Name: Finland - The Happiest Country That Almost Didn't Exist
Start: 2026-03-14T14:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-14T16:00:00+00:00
Location: The Beacon Arts Centre

Finland - The Happiest Country That Almost Didn't Exist

Get ready with Lesley Riddoch, to dive into the fascinating story of Finland, the country with a unique history that will surprise you!
About this Event

Two years ago as part of Talks for A Better Nation series , Yes Inverclyde hosted Lesley's film 'Denmark' in the wonderful studio theatre of the Beacon Arts Centre, down by the water's edge of the River Clyde. Now she is back with her latest not-to-be-missed documentary, showing Scots what they can learn from another Nordic country.

Finland – this sub-arctic state with a Scotland-sized population has snow, Santa, trees and a precarious land border with Russia. It’s also been the world's happiest country for eight years running, with the best education system, food security and levels of trust in government and in one another. Helsinki folk were more likely to hand in a dropped wallet than folk in any other world capital. Not bad for a country that almost ceased to exist in the 20th century after famine, civil war and invasion. What explains their incredible transformation?

This Finland documentary was filmed and edited by Inverness born Gavin Hanigan who now lives in Helsinki. Lesley Riddoch presents and co-produced and will be present for the post film Q & A.

The Beacon Arts Centre has stunning views across the Clyde and is also home to the Beacon Cafe and Bar. https://www.beaconartscentre.co.uk