2009 POLITICS FESTIVAL IS MOST SUCCESSFUL EVER
This year's
Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics has attracted the biggest
number of visitors ever.
More than 4,200 people attended the 38 events at the five-day-long
festival which ended today a 23 per cent increase on last year's number
of attendees.
Highlights included discussions with singer Annie Lennox, writer
Germaine Greer and political heavyweights Clare Short, David Owen and
Dennis Canavan.
The festival, now in its fifth year, closed today with a tribute to the
life and work of Robbie Burns. Events included Burns-related children's
storytelling theatre and political debate on how the Bard's work gave
Scottish Enlightenment its radical edge.
Other highlights included a talk by former MP David Owen one of
Labour's breakaway "Gang of Four" who founded the SDP on his colourful
life in politics.
Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP chatted to him about his role in
bringing independence to Zimbabwe and what it was like being one of the
UK's youngest Foreign Secretaries under James Callaghan.
During the hour-long chat he praised Scotland on its ten year's of
devolution. He said: "I think Scotland has done very well. The Scottish
Parliament has shown us what we wanted to see regarding devolution,
it's a measure of qualified independence and I think that's necessary".
Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: The Festival of Politics has
always tried to provide a platform for raising and discussing issues
facing Scotland and the world.
Annie Lennox's idea of taking on some sort of ambassadorial role for
Scotland has stimulated thinking immediately with two MSPs having
already tabled motions.
The Presiding Officer has written to Annie to reiterate his commitment
to helping take forward her idea in any way that is appropriate to his
role of Presiding Officer.
Other events on the closing day included Scottish Parliament: "A Voice
for the Working People" which looked at how trade unions can still
influence policy makers in a devolved Scotland. There was also a
discussion on whether the development of Scotland's National Parks had
delivered better management to these areas of outstanding natural
beauty.
Other sessions saw the Cross Party Group on International Development
discuss the importance of aid being given to the developing world in a
time of global recession and another ask what roles voluntary and
community organisations have in helping create a more civil economy.
Three events, all relating to Robbie Burns, were specially designed for
children and covering topics including language, equality and
patriotism. Folk singer Wendy Weatherby and storyteller Andy Cannon
created a unique theatrical experience for youngsters when they
performed at "Oor Rabbie".
Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centres, Dr Donald Smith, asked
if Burns work still matters in a modern Scotland during Burns Radical
Voice Politics and Religion in the Age of Enlightenment session. And a
performance of Lara Jane Bunting's play "Love But Her" closed the
five-day festival. It tells the story of Burns wife and her colourful
life with the Bard.
For public information enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gàidhlig)
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls
using the RNID Typetalk service. Email: [email protected]
- Log in to post comments