As part of our ongoing partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival we ran a series of talks and panel discussions during the 2011 Edinburgh International Festival.

Continental Shifts is a series of 12 events that saw a diverse range of Festival performers, cultural commentators, international academics and intellectuals come together to discuss perspectives and ideas affecting our understanding and shifting perceptions of the global landscape with special reference to Asia.

Revolutionary protests in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other countries in the region over recent months have brought about the demise of a number of autocratic regimes. But is this really the beginning of what some have described as the 'Arab Spring'?

As part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2011 British Council Scotland is supporting two events that will look at the underlying causes and implications of these upheavals.

Shifting Sands appeared at Celtic Connections in February as part of an ongoing initiative bringing together musicians from Scotland, England and the Arabian Peninsula.

Directed by Bellowhead's Andy Mellon and featuring guitarist/singer Sam Carter, guitar and oud player Hasan Hujairi, and one of Scotland's leading harp players, Corrina Hewat, the project bridged cultural boundaries through the shared heritage of seafaring music and the use of traditional and contemporary instrumentation.