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Murray Pittock :

@murrayp.bsky.social
1.2K followers 473 following 211 posts

Pro VP U.Glasgow, personal views and evidence-based judgements only. 'You think that a wall as solid as the earth separates civilization from barbarism. I tell you the division is a thread, a sheet of glass'-John Buchan. murraypittock.com

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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Great pleasure to host AHRC Creative Economy lead Audra Gill on behalf of @sahavoice.bsky.social with co-chair Catherine O'Leary @royalsoced.bsky.social yesterday in the latest of SAHA’s Meet the Sector events-Scottish Govt in attendance
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
He certainly got a mention-Paine, as ever a great popularizer, seized the term & weaponized it
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Sadly no, the launches in Waterstones & Blackwells were in May. Kirkcudbright Book Festival in March, but that's not much help really...
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.ticketsource.com/standrewsboo...
ticketsource.com
Murray Pittock and Brian Groom: A Very Short History of Scotland at St Columba's Church (Lower Hall), Knightsbridge
Tickets are now available for Murray Pittock and Brian Groom: A Very Short History of Scotland at St Columba's Church (Lower Hall), Knightsbridge, London on Thu 19 Nov 2026. Click the link for further...
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It will be a splendid occasion @oldstpublishing.bsky.social
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Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) @sahavoice.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
It's Doors Open Days in Edinburgh ✨️ Among the many venues, the US Consulate General opened its doors for visitors as part of the Consulate’s ongoing “America250” campaign to mark 250 years of American independence. SAHA co-Chair Prof @murrayp.bsky.social is delivering a talk on Thomas Paine
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Looking forward to giving this delayed #Freedom250 lecture in US Consulate General tomorrow. It's a good time to dwell on the roots of the term 'Common Sense'. @sahavoice.bsky.social @uofgnews.bsky.social @ahallardyce.bsky.social @asls.org.uk
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Just think of it as Menshevik karma.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
One of my best experiences in 2026 has been taking part in the AI seminar @kingscollege.bsky.social in May.Glasgow graduate Richard Susskind is a prophet on AI in SocSci & professions.Here's his latest book @uofgnews.bsky.social @eassh.bsky.social @ballioloxford.bsky.social tinyurl.com/bdzawn8e
tinyurl.com
The Future of Law: Reflections and Predictions: Amazon.co.uk: Susskind, Richard: 9780197919088: Books
Buy The Future of Law: Reflections and Predictions by Susskind, Richard (ISBN: 9780197919088) from Amazon's Book Store. Free UK delivery on eligible orders.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Chairing today-a most enlivening discussion on policy and place from the point of view of DCMS and AHRC.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Looking forward tomorrow to joint event between @sahavoice.bsky.social & @saslondon.bsky.social on Policy, Advocacy and Place: The Arts and Humanities in devolved & civic contexts & their impact. Speakers include @clairegorrara.bsky.social Tom Crick, Catherine O'Leary & @murrayp.bsky.social
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Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) @sahavoice.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This week SAHA co-Chair Prof @murrayp.bsky.social attended an event hosted by APPG Classics at the @houseoflords.parliament.uk as the guest of the Classical Association and the occasion of the launch of two new books, Humanities Forward and Classics and Public Policy
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
After Culloden: The British Army, Scotland and Imperial Policy in an Age of Global Conflict submitted to @oxfordunipress.bsky.social this morning in final form-scheduled for 27. Thanks to National Army Museum, @britishlibrary.bsky.social Stennis Hist Society, @natlibscot.bsky.social & all.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In London this morning, signing @waterstones.bsky.social in Piccadilly & @hatchards.bsky.social @oldstpublishing.bsky.social @standrewsbookfest.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
An interesting reflection on rocketing costs: Don’t believe the hype. Peak Fringe may actually have passed open.substack.com/pub/edinburg...
open.substack.com
Don’t believe the hype. Peak Fringe may actually have passed
Will Quinn on the glory and frustrations of the Fringe - and its curiously empty halls
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Petra Johana Poncarová @poncarova.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
After a long embargo, it is finally out: my ERC Starting Grant #ERCStG @erc.europa.eu has been funded. The 5-year project on creatively active new users of Celtic languages in the 19th and early 20th century starts in Jan 27 at @ff.unikarlova.cuni.cz. For news, follow us at @erc-nudgers.bsky.social.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Thank you @whitegoldsword1708.bsky.social
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Ricky Pound @whitegoldsword1708.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This book is a succinct but panoramic history of Scotland from one of its greatest historians, and it comes highly recommended. @murrayp.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
@florainoxford.bsky.social is correct, though it is a legacy name- Fordoun would be better...
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Signing @edbookfest.bsky.social yesterday & at Blackwell's Edinburgh & @edinburghbookshop.bsky.social . Thanks to everyone who has kept @oldstpublishing.bsky.social Shortest History of Scotland in bestseller charts for 4 months running.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Encountering 300 of the first reprinting to sign at Toppings @oldstpublishing.bsky.social @asls.org.uk @ahallardyce.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
@scottishfield.bsky.social this month- putting the achievements of Adam Smith in Wealth of Nations in front of a wider audience it their 250th anniversary. @uofgnews.bsky.social @ballioloxford.bsky.social @ahallardyce.bsky.social
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Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) @sahavoice.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
These can cover not only music, dance, theatre and film, but also museum studies, history, art history, copyright law and tourism, as well as the economic value of literary and cultural figures and festivals. Read @murrayp.bsky.social's article on the Digital & Cultural Economy Working Group below
saha.scot
The Digital and Cultural Economy | SAHA: The Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance
A joint initiative of Scottish Higher Education institutions, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Looking forward to welcoming two new Research Associates tomorrow for the @edfringe.bsky.social Economic Impact Assessment as we enter another Festival season. My report-supported by @ukri.org World Class Labs will measure the value of the Fringe to the economy & as a global brand.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
'Defensor Scotiae' more correct I think. What next? 'Romanes eunt domus' ? (copyright Life of Brian).
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newsarea.bsky.social @newsarea.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Study to examine economic impact of Edinburgh Festival Fringe A new study will look at the economic and social impact of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Professor Murray Pittock, Pro-Vice-Principal at the University of Glasgow, has been commissioned to carry out the research. It will examine how…
news-area.com
Study to examine economic impact of Edinburgh Festival Fringe
A new study will look at the economic and social impact of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Professor Murray Pittock, Pro-Vice-Principal at the University of Glasgow, has been commissioned to carry out the research. It will examine how the Edinburgh Festival Fringe supports jobs and businesses and contributes to Scotland’s wider cultural economy. While there have ... Read more The post Study to examine economic impact of Edinburgh Festival Fringe first appeared on The Scottish Banner .
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
So @profserious.bsky.social is travelling in the right direction here, but the reason the value narrative is not cutting through is that it has not been adopted fully by A & H -small units and disciplinary defensiveness are well behind the curve that @ukri.org has pioneered. @sahavoice.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
And what do all those have in common ? Something for nothing. To take only one example, research recovers only c70% of its costs, and that is with FEC. I support all of these priorities, but asking more and more for less and less in real terms is there for all to see.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The fundamental issue is that HE is not an electoral priority and has not succeeded in making itself one. To some extent that is on HE itself, to some extent on a political and cultural environment which believes there is 'too much' of something that China and India believe there is not enough of.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Sorry to hear @ruthwatson.eurosky.social . Of course, these same people would be most indignant if British citizens in Spain received second-class treatment.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Thank you ! I hope your family had a wonderful day. @robertgordonuni.bsky.social is very focused and confident about what it is doing & I'm sure your daughter will prosper-many congratulations to her.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Lovely morning @robertgordonuni.bsky.social receiving the honorary degree of D.Litt as a 'leading historian, public intellectual and university leader'. Thanks to Prof Peter Reid, Principal Steve Olivier and Chair of Governors Colin Hunter for their support & hospitality @ahallardyce.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Lovely morning at @robertgordonuni.bsky.social receiving the honorary degree of D.Litt as a 'leading historian, public intellectual and university leader'. Thanks to Prof Peter Reid, Principal Steve Olivier and Chair of Governors Colin Hunter for their support & hospitality @ahallardyce.bsky.social
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Alanna MacTavish @alannamactavish.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Happy to be co-organising this exciting conference on 15 October, exploring Aberdeen's enduring legacy and featuring contributions from celebrated scholars including @murrayp.bsky.social. Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/40-years-o...
eventbrite.co.uk
40 Years On: Aberdeen, Enlightenment, and Global Legacies (Online)
Join us in Aberdeen to celebrate academic progress since the landmark 1986 conference (see separate link for in-person participation).
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Thank you Joe !
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Signing again in Toppings today, second big order @oldstpublishing.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Excellent afternoon with @christophersmith.bsky.social engaging on AHRC policy, strategy and outlook in the context of @ukri.org & UK government strategy- hosted by @sahavoice.bsky.social and @royalsoced.bsky.social Colleagues from across the sector in Scotland really enjoyed themselves !
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Old Street Publishing @oldstpublishing.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A Complete History of Medieval Scotland - in 51 minutes - from The Shortest History of Scotland author Murray Pittock on the Gone Medieval podcast from HistoryHit. @murrayp.bsky.social shows.acast.com/gone-medieva...
shows.acast.com
A Complete History of Medieval Scotland | Gone Medieval
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Looking forward to this next week-thank you @robertgordonuni.bsky.social @ahallardyce.bsky.social @sahavoice.bsky.social @asls.org.uk @scga.scot @eassh.bsky.social www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-20...
rgu.ac.uk
Homecoming honour for leading historian as career-ready graduates are celebrated | RGU
The academic accomplishments of more than 1,600 students will be celebrated next week when Robert Gordon University hosts its Summer Graduation ceremonies.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Great idea from @paulinemackay.bsky.social & @neilmcdonnell.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2622005...
heraldscotland.com
World’s oldest football brought to life through cutting-edge 3D technology
A 16th-century football believed to be the world’s oldest is being digitally preserved using advanced 3D technology.
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Old Street Publishing @oldstpublishing.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
'For many of us, Scottish history is an area of knowledge where we’re sadly lacking. Murray Pittock’s THE SHORTEST HISTORY OF SCOTLAND is the perfect book to help fill those gaps... This may be The Shortest History of Scotland, but it’s one of the best.' @snackmag.bsky.social @murrayp.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Signing at the Watermill Bookshop, Aberfeldy today- what a great place & the Shortest History going very fast @oldstpublishing.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Meeting people and talking to them is the simplest antidote to believing rubbish about them emanating from remote third parties.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Absolutely @historyhannahb.bsky.social ! Martial valour of the previous two centuries, honoured in dress and neutralized by a red coat in the midst of relics of other valour redolent of Scoto Roman ethos. Batoni's studio was near the Palazzo del Re & Lord Elcho was a patron...
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Alanna MacTavish @alannamactavish.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
With the 'war' on humanities in Scottish universities, Pittock’s is the best defence I have encountered. “The humanities ‘frame’ the world". Have a read.
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Pleased to be speaking on @euerasmusplus.bsky.social @horizoneu.bsky.social & other opportunities for Scottish EU alignment at @euromovescotland.bsky.social today @eassh.bsky.social @stephengethins.bsky.social @ahallardyce.bsky.social @sahavoice.bsky.social
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
I did ! Given campaigning last autumn carved out a notional €7.6bn for Pillar II Society, I hope the Irish Presidency offers something more for FP10, though that open letter doesn't sound too hopeful...
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Looking forward to the @brirechamber.bsky.social HE conference on Thursday on the eve of Ireland's Presidency as FP10 @horizoneu.bsky.social crystallizes. The interests of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences will be critical in the years ahead @eassh.bsky.social @sahavoice.bsky.social
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Neil Mackay @neilmackay.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
I met Prof Murray Pittock, Scotland’s leading public intellectual, to talk about attacks on the arts at university by rightwing politicians. What I learned about the state of education shocked me. Perhaps I’m a product of a very different system in the last century but something has gone badly wrong
heraldscotland.com
Professor Murray Pittock speaks out on concerning university changes in Scotland
Professor Murray Pittock is the leading expert on liberal arts education. He shocks our Writer at Large who can’t believe how times have changed…
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Murray Pittock : @murrayp.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Looking forward to an in-depth discussion of AI in policy and society in Cambridge at the end of this week with old friends and new @kingscollege.bsky.social
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