The Festival of Politics has just launched its schedule for 2007.  Hosted at the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood, the eastern end of the Royal Mile, the Festival of Politics is a recent addition to the Edinburgh festival scene - with its avowed aim to grow connections between the Scottish parliament and people.

In a striking difference from last year's crowded programme, 2007 sees just six, major events - three each on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 August - followed by an open day on the Sunday.  The programme's now up on the Festival's website, but it's so brief we can summarize it here.

The star names are former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy on the Friday, with frontline reporter Kate Adie following on the Saturday; while discussions and debates cover the current fascination with the nation's diet, the regenerative impact of the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and the changing face of photojournalism.

In another change from 2006, this year's events all take place in the Parliament's main debating chamber - giving ticket-holders a prime opportunity to see the controversial but memorable debating hall with its unique, inverted, steel and oak beamed roof.  On the evening of Friday 24 August, the play The Journey of Jeannie Deans will also be staged in the chamber, following a run on the Fringe earlier in the month.

Getting tickets for the Festival of Politics

Tickets for the Festival of Politics are sold through the Edinburgh International Festival's booking system, based at The Hub on the Royal Mile.  If you're in Edinburgh, you can call into either the Hub or the reception desk at the Scottish Parliament - the former is probably more convenient, as a Parliament visit involves going through security screening.

Online, you can book your tickets through the Hub's web site: look for "Festival of Politics" in the list on the left-hand side.  There's no booking fee if you collect your tickets from the Hub, or you can have them posted to you for 60p.

No ticket is needed for the open day on the Sunday.