Beyond Borders Scotland has announced the programme for the 10th annual Beyond Borders International Festival, with a range of international and Scottish writers, thinkers, diplomats and politicians returning to the grounds of Traquair House on August 24 & 25 2019.
Among the speakers taking part in this year’s Main Tent Programme are Staffan de Mistura who gives a unique insight into what it’s like to be the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria; Channel 4 International Editor, Lindsey Hilsum, who speaks to the BBC’s Razia Iqbal about her biography of former Beyond Borders participant, Marie Colvin; and historian Bettany Hughes who explores peacemaking and reconciliation throughout history.
In other main stage events, author William Dalrymple talks to Moin Mir about his book on the Indian ruler who took on the East India Company. Elsewhere, veteran American commentator Edward Jay Epstein explores the current situation in US politics with Vicky Ward and Jim Naughtie.
Closer to home, Allan Little speaks to Sir Tom Devine about the Scottish Clearances, while Rosemary Goring and Ruth Wishart take a look at the history of Scotland through the eyes of Scotland’s women, and Professor Sir Hew Strachan invites us to reflect on the nature of remembrance and commemoration. At a national level, a panel including columnist and broadcaster Steve Richards examines the current state of affairs in domestic politics with Magnus Linklater. The weekend wraps up with a look back at ‘Ten Years that Shook the World’, with insights from a range of broadcasters, diplomats, writers, and artists from across the weekend’s programme.
The Festival also sees Beyond Borders Scotland deepen its collaboration with The New York Times with sessions on democracy in the digital age with Amanda Taub, and the multi-faceted impact of climate change, exploring Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Josh Haner’s stunning photographic exhibition, Carbon’s Casualties, which will hang outdoors in an unique exhibition in the Walled Garden of Traquair House throughout August.
Mark Muller Stuart, Executive-Director of Beyond Borders said:
We are delighted to launch this year’s programme and celebrate the tenth anniversary of this important event with another stellar cast of speakers and performers from Scotland and across the globe. The Festival proves that the thirst for human debate and the desire to listen to the first-hand experiences and stories of others remains undiminished notwithstanding the rise of the digital age. What better place to do it than in the tranquil setting of Traquair in the Scottish Borders!
Throughout the weekend, there will be musical performances, including from local singer-songwriter Millie Hanlon-Cole and Ghanaian-born musician and The Voice participant, Emmanuel Smith-Tali, while renowned composer Nigel Osborne MBE leads another journey through the grounds of Traquair accompanied by Syrian oud, violin, cello, and gongs. Once again, the Festival also welcomes a range of female cultural leaders from across the Middle East and South Asia as part of the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme, exploring the use of the arts as a peace-making tool. Listen to their stories in the Walled Garden.
The Walled Garden also hosts well-being activities including meditation, yoga, and cycle rides, as well as a story-telling walk with local storyteller Mary Kenny, and a foraging walk taking in the scenery of the new path between Innerleithen and Traquair House with Fi Martynoga.
Catherine Maxwell Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair House, noted:
We are looking forward to welcoming audiences to Traquair House, and to showcasing a wealth of local and international talent in a programme of visual and performing arts, music, film and food and drink in the surroundings of the Walled Garden.