Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast

In this compelling episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast, we revisit an urgent and unflinching discussion recorded live at the Beyond Borders International Festival. Professor Sir Geoff Palmer is joined by historian William Dalrymple and journalist Alex Renton for a wide-ranging conversation that interrogates Scotland’s role in the legacies of slavery and empire, and how their repercussions are still felt today.

The panel unpacks how racial hierarchies were constructed to justify economic exploitation—from the chattel slavery of the Caribbean to the looting of the Indian subcontinent under the East India Company. Geoff Palmer’s perspective, rooted in personal and academic insight, provides a powerful lens on the enduring impact of colonialism and structural racism. Alex Renton shares his journey of discovering his family's links to slavery, as explored in his book Blood Legacy, while William Dalrymple details Scotland’s disproportionate involvement in colonial India and how the infrastructure of corporate imperialism was born.

Together, they call for truth-telling, reparative justice, and radical curriculum reform as vital steps toward healing and equity in a post-imperial society.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

Step into the heart of ancient civilisations with celebrated historian and bestselling author William Dalrymple CBE, as he explores the remarkable legacy of India in his latest book, The Golden Road. In this thought-provoking lecture recorded live for Beyond Borders Scotland, Dalrymple charts the monumental influence of India’s religious, artistic, and economic power across Asia and beyond.

From the towering stupas of Sri Lanka to the Buddhist cave temples of China, The Golden Road reveals how Indian ideas, aesthetics, and institutions travelled along ancient trade routes, transforming entire cultures. In this episode, Dalrymple examines the origins and expansion of Indian civilisation’s spiritual and material gifts—and why this legacy remains crucial to understanding global history today.

This episode offers listeners an immersive journey through time, illuminating how a once-dominant culture shaped the contours of the modern world.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Empire Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpirePodUK/featured

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

Join us on this poignant episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland podcast as we explore stories of survival, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of some of the most devastating conflicts of recent times. Hosted by David Hamilton, trustee of the Scottish educational charity Beyond Srebrenica, this episode delves into the horrors of the Srebrenica genocide and the ongoing efforts to address its aftermath through educational initiatives and partnerships.

David introduces Nedzad Avdic, a survivor of the Srebrenica massacre, who shares his harrowing escape from execution and his life thereafter. Nezhad’s testimony not only recalls the tragic events but also embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Additionally, we are joined by Judge Roberto Carlos Vidal Lopez from the Colombian special jurisdiction for peace. Judge Lopez discusses the innovative approaches being used in Colombia, focusing on restorative justice to heal and rebuild communities torn apart by decades of armed conflict.

This session is expertly chaired by Oscar Guardiola Rivera, professor of human rights and political philosophy at Birkbeck Law School in London, who guides the conversation with insightful questions and reflections on the themes of justice and human rights.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Beyond Srebrenica:

https://srebrenica.scot/

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

Join veteran BBC broadcaster Jim Naughtie as he converses with the ever-entertaining Miriam Margolyes in an unfiltered dialogue about her illustrious career and vibrant personal anecdotes. This episode offers listeners a unique opportunity to hear Miriam’s candid reflections and humorous tales from her diverse experiences both on and off the screen.

Miriam, known for her roles across stage and screen and her one-woman show, "Dickens’ Women," discusses the nuances of her performances and the stories behind her most beloved characters. Jim probes into the depth and breadth of Miriam's career, revealing the passion and perseverance that have defined her life's work.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Dickens' Women: https://miriammargolyes.com/dickens_women/

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

In this compelling episode, Allan Little, an esteemed journalist, engages in a profound discussion with Humza Yousaf, Scotland's former First Minister, about his pivotal year in office. This conversation provides a unique personal insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by Humza Yousaf, including his management of national and personal issues against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global landscape.

From his experience following Nicola Sturgeon to navigating the impacts of global crises such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which affects his family personally, Humza offers an insider’s view on leadership in turbulent times. This episode not only reflects on political leadership but also delves into how global events like the rise of far-right movements in Europe can shape a nation’s direction and the life of its leaders.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

In this compelling episode, BBC correspondent Kirsty Lang engages with Aminatta Forna OBE in a profound discussion about identity and belonging in today's global landscape. They delve into what shapes us as "global souls" - is it a choice, or are we moulded by forces such as mass migration, rising nationalism, and the surge of populism? This conversation explores the intricate dance between personal identity and global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

In this episode, introduced by Catherine Maxwell Stuart, join Ben Cowell OBE, Director-General of the Historic Houses Association, as he discusses his book, "The British Country House Revival." Historians Geoffrey Baskerville and Wessley Edmonds also explore captivating stories, including a revealing letter from the Traquair House archives that uncovers the life of an enslaved boy. Discover the enduring allure and complex histories of Britain's stately homes.

Featuring:

Ben Cowell OBE - Director General of the Historic Houses Association

Geoffrey Baskerville - Historian

Wessley Edmonds - Historian

Find out more:

Traquair House

The Rise and Fall of the Stately Home

https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781837650583/the-british-country-house-revival/

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

In the light of the Scottish Parliament’s recent tribute to the remarkable Scottish politician that was Alex Salmond, after his untimely death on 12th October, this episode takes us back to a 2015 interview Salmond conducted with veteran BBC journalist, Jim Naughtie, in the wake of the vote on Scottish Independence, in which he talked about his life in politics, the phenomena that is Donald Trump, and why he felt impelled to write his memoir, The dream Shall Never Die, which recounts the 100 days leading up to the referendum from an insider’s perspective. The interview captures both Salmond’s irrepressible personality and political legacy and his commitment to supporting festivals like the Beyond Borders International Festival. 

The Dream Shall Never Die: 100 Days that Changed Scotland Forever, By Alex Salmond

https://www.harperreach.com/products/the-dream-shall-never-die-100-days-that-changed-scotland-forever-alex-salmond

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

In this episode of the podcast, join seasoned political commentators Steve Richards and Tim Phillips as they dive into the ramifications of the recent general election in Britain and the upcoming US Presidential elections. With their expert analysis, they explore how these political events will shape both nations' futures on the global stage.

Steve Richards, known for his sharp insights into British politics, and Tim Phillips, an expert in international relations and US politics, come together to offer a comparative analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead for both countries. From election results to the political landscape changes, this conversation is packed with thought-provoking insights into the evolving political dynamics of the UK and US.

Guests:

• Steve Richards: Acclaimed British political journalist and broadcaster, author of "The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership."

To learn more about Tim Phillips and the work of Beyond Conflict go https://beyondconflictint.org/. Beyond Conflict combines 30 years of experience in conflict resolution with insights from brain and behavioural science to advance new strategies to prevent violence and promote peace and reconciliation.

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

On 22 August 2024, Martin Griffiths CBE, the former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (2021-24) delivered the Second Keynote Address of Scottish Global Dialogues at the Signet Library in the heart of enlightenment Edinburgh during the height of the 2024 Edinburgh festivals on the Conflict Crisis.

Scottish Global Dialogues is a joint annual initiative between Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society designed to shine a light on a global policy issue of concern to the public. Last year, Secretary John Kerry, gave the inaugural address on the climate crisis. This year Martin Griffiths reflects on the conflict crisis and widespread failure to adhere to international humanitarian law and what to do about both.

After some initial welcome remarks from Mark Muller Stuart KC, founder of Beyond Borders Scotland, Martin is introduced by the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP, who gives his own take on the crisis and Martin’s role in it. Martin then delivers a tour-de-force account of the current state of the world and what has to be done to ameliorate the current unacceptable level of suffering of civilian populations caught up in conflict. 

In the Address, Martin sets out the case for enhanced humanitarian diplomacy in international affairs, greater accountability and an end to impunity, and explores the role that advocacy and education can play in encouraging  compliance with universal normative standards. 

Martin also makes the case for the greater use of political mediation as a means of securing humanitarian relief in an increasingly facturing and dangerous world, including through new mediators and a renewed dialogue with the global south, including  over how to equitably apply the international rules-based order of the United Nations.

Scottish Global Dialogues and the annual Address are designed to promote non-partisan debate on international relations and global affairs in the interests of advancing citizenship and global exchange.

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/