The Festival of Politics

Who is hit hardest by pollution, climate change and environmental degradation? Who decides how we respond? Join the conversation on rights, the law and participation in environmental justice.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Reflecting on 30 years since the last reorganisation, this panel explores if Scotland’s local government structure is fit for the future, considering historical lessons, innovative ideas, and power-sharing models.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Will a fragile peace plan between Israel and Gaza stick? What of the humanitarian crisis that is estimated to have displaced 1.9 million Palestinians? What is the role of the international community?  

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Could crofting be the answer to our most pressing problems? By creating new crofts across Scotland, do we hold vast potential for nature and climate, food system resilience, and population retention?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

President Trump is back, with his radical “America first” agenda. From immigration and healthcare at home, to global implications of trade tariffs, where does Scotland and the UK stand on our transatlantic partner?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Discover how cutting-edge innovations in preventive health are shaping our future. Join this lively discussion on technology, policy, and community-driven health solutions.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Scotland retains the unwelcome title of the country with the worst rate of drug deaths in Europe. How brave and bold do politicians need to be to address a situation that owes much to historical, social and economic reasons?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Can racism and racial inequality be eradicated across a country? The Welsh Government believes so, pledging that by 2030, Wales will be anti-racist. What is Scotland doing?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

With the 70th anniversary of the famous Dounreay golf-ball landmark this year, join the panel to discuss the social and economic impact the former nuclear site has had on generations of Scots.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Clive Myrie discusses his incredible 30-year career reporting from conflict zones. Myrie’s memoir also gives an insight into his dealing with the challenges of race and class to succeed at the highest levels in his broadcasting career.

General admission: £10
Concession: £8

How do we ensure that Scotland becomes a circular economy? How do we recycle at home and on the move and how do we buy more sustainably?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Stories of disabled people left stranded on planes and trains trigger the question, how much progress has been made in the 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act? Is accessible transport planning a reality in Scotland?

FREE

In his latest book, Professor Dorling uses the most up-to-date research to redraw our assumptions about where our greatest threats come from and the solutions that lie in politics and collective social organisation to tackle our uncertain future.

General admission: £10
Concession: £8

Misogynistic thinking and behaviours are fuelling an epidemic of violence against women and girls. What are our leaders doing to tackle this gender-based abuse and who is protecting women and girls?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Screen use is now impacting the development, educational attainment, sleep, mental and physical health of children and young people. What are politicians and social media platforms doing to address this?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Very few older people feel valued by society and many feel it’s hard to be heard by decision makers. What should governments do to support our ageing population?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

How do we protect journalists’ right to report and uphold the judicial standards that underpin journalism in an age where the rules-based order no longer seems to protect them?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

How do young people engage with politics? Are they disillusioned or redefining what political participation looks like? How important is trust in the conventional political system?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Many scientists believe that only personal climate shock and loss will mobilise communities to make the shift to activism on the climate crisis. Are they right?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Join leading academics exploring key challenges – demographic shifts, AI, fiscal complexity, and social policy – that future politicians must prioritise in the coming decade.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Join the panel to explore the artist Harry Mould’s vision of a world where creative opportunity is freely shared, enjoyed and experienced by everyone.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

From the economy to climate, public services and security, the development pace is warp speed. Are we ready and how do we negotiate safe, responsible AI to achieve societal advances?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

What are the democratic and societal implications when the super-wealthy and powerful ignore what Andrew Carnegie dubbed ‘the moral obligations that come with huge wealth'?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

The cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze households beyond their means. What are the impacts of financial exclusion on individuals, families and communities and how can fair banking help?

FREE

Adult obesity levels are rising but with ‘miracle’ diet drugs available, will Big Food merely adapt to Big Pharma and continue to produce convenient fibre- and protein-enriched foods instead?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

What is misinformation and how it is substantiated in politics? Will rhetoric and propaganda always be a part of democracy, and what role do critical thinking and fact-checking play?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Have FOI requests increased public trust and transparency, or could they be seen as a burden of time and money? What challenges does FOI face in a digital world?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

How can we achieve a policy settlement that meets the rising social need for care and attention, and properly rewards and recognises those who provide it?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Explore how social work can help communities overcome the barriers of poverty, disability and discrimination that exclude many from participating fully in the decisions that affect their own lives.

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5

Given this year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day, how realistic is the prospect of European conflict in light of the current threats and instability in current geopolitics and how do we stop escalation?

General admission: £7.50
Concession: £5