Alistair Moffat

Alistair Moffat, writer and historian and former Edinburgh Festival Fringe director, offers a lively tour of the city’s past. He traces the name and ancient fortress, explains the geology that shaped the castle and crag-and-tail, and maps Edinburgh’s shift from medieval stronghold to Enlightenment New Town. He also recounts the rise of the festivals and modern social and political challenges.

Alistair Moffat, writer and historian who directed the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has published over 40 books, guides listeners through Edinburgh’s long story. He traces the city from its volcanic crag and ancient castle to its medieval hills, Enlightenment bustle, planned New Town, and the accidental rise of the Fringe. He also touches on festival origins, urban inequalities, and the return of devolved government.

Alistair Moffat, an esteemed Scottish historian and author, joins for a captivating discussion. He dispels myths around Macbeth, showcasing his legitimate role as a king, contrary to Shakespeare's portrayal. The conversation highlights the fierce ambitions of Scottish elites and ordinary people's desires, especially during Robert Bruce's fight for independence. Moffat also explores the complexities of Scotland's unification under King David I and traces the rise of Edinburgh as the capital, reflecting on its transformative history.