The ScottishPower Conversation:

Neil Kinnock In Conversation With George Reid

He’s been leader of the Labour Party and a European Commissioner. He now represents Britain worldwide as British Council Chair, Lord Kinnock of Bedwellty chats informally to Presiding Officer George Reid MSP about his varied and distinguished public life.

In association with British Council Scotland.

Sponsored by ScottishPower.

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People And The Land 1: Stories Of The Land - Community Ownership

George MacPherson

George MacPherson’s family have been crofters in Skye for generations and centrally involved in the movement for land ownership. Drawing from the strong oral tradition of Scottish storytellers, his vivid tales from the past weave important connections with the current interest in land reform.

Scottish Identity: The ‘Death’ And Reinvention Of Scotland

Prof. Tom Devine

Prof. Tom Devine of Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities, celebrated historian and best-selling author, explores the making of modern Scottish identity and the dynamic between “Scottishness” and “Britishness”. Chaired by Murray Tosh MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer.

People And The Land 2: People, Land And Sea

Ted Brocklebank MSP

A former journalist and TV producer, Ted Brocklebank MSP has produced documentaries which include The Blood Is Strong, Troubled Fields and Last of the Hunters. His family links with the farming and fishing communities of the East Neuk of Fife go back some 250 years. Join a discussion with him on how the character of the people of Scotland has been forged by the land and the sea.

Understanding Scottish Politics

The Institute of Governance

Why is Scotland governed the way it is? Why is there a Scottish Parliament and is it making a difference? How do Scottish and UK politics differ? The Institute of Governance at Edinburgh University provides an introduction to Scottish politics at an exciting period in its history based on state-of-the-art analysis and research.

The Arts And Business: The Economic Impact Of Edinburgh’s Festivals

The world’s biggest programme of arts festivals boosts Scotland’s economy massively. AlexNeil MSP, chair of the Parliament’s Cross Party Group on the Scottish Economy, representatives from the Edinburgh International Festival, City of Edinburgh Council , Bank of Scotland and consultants SQW discuss the economic impact of the festivals, why organisations get involved and how to maintain the benefits they bring to the economy.

The Changing Face Of British Democracy

Shirley Williams, Neil MacCormick & Peter Duncan

Thatcherism, the birth of the Liberal Democrats, the rise of New Labour, devolution, Britain ’s relationship with Europe. Chairman of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Peter Duncan, former Scottish Nationalist MEP Neil MacCormick and Liberal Democrat peer Shirley Williams discuss these and other major developments in recent British politics. Chaired by George Reid MSP, Presiding Officer.

Sponsored by Standard Life.