The Cause: Independence and Identity.
In late 2012, Writer and Broadcaster Billy Kay produced and presented a major series for BBC Radio Scotland on the history of Scottish nationalism. It ranged from the identity forged in the Wars of Independence, through the radicalism of the 19th century, to the dramatic transformation of the SNP from a small, marginalised "sect" to a dynamic political machine capable of winning two elections and a referendum.
On the approach to that the momentous decision, Billy is talking to people across the country about his and the country’s national identity. His talk is illustrated with oral history, literature and music from his ground breaking series.
The debate so far has been largely dominated by the economy, but when Billy spoke at a Five Million Questions debate in Dundee recently he came to it from a different angle. His presentation focused on how culture and identity may influence the way people vote, on how the heart may lead the head: as expressed in the words of Billy’s fellow Ayrshireman, Robert Burns.
Nae treasures, nor pleasures
Could make us happy lang;
The hert aye's the pairt aye
That maks us richt or wrang
Well worth listening to the talk if you didn’t manage to attend!
In late 2012, Writer and Broadcaster Billy Kay produced and presented a major series for BBC Radio Scotland on the history of Scottish nationalism. It ranged from the identity forged in the Wars of Independence, through the radicalism of the 19th century, to the dramatic transformation of the SNP from a small, marginalised "sect" to a dynamic political machine capable of winning two elections and a referendum.
On the approach to that the momentous decision, Billy is talking to people across the country about his and the country’s national identity. His talk is illustrated with oral history, literature and music from his ground breaking series.
The debate so far has been largely dominated by the economy, but when Billy spoke at a Five Million Questions debate in Dundee recently he came to it from a different angle. His presentation focused on how culture and identity may influence the way people vote, on how the heart may lead the head: as expressed in the words of Billy’s fellow Ayrshireman, Robert Burns.
Nae treasures, nor pleasures
Could make us happy lang;
The hert aye's the pairt aye
That maks us richt or wrang
Well worth listening to the talk if you didn’t manage to attend!
For more information see: http://fivemillionquestions.org/library
We're lucky that Billy has agreed to compère the preview of our art installations and exhibition on Friday 20th June 2014. He'll be bringing copies of his books along with him - a great opportunity to buy one!
Aimee
We're lucky that Billy has agreed to compère the preview of our art installations and exhibition on Friday 20th June 2014. He'll be bringing copies of his books along with him - a great opportunity to buy one!
Aimee