Mhairi Collie and Gavin Francis – 'The Bright Fabric of Life'; 'The Unfragile Mind: Making Sense of Mental Health'

We're excited to host medical professionals and writers Mhairi Collie and Gavin Francis, who will be speaking about the incredible resilience of our bodies and minds. Collie’s novel, ‘The Bright Fabric of Life’ (Birlinn, 2025), follows the lives of two women – one British, one Ethiopian – whose lives converge after a devastating childbirth, creating a tender story of suffering, connection and hope. In his nonfiction book, ‘The Unfragile Mind’ (Wellcome, 2026), Francis draws on thirty years of medical practice to examine psychiatry, mental-health labelling, trauma, anxiety and addiction. Together, these acclaimed experts will explore how their experience as doctors have deepened their understanding of human connection, healing and shared compassion.

This event is sponsored by Edinburgh’s Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI).

Accessibility

We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive attendee experience. In line with fire safety regulations attendees using a wheelchair must be able to self-transfer to an evac chair in order to safely evacuate the building.

If you have specific accessibility needs or accommodation requests please let us know during registration or contact us in advance by emailing divinity.news@ed.ac.uk.

Additional information can be found at Accessibility Information: New College

Venue & Travel

The event will take place at New College on the Mound. Please access via the glass door through main gated entrance.

New College is very accessible on foot, bike and bus. We would encourage all attendees to consider sustainable travel options to the event. Car parking is not available and limited only to nearby street parking:

Find parking bays – The City of Edinburgh Council

Further information on the venue and travel options can be found at

Travel Options

Description supplied by the event organiser.