The Usher Hall event will be a conversation on ‘ETHICS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM’ between His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Prof. Sheila MacLean of Glasgow University. The conversation will be chaired by Richard Holloway.

Prior to the discussion the audience will have the opportunity to view large projected photographs from His Holiness’s 2004 visit. Organisers are also planning one or two other special contributions.

This is the second visit to Edinburgh by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in less than eighteen months. The 2004 visit was a number of years in the planning and this visit was only confirmed two months ago.

The Dalai Lama will also give a keynote address on ‘Cultivating Warm-heartedness’ at a major educators conference on ‘Leading the Way on Positive Education’ in the Capital.

Lord Provost, Leslie Hinds, will welcome His Holiness back to Edinburgh when he arrives from the USA for his short two day visit. Cllr Hinds said:

"I am very pleased to welcome the Dalai Lama back to Edinburgh. The visit by the Dalai Lama represents an important cultural exchange for the city. His Holiness has worked tirelessly for decades to promote peace and is a role model for many people. I regard it as an honour for the city to host His Holiness and this series of events, including the discussion at the Usher Hall."

Visit Co-ordinator, Victor Spence, General Secretary of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association said:

‘When I met with His Holiness earlier in the year in India there was no notion of this visit. When I received a call in July that there was a real possibility of His Holiness returning to Scotland so soon I just couldn’t believe it! His Holiness really enjoyed his last visit in 2004 and has many good memories of Scotland.’

‘The Usher Hall event is a different format from last year and I think a very interesting and highly informative conversation will unfold that will likely give much food for thought. I know Prof. Sheila MacLean and Richard Holloway are really looking forward to it.’ Mr Spence added: ‘There is already a huge demand for tickets with the Usher Hall, EIFA and the London Office of Tibet, which is the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, receiving many enquiries before the event being announced.’

Richard Holloway said: ‘I am looking forward to chairing what should be a stimulating discussion between the Dalai Lama and one of Scotland's most stimulating thinkers.’

Event Details

Event: Conversation on ‘Ethics for the New Millennium’
His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Prof. Sheila MacLean and Richard Holloway
Date: Saturday 19th  November, 10.00am – 11.45noon
Venue: Edinburgh Usher Hall
Tickets: £14.00

Media contacts

Visit Co-ordinator:

• (Public Event and Educators Conference): Victor Spence - 07909 618236
• City of Edinburgh Council: Shona Cameron – 0131 529 4452
• Office of Tibet:Tsering Tashi - 020772 25378