Alan Riach discussed the Scottish Renaissance Montrose at EIBF 2026

 

Professor Alan Riach

This event was chaired by Linden Bicket. along with authors Kirsty Gunn and James Robertson: In a lively panel chat. 

They discussed the Scotland of 1926  - A hundred years ago, Scottish literature was crackling with new energy. The authors revisited the Scottish Renaissance through landmark works including Hugh MacDiarmid’s A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle, the early work of Neil M Gunn (newly reissued this year), and other under-sung voices including Willa Muir and Helen Cruickshank. 

The authors pursued their deep dive into a remarkable literary moment and the writers who helped reshape Scotland’s imaginative life. 

Alan Riach said that back in the1930s, Montrose was the Paris of the north.

Alan Riach is a Scottish poet and academic. He taught at the University of Waikato in New Zealand from 1986 until 2001. He is currently the Professor of Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow. Riach was President of the association for Scottish literary Studies from 2006 to 2010 and is a regular contributor to The National. 

Kirsty Gunn

Riach writes, “Irish reunification will come. Scotland’s independence will come. The political system and its media only exist for self perpetuation. 

 

This too is ours to resist. These things will not prevail. The only reliable truths come through the arts and they remain accessible to people, discoverable, no matter how much our enemies have tried to obscure them or deny them their value and place. 

 

What gives us the hope and the drive, the sense of necessary purpose. Music, stories, poems and plays: paintings, sculpture, colour and form, our languages, all that art can do. 

 

How do we move forward. “It come with understanding, then knowledge, and then wisdom. 

In the absence of this, Imagination must be served, or it feeds on itself; then superstitions come creeping in. 

Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia at EIBF 2026

 

Jimmy Wales chatted with Heather Pony at the Edinburgh book festival 2026.. Wales is one of the top 250 leaders who shape our world. He said he started with Newpedia, which didn’t succeed.

Then the idea for a free encyclopaedia that people could trust, and that people can edit. Wikipedia was set up in 2001, as a charity when there was the hopeful world of the internet. Wikipedia now has 700 employees, and is based in San Francisco.

 

He spoke of his Triangle of Trust – empathy, authenticity, logic. “We don’t use algorithms.”   

The Five Rules of Wikipedia – the wiki foundation and the identification of best practice. 

Plus Quality, reliable source, Neutrality, Transparency, We always could do better. We must offer the best arguments, analyse things.

 

He spoke of the attacks from the Far Right. Elon Musk set up Rockopedia which failed – and which encourages extremes. 

 

Wales was asked could AI write Wikipedia? No not good enough yet and can make things up. AI is deeply flawed. AI can be useful for references. AI agents editing. CHATGpt and AI can help with coding. AI is not edited and Google AI is wrong 28% of the time. Google is a monopoly.

 

Wiki Traffic has had a 8% drop, with a 7% drop in revenue. Many now want quick answers. Plus a decline in first time editors. Wales spoke of Wiki’s Long form traffic. 

Wikipedia depends on donations, and has no Ads. Wiki is like a life raft, of trust and Wales said they work to make it better. He said that Disinformation is a problem and requires content and government regulation.

 

Wikipedia is banned in China, And in Turkey Wiki fought in the courts and won. In the Western world its important to have free dialogue – with diverse, open, free discourse in society. Wales spoke of the ownership of the media by Big tech. Jeff Bezo bought the Washington Post. Rupert Murdoch bought the Wall Street Journal. Newspapers endorse a candidate. 

 

AC Grayling For the People EIBF 2026

AC Grayling gave an impressive and memorable talk at the book festival, on his book For the People – on how democracy is under threat today by the forces of authoritarianism, election interference, and loss of faith in our institutions. And on how we can all help to protect the value of the liberties of democracy. 

 

“Inequality is toxic.”

Democracy defends civil liberties, freedom of speech and the rule of law. In the 90s we thought we’d moved forward from fascism and we became complacent. That Donald Trump became the US president with his all felonies, is deeply troubling. No one is above the law. There is the Far Rights push back against liberal ideas, 

He spoke of Abraham Lincoln’s famous short speech at Gettysburg, ‘Government of the people, by the people, for the people.’ But who are the people he asked? Alexander Hamilton’s – the Electoral College was supposed to be a barrier to protect democracy.

At the Federal level, democracy is filtered out by the first past the post voting system – which can mean getting elected with 11 out of 100 votes. It means that 37% of votes can lead to a huge majority. There is an urgent need to look at the, both here and in the US electoral system. The House of Representatives, which is elected every two years, means they are constantly electioneering. There are two senators for each state – with a small caucus, which leads to very conservative views and is a huge drag on progress.

America is run by two parties under control of Big Money, and its all about buying seats. What will happen with Crypto? The 2^nd amendment to bear arms, was brought in back 250 years ago when it took ages to load a musket – but now?

There’s been a huge increase in inequality. A millionaire in time means 2 weeks. A billionaire in time means 32 years. The deregulation of the early 90s has meant inequality is growing. Scandinavia, with is high tax regime are investing in people. and some fairness in society. Dictators hollow out the democratic institutions and weaponise social media. All the corruption, with structures being manipulated.

“I want ‘unity’ not harmony.”

“Every time we do nothing we give ground”  …”We must keep resisting – and not accepting – and the reasons why. Defend and exchange ideas.”  We must all make a contribution, we’ve become complacent. In 1943, after the ruins of Europe and all the pain and suffering – we valued human rights and the rule of law. But now the left are fragmented. Grayling said we need root and branch change for a new constitution.

On an optimistic note Grayling said, “Dark times are times of opportunity”

(He also asked - How much water is imported to the UK – 70% - in the frim of fresh fruit and veg form countries with no water. 

Anthony Grayling is a British philosopher and author. He was born in Zambia and Malawi.From 1919 to 2011, he was Professor of Philosophy at at university London. In 2011 he became the first Master of new college of Humanities (now Northeastern University London). He is also a supernumerary fellow of st Anne’s college, Oxford. 

Grayling is the author of about 30 books on philosophy, biography, history of ideas, human rights and ethics. including The Refutation of Scepticism (1985), The Future of Moral Values (1997), Wittgenstein (1992), What Is Good? (2000), The Meaning of Things (2001), The Good Book (2011), The God Argument (2013), The Age of Genius: The Seventeenth Century and the Birth of the Modern Mind (2016) and Democracy and its Crisis (2017). Grayling was a trustee of the London Library and a fellow of the World Economic Forum, and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Society of Arts. For a number of years he was a columnist for The Guardian newspaper, and presented the BBC World Service series Exchanges at the Frontier on science and society.

Elif Shafak inspired at EIBF 2026

 “Storyland is my home “-  and the importance of the oral tradition. 

 

Rosie Goldmsith ably chaired her chat with British Turkish novelist Elif Shafak-  on her long and illustrious career, her 21 books of both fiction and non-fiction and growing up in a divided Turkey. 

 

This was an illuminating and challenging conversation with such a highly respected author. Shafak writes on human rights, freedom of speech and of how we must celebrate diversity. She writes in both English and Turkish. They discussed her thirty years of writing, on identity, freedom, politics and culture and her 21 books. Elif studied political science, philosophy and history. 

She spoke of how much books change us: books were another ways of existing, to consider the possibilities and connect with otherness. Elif has lived in many different countries.

BOOK *  There are Rivers in the Sky                    

Elif first published at 17 and she spoke of the pull of story telling. She said that Turkish is multi-layered – we should use both old and new words. In Turkey Persian and Arabic words were taken out. (much as Scots and Scots Gaelic was banned here)

If we leave our comfort zone our mind is nurtured. We must not be pushed into boxes. We should journey into other realms – and dismantle glass walls. There is a collective amnesia in Turkey (that sounds like Scotland also!), with nostalgia for the great empire. Minorities are enriching, with multiple identities – with bigger circles, regions, artists circles – and with one human race. multiplicity. Certain sense of loss.

Istanbul is her great love  - “I carry Istanbul with me'  Shafak left Istanbul after a controversy over her books and views. She said there are multiple Istanbul’s – where is home, where is exile? She feels very connected to Turkish culture, but not to the politics. She said we must appreciate the questions, and the importance of the silences. Burned stories in daylight.  

“Prose is like poetry – how language shapes us….English gives me cognitive dissonance”

Elif is now eighteen years in London. She spoke of how place shapes us – and that her children have friends of all religions, and diversity. And that Turkey doesn’t appreciate its diversity. 

BOOK * Three daughters of Eve

Elif was brought up by her grandmother and learned folktales, oral culture, lullabies, superstitions. She was both restricted and resilient. Elif spoke of the importance of the “Love with water families, who witness our journeys.”  Of faith and love.

“People who are certain of the truth scare me.” This is an age of anxiety – everyone is struggling. “We need to sit down and reassemble ourselves.”  We need to slow down, the world is spinning. And Trump’s calling people “losers” – there is no such thing.”  She spoke of the polarization and suffering today..

BOOK *Alternative history of Gustave Flaubert – Creativity in a time of chaos. 

She is influenced by both Middle eastern culture and European novel. There is no knowledge of Roman empire in Turkey, Elif said inter-cultural dialogue was important. 

Elif Shafak has published 21 books, including 13 acclaimed novels, and been translated into 58 languages. Following a sold out event discussing There are Rivers in the Sky in 2024, today’s special celebratory event sees Shafak – a powerful advocate for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of speech – reflects on her rich career to date, what it means to be a truly global author and citizen, and the impact of putting her personal and political beliefs into tangible action. 

Human rights  Shafak's novels have explored human rights issues, particularly those in Turkey. She has said: "What literature tries to do is to re-humanize people who have been dehumanized ... People whose voices we never hear. That's a big part of my work".  Specific topics have included persecution of Yazidis, the Armenian genocide  and the treatment of various minorities. 

Shafak is an advocate for freedom of expression. While taking part in the Free Speech Debate, she commented: "I am more interested in showing the things we have in common as fellow human beings, sharing the same planet and ultimately, the same sorrows and joys rather than adding yet another brick in the imaginary walls erected between cultures/religions/ethnicities." 

She is best known for her novels, which include The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love, Three Daughters of Eve, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, and The Island of Missing Trees. As of 2025, her work had been translated into almost sixty languages, and nominated for several literary awards. She has been described by the Financial Times as "Turkey's leading female novelist", with several of her works having been bestsellers in Turkey and internationally.

EIBF Challenges us 2026

 

This years EIBF theme is "Changing your Mind"  It’s a profound and wide ranging question – how do we find common ground – commonality? If one side uses banal slogans that will not move any conversation forward.

A positive are festivals, which can bring diverse people together to have explorative, informed conversations. Reading books is one of the best ways to understand different experiences, to learn empathy and expand horizons. 

Some excellent talks this year - Elif Shafak, AC Grayling, Colson Whitehead, Diana Galbaldon,

Plus 'Scotland of the World' –  with leading Scottish writers Ali Smith, Len Pennia, Kathleen Jamie, William Dalrymple along with international musicians, artists and performers. At Greyfriars kirkyard.

 

Expanding horizons matters greatly to changing your mind. Some of us have long held and entrenched views of the world. It can be very challenging to change our views. Some of us older folks view the world through an out-dated lens – stuck in the 80s or 50s. We must listen to younger people, or the wise academic, or pay attention to the arts. Creative people often hold deep insights.

 

Try to look at the world through a wider lens. Ignorance can hold us back and we must be open-minded to new ideas, to new conversations and to new perspectives, and to different cultures.

And on the subject of Scotland’s Self determination – this is about how we can improve democracy and better media for Scotland - and not about nationality or being British or Scottish.

As the sun goes down on the festivals for 2026, I’m always filled with a sense of loss and nostalgia – over the many unforgettable and fun times I’ve enjoyed here Edina over the past twenty years. The performers, press and organisers are all packing up, a little exhausted now but also inspired.

 

HOPE!!

According to a new poll – festivals offer people hope.

Elif Shafak

AC Grayling

Alexander McColl Smith

Almost 600 writers from 41 countries gathered in Edinburgh 15–30 August to present 600 events spanning fiction, politics, science, history, music, and live performance in a 16-day curated programme.

At a time of intense polarisation and entrenched positions, our 2026 theme Changing Your Mind invited audiences to stay open and curious, championing deep listening and celebrating our capacity to evolve our thinking, informed by a range of reliable experts and diverse perspectives. The Book festival curated a programme of voices, experts, and ideas, to create space for informed, nuanced public conversation, and encouraged new and alternative thinking - a much-needed alternative to debate driven by reaction and polarisation.

Major public figures included former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, technology writer Cory Doctorow, best-selling author Michael Pollan, and award-winning poet Claudia Rankine, alongside leading writers from across the world. A landmark event of the bestselling writers of all time, John Grisham, and iconic Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin together on stage, crowning The Front List line-up at the McEwan Hall.

Other renowned fiction writers include Maggie O’Farrell, Ann Patchett, Ali Smith, Jenni Fagan, Colm Toíbín, Matt Haig, Louise Welsh, Nao-Cola Yamazaki, Candice Carty-Williams,Ben Lerner, and 2026 International Booker Prize winner Yáng Shuāng-zi

GrGREYFRIARS Kirk became a Book Festival venue, hosting Scotland to the World - a new series connecting leading Scottish writers Ali Smith, Len Pennie, Kathleen Jamie, and William Dalrymple with international musicians, artists and performers.· 

Diana Gabaldon

**EIBF TALKS 2026

Jimmy Wales   18^th august  -    The Seven Rules of Trust

As trust in billionaire-owned social media platforms continues to plummet, it’s astonishing to see how crowd-sourced knowledge bank, Wikipedia – once a byword for dubious accuracy – has built up its readers’ faith to become one of the internet’s most clear-sighted information sources. Maintaining confidence in a landscape of untruths is important to Wikipedia’s legendary founder Jimmy Wales. We’re thrilled to welcome this key figure of the online age to discuss his book The Seven Rules of Trust. Chaired by Heather Parry. 

 

Colson Whitehead – Forntlist – 21 August  -  Cool Machine

 is one of America’s most skilled and essential storytellers, holding the horrors of history in one hand and big-hearted humanity in the other. After consecutive Pulitzer Prize-winners, The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, he concludes his acclaimed Harlem trilogy with Cool Machine: a portrait of hustle in 1980s New York. Join Whitehead, who is uniquely qualified to parse America’s past and present, for an energising conversation on why we can’t move forward without looking back. Chaired by Samira Ahmed.

 

Oliver Bullough, Everybody Loves our Dollars

24^th August 2026    Venue T   5pm

Following his oligarch-busting Butler to the World, Oliver Bullough returns to hang the world’s dirty money out to dry. In Everybody Loves Our Dollars, Bullough suggests there’s never been a better time to be a criminal in the UK. Moving and hiding money couldn’t be easier, and despite efforts to legislate, it’s estimated as much as 5% of world GDP is on the grubbier side. This revelatory conversation brings a murky underworld into razor-sharp focus. Chaired by Paul French.

25^th August 2026, Kirsty Gunn, Alan Riach, and James Robertson: Scotland 1926

100 years ago, Scottish literature was crackling with new energy. In this lively panel chat, Kirsty Gunn, Alan Riach, and James Robertson revisit the Scottish Renaissance through landmark works including Hugh MacDiarmid’s A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle, the early work of Neil M Gunn (newly reissued this year), and other under-sung voices including Willa Muir and Helen Cruickshank. Deep dive into a remarkable literary moment and the writers who helped reshape Scotland’s imaginative life. Chaired by Linden Bicket. 

 

AC Grayling: For the People - 25^th August 

The great British philosopher and academic A C Grayling’s appearances are always an intellectual highlight of the Book Festival, as he turns his forensic, yet empathetic, gaze upon defining issues of our time. This year, Grayling addresses the urgent theme of his new book, For the People, exploring how the forces of authoritarianism, election interference, and loss of faith in our institutions threaten the collapse of democracy, while offering bold suggestions for its survival.

 

Jeremy Hunt: Can we be great again

A major figure in the previous Conservative UK Government, Jeremy Hunt has served as Chancellor and Foreign Secretary, and led the Culture and (controversial) Health briefs. His Can We Be Great Again? is a timely read in a world of shifting geopolitical faultlines. Rebutting the idea that the UK is in inevitable decline on the international stage, join Hunt as he sets out a new take on how our influence can be used to positively affect global democracy, migration, trade, and climate. Chaired by Peter MacMahon. 

 

28^th August 2026 – 3.15

Colm Tóibín – author of 12 books including the multi-award-winning Brooklyn – is one of modern Ireland’s greatest writers. He talks with Chris Power about his breathtaking new story collection, The News from Dublin, exploring the lives of those living far from home: from Galway to Barcelona, Enniscorthy to San Francisco, and beyond. This promises to be an illuminating conversation with a true master of the craft.

 “Our theme 'Changing Your Mind' speaks to the moment we're in. At a time when opinions seem increasingly polarised and online debate is so divisive, we're creating space for thoughtful, nuanced conversations - exploring the reasons for our increasing social and political divides, and how we might change each others' minds, or at least agree to disagree, more agreeably. We're also looking at the potential of the human brain to adapt and relearn, and at the unparalleled power of stories to change our thinking.    Changing your mind is a lifelong process of staying open to new ideas. By bringing amazing speakers and curious audiences together, around knowledge and perspectives that help us challenge our assumptions and see the world differently, we hope the Festival programme this year will help us gain a deeper understanding of both ourselves and each other.”   Director, Jenny Niven

Nile Rodgers

I have a great memory back in 2012, American legend musician of disco and awesome riffs – who has worked on songs for David Bowie, Diana Ross and more – 'Nile Rodgers' gave such an entertaining impromptu talk at the EIBF Spiegel tent one evening, after his book festival talk that day.  

Shortest History of Scotland Murray Pittock

 

Wars of Bruce and William 13thc and 14thc and the sophisticate political thought, 

 

1760 to 1914 – Scotland that caught up  with rest of UK.  Scottish associations and Burns clubs

 

 

From Columba to The Corries, the Picts to Paisley, Doggerland to Devolution – here is the unmissable story of Scotland.

Scotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Its territory remains fundamentally unchanged since the fifteenth century, and its southern border with England has barely altered since 1237.

And yet Scotland – a country with its own law, education and church – is not a state at all. In The Shortest History of Scotland, Murray Pittock argues that this very ambiguity has helped make the nation a central part of the global story.

From first tribes to Scotland’s multicultural present, Pittock unpicks the myths from the reality. He explores the glories – real and imagined – of Scottish history, from the Bruce to Balmoral, William Wallace to Walter Scott, Enlightenment to Devolution. And he asks what this rich past can tell us about what may lie ahead.

 

 The International aspects of Scotland has an unusually distinctive brand 15^th or 16^th brand. 

 

“Culture is resistant to change, and history is being manipulated.” 

“Tribalism based on ignorance is not a good idea.” Murray Pittock

Olde England as Britain?

 

I picked up a Sunday Times magazine recently – and there was an article with the headline In Search of Olde England - under a photo of Olde England Morris dancers, which reviewed the book - Finding Albion Myth, Folklore, and the Quest for a Hidden Britain by Zakia Sewell. Sewell writes that she is the “least likely person to go searching for Olde England, or to give it its grown up name Albion.” 

She speaks of the ‘stale history” of Albion or England as Britain – but is she writing of an unreal “Britain” or the 4 nations of the UK? Perhaps stale because this 'Britain' she searches for is not real, not a country with a defined identity, and has no hinterland. Britain is actually four ancient nations!

I looked up the meaning of ‘Albion’, which is supposed to stand for ‘Britain’. Its no wonder many are confused, the terms England as Britain are interchangeable and the same. (On the very same page a respected Irish author spoke of Elizabeth as the Queen of England!) 

Most Americans interchange England and Britain, as meaning the same nation. Its hardly surprising as encyclopaedias, radio, tv and media articles and broadcasts do the very same thing! Where does this leave the other three nations of the UK? As mere regions of England/ Britain?  

Where on earth do the ancient nations of Scotland, Ireland and Wales fit into this narrative - with not one mention, as if their contribution, language, culture and music are of no significance. 

 

Sewell is searching for Britain as England’s “stale old island story” 

She feels there is wisdom to be found in tradition. In the Hebrides she visited Imbole, a Celtic festival to mark the winter solstice and spring equinox. She celebrated Samhaim in haunted York, and attended the Notting hill carnival.

Sewell’s love of urban music drew her to a career as a presenter on Radio Six music. Her father is Welsh and her mother from the Caribbean. 

She wants to counter balance the far rights use of the English flag, to follow Albion as Britain folk ways in order to resolve her mixed heritage. In the Caribbean Granadines, the locals have long played down folk practices of the ‘other world’ such as ritual dance or drumming, not wanting to appear backward. This is colonization of the mind, were language was used to suppress different cultures. And the portrayal of local cultures as less worthy or “backward.”

 

England as a nation certainly appears to have lost is sense of itself – it still has its Constitution of 1688, castles, monarchy, Tudors - all from !600s. but with London now being a melting pot, I’m not sure – what is England/ Britain’s, national identity, lost in this empire building, what is its national costume? Or national sense of itself outside of football or the red cross of St George? 

 

Britain is in fact a landmass, not a country. Britain only came into existence after the union of the parliaments in 1707. But what is Britain or UK as a country? It is not a country with any hinterland or sense of itself – apart from the world war one and the Victorian empire. But the British empire is bland and about elitism and barely taught in schools, even as the empire existed for many centuries and shaped how this Britain as England sees itself.

 

She claims there are signs of a “weird renaissance” bubbling in Britain as England, but her grasp of historical context is severely missing, as she skims the mere surface here. I guess she is searching for a lost 'England as Britain'. In urban London much culture is a cosmopolitan world culture – as heard in the Americanisation of the Brits award show, in London Pop culture and elsewhere. 

 

In this narrative there is not one mention of Scotland, Ireland or Wales – as if they don’t even exist or have any relevance or impact. Ignorance of history in this ‘Albion’ is clearly deep rooted.

England as Britain urgently needs to move from being an archaic state to a modern one – one that no longer controls and exploits an empire. 

“Scotland is a country NOT a county!”! Alex Salmond

 

**BOOKS*: For a deeper history of Scots and Celtic cultures I recommend 

Stuart McHardy’ Scotland’s Future History, 

Tom Devine, A Scottish Nation 1707 to present

Alan Raich - Arts of the Nation

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.

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