Jack McConnell, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf to feature at festival
The 15th Beyond Borders International Festival will take place from August 23-24 at Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house.
The festival builds on Scotland's heritage, with a programme of cultural events, exhibitions, visual arts performances and panel discussions.
McConnell and local student Beth Lapsley will join former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths his latest ventures to combat further conflict and chaos in global politics and war.
READ MORE: Will John Swinney surprise us with a courageous election manifesto?
Sturgeon will discuss her new memoir, Frankly, with journalist Allan Little.
Elsewhere, Yousaf will speak with Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot and award-winning Gazan photographer Mohammed Salem about the future of Gaza and the realities of life during genocide over the last eighteen months.
Jeremy Corbyn will also reflect on life as a now independent MP, general David Richards and professor Huw Strachan will speak on Britain's military on the global stage, and veteran BBC correspondent, Jim Naughtie, will host a panel to talk about the state of the UK and the world.
Medicines San Frontier/Doctors without Borders chief Chris Lockyear will later speak about the future of aid amongst UK and US government cuts.
Debut writers Sam Dalrymple and Phoebe Greenwood join the programme, while attendees can also hear from historian Willie Dalrymple, Moin Mir, and Professor Murray Pittock.
Outside the main tent, events feature poetry and literary strolls with MSP Alastair Allan, a storytelling walk with Mary Kenny, a foraging walk led by local environmentalist Fi Martinogya, and a magical musical journey through Ukrainian history, music, and culture with Nigel Osborne in the Traquair forest.
Music will come from Barbara Dickson, local trad musician Kirsty Law, and Latin American bands Los Chichanos and Dias Brazil.
There will also be four art exhibitions, including an immersive portrait installation of Belarusian political prisoners in the maze by artist Xisha Angelova, traditional Belarusian and Palestinian dance workshops, and film screenings curated by the Britain Palestine Project.
Tickets are on sale now, with students and under-25s enjoying 50% off all events. Flexible ticket options are also available for those wishing to only attend Walled Garden events at a discounted price.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC 'scrutinised over differing treatment of stars accused of offensive language'
BBC bosses have been called out after MasterChef presenter John Torode appeared to receive harsher punishment than EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick over use of offensive language Bosses at the BBC face a grilling over why John Torode and Jamie Borthwick were treated 'differently' after both stars used 'offensive language'. MasterChef star Torode, 59, was sacked by the broadcasting giant after a complaint John used " highly offensive racist language" was upheld. John denies the incident, which he says he has no recollection of. EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, 31, was suspended in June after 19 years playing fan favourite character Jay Brown when he was accused of using a slur targeted at disabled people while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. However, now executives at the BBC are facing questions over why the pair have differences in their treatment with Torode losing his job entirely, while Borthwick faced a suspension. A source has said:"The difference in treatment between John and Jamie - for very similar incidents - has left questions to be answered. The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension." They continued to The Sun: "Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the BBC told MailOnline: "Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated." A video obtained by The Sun last month saw Jamie captured describing the residents of Blackpool, where the show was filming at the time, as "m********s." Co-star Wynne Evans was reportedly backstage with Borthwick at rehearsals and heard saying "Oh my God" when he made the comment. Borthwick has since apologised for using the term and admitted that he had not fully understood the derogatory nature of what he said and is now "deeply embarrassed." The soap actor said in a statement, which read: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong." He went on to issue an apology to the people of Blackpool and reiterate his regret over his words. The Mirror has contacted a representative of the star for comment at the time. Meanwhile, MasterChef star John Torode was sacked earlier this week after he came forward as the unnamed person in the firm Lewis Silkin's report, commissioned by Banjiay, into the conduct of John's co-host Gregg Wallace, following allegations of misconduct. The upheld complaint about John was "an accusation of highly offensive racist language against", which John has vehemently denied. Torode has insisted "he had absolutely no recollection" of using the racist term. John denied the allegation in a statement which read: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. "For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence." The BBC announced on Tuesday (July 15) that Torode's contract was not going to be renewed and he was later sacked from MasterChef.
Daily Record
16 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Rylan Clark gives update on mum Linda's health after latest hospital dash
The BBC Radio 2 presenter missed a show at the weekend to be beside his mum, as he gave an update on social media. Rylan Clark has provided an update on his mum Linda's health condition following her emergency hospital visit last Friday. The BBC presenter missed his Radio 2 show on Saturday to be by her side. The television personality reassured fans on Saturday morning that she was recovering well. Rylan announced to his followers the good news that she would be discharged from hospital in time to celebrate her 73rd birthday on Sunday, July 20. He wrote on Instagram, "Antibiotics have worked. Letting her home on orals. So she's home for her bday." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Cheers, everyone, for your messages. Means a lot. Off sort wheelie bins x." Previous updates from Rylan didn't disclose the reason for Linda's recent hospital dash according to reports in the Mirror, but he mentioned, "She's all good. Hoping she will be at home for her bday. She's now worried about wheelie bins going out again." The update comes just days before Linda 's birthday this weekend. Although Rylan has remained quiet on discussing too many details on Linda's recent health scare, he assured fans he would keep them updated as "trooper" Linda recovers. Rylan, who often shares the couch with his mum Linda on Celebrity Gogglebox, first broke the news on social media on Friday. He wrote: : "Mummy Linda isn't well, sadly, so I won't be hosting the show tomorrow." The former Big Brother star went on to thank the medical staff, adding: "Thank you to the emergency team at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Especially Tanya, who really looked after my mum. Will keep you updated as she's on the mend. She's a trooper." He later shared, giving an update: "She's doing really well thankfully. All going good. Cheers for all ur messages." The popular presenter, who hosts his own Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2, was replaced this weekend by Richie Anderson. Richie, 37, teamed up with former X Factor star Diana Vickers on the programme and reached out to listeners earlier for their "help" before chatting with Diana about her new podcast, Just Between Us. On Instagram, Richie confirmed he would be filling in for Rylan, telling his followers: "I need your help. So tomorrow I'm sitting in for Rylan on Radio 2 and I'm gonna be joined in the studio by the icon Diana Vickers." He encouraged fans to share their dilemmas, stating: "She's got a new podcast out, relationship agony aunt, so we wanna use her advice skills as we do 'Diana's Dilemmas'. So we want your fun household, family, and relationship dilemmas." This comes shortly after Rylan announced that his mum Linda had finally joined Instagram, where she quickly gained over 110,000 followers. Last week, Rylan excitedly shared: "So we've finally done it. Linda is now on Instagram." He also said: "Bear with as she gets used to it but give her a follow if you want," adding, "Can't believe this is happening." Days later, Linda took to social media to post an update. Alongside a photo of herself, Rylan, and the Celebrity Gogglebox team, she penned: "Thank you for 100k followers! Still don't really know what it means but Ross is helping me. This is our lovely Gogglebox crew. Luv yas."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Former The Chase contestant reveals why winners are told not to share the prize fund
The Chase has been on air via ITV since 2009 - and while winning the show is a rare event, one former contestant has revealed secret advice he was given about the prize money A former contestant from The Chase has revealed details of what happens if a team win the show - and the advice ITV gives regarding eliminated teammates and the prize fund. Viewers of the ITV show will be well aware that success is rare on the general knowledge quiz show. A group of four team together to test their knowledge against one of the genius Chasers - which includes Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegerty, Jenny Ryan, Darragh Ennis and Paul Sinha. The brain boxes play under the respective code names The Beast, The Dark Destroyer, The Governess, The Vixen, The Menace and The Sinnerman. After the individual rounds, where the contestants try to get home without being caught, the team then take on the chaser in another round of general knowledge. If the team answer more questions correctly than the Chaser, they win the prize fund that has been amassed over the course of the show - but the money is divided between those that succeeded. If a teammate is eliminated before the final, the winning team members are seemingly advised not to share any of the money with team members who were caught during the chase rounds. A former contestant named Steven Sneade, 69, from Liverpool, revealed all to the Daily Mail. He said: "If you win you have to sign another contract as you're accepting money from them. They told us not to give money to the contestants who didn't win money just because you feel sorry for them. "They can't stop you, but I think they just don't want you to have that in mind. They said it could take three months, but I had it in a week." The Chase has been on the air since 2009 and has aired over 2,500 episodes so far. The long-running game show is hosted by Bradley Walsh, 65 - who also hosts a variety of other shows, including the BBC series Gladiators. While he has been helming the show for 16 years, the entertainer has revealed he has no plans to walk away from the show. In a recent interview, he explained he would quit if the series lost its audience. He said: "Until people say they've had enough and start switching off, I'll do it. We've had such an extraordinary time together. It's the best job in the world." He also reflected on filming the pilot episode, which was recorded back in 2008 with chasers Shaun Wallace and Mark Labbett involved. He recalled: "The audience was made up of ITV bosses and they found someone in the office to be a contestant." "Straight away I took the contestant's side. I saw the Chasers as these big, all-knowing, bully types, so I started taking the mickey out of them. When they got a question wrong, I really gave it to them, and everyone was laughing. That's when I knew we had something." The Chase has spawned a number of spin-offs - with celebrity specials and a version of the show were contestants can take on the whole line-up of chasers. International versions of the show have appeared in 20 other countries including Australia, the USA, Spain and Germany. Some members of the UK version of The Chase have appeared in international versions - with Mark and Shawn featuring in the line-up in Australia.
