ScotlandsFest: Donald Dewar – An Incomplete Legacy?
Spoken Word
Political
Talk

ScotlandsFest: Donald Dewar – An Incomplete Legacy?

Mark Peel / Luath Press • Professional company

60 minutes•Hall
Donald Dewar, Scotland's inaugural First Minister, battled long and hard to establish the Scottish Parliament. Yet, despite the vision proclaimed at its opening in July 1999, the Parliament has become mired in constitutional wrangling. Where has it all gone wrong and who is to blame? The media, for inflating unrealistic expectations? Dewar, for failing to outline a new vision for Scotland? Or the Labour Party, for underestimating the rise of the SNP? Mark Peel, Dewar’s biographer, charts the fluctuating fortunes of his career and assesses the impact of his premature death.

About the show

ScotlandsFest: Donald Dewar – An Incomplete Legacy? is a 60-minute political talk presented by Mark Peel, Dewar's biographer, in partnership with Luath Press, held in the Hall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The talk examines the career of Scotland's inaugural First Minister, who battled to establish the Scottish Parliament, and questions why the Parliament has since become mired in constitutional wrangling. Peel charts Dewar's fluctuating fortunes and assesses the impact of his premature death. Suitable for ages 14 and over, with tickets priced at £10.

Why see this show?

A sharp, well-researched 60-minute talk by Dewar's own biographer — if the trajectory of Scottish politics since the Parliament's opening in July 1999 puzzles you, this is a good place to start unpicking it.

Event Details

Wednesday 26 August 2026

All performances at 15:00

60 minutes

Hall

14 Johnston Terrace

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£10 (7)

Book Now
Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the talk?

The talk runs for 60 minutes.

Where does it take place?

It is held in the Hall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

The event is suitable for ages 14 and over.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £10, with a concession rate of £7.

Who is presenting the talk?

Mark Peel, Donald Dewar's biographer, presents the talk in partnership with Luath Press.

What does the talk cover?

It charts Donald Dewar's political career, his role in establishing the Scottish Parliament, and the impact of his premature death on Scottish politics.

About This Performance

ScotlandsFest: Donald Dewar – An Incomplete Legacy? is a spoken word performance at Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: Hall

Hall is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
  • •Check venue accessibility if needed
  • •Allow time to find unfamiliar venues
  • •Download venue apps for digital tickets

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.ScotlandsFest: Donald Dewar – An Incomplete Legacy? represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more spoken word shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

Browse all Spoken Word shows →

Similar Events

Loading similar events...

Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API