Friday 20 August Do Newspapers Have a Future?
13.30 (14.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*
Can newspapers survive the internet? They are available
free on the web, but compete there with broadcast media
websites. Their traditional advertising revenue is threatened
by government portals, and the use of websites such as
eBay and Gumtree. As blogging, citizen journalism, and
crowdsourcing grow, will good journalism be supplanted by
content providers? Chaired by Cathy Peattie MSP, the event
will feature a panel including Diane Abbott MP, NUJ Scottish Organiser
Paul Holleran, and Jim Raeburn, Scottish Newspaper Society.
In association with the Cross Party Group on Culture and Media.
The Royal Stuarts
13.30 (14.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*
As a precursor event to the Parliament’s forthcoming
exhibition on the Jacobites, leading Scottish author
Allan Massie, in discussion with The Scotsman
journalist Joan McAlpine, delves into the subject of his
latest book “The Royal Stuarts”, examining the story
of the family that was arguably one of the greatest
players in Scottish and British history.
In association with the University of Aberdeen.
"It’s Nae Fair" -
But Who is Responsible
for Our Understanding of the Law?
16.00 (17.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*
From a young age, people interact with the law and politics on
a daily basis – even if they don’t know it. How many of us really
understand the law and how it affects us? If we don’t know
what the law is or how it is made, how can we make it fairer or
change it for the better? How can we learn about the law so
that we can change it and influence politics rather than relying
on others in the hope they ‘do the right thing?'. Chaired by
Liz Campbell, Director of Education and Training, Law Society
of Scotland. Panelists include Austin Lafferty, Austin Lafferty
Solicitors; Patrick Gaffney, The Schools Law Project; and
Gavin Henderson, member of the Office of Scottish
Parliamentary Counsel.
In association with the Law Society of Scotland.
Land for the People:
Why Land Reform Matters
and Why We Need More of It
16.00 (17.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*
Over the last 20 years, several hundred thousand acres in
Scotland's Highlands and Islands - including extensive estates and whole islands once owned by private landlords - have
been taken into community ownership. James Hunter, a long
standing campaigner for land reform, a former chairman of
Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a leading historian of the
Highlands, reflects on this community ownership revolution
and urges Scotland's politicians to make much more of this
Scottish success story. Chaired by Dame Barbara Kelly.
In association with the Carnegie UK Trust.
Engaging Politics? 
17.00 (18.00) Main Chamber - £6.00 (£3.50)
Book in advance
This event will examine how politicians and political institutions are seeking to engage with the public, in an age of increasing political cynicism. Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer; Jim Hood MP, Panel of Chairs, House of Commons; Peter MacMahon, Assistant Editor, The Scotsman; Professor Charlie Jeffery, The Institute of Governance, Edinburgh University; and YouGov’s Peter Kellner discuss and debate the issue. Chaired by Dr Ruth Fox, Director, Parliament and Government Programme, Hansard Society.
*Tickets available in advance (subject to a booking fee) or on the day
