THE Scots star of Hollywood hits including Rob Roy, The Jackal, and Star Wars: Andor has urged people to take part in a “Festival For Survival” set to come to Scotland.
David Hayman, whose screen credits include Guilt, Shetland, MacBeth, and Braveheart as well as his own series Wonders of Scotland, said the event would see people from across the world present a “vision about how we can turn these twin threats of nuclear annihilation and climate destruction around”.
The Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has pulled together the festival for survival, which will take place across two Glasgow venues – Adelaides and the Renfield Centre – on November 4.
Speaking in a video, Hayman said: “When you look around the world today, what do you see? Are you filled with hope? Are you inspired about the future of humanity on this fragile planet of earth?
“Well, I have three sons and four grandchildren and I'm terrified for the world they're about to inherit.”
Hayman pointed to threats of nuclear war which have followed on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the extreme weather events – including wildfires across Canada and Europe – that characterised much of the summer of 2023.
The Scots actor went on: “We look for politicians and our leaders for a bit of vision. And yes, they talk about peace. Yes, they talk about the climate and the environment, but they continue to behave as warmongers and climate deniers.
“So what do we do? Well, on November 4 this year, Scottish CND are holding a festival of survival in Adelaide Centre in Glasgow.
“We've invited speakers from all around the world to come and give us a vision about how we can turn these twin threats of nuclear annihilation and climate destruction around.”
He added: “I'll be there, come and join me.”
A lengthy list of confirmed speakers for the festival includes MSPs Bill Kidd and Ross Greer, Archbishop of Glasgow William Nolan, the University of Edinburgh's Dr Claire Duncanson, Dr Olamide Samuel from the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, and author Layla-Roxanne Hill, as well as representatives from Scientists for Global Responsibility, The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and Nyuklia Eureka: African Youth for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Janet Fenton, who sits on the Scottish CND executive committee as well as the steering group from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, said previously: “Two urgent existential threats to all life – nuclear weapons and the climate and biodiversity crises – are induced by human behaviour, each exacerbating the other.
“Scotland has the capacity to make a real contribution to a positive global future. Scottish CND’s Festival For Survival brings academics, politicians and activists together to share the information needed to collaborate in charting a way forward.”
You can explore the speakers, sessions and plans for the November 4 event on the festival’s website at festivalforsurvival.com, where tickets will also be available.
