Magnificent McEwan Hall, Edinburgh

This photo was taken whilst waiting for Harvard Professor of cognitive science Steven Pinker, here at Edinburgh University to deliver the Gifford Lecture: The Better Angels of Our Nature - A History of Violence and Humanity.

To everyone's surprise, he convincingly argued that we are currently in the most peaceful era in humankind's history. I will keep his proofs in mind next time I watch the news.

The McEwan Hall, the university's convocation venue, is the best result of money spent on beer that I have ever seen - a donation from the brewer McEwan's.

I also see it as a tribute to the astounding population of skilled craftsmen who once inhabited Edinburgh. They could carve stone as if it were butter and do intricate and well-fitting wood embellishments. The mural paintings and leaded windows are of the highest quality as well.

An inspiring space.