Voices of Hope Edinburgh Book festival 2025

Edinburgh International Book Festival at the Futures Institute

I travel on warm sunny days and with heightened senses and high anticipation for new insights and inspirations. The Edinburgh festivals offer HOPE in a present world often torn apart. A place for shared, diverse voices from across the world. The theme of this years Edinburgh International book festival was ‘How do we Repair’- looking for positives and connections, “to repair and reconcile in culture, politics and environment, through improving balance, resilience and hope”.   

 

The book festival is now hosted behind and on the ground floor of the impressive newly renovated Edinburgh Futures Institute near the Meadows walkway and Edinburgh university. The book festival aims to offer a safe place to challenge and to question – with over 600 writers from 35 countries offered differing perspectives on personal, social and global significance.100+ talks were live streamed. 

EIBF hosted workshops, school events, music and poetry, young adult and children’s talks. The children’s events included over 100 talks and included renowned authors Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson and Cressida Cowell.

Nicola Sturgeon with Kirsty Wark

Jenny Nelson & Mark Kermode

Resilience: Renowned author Hanif Kureishi gave a talk about his recovery from a devastating accident which left him paralysed. Shattered But Unbroken. There were several book talks on books on the war in Gaza, which has turned into such destruction. Israeli writer Ilan Pappe and Israeli historian Avi Shlaim discussed the conflict in the Middle East and whether peace can exist.

Ivo Graham

Alexander McCall Smith

Brian Cox

Kate Dickie

Paula Hawkins

**TALKS

Foreign correspondent Lindsey Hilsum came with her book of war poetry, I Brought the War with me’

And spoke of how we remember poetry more than journalists stories of war. She always carries a book of poems with her to help make sense of the destruction. It’s the spaces between, the forgotten.

 

I enjoyed a talk by larger than life and popular film critic Mark Kermode, along with Radio producer Jenny Niven on their book on film music Surround Sound. This has interviews with film music composers – Johnny Greenwood and many more.  

The festival included prominent Front list talks at McEwan hall -

Former Scotland first minister Nicola Sturgeon held a positive chat with Kirsty Wark, about her new book Frankly. Mark Kermode talked all things film and acting with well kent Scots actors – Brian Cox, Kate Dickie and Michelle Gomez.

There were protests during a The Front List chat with: Yulia Navalnaya, about her husband the late

Alexei Navalnaya, over Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

 

There were Podcasts, live cabaret, and exclusive talks. Young adult program, Children’s program. Something for everyone. Edinburgh book festival is supported by Creative Scotland, Edinburgh city council, Lottery funds. 

The festival promotes vision, resilience and a safe place IN PERSON to debate! To encourage liberal thought – To remind the world of the role of freedom, truth, culture and the arts. We should find out what unites us, and what we have in common rather than what divides us. 

Sam Heughan

Naga Munchetty

Michael Pedersen

Maggie O'Farrell

What can Scots do!

Some talks feel like English voices with a few Scots asking questions. The narrative here is Scotland needs to change – to what can Scots do! And NOT, we have business brought to us! We must do for ourselves. We’ve had 3 big figures of the devolution government. Now the baton needs to pass to a new generation. 

 *An academic from Dublin suggests that “America should never have united," under its centralised control. Trump attempts to take control. The Maga movement for instance, appears to be culture wars between the extreme left and the extreme right. And the toxic online culture, which can’t differentiate between healthy debate and saying I dislike you, because of your views. Many in today politics seem shallow and thin, with no moral backbone or hinterland - the opposite of a an informed debate. We need Citizens Assemblies. Use your time wisely and don’t get sucked into ignorant, sensationalistic echo chambers. Look wider and broader for ideas – for innovation, diverse views and creative freedoms. 

I met a young German book researcher at the talk on film music, who was there at the book festival for the week. She had studied at Edinburgh university (before the Brexit  Scotland did not vote for). We chatted and I asked her whether there must be plenty of excellent book festivals in Germany. To which she replied, oh no, not like the Edinburgh book festival!  I was surprised certainly. 

We should find out what unites us, what we have in common rather than what divides us. Hopefully Edinburgh festivals can continue to be a place for hope, voices form many places, to celebrate all the arts and that cross over. To celebrate the endurance of the human spirit.

 

**QUOTES from the festival:

Brian Cox, We need good people. 

Kate Dickie, “I love England as a neighbour, but if you’re roof is leaking, you don’t ask your neighbour to fix it.”   Tariq Ali, Fighting the empire

Edinburgh festival cultural icon Richard Demarco - “Reform is a danger to the Edinburgh Festivals”, 

He calls for “a Festival of Thought” to help save liberal democracy - with no politicians.

Some celebrity faces attend EIBF - 

 

**BOOKS & TALKS

Surround Sound – Mark Kermode and Jenny Niven

I Brought the War with me – Lindsey Hilsum

After Gaza – Pankaj Mishra

Frankly – Nicola Sturgeon 

Shattered but Unbroken – Hanif Kureishi 

A Truce that is not Peace – Miriam Toews

 

I would prefer not to see “History” books in the EIBF Bookshop by the archaeologist Neil Oliver or by the Canadian historical fiction writer John Prebble – of the Scotland lost and gone forever. Please stock more of Tom Devine’s well informed and articulate books. Also the excellent critiques of polticla theoristsTom Nairn. 

**Two competing Narratives 

Pakistani author Pankaj Mishra was writing about the two totally opposing narratives in the middle east – one of the Israelis (from the river to the sea) and the other of Palestinians (our Homelands) in his book After Gaza. It all made me think in Scotland we also have two opposing, irreconcilable narratives. In 2025 Scotland is stuck, so how can we move forward in love, in peace and in liberal thought?

 

Indy for Scotland’s self determination and improving democracy. Scots need a say over our own energy resources, immigration, climate, and infrastructure. We can still unite for good trade and security together. Unionism is for strength by being run by London, and being ‘together’ with the high centralization in London. Westminster refuses Scotland another vote.  

 

“Nationalism is both good and bad” wrote politician historian Tom Nairn. All Nationalisms are different. He claims Scotland’s nationalism is unique as Scotland jumped ahead to a modern state 1700s. By contrast European states moved to modern states 1800s, due to the uneven nature of capitalism. Scots nationalism is about our self determination. 

All I hear is depressive negatives and an SNP Bad message by the dominant mainstream unionist media. But indy isn’t all about the SNP. Its about democracy, accountability and how our democracy works or doesn’t work. Is devolution simply a trap? Someone at Westminster said recently – “Oh I forgot you’ve got that pretend government in Scotland.” After decades – the SNP Party was begun in 1934 - I’ve heard many reasons for Scottish indy, but so far I’m still searching for a positive reasons for the union.

STRANDS: Brilliant Fiction. Fascinating Non-Fiction will explore everything from moving memoirs to scientific excavations, family odysseys to travelogues. Good Information brings together a host of trustworthy experts well versed in sifting out hard fact and cutting through murky algorithms to give you an honest account of a diverse range of topics. New World Orders gathers the most authoritative voices across international and domestic politics, conflict, economics, and law to engage with and dissect current affairs, and Brainwaves holds up a magnifying glass to all things cranial, including mental health, neuroscience, and psychology. How to Live a Meaningful Life, guiding audiences new and deeper ways of creating connection, resilience and hope, amongst the chaos, and an expanded Table Talks series, with top chefs and food writers taking to the stage – or rather around the table – in intimate gatherings with audiences to enjoy delicious food and make memories together. Music, Poetry and Performance

 

Nicola Sturgeon memoir Frankly at the Front list EIBF 2025

Former Scotland’s first minster Nicola Sturgeon, was interviewed by journalist Kirsty Wark at the McEwan hall to discuss her newly released memoir Frankly: as part of the Edinburgh International book festival 2025,

 

Wark: Sturgeon was first elected in 1991 and now 33 years later here is her memoir Frankly. She writes about her anxiety and being introverted – which she had to work to overcome. But that masking came at a cost. In eight and a half years she won eight elections. Sturgeon reflected that these were volatile times and an incredible period in Scottish history.

 

Wark commented that Alex Salmond looms large in her book. Nicola replied that he was a strong, charismatic leader and a force for good. They complimented each other. His approval mattered to her and his disapproval counted. Was it coercive control, Kirsty asked, Nicola didn’t believe so.  

 

The White Paper, Stronger for Scotland, Salmond couldn’t do the details and he never fully read the hundreds of pages Nicola believes, on his trip to China. (I have to assume the main people who read all the hundreds of pages, would have been unionist opponents). Alex both undermined and bolstered her. He was integral to her life and she felt a profound sense of sadness at his death. Alex advised her that her then husband Peter Murrell should not be chief executive – all rather poignant now. She spoke of all the optimism around the inydref. 

Sturgeon’s Record in Office, what was she proud of? She mentioned the Pre school education while this has still not reduced the attainment gap. Nicola said she was proud of Baby Box, doubling early years support and the Scottish child payment – but all this needs to work through the system. Nicola commented that poverty is a big part of the problem. She set up a National investment bank.

 

The Trans issue was a bruising time and highly polarising. Sturgeon wondered, could there have been a less divisive way? The tenor of the debate has been vicious, with all the prejudices of the far right and that these extremes need to be ignored. She appeared very tense during the trans chat.

The general election 2017. She had a severe chest infection. and thought she would collapse at the first leaders debate. Salmond lost his seat and he then refused to take her calls. 

 

The trial and acquittal of Alex Salmond - There was no evidence of a conspiracy: who leaked the story she questioned, as journalists didn’t know. The dark arts of media manipulation, the leak turned him into a victim. He said he behaved badly, with at times inappropriate behaviour.

Wark questioned was she collegiate enough, was she too insular? 

Nicola said she was enjoying being single and that she now hopes to travel maybe to Europe, to lay aside the glass bowl of Scottish politics. She was very young getting into politics. She spoke of reading more books – my passion, solace and inspiration. Wark mentioned the FMs Reading Challenge and support for libraries.

 

She said that things are stuck here in Scotland, but that they can come unstuck suddenly. There is no magic solution and that we must connect to the real challenges of poverty and the economy. After her chat one man said that he had lived over thirty years in Hong Kong and returned to a Scotland transformed. This was a very positive chat, with a supportive audience with clearly many SNP voters!

Many have questioned why the two Big Beasts of Scottish politics of our devolution era have ended up in the justice system: have ended up being hounded. What’s really going on? Herald journalist Iain MacWhirter, has questioned this on BBC Radio Scotland, asking why this has happened. After all we don’t have former PMs in the courts, even as we know there has been gross negligence and corruption. Both Sturgeon and Salmond have been taken in for questioning, and subsequently found innocent of all charges. (Salmond of inappropriate behaviour, Sturgeon of embellishment. And that big tent outside Nicola’s house). 

All day the book festival buzzed with press – both print journalists, broadcasters and photographers. From Scotland and abroad. Some were promised one to one interviews. But Sturgeon’s Press conference in the afternoon was a rushed affair. As if she couldn’t wait to get away. Then again she did have another event in Glasgow later to promote her new book

Nicola Sturgeon Leaves the Stage, February 2023

February 2023

The last day as first minister was an emotional farewell. 

Her final speech and end of era – definitely. As FM she won eight elections and was deputy FM before that under Alex Salmond. 

She’s been at the centre of Scottish politics for so long now, since the SNP victory in 2007.

She’s given a lifetime of service. Recently you could see there was a heaviness in his eyes  - and now its as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. 

Nicola faces press pack Photo Jane Barlow

There is this top image of her facing the all white male Press Pack (taken by photographer Jane Barlow) says it all. We need more women leaders. Nicola has always had many women in her cabinet, and fought against injustice, to protect our rights, invest in early learning, Baby boxes, mitigating Tory austerity.

 

Nicola had that rare quality of being a straight talker, and honest – and had the highest rating of any UK political leader – I trusted her. I feel sad to see her leave the stage, its very strange after her long stay in Bute house. 

She had weaknesses too, and was conservative with a small "c", The 2014 referendum was bruising. 

I took her photographs at Edinburgh book festival 2013. She was clearly less flamboyant or approachable than Alex Salmond, who had a large presences.She's a great reader and lover of books.

Sturgeon has impressed at Global events, such as the Global Women Leaders Summit held at Lake Como, Italy – with Hilary Clinton, Mary Robison, Helen Clark. And also the Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace and Security. 

 

She’s been there through the crisis of Brexit, which Scotland did not vote for and most of us feel very sad about. Many will remember her Daily Covid Briefings and steering us through the Covid pandemic. Thanks Nicola, we will miss you.

Nicola in Brussels

 

Brian Cox at Edinburgh book festival 2022

“Its time to be free!”

Cox said that he’s an optimist!

Succession actor Brian cox chatted with Scotland’s First Minster Nicola Sturgeon about his acting career and of his hopes for Scotland’s future independence And his new book The Rabbit in the Hat. .

He got his first thoughts of performing as a young boy, when he sang at a new year party at home and singing on a small stage. Later Cox went down to the London theatre stage, and was a character actor in film.

 

He said young actors can now stay here to be successful, There’s also been the Scottish film successes. His major part in the hit series Succession role, Logan Roy, has a King Lear element, and is not over written. With a wonderful cast and script. Theatre is my church, retain your pass, cathartic. Telling stories and walking with ghosts  and can be cathartic. 

Cox said that after the great war 1945 Scotland was very much north Britain – there were identity battles of the 70s and 80s. We must be true to ourselves – subdued in who were as second class citizen and to discover what we are culturally.

 

He said there is not enough confidence here in Scotland, its not about personalities, but about country and democracy.   Scotland is a place for social democracy. We’ve suffered old style propaganda and our own voice being stifled. He was the voice of  Labour 1996, but became disillusioned and he didn’t  like Blair and the Iraq war and thought it was all wrong

 

Cox will be here for our Campaign for Scotland’s independence Referendum 2023 – we can do better! 

He said its not about personalities but about country and democracy. Time to be free!

 

Edinburgh festivals Review 2021

Times of Change: “A year of Transition”

Its as if this year the festival is taking baby steps after our year of traumas and the set backs of the pandemic, and at its new location at the Edinburgh Art college at the heart of Edinburgh historic old town. 

I don’t know what to say about the new location, its very different, and also with the festival only running at a third of its normal scale because of Covid. This book festival is iconic and has taken place at Charlotte Square since 1983, for nearly 40  years now, so it’s a big change. There are many things I loved about the Charlotte Sq location, at the heart of Edinburgh’s famous Georgian new town. A concern might be that this new location is more out of the way, then again its close to Edina’s historic auld town – the Grassmarket, castle, university, Meadows and the High street.

 

**The festival is now hybrid with many events only online and authors on zoom. Some events have author and interviewers in person – Tom Devine and Alan Little; Douglas Stewart and Nicola Sturgeon; Jackie Kay and Susan Bonar; David Keenan, Tracy Thorn. 

 

TALKS – this year I attended talks by Satham Sangheri, Empireland; Jackie Kay, Bessie Smith, Gavin Esler, How Britain Ends; Samir Puri, The Great Imperial Hangover, Legacies of Empire; Ali Smith, Art in a time of Lies; 

AND ONLINE Tom Devine, Douglas Stuart, (Booker prize winner for Shuggie Bain).

David Keenan

Tracy Thorn

 

After Jackie Kay’s talk I have a great chat at the bar with two lady patrons of the festival. One lady had attended the book festival for decades and had met many famous authors from Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’s Muriel Spark, to William MciLvanney. I speak of the famous faces I’ve met – Seamus Heaney, John Byrne, Brian Cox, Alan Cummings, Iain Banks, Ian Rankin, Edna O’Brien. 

**On entering the courtyard there’s a big screen showing the talks, with places to sit among several small tented marquees and fairy lights hung on the mature trees. Its not immediately obvious where the Press tents or cafes are, but I do pick up a plan. There’s no ticket offices or rows of pamphlets or EIBF books this festivals year, all on a smaller scale and after all everything is online. Covid has affected everything, from music concert bubbles, to sporting events with no audience at all. 

There are no crowds of school children either, although there is a play area. There are only a handful of photo shoots. So the usual buzz is a much more subdued one. 

 

The  Book festival is close to the Edinburgh’s auld town and the next day I have an interesting walk around Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, which is pretty busy with many outdoor cafes. The High street has performers and some crowds. George IV bridge has been closed to all buses and pedestrians all week, there has been a major fire at the Elephant house restaurant, where JK Rowling wrote her Harry Potter books, which has caused major disruption and no access for pedestrians or buses.  

 

**Edinburgh is a perfect city to walk around the back alleys and closes with their incredible views. I spent my student days around the Meadows and University union and Forest Road, and it’s busy with a buzz of life returning. On the Saturday I walk around historic George Sq and find young, eager and expectant graduates at their delayed graduations (so many memories) thronging around in front of Edinburgh university.

This is where I graduated too and had a photo taken for the papers! I visit the Pear Tree, which is where the blind poet Blacklock entertained the great and good of Edinburgh in 1780s, including one Robert Burns. Now its the hip and happening place for young people with large outdoor gardens and a large screen showing football, to my surprise. 

 

I go the Biblos restaurant for a meal as usual to find the menu changed! I order a chicken burger and wine and remember how much I enjoy Indy cafes and restaurants that play their own music playlists. Long live indy shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, to me that’s the future of the High Street. Local and greener and individually creative. (Good example is Castle Douglas high street which has no chains and not even a Greggs). Global homogenization is so BORINGly dull!

 

On the Tuesday I attend an excellent live concert with rock singing legend Chrissie Hynde.

at the Queens hall Edinburgh, the ideal venue with high ceilings and space. She sang Bob Dylan, Ray Davies and other songs, backed by an excellent top class band. 

 

After I think of all the young artists, writers and musicians trying to establish their careers. I hope all those grassroots artists get supported, because without them there is no creative future. They’ve been doubly hurt by both Covid and Brexi   the arts are crucial.  **Festivals offer something out of the everyday, a place to discover, interact, refresh, be inspired, take time out, break down barriers.  Every year I often have at least one great chat with people I meet there! Thanks to all those who organise the festival.  EDINBURGH FESTIVAL - https://www.eif.co.uk