centre FREE*

Re-creating the characters and telling the story of Burn’s A Man’s a Man For A’ That, participants will explore ideas of equality, patriotism and achievement.
Book Primary School Workshop online

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

He became one of the UK’s youngest Foreign Secretaries, under the Premiership of James Callaghan, and played an instrumental role in bringing independence to Zimbabwe. Yet he left the Labour Party in the early 80s, becoming one of the breakaway “Gang of Four” founding members of the SDP. Join David Owen as he discusses his experience of the changing face of British politics, and the influence of hubris on politicians, as developed in his most recent book, In Sickness and In Power. Chaired by Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer.
Book A Life in Politics – David Owen online

Burns’s Radical Voice – Politics and Religion in the Age of Enlightenment
13.30 (14.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*

The songs and poetry of Robert Burns gave Scotland’s Enlightenment its radical edge. But where does John Knox fit in, and does Burns’s work still matter to modern society? Join the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office Burns 250th lecture, where Dr Donald Smith, former Director of the Netherbow Arts and Scottish Storytelling Centres, will get to grips with Scotland’s radicals, rebels and dissenters.
In association with the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office.
Book Burns’s Radical Voice – Politics and Religion in the Age of Enlightenment online

The Scottish Parliament: A Voice for Working People?
13.30 (14.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Having played a major role in the campaign for devolution and women’s representation, how are trade unions working with the Scottish Parliament ten years on? Firefighters, teachers, health, local government, and postal workers – and many others – have taken their case to Holyrood, but how does the Parliament affect workers’ lives today? Chaired by Cathy Peattie MSP, an expert panel will examine the changing face of union participation, from STUC to shop floor.
Book The Scottish Parliament: A Voice for Working People? online

Tomorrow’s Civil Economy
16.00 (17.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*

History reminds us that, from turmoil comes opportunity. And after recessions, eventually, come recoveries. However, the global financial crisis, coupled with concerns such as the growing isolation of the poorest and climate change, demands more than a return to the status quo. How might the values and principles of the economy and financial sector be changed so that they work for the benefit of society as a whole? This event will explore the practical roles of civil society associations, such as voluntary and community organisations, mutuals and trades unions, in growing a more ‘civil economy’. Chaired by George Reid. Participants include Karl Dayson, Community Finance Solutions, Elizabeth Leighton, WWF, Craig Campbell, Social Investment Scotland, Ian Fraser, Scotland the Times.
Hosted by the Carnegie UK Trust Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society.
Book Tomorrow’s Civil Economy online

Protected Landscapes – Do National Parks Deliver for the People?
16.00 (17.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*

With the first Scottish National Parks established in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs in 2002, and in the Cairngorms in 2003, two of Scotland’s most outstanding areas of natural and cultural heritage joined an internationally recognised family of protected areas. Yet has the National Park designation in Scotland really delivered better management of these areas, or is it inhibiting social and economic development? Chaired by Lesley Riddoch. Participants include Dave Morris, Scottish Ramblers, Fiona Logan, Loch Lomond National Park, Sheena Slimon (former member of National Park Board), Andy Wightman, author "Who Owns Scotland".
In association with the Carnegie UK Trust.
Book Protected Landscapes – Do National Parks Deliver for the People? online

Scottish Youth Theatre – ‘Love But Her’
18.30 (19.30) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

To mark the year of Homecoming, Scottish Youth Theatre perform a revival of Lara Jane Bunting’s play Love But Her, which tells the story of Jean Armour – the wife of Robert Burns – from her early days, to life and death in Dumfries.  Featuring Burns’s songs and poems, the piece charts their great love and turbulent relationship, his infidelities, and their grief for the deaths of their children, together with the challenges faced by Jean as she changed from being the wife of a farmer to that of a celebrity poet.
Book Scottish Youth Theatre – ‘Love But Her’ online

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