‘In Conversation’ event with Ian Rankin and Allan Little in Teviot Row House, Edinburgh on 22 October 2026 at 6pm. Document BOOKING FORM (27.55 KB / DOCX) The next ‘Town and Gown’ event arranged by the Public Affairs Standing Committee involves two distinguished alumni, bestselling author Ian Rankin and veteran journalist Allan Little, reflecting on their experiences while students at the University, living in Edinburgh, and contemporary themes relating to their respective professions.There will be an opportunity to ask questions relevant to the themes of the discussion which will be chaired by the Rector, Simon Fanshawe OBE.The ‘In Conversation’ will take place at 6pm on Thursday 22 October in the Debating Hall, Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Place, Edinburgh. Admittance will be from 5.30pm. The discussion will be followed by a drinks reception that will finish no later than 8.30pm. As a member of the General Council, you have the opportunity to attend this unique discussion which will be recorded for the General Council website.The event is free but please note that prior registration is essential.Capacity is limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so please register as soon as possible by downloading, completing and returning the booking form (above) to the General Council office at the following email address: General.Council@ed.ac.ukPlease give the information requested in the booking form when registering by email.Closing date for all registrations, including guests, is 15 October 2026Please note, this is NOT a public or media event but for General Council members and their guests to attend in person. Sir Ian Rankin is the author of the Inspector Rebus novels, which he began writing while a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh in 1985-6. He was voted Alumnus of Year in 1999 and Knighted in 2023 for services to literature and charity. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Miranda, who was an undergraduate student at the same time as him. Allan Little - born in Wigtownshire, he came to Edinburgh University in 1978 and studied history and politics. In the early 1990’s he moved into TV as a foreign correspondent covering about 90 countries, especially the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and sub-Saharan African, reporting on wars and natural disasters. Now based in Edinburgh, he has lived in Johannesburg, Moscow and Paris. He was voted Alumnus of the Year in 1998. This article was published on Monday 24 August 2026
