TWO former First Ministers were among the guests at the Beyond Borders Festival at the weekend.

Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon both attended the annual event at Traquair which was filled with enriching books, debates, music, walks, and poetry readings.

Mr Yousaf reflected on his tenure as First Minister and the impact of the conflict in Gaza during his conversation with Allan Little.

Meanwhile, Ms Sturgeon and Peebles High School student Maria Fraser facilitated a discussion with UN envoys Staffan de Mistura and Steffanie William about the future of the United Nations.

Maria said: “I would say that Beyond Borders is one of the best and most interesting events I’ve been to.

“I was in awe of every one of the speakers, and it was just really inspiring meeting and hearing from all the incredible people that were there.”

Another special guest was Miriam Margolyes.

She captivated audiences as she engaged in a lively discussion with Jim Naughtie, sharing stories from her extraordinary life and offering insights into her new one-woman show, Dickens’ Women.

History enthusiasts were treated to a thought-provoking conversation between Ben Cowell OBE and Geoffrey Baskerville, centred on Cowell’s book, The British Country House Revival.

Journalist Jen Stout recounted her time in Ukraine during a conversation with Magnus Linklater.

And attendees were also moved by the harrowing story of Nedžad Avdić – a Srebrenica genocide survivor who shared his journey from escaping a death pit to testifying before the international criminal court.

Mark Muller Stuart, director of Beyond Borders Scotland, said: “What another wonderful weekend of walks, talks, poetry and music packed full of interesting local and international performers – both young and old– including Maria Fraser in the main session and podcast interviewer Duncan Peppe, both from Peebles High School, who blew it out the park.”

Cultural enthusiasts enjoyed a discussion between BBC correspondent Kirsty Lang and celebrated author Aminatta Forna on the concept of cosmopolitanism.

And poetry lovers were treated to a unique exploration of various themes by Oscar Guardiola-Riveria and Azad Ashim Sharma, accompanied by sonic performances from Mun Sing.

There was also plenty of music and art on offer as well as guided walks with local storyteller and forager Fi Martynoga.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, the 21st Lady of Traquair, said: “It was an absolute treat to end the day on Saturday with the marvellous Miriam Margolyes who lit up the whole place with her infectious and unique character.”