Festival Partner

Media Partner

This summer, Scotland will once again welcome many visitors from across the world to its shores. It is unsurprising, given our nation's rich culture, history and immense natural beauty, that Scotland holds such an attraction for people from all corners of the globe.

The fact that we now live in a truly global age means that our ability to undertake international travel, communication and trade are often taken for granted. Yet, as former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson noted, whilst globalisation can make our society more competitive and prosperous, it can also make it more vulnerable.

I'm delighted to welcome you to the 2008 Festival of Politics, which this year will follow an underlying theme of Global Issues - National Perspectives. Issues such as climate change, economic stability and national security are globally important, and this year's Festival will set out to examine the impact they have upon Scotland and the wider UK , and how we respond to them.

This year the Festival is also reaching beyond its traditional base at Holyrood, by working in collaboration with the Carnegie Festival to bring forward events both at the Parliament and in Dunfermline - the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, one of the greatest industrialists and philanthropists Scotland has ever produced.

This summer, join us once again to participate in stimulating events, and hear the views of famous faces from the worlds of politics, the media and the arts. All are welcome, whether hailing from near or far.

Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer, the Scottish Parliament