A University of Glasgow academic is set to bring his expertise to the first Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament this August.

Ted Cowan, Professor of Scottish History, is taking part in a debate during the Festival to establish whether Scotland is a prisoner of its past.

Professor Cowan will be joined by a number of distinguished participants at the Holyrood Parliament, including leading figures from the arts, media, academic and political worlds.

He will take part in the panel discussing "Scotland: No Longer a Prisoner of Its Past?" chaired by Dr Carol Craig, founder of the Centre for Confidence and Well-Being, and historical writer Allan Massie.

A celebrated author of many books charting Scotland's past, Professor Cowan comments:

"I look forward to engaging with this subject, as I have never believed that Scotland is a prisoner of its past. People often assume that because you've studied the past, that you want to live in the past, but I've always said that the best time to live is now. Compared to any other previous generation, we have better education, better healthcare, better communications and better everything than you can imagine."

Professor Cowan added that he looked forward to examining the view that Scotland is 'inward-looking' as a nation.

"I feel that this notion is an invention by cynics, and the topic of Scotland being a prisoner of its past feeds directly into this. As someone who lived and worked in Canada for 15 years, I know that the opinion of many people in other countries of Scots is exactly the opposite, and I look forward to discussing this point at Holyrood."

The Festival of Politics takes place between August 24 and 26 and will examine a wide range of other issues, from human rights and women in politics to sessions on Scotland's relationship with the land, with guest speakers taking part in a series of debates, discussions and artistic performances.

The Festival will also feature a number of musical performances, the first-ever play to be staged in the Parliament's Debating Chamber and even a challenge for young people to build their own perfect politician.

Other participants will include BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr, film-maker David Puttnam, Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, distinguished politicians Neil Kinnock and Shirley Williams, Professor Tom Devine of Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities, writer and musician Pat Kane, and Rise Kagona, founder member of African music band, the Bhundu Boys.

Presiding Officer the Rt Hon George Reid MSP said:

"At Holyrood we want to engage with ideas ﾗ with artists, commentators and free thinkers. We want to bring politics in from the fringe and at the same time add value to the Edinburgh International Festival."

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more information please contact the University Press Office on 0141 330-3535.

Full programme of the Festival of Politics can be found at: Festival of Politics website.

First published: 28 July 2005