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Talks And Lectures events in Edinburgh

Scroll down to view the upcoming Talks And Lectures events taking place throughout Edinburgh or use the filters to narrow down the results.

Events in Edinburgh

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 20th February 2025 - 18th December 2025

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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Palace Page Turners

Selected dates between 7th March 2025 - 5th December 2025

Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!

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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

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Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Selected dates between 23rd March 2025 - 21st December 2025

A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.

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Conservation Hangar Talks

1st April 2025 - 29th March 2026

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.

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Ice Cream Breakfast Mornings

Selected dates between 8th June 2025 - 14th September 2025

Fancy a wee treat? Join Ms Crème De La Cream's breakfast ice cream taster sessions at Stockbridge market.

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An evening with Noraly Schoenmaker

8th July 2025

Join Noraly Schoenmaker on Tuesday 8th July at Waterstones Edinburgh West End, as she talks about her truly inspiring story, Free Ride!

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William Dalrymple - How Ancient India Transformed the World

8th July 2025

Don't miss this chance to hear William Dalrymple tell the story of how India became the great intellectual and philosophical superpower of ancient Asia.

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Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank with Ian Macleod

9th July 2025

Join Alan Wardrop as he presents the new spirit from Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Rosebank alongside 3 well-aged and rather fancy expressions at Drinkmonger on Wednesday 9th July!

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The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips

9th July 2025

Join Dr Phillips in this enchanting talk at the Assembly Roxy on 9th July to examine beliefs about witchcraft from the witch trials of medieval Europe to its modern expression in the 21st century!

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Forefowk, Mind Me

10th July 2025

Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Thursday 10th July for the premiere of a short film made as part of the Forefowk, Mind Me project by Scots singer Quinie!

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Scottish Colour Floristry

12th July 2025

Join Florist Lottie Longman to discover how colour and the landscape of East Lothian inform her work.

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Scottish Memories Live - with Ross King and Jay Crawford

12th July 2025

Popular podcast Scottish Memories is back at the Scottish Storytelling Centre with its second live event on 12th July, featuring two Scottish broadcasting legends in Ross King and Jay Crawford!

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An Evening with Andrew Raymond

17th July 2025

Join Andrew Raymond at Waterstones Edinburgh West End on Thursday 17th July as he chats about his explosive Scottish crime thriller The Bonnie Dead!

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Molton Brown Fragrance & Wine Experience with Rose Dunes

17th July 2025

Come and join Wine Events Scotland’s Diana Thompson and Molton Brown’s Genna Chu for a superb sensory experience combining a fragrance and wine pairing event.

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Tea and Talks

Selected dates between 17th July 2025 - 9th September 2025

These tea and talk sessions deliver a series of small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.

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Magical Patterns: Director Talk

19th July 2025

Join Dovecot Director, Celia Joicey on 19th July for a special opening weekend talk on IKEA: Magical Patterns!

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Watt Whisky Tasting With Mark & Kate Watt

23rd July 2025

Join much-loved ex-employee, Mark Watt and his wife Kate at Drinkmonger for a Watt Whisky Tasting on Wednesday 23rd July!

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The Underground Lectures: Sex Sells: The Dirty History of Musical Instrument Advertising

6th August 2025

Sex sells, or so the saying goes, but when did it start selling musical instruments? Join Dr Sarah Deters for this lecture on 6th August!

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Letters From Exes

7th August 2025 - 8th August 2025

From emails and WhatsApps to handwritten notes, join Not Cricket Productions in exploring the bizarre, heartfelt and hilarious letters of lost love at The Royal Scots Club!

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The Power of Pattern: Bryce McKenzie in Conversation

7th August 2025

Come along to Dovecot on the 7th August for this talk by Bryce McKenzie, one of the most stylish design names on Edinburgh’s Circus Place!

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The Underground Lectures: Bookshop Theatre: The Literary Roots of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

7th August 2025

Come and discover how notoriously bad coffee, book stacks and a Glasgow group were ignitors of today’s Edinburgh Fringe and International Book Festivals.

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Edinburgh International Book Festival

9th August 2025 - 24th August 2025

The 2025 Edinburgh International Book Festival returns from Saturday 9th to Sunday 24th August with the Theme 'Repair'.

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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour

12th August 2025

Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!

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The Underground Lectures: No Sex Please, We’re Professionals: Career Depictions in Spicy Novels

13th August 2025

In this lively and revealing discussion on 13th August, let us dissect how accurately professions are portrayed in romance and erotica .

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The Underground Lectures: The Healing Power of Alchemy

14th August 2025

This talk given by Daisy Cunynghame on 14th August will explore the history of alchemy, its role in medicine and Scotland’s place in the development of this mystical science!

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Hugo Burnand: In Conversation

15th August 2025

Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 15th August for an intimate glimpse behind the camera as Royal photographer Hugo Burnand talks to Alessandro Nasini about his career and work.

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The Underground Lectures: Trouble in the Tin: Victorian Tinned Foods, Scandal, and Sales-tactics

15th August 2025

Join food historian Dr Lindsay Middleton as she explores why the 19th-century reception of tinned foods was tainted by worries about poisoning, foreignness, and taste.

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Meet the author Laurent Binet

19th August 2025

Meet multi-award-winning French writer Laurent Binet at the Institut francais d'Ecosse on 19th August for a talk on his books! 

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The Underground Lectures: Mary Somerville: a Love for Mathematics, Science and Orange Marmalade

20th August 2025

Join historian Ruth Boreham to discover how Mary’s Somerville thirst for knowledge never dimmed, no matter what her age!

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The Underground Lectures: Adventures in Banking: The Turbulent Tales of the Original Bank of Scotland Investors

21st August 2025

Join Gillian Paterson, Museum Engagement Officer for this talk on The Turbulent Tales of the Original Bank of Scotland Investors at The Royal Scots Club on 21st August!

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The Underground Lectures: Sex and the Second World War

22nd August 2025

Join Dr Kate Stephenson, Freelance Historian, to find out what really went on in the blackouts of the Second World War and how the war impacted relationships and sexual freedoms during the 1940s.

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Shaping a sustainable future: Health care and the climate crisis

28th August 2025

Join Royal College of Nursing's panel on 28th August to discover measures to tackle climate change and explore planetary health.

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An Evening with Boris Johnson

2nd September 2025

Join us at the Usher Hall on Tuesday 2nd September for An Evening with Boris Johnson!

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Irregular Sleep Pattern: Serious About Design

6th September 2025

Join Mil Stricevic, the creative mind behind Irregular Sleep Pattern, as he discusses the brand’s unique approach to sustainable fashion on Saturday 6th September at Dovecot!

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An Evening with Ocean Vuong - The Emperor of Gladness

8th September 2025

The Portobello Bookshop team are hosting an event with Ocean Vuong at the Assembly Rooms on Monday 8th September, for an evening of conversation about his second novel.

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Japan on Stage: An Introduction to Kabuki and Noh Theatre

16th September 2025

Join Dr Helen Parker at Dovecot on 16th September as she offers an illustrated introduction to kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese drama!

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Hold Fast, An Evening with Catherine Simpson

18th September 2025

Join Catherine Simpson on Thursday 18th September at Waterstones Edinburgh West End as she shares her unforgettable story, Hold Fast!

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An Evening with Carlo Rovelli

23rd September 2025

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics with an evening of science, art and music on Tuesday 23rd September at McEwan Hall!

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An Evening with Racing Icons Mika Häkkinen & David Coulthard

25th September 2025

Don’t miss this unique chance to see Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard as they take the stage for an uncensored, no-holds-barred conversation about their careers and the 2025 season so far!

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Lulu - If Only You Knew

1st October 2025

To celebrate the launch of If Only You Knew, her official autobiography, Lulu is inviting her fans to join her for an intimate conversation with songs and stories at the Usher Hall.

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SPF Annual Dinner 2025

2nd October 2025

Dine, engage and network with over 400 industry professionals from leading companies in Scottish real estate at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 2nd October.

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Brian Cox - It’s All About Me!

5th October 2025

In his first ever one man show, It’s All About Me!, Brian Cox takes us from the backstreets of Dundee to starring in Hollywood blockbusters, a journey full of laughter and pathos!

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An Evening with Nicola Sturgeon

7th October 2025

Come along to an exclusive evening with Nicola Sturgeon – Scotland’s former First Minister and one of the most influential political figures of our time.

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Nigel Planer – Young Once LIVE

7th October 2025

Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life to the Assembly Rooms on 7th October!

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High Performance Live

8th October 2025

Join one of Britain's best-respected sports broadcasters, Jake Humphrey, and Psychologist Professor Damian Hughes, as they turn lived experiences of high performers into your life lessons!

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Uncharmed, An Evening with Lucy Jane Wood

9th October 2025

Join Sunday Times bestselling author Lucy Jane Wood on Thursday 9th October at The Parish Church of St. Cuthbert as we celebrate her spellbinding new cosy fantasy, Uncharmed!

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An Evening with Ben Elton

13th October 2025

The Portobello Bookshop present An Evening with Ben Elton at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms on Monday 13th October.

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Jean-Yves Laurichesse: Writing between memory and fiction

14th October 2025

Join us for an evening of readings and conversation with Jean-Yves Laurichesse at the Institut francais d'Ecosse on Tuesday 14th October!

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The Society of Unknowable Objects, An Evening with Gareth Brown

16th October 2025

Join Gareth Brown on Thursday 16th October at Waterstones Edinburgh West End as we celebrate the publication on his A fast-paced flight of magic and mystery, The Society of Unknowable Objects.

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Explorers – The Age of Discovery with James May

17th October 2025

From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life, presented by British television presenter and award-winning journalist James May!

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An Evening with Mary Beard

18th October 2025

Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot.

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The air we breathe: Air pollution and health past and present

23rd October 2025

Join the Royal College of Nursing on 23rd October, in person or online, for this talk exploring historical and current action to address air pollution effects on health.

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Adam Frost

26th October 2025

Award-winning British garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, is leaving the garden and heading back out on tour, with a date at Assembly Rooms!

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An Evening with Heart Of Midlothian Legends

2nd November 2025

An Evening with Heart of Midlothian legends comes to the Assembly halls in Edinburgh starring legends: John Robertson, Gary Locke, Ryan Stevenson and hosted by Iain Ferguson.

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Stewart Copeland - Have I Said Too Much

9th November 2025

In this fascinating "Evening With", Stewart Copeland will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer!

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DOMINATION: The Fall and Rise of an Empire with Alice Roberts

10th November 2025

Join Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another!

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Digital Scotland 2025

19th November 2025

Digital Scotland is Scotland’s largest digital transformation summit for public sector policy and technology leaders, taking place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 19th November.

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Bez In Conversation

21st November 2025

Bez is back with his 'In Conversation Tour - The Nine Lives of a Happy Monday' and brings it to La Belle Angele on Friday 21st November!

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David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time

22nd November 2025

Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!

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Gordon Buchanan - Lions and Tigers and Bears

1st March 2026

Award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road again in 2026, with his live tour - Lions and Tigers and Bears. Join him at Assembly Rooms on Sunday 1st March!

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Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
Paisley First

Talks And Lectures Events in East Renfrewshire

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:

An Evening with Tam Cowan

An Evening with Tam Cowan

21st September 2025

Come and enjoy Tam Cowan's cutting wit at Eastwood Park Theatre where he'll be in conversation with Graham Spiers who, as host on the night, will get to say next to nothing.

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Waterstones Presents Skandar Q&A Event with A.F. Steadman

Waterstones Presents Skandar Q&A Event with A.F. Steadman

30th August 2025

Waterstones Newton Mearns presents a Q&A event with internationally bestselling author A.F. Steadman to celebrate the release of the fifth and final book in the blockbuster Skandar series!

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An Evening with Gordon Strachan

An Evening with Gordon Strachan

5th September 2025

On what promises to be an entertaining night, Gordon Strachan will be discussing his colourful career and life with Graham Spiers at Eastwood Park Theatre on Friday 5th September!

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Talks And Lectures Events in Fife

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:

Crail Castaways with Billy Sloan

Crail Castaways with Billy Sloan

21st July 2025

Join us at Crail Community Hall on 21st July for an unforgettable evening of music and stories as we welcome Billy Sloan, the legendary radio host, author, and music journalist!

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Celtic Legends - John Hartson & Chris Sutton

Celtic Legends - John Hartson & Chris Sutton

16th January 2026

Join Celtic Legends John Hartson and Chris Sutton at the Adam Smith Theatre on Friday 16th January as they share their stories from their time at the club!

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Tim Peake Astronauts: the Quest To Explore Space

Tim Peake Astronauts: the Quest To Explore Space

4th September 2025

After multiple sell-out tours with his debut show, My Journey to Space, Tim Peake brings his hugely anticipated new show, ASTRONAUTS: The Quest to Explore Space! to The Alhambra Theatre!

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Talks And Lectures Events in Glasgow

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:

Themed Tours at The Burrell Collection

Themed Tours at The Burrell Collection

Selected dates between 3rd July 2025 - 31st July 2025

Join the Burrell Collection's expert Volunteer Guides as they take you on a journey through the collection with free themed weekly tours.

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Glasgow Central Station Tours

Glasgow Central Station Tours

1st January 2024 - 31st December 2025

Glasgow Central Tours offer you the chance to explore behind the scenes of Glasgow's most iconic and busiest landmarks, Central Station!

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A History of Modern Britain in Twenty Murders with Professor David Wilson

A History of Modern Britain in Twenty Murders with Professor David Wilson

23rd September 2025 - 24th September 2025

Join criminologist Professor David Wilson at City of Glasgow College as he explores twenty gripping murder cases that reveal the dark truths behind Britain's modern history.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Lanarkshire

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:

An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

20th July 2025

Royle Family and Brookside star Ricky Tomlinson is coming to Condorrat Social Club for a fantastic event... An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson hosted by Asa Murphy!

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Hamish Henderson, An Artist’s Inspiration + Q&A

Hamish Henderson, An Artist’s Inspiration + Q&A

27th July 2025

Artist Charles Nasmyth takes a fresh look at one of Scotland's literary and musical giants, Hamish Henderson, at this special event at Cumbernauld Theatre on Sunday 27th July.

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An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

18th July 2025

Royle Family and Brookside star Ricky Tomlinson is coming to Airdrie Working Mens Social Club for a fantastic event... An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson hosted by Asa Murphy!

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Talks And Lectures Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:

Rangers Legends Live!

Rangers Legends Live!

23rd October 2025

An Evening with Rangers legends comes to the Beacon Arts centre in Greenock Starring: Mark Hateley, Ian Durrant, John Brown and Graham Roberts.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Stirling

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:

Brett Tippie – The Right Line

Brett Tippie – The Right Line

5th November 2025

Join Brett Tippie at The Albert Halls, Stirling on 5th November and hear stories of his wild and inspiring roller-coaster of a career!

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Scotland’s National Hero

Scotland’s National Hero

12th April 2025 - 26th October 2025

Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero.

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Liam McIlvanney in Conversation

Liam McIlvanney in Conversation

29th July 2025

Join award winning author Liam McIlvanney, who will be discussing his brand new thriller, The Good Father, in conversation with fellow crime writer Craig Robert!

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Events in Other Areas

A Blether O Books: Scotland Through Literature

A Blether O Books: Scotland Through Literature

1st November 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Join the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum this November as they welcome a selection of authors in this celebration of Scottish literature!

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Sponsored Links

Link
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
Paisley First
Link
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

T at 3
The Three Sisters Presents T at 3, 3 days of live music, performances and more from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July!
Leith Panorama
Introducing LeithPanorama — a brand new clubbing concept set high above the docks, in one of the most breathtaking and industrial spaces to emerge in the UK in recent years.
Chloe Jones - UK Tour 2025
Following her debut performance at Glastonbury Festival and a Nashville tour, join acclaimed folk-Americana singer-songwriter Chloe Jones for an intimate acoustic evening at The Waverley Bar!
Woodland Explorers at Jupiter Artland
Join our Woodland Explorers for a jam-packed day exploring art and nature amongst the wild trees and sculptures at Jupiter Artland this summer!
Guid Crack: It Takes a Village
Enjoy another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club on 25th July, hosted by Dan Serridge and featuring tales from Trinidad Cabezón Droguett and Andrew Wilson!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall