"Stories in Stone" is the title of a series of podcasts to be launched by Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature later this month. The aim is to provide short introductions to the built environment associated with a range of Edinburgh writers over a considerable time span.
Neither exactly exercises in psycho-geography nor walking tours, (although these were promoted as the audience left the event), Stewart Conn described podcasts in general as short pieces of broadcast film accessible via the internet. The advantage in both promotion and information terms is obvious, and Donald Smith and Anna Birkie gave an impression of the completed product through their readings of the text of three podcasts, while the images which accompany them appeared on screen.
It's regrettable that either technical constraint or lack of completed material meant access to at least one actual podcast wasn't available to the audience. The contributions of Stewart Conn and James Robertson in particular made up for this to some extent while Donald Smith nimbly chaired a discussion that almost inevitably veered toward some recent planning decisions and their potential impact on the city's heritage status.
Stewart Conn in particular, as a principal contributor to the podcasts, gave an eloquent and erudite introduction covering several centuries of Scottish literary and architectural history with graceful ease. Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage Trust covered architectural aspects omitted by Stewart Conn, whilst treading a careful path between the competing needs of conservation and development. James Robertson, a later speaker, provided a clear voice of reason when the questioning got tough.
It's sobering to realise that the person with an axe to grind is often the one who cares the most, and while their arguments may seem repetitious and partisan, their concerns are nonetheless genuine. That so many braved the unpredictable weather of Edinburgh this August to listen and to speak leaves interest in the city and its literature in good hands.
Time: Aug 15 at 20:30
Copyright Bill Dunlop August 2008
Published on EdinburghGuide.com August 2008