Talks & lectures

A look at how one's approach to relationships reflect oneself, followed up by a meditation session.

A look at the work of Janet Henderson, who helped to establish the organic, local sourcing and healthy eating scene here in Scotland, and a glance at the future of food culture in the country. Booking is essential.

British scientist, writer and broadcaster Susan Greenfield asks us to consider how technologies may be changing the human brain, both for good and for bad. Chaired by Alison Elliot, Convenor of the Church of Scotland Guild. Speech-to-Text Reported event.

Psychiatrist Andrew Powell explores the ways that technology affects relationships. As depression rapidly becomes the greatest burden of illness in developed countries, he examines safeguards for emotional and spiritual well-being. Chaired by Reverend Richard Coles, writer of TV comedy Rev. Speech-to-Text Reported event.

Aleks Krotoski, social psychologist and presenter of Radio 4’s Digital Human, untangles the World Wide Web, asking how much of a revolution it really is. Are we in danger of letting Google and Facebook take over our lives, and can we reclaim control over the machine? Chaired by Robert Dawson Scott. Speech-to-Text Reported…

Jesse Schell, Distinguished Professor of Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, and technology entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl discuss the gamification of design and its potential for widespread influence. Chaired by writer Ben Hammersley.

Author and journalist James Harkin uses the Moleskine diaries phenomenon to explore what our desire to identify with niche product, media and culture brands can tell us about ourselves. Chaired by Robert Dawson Scott.

In the face of today’s ongoing technological revolution, author and journalist Ben Hammersley examines how we must consider today what we do not know for tomorrow. Chaired by journalist Robert Dawson Scott. Speech-to-Text Reported event.

Course designed for those with some experience of drawing and painting, combining practical work with study of artists and art movements directly related to your work. Taught by Peter Wilson. Prices includes all materials. Ages 18+.

Dr Alastair Ross, whose figurative sculpture is featured alongside the Forth Valley Open Studios Showcase, gives a talk on his work and provides an introduction to sculpture.

Kate Leiper, who created the art for An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, talks about how images help to tell stories, with a chance for audience members to try their own hand at illustration. Ages 11+.

Fred Freeman uses musical examples to illustrate his talk on the 19th century 'Weaver Poet'.

The launch of a new novel, The Professor of Truth, loosely based on the Lockerbie bombing. Twenty-one years after his wife and daughter were murdered in the bombing of a plane over Scotland, Alan Tealing still does not know the truth of what really happened. Obsessed by the details of what he has come to call 'The…

At 87-years-old, James Salter has written what is likely to be his final novel, 'All That Is'. The book draws together the great themes of his lifetime's work - war, love, sex, marriage and what it means to write. It is a sweeping, seductive love story set in post-Second World War America. Spanning decades it tells of…

Just as it's about to return home, Ed Hodge explores the history of the Ryder Cup from 1921 to the present day.

Learn more about four-volume work by the 19th century polymath and his struggles to get the now-iconic work published from Dr Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart.

John Hastings Incidents and Misdemeanors is the exploration of the stupid, dangerous and exciting activities that helped form John into a comedian. "A thoughtful and observant comic with enjoyably wry sensibilities" (Chortle) "5 Stars" (Cream Of the Fringe Magazine). Suitable for ages 16+.

The beloved comedian, impressionist and character actor returns to Scotland to talk about books, and interview Scottish conductor and raconteur, Sir Sandy McStanley.

A presentation, using storytelling, song, dance, film and documents, of stories from the lives of hundreds of Orcadians who, during the 18th and 19th centuries, became servants of the Hudson Bay Company. Devised and directed by Fran Flett Hollinrake.

Rekindle your connection to nature in this workshop which uses teaching tools from shamans around the world use to connect with their spiritual guides.

The author of This Is Where I Am talks about her book, which focuses on a refugee family, and speaks with Joe Brady and Wafa Shaheen of Refugee Council Scotland.

Artist Keith Brockie presents an illustrated talk about his new book Return to One Man's Island.