Scotland's place on the world stage will be examined by leading Scots in a major four-part lecture series hosted by the University of Aberdeen.
Talking Scots 2003 will bring together some of the nation's leading thinkers to address the issues facing Scots four years into devolution.
The series starts on (Thursday, November 20) with a lecture on Scotland's Culture and Identity delivered by respected barrister and cultural commentator Baroness Helen Kennedy QC, Chair of the British Council.
As one of the country's leading criminal lawyers she has acted in high profile cases including the Brighton Bombing Trial and the Guildford Four Appeal.
During November and December, Talking Scots will look at devolved Scotland's role in the age of globalisation. Sir Malcolm Rifkind will discuss Scotland's place in Europe, journalist and broadcaster Joyce McMillan will examine on the media's role in delivering Scotland's messages and President of the General Medical Council, Sir Graham Catto will deliver a lecture on Medicine and Society.
Professor Gordon Graham, Regius Professor in Moral Philosophy who is directing the series said: "The first series of Talking Scots lectures took place in 2000 and proved enormously popular. It successfully brought together some of Scotland's most prominent figures to explore Scotland's cultural heritage at the point of devolution. This time we are looking outwards, and asking what the distinctive role of post-devolution Scotland might be in the wider world."
Talking Scots will take place in the Kings College Centre at the University of Aberdeen. Call 01224 272165 or visit www.abdn.ac.uk/talkingscots to reserve your free ticket.