Between 2009 and 2019 Rory Stewart’s regular column for the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald was as varied as it was informative.
From Eden to the Middle East, Roman history to super fast broadband (or lack of), his diverse observations and comments were unlike anything politicians normally write.
Middleland is not just a compilation of these articles; it’s an insight into all forms of life at a time of major changes in what was Britain’s most rural constituency. 
He's been talking to Nigel Thompson about some of the highlights from a book that contains articles from his time as MP.

Highlights:

1 min 34" How Cumbria has changed and Rory's perspective.
3 mins 22" During his time as MP he walked around his constituency to meet the people he served. Here he talks about what inspired him to do that.
5 mins 30" He reflects on the farming industry and the challenges faced.
9 mins 20" Trying to convert the PM to love Cumbria
12 mins 20" Too many outsiders wearing fleeces telling farmers how to manage their land?
15' 10" Working to connect Cumbria
19'10" Why Middleland has been published now and what he hopes it will achieve.
22' 07" Rory's view on the Cumbrian mayoral role - and is he interested in the job?
25'14" Reflecting on the continuing role of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald and the importance of local media.

Thanks to Rory Stewart for talking to Northern Lights.


Rory Stewart Middleland Dispatches from the Borders

Stephen Fawcett

Borderway Agri Expo 2025 Vicki Edgar and Heather Grisedale

Borderway Agri Expo 2025 Shadow Minister for the Environment Robbie Moore MP

Borderway Agri Expo 2025 Richard Rankin, CEO H & H Group

Dan Kirkup

Michael O'Neill

Gareth Agnew

It’s a big year for the annual gathering of outdoor enthusiasts who come to Cumbria and attend the Kendal Mountain Festival which takes place later this month.

With just weeks to go to an event that involves over 200 live sessions, 84 world, European and UK premiers not to mention thousands of visitors from all over the world, festival director Steve Scott is calmly counting down to what he hopes will be the best festival yet.

12 months work may culminate in a four day event but for the 15 full time members of the KMF team it’s been a full-on year to create something that continues to be a major draw in the outdoor events calendar. This month a team of 120 volunteers help guide guests around the event.

2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the event and the 21st year of involvement of festival director Steve Scott who has been talking to Business Crack’s Nigel Thompson.

Stephen Fawcett

Cumbria Crack

Related tracks