Controversial professor set to give talk in Inverness

Internationally-renowned academic is outspoken atheist and opponent of religion

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OUTSPOKEN atheist and opponent of religion, Professor Richard Dawkins, is coming to speak in Inverness, noted for its high number of churches for the size of the population.

Prof Dawkins is to speak on the theme of Science and The God Delusion at a free UHI event at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, next month.

It is part of the popular UHI public lecture series and the first to be held at Eden Court such is the anticipated demand for seats. Attendance for the April 2 event is strictly by ticket only from the Eden Court box office.

The Oxford don is a scientist of international repute and a controversial and outspoken atheist whose books include The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, The Ancestor’s Tale and The God Delusion.

Sometimes referred to as “Darwin’s rottweiler,” Professor Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist specialising in gene-centred evolution. He argues that genes use organisms to replicate themselves rather than the other way around, and coined the term “meme” to describe the gene-like way in which cultural information – including religious belief – may be replicated.

The Rev Jock Stein, of the Church of Scotland’s Mission and Discipleship Council yesterday said: “In recent years, Richard Dawkins has embarked upon an anti-religious crusade that has everything to do with his own prejudices and nothing to do with religion. Having said that, he is free to hold public meetings and people are free to make up their own minds.”

UHI principal, Professor Bob Cormack, said: “Professor Dawkins is as well known for his ability to communicate the awe and wonder to be found in scientific explanations of the universe as he is for his opposition to religion. He draws large audiences whenever he is speaking and we are sure that Inverness will be no different. We are allowing plenty of time for questions and answers, so we are confident of a lively, informative and entertaining debate.

“This will be part of our popular, and strictly impartial, public lecture series. As the region’s only higher education network, it is fitting we should provide a platform for academic discussion on a wide range of subjects and topical issues.” The UHI event will take place from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.