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:

• William Dalrymple CBE – Historian and Author of The Golden Road

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/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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:

• David Hamilton - Host and Trustee, Beyond Srebrenica
• Nezhad Davdish - Survivor of the Srebrenica Genocide
• Judge Roberto Carlos Vidal Lopez - Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace
• Oscar Guardiola Rivera - Chair, Professor of Human Rights and Political Philosophy

Find out more:

Beyond Srebrenica:

https://srebrenica.scot/

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

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

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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:

• Jim Naughtie - Veteran BBC Correspondent and Broadcaster
• Miriam Margolyes OBE - Actress and Performer

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/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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:

• Allan Little - Renowned Journalist and Broadcaster
• Humza Yousaf - MSP and Former First Minister of Scotland

Find out more:

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

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

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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:

• Kirsty Lang - BBC Correspondent
• Aminatta Forna OBE - Author and Thinker

Find out more:

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

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

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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 https://www.traquair.co.uk/

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/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

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."
• Tim Phillips: Political commentator and international affairs expert, co-host of Beyond Borders Scotland’s podcast on global politics.

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/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS