Beyond Borders International Festival Launches 10th  Anniversary Programme 

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 T raquair  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  nique 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 peacemaking 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”. 

Razia Iqbal, journalist and broadcaster, describes her experience of the Beyond Borders Festival: “It’s intimate, it’s expansive, it’s joyful, and an engaging festival to be at.” 

The full Beyond Borders Scotland Summer Events Programme and Box Office is available online at www.beyondbordersscotland.com 

Tickets: Weekend Pass £49/Day Pass £26/Walled Garden only £12/Walks and Cycle Rides £6. Concessions 20% discount. For more information, email info@beyondbordersscotland.com or call 0131 290 2686  

Join the debate at the Beyond Borders International Festival.  

Notes for Editor  

• For press tickets, or to arrange any interviews, please contact Emily Gifford at egifford@beyondbordersscotland.com, or on 0131 290 2686  
• Beyond Borders Scotland is an Edinburgh and Scottish Borders-based NGO dedicated to fostering peace and greater understanding between peoples, small nations and different cultures from around the world. Throughout the year they run a number of programmes at home and abroad, culminating in August with the Beyond Borders International Festival. For more information, visit www.beyondbordersscotland.com