A special weekend of events marking the 250th anniversary of David Hume’s death:
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026.
Come and join us for 3 free events marking the 250th anniversary of the death of one of the world's greatest philosophers and the towering genius of the Scottish enlightenment, David Hume. We will be exploring what made him tick as a person, the influences on him and what therefore triggered his philosophical thinking and his continuing world-wide influence today. The three events will be held in his home village of Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September:
1. Rustic beginnings: David Hume’s early life in 18th century Berwickshire
Fiona Houston, author of The Garden Cottage Diaries, presents a fascinating, insightful account of some of the realities of Hume's rural upbringing at Ninewells, Chirnside, enlightened by her own experience of attempting to live for a year in similar challenging '18th century' circumstances without any modern comforts.
Fiona is a fascinating and compelling speaker. She will present her illustrated account with intelligence, humour and her personally gained knowledge and insights which bring the early years of David Hume to life in ways that few others can.
This is a unique event, not to be missed!
Saturday 12th Sept, 11am -12 noon (GMT+1): Free but ticketed via Eventbrite due to limited seating.
VENUE: Chirnside Community Centre Function Room, Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland TD11 3XR
Eventbrite link for booking a free seat: https://Rustic_Beginnings.eventbrite.co.uk
For more info go to the Eventbrite site or email: DAVIDHUME2026@gmail.com
2. The Warmth, Wit and Wisdom of David Hume
Discover and celebrate the real David Hume:
Who was David Hume, what made him tick, how did his personality, character and upbringing trigger such radical thoughts, rejecting accepted beliefs and challenging so many ‘sacred cows’ of his day, to become one of the world’s greatest influential thinkers both then and now? He is as much loved now as he was in his own day for his warmth, wit, congeniality and his realistic down-to-earth humanity. So what can we learn from both his character and philosophy particularly concerning human nature?
In a special celebration, we will gain fascinating fresh insight from speakers from America, Canada, Europe, Scotland and England from a range of backgrounds and professions. They will movingly and tellingly share with us the difference Hume has made and continues to make in their own lives, understandings and outlooks, and why he and his philosophy are important to them and every one of us in our challenging world today. The event will be a creative collage of speakers, readings from personal letters of those who knew Hume and some music of Hume’s day.
Sunday 13th September 16.00 – 17.30 (GMT+1)
Free but ticketed via Eventbrite: attend either in-person or via Zoom.
Venue: Chirnside Community Centre Function Room, Berwickshire, Scotland TD11 3XR
Eventbrite link for booking a free seat:
https://Warmth_Wit_and_Wisdom.eventbrite.co.uk
Eventbrite link for booking Zoom internet access:
https://ZOOM_warmth_wit_and_wisdom.eventbrite.co.uk
For more info go to the Eventbrite sites or email: DAVIDHUME2026@gmail.com
3. EXHIBITION:
The Life and Times of David Hume:
- Saturday 12th Sept. 10am - 5pm (GMT+1)
- Sunday 13th Sept. 10am – 4pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Chirnside Community Centre Function Room, Berwickshire, Scotland TD11 3XR
Do come and join us for one or more of our special events.
We look forward to seeing you in September.
