Media experts to give free talks

Three high-profile figures from the media industry are set to speak in Inverness over the coming months. Writer and broadcaster, Richard Holloway, Big Issue founder, John Bird and BBC Scotland political editor, Brian Taylor will deliver talks as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands free public lecture series.

The talks will be based on the themes of communication and social responsibility. The first, delivered by Dr Richard Holloway, is entitled From Sudoku to the symphony: how we kill time creatively. Dr Holloway, who has contributed to broadsheet newspapers and presented on TV and radio, will argue that human culture is a response to boredom.

Speaking about his forthcoming lecture, he said: "Time can hang so heavily over us that it prompts us into damaging diversions or we can fill it with purpose and meaning. Our biggest challenge is to equip our children with the inner resources to fill their time on earth with purpose and creativity."

John Bird will talk about using new media for social inclusion. He will argue that "new media is coming our way" and that we should "make the most of it in healing the social divides of our time."

The final talk in the series will be delivered by Brian Taylor. A regular correspondent on BBC Scotland News, he will give his views on the complex relations between politicians and the media and the effect these have on democracy.

He said: "I am very much looking forward to returning to Inverness to take part in the series of media lectures organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands. My experience over decades is that the people of the Highland capital and its environs offer a warm welcome - but also have a sharp aversion to obfuscation in any form."

The University of the Highlands and Islands media lectures take place at Eden Court. Dr Richard Holloway speaks on Wednesday 21 March, John Bird on Tuesday 8 May and Brian Taylor on Monday 18 June.

To find out more or book a place at any of the talks, visit the Eden Court website or call 01463 234 234.

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk