Celebrate the FORTH2O programme with talks, art, film and storytelling, bringing together academics, partners, policymakers and communities.

11 November 2026 | 13:45 to 18:00 | Crush Hall, University of Stirling

Water shapes our landscapes, our health, our economy and our sense of place. Over the course of the FORTH2O programme, researchers, partners and communities across the Forth catchment have been working together to understand and care for it. Now it’s time to come together, share what we’ve learned, and celebrate what we’ve achieved.

Join us for an afternoon of talks, conversation, art and storytelling that brings together:

Academics and researchers sharing the findings and ideas that have emerged from the programme

Partner organisations who have helped turn research into action

Politicians and policymakers with a stake in the future of Scotland’s water environment

Community members whose knowledge, memories and experiences have shaped the work

What to expect

Part I: Talks and discussion (14:00 to 16:00)

We begin in the Pathfoot Lecture Theatre with an introduction to FORTH2O, presentations from projects supported through the Commissioning Fund, and a panel discussion on using the arts for telling stories about water.

Part II: Celebration and exhibition (16:00 to 18:00)

Move into the Crush Hall and breakout spaces for drinks, nibbles and a mini exhibition featuring artworks from FORTH2O community exhibitions and our partners Edinburgh Shoreline. You can also look forward to the launch of our new story map, a film screening, and a few surprises (including a very special puppet guest).

Who is it for?

Everyone with an interest in water, whether you’re a researcher, practitioner, decision-maker, artist or simply someone who loves the rivers, estuary and coastline of the Forth. No specialist knowledge needed, and all are welcome.

Registration and arrival

Doors open at 13:45 with registration and tea/coffee. Sign up to join us all afternoon, or drop in for the mid-afternoon talks or evening celebration only.

Programme details are subject to change. Speakers and further information will be added as they are confirmed.

Many thanks to Fiona Hendry, Teresa Fraser, Kathleen Wilson, Helen Duncan and Ana McCormick and to the artist creating the FORTH2O tryptic whose artwork was used to create the event flyer.

Description supplied by the event organiser.