One of Britain’s best loved journalists is to look ahead – and consider the changes facing Scotland after the historic independence referendum.
BBC presenter James Naughtie will outline his thoughts at the annual Williamson Lecture at the University of Stirling on Thursday, 17 April. Naughtie is Chancellor of the University of Stirling and became an honorary doctor of the University in 2001.
He said: “However we vote on 18 September, Scotland won’t be the same as it was before. I’ll consider the changes that could come about after a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote and how the rest of the United Kingdom is looking at the referendum. I’m delighted to be asked to present this annual lecture in its 30th year – and look forward to being back at Stirling for the event on 17 April.”
The talk, starting at 6.30 p.m., is being held in the Logie Lecture Theatre at the University’s main Stirling campus and is open to the public. To reserve a free place, email: externalaffairs@stir.ac.uk or call 01786 467033.
Dr Naughtie was installed as Chancellor of the University of Stirling in October 2008. He has a ten year term of office, during which he will preside over graduation ceremonies and other key University events.
He is one of the country’s best-known broadcasters, having joined the BBC on 1988. For the referendum campaign he is a regular presenter on Good Morning Scotland as well as continuing to present today on BBC Radio 4. He has written books on politics and music and this year published his first novel, “The Madness of July”.
The Williamson Lecture was established in memory of Andrew John Williamson, a University of Stirling politics student who was tragically killed in a road accident in 1981. The memorial lecture was created and funded by his parents with the aim of bringing a high profile political speaker to the University each year to speak on a theme of contemporary political interest.
Previous speakers have included Alex Salmond, Alistair Darling, Douglas Alexander, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Ann Widdecombe. Last year Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was the guest speaker.