SCOTLAND'S oldest inhabited house will play host to some of the world's leading thinkers, politicians, artists and writers later this summer.

Traquair House near Innerleithen will hosts Books, Borders and Bikes, a special two-day festival of literature, thought and the outdoors on August 17 and 18.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is organised by Beyond Borders Scotland, an Edinburgh and Borders based group that promotes small nation dialogue and cultural exchange.

The organisation is headed up by Mark Muller QC, a barrister and conflict resolution advisor who lives at Traquair with his wife, Catherine Maxwell Stuart.

He said: "Scotland has a unique cultural and political heritage and we're delighted we have managed to attract so many leading politicians, diplomats and writers from across the globe to debate and help foster an understanding of some of the most important issues facing the world today. "This event provides an ideal way for the public to see, hear and engage with these leading cultural figures in an historic Borders location and is set to provide enjoyable and thought-provoking debate." Visitors to this year's event will be able to see General Sir Mike Jackson, former UK Chief of General Staff, US Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jorie Graham, Scottish writer and historian William Dalrymple, Colombian writer and philosopher Oscar Guardiola Rivera, and a host of other leading cultural figures from around the globe, debate a series of topical issues.

Subjects under discussion range from the lessons that can be learned for Syria and the U.N. from the Iraq War; the concept of national identity; and whether the State can ever be trusted with our liberties, to the reasons behind protests across the world from Turkey to Brazil; why ancient places should be protected in times of conflict, as well as Scotland's role in the world, with or without independence.

Harvard literary professor Peter Sacks will discuss Sir Walter Scott's credentials as a literary nationalist, international lawyer Ben Emmerson QC will speak about his latest report on drone strikes and former soldier and war photographer Paul Conroy will talk about his time under fire in Syria with journalist Marie Colvin.

Other participants include environmental campaigner and champion of ethical investment, Tessa Tennant, explorer, soldier, diplomat and politician, Rory Stewart MP, Iqbal Wahhab, Director of counter-extremism think-tank the Quillam Foundation, UK diplomat Sir Kieran Prendergast, politicians from across the divide as well as leading Scottish interviewers Allan Little, Magnus Linklater and James Naughtie.

Books, Borders and Bikes includes musical performances from artists including Palestinian singer Reem Kelani and Mali's premier all-star Jazz band led by Vieux Farka Toure and Directed by Manny Ansar.

Visitors will also be able to see Saudi Arabian artist Manal Al Dowayan's powerful I AM photographic exhibition, which is presented in collaboration with the Club of Madrid and the Clinton Presidential Library. The event includes a Friday night performance of Steve Richards' comedy Assembly Show in the Traquair House chapel.

The festival also features a programme of outdoor activities including family storytelling bike-rides, themed and storytelling walks with local Borders storytellers and writers, and a bike ride for serious cyclists with pro-cyclist, Rob Penn. The events aim to use the natural environment and the effects of the outdoors to stimulate conversation and debate.