2012 Edinburgh Festival of Politics highlights

• Brian Donaldson
• 11 July 2012

This article is from 2012.

Talks on George Wyllie, the music industry, Canongate and Scotland's wood cabins

Singin’ I’m No a Billy, He’s a Tim

The difficulties of overcoming ignorance associated with the issue of sectarianism in Scotland were perfectly highlighted last season when one football radio pundit accused Des Dillon’s play of actually promoting division. He had never seen it of course. Come and judge for yourself as a Celtic and Rangers fan are locked up in a cell together on the day of a crucial Glasgow derby.
Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Road, 0131 348 5405, 17 Aug, 6.30pm, £10 (£7.50).

Art in Focus: George Wyllie

The recent death of the iconic Scottish sculptor puts this event into sad relief, but celebration of a beloved artist will be the order of this occasion. The scheduled panel includes artist Roddy Buchanan, filmmaker Murray Grigor and RIAS secretary and treasurer Neil Baxter, who will discuss his life and work. In addition, Saturday tours of Wyllie’s sculptures will take place in the Parliament Garden.
17 Aug, 4.30pm, free. Call 0131 348 5200 for tour information.

The Future of the Music Industry

It used to be intriguing to follow the development and innovation of music genres but the way we consume music now has become just as crucial as the sounds we put in our ears. This event will look at the response in other countries to the technological revolution that has led to a vicious dip in CD sales. Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison takes part.
25 Aug, 5pm, £4 (£2.50).

Literary Legacies

The story of Edinburgh publishers Canongate is a rollercoaster ride as thrilling as much of the often uncompromising novels and memoirs they’ve put on our shelves for almost 40 years. The company’s boss Jamie Byng is joined by Kirsty Gunn, creative writing professor at the University of Dundee which houses the Canongate Archive, to discuss the importance of publishing without fear.
24 Aug, 4.30pm, free.

Scotch Whisky: Local Hero or International Ambassador?

Once viewed as the drink of choice for the senior individual, the whisky industry has done sterling work in appealing to a younger crowd. A Scotch Whisky Association representative and an MSP panellist will discuss the impact of this iconic Scottish business on our economy and the stiff challenges that lie ahead.
17 Aug, 3.30pm, free.

Scotland’s Missing Wood Cabins

You may think that it’s not an especially burning issue, but the fact that Scotland has no hut or cabin culture is systematic of the land ownership policies that keep urban Scots away from nature. Journalist Lesley Riddoch and land campaigner Andy Wightman discuss the subject and compare our country with the likes of Norway, Sweden and Canada.
18 Aug, 10am, free.

Sir William Wallace, Scotland and the Wider World

Following on from a talk earlier in the day at 10am about William Wallace and John Balliol, this debate features experts on medieval European history discussing the momentous events in Scotland around the years 1286–1306. Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick hosts proceedings.
24 Aug, 11.30am, £4 (£2.50).

The Talent of Our Young People

What is it that inspires creativity in individuals and how can we help to encourage our young people to play a more significant role in the cultural life of Scotland? The National Theatre of Scotland chief Vicky Featherstone, radio presenter and Deacon Blue main man Ricky Ross, former BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Siobhan Miller and chief executive of Creative Scotland Andrew Dixon, are among those attending this event which is an element of the important Young People@FoP strand.
17 Aug, 5.15pm, £4 (£2.50).

Who Are ‘Jock Tamson’s Bairns’?

Are the Scots really as welcoming to immigrants as we sometimes like to believe? How do immigrants themselves view the attitudes of their hosts? Among those debating this sensitive issue are the busy Lesley Riddoch, politics professor Shamit Saggar and Scottish Refugee Council’s chief executive John Wilkes.
24 Aug, 10.30am, free.

All events at Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Road, 0131 348 5405.