Banks leads West Fifers appearing at politics festival
Published 24 Aug 2012 14:55
BEST-SELLING fiction and sci-fi author Iain Banks, from North Queensferry, are participating in the Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament this weekend.
Banks is taking part in 'Scotland's Bookshelf - Politics and Society in Scottish Writing' today (Friday) where he will be joined by other authors including James Robertson and Louise Welsh to discuss how Scottish writing has reflected our society over the last century.
The discussion will look at issues such as class, religion, identity and how literature reflects the reality of our experiences.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP John Park will chair 'Is participation in sport a level playing-field?' today. The discussion will look at the topic of equal oppurtunities in sport and whether sports are accesible to all groups of people and other equality issues in sport.
Mr Park said, "With the performance of Team GB athletes exceeding expectations and as Scotland looks ahead to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, this is a unique opportunity to debate with some of the country's most respected sports personalities and commentators.
"We all know that sport can help improve people's quality of life but in the current economic climate are young people able to unlock the benefits sport can provide? Are some sports more exclusive than others and how can we make sure everyone is given equal opportunities to participate."
Dunfermline-based indie band, Val Verde, will be performing at the 'Young People's Band Night' tomorrow (Saturday). This event consists of performances from young bands from around Scotland.
Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick said, "This year's Festival of Politics continues to offer an exciting and intelligent addition to Edinburgh's festivals' season. We are delighted to be part of these internationally renowned cultural events."
This is the eighth year the Scottish Parliament has held the festival and the aim is to open up the Parliament to the public while the Edinburgh Festival is taking place. It is used as a way to reach out to members of the public through controversial debate themes and distinguished speakers.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
