Professor David Purdie

Professor David Purdie was born privately and educated publicly at Ayr Academy and Glasgow University where he graduated in Medicine and Surgery. After serving at sea with the Royal Navy Reserve, David’s academic career focused on the diagnosis and treatment of the brittle bone disease Osteoporosis. He is now a Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Studies at, Edinburgh University specialising in History and literature.

Public Speaking:

Prof Purdie remains in high demand for his deeply humorous speeches at Sporting, Business and Cultural occasions. All far removed from his academic work. He is a former Captain of the Scots Universities Golf Team. David is also President in Scotland off The Lord’s Taverners, the cricket charity.

Devoting his time to writing, broadcasting and public speaking, David Purdie is a former Chairman of the Sir Walter Scott Club and the Edinburgh Burns Club.

David is a Patron of the JP Morgan Library, New York, and of Scotland’s National Gallery and Museum.
Prof Purdie is the Editor of Sir Walter Scott’s famous novels Ivanhoe and Heart of Midlothian (both adapted for the modern reader). He is also Co-Editor of The Burns Encyclopaedia of the life and works of Scotland’s National Bard Robert Burns.

David is a former Parliamentary speech editor and also a former adviser to several members of the House of Commons – his mad hope being to raise the level of wit and eloquence at Westminster & Holyrood. (some hope!). His speaking has only one goal; the ancient dictum: ‘Leave them wanting more…‘

David is also a fellow of both the Royal College of Physicians and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Professor David Purdie is an excellent after dinner speaker and also a superb Burns speaker.

To book Professor Purdie, click on the Enquire Now button below. Or call SpeakOut on 0131 440 9226.