From Jacobite stories to embroidered biographies, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its many chapters of history have provided the inspiration for many literary works over the centuries. In the Abbey Strand Book Club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction. Please note, texts are not included in the ticket price, and should be purchased to read beforehand.
2 March - Waverley, Walter Scott
In our first Abbey Strand book club session, explore Walter Scott's novel Waverley, and discover the history and spaces in the Palace that provided inspiration for Scott.
1 June - The Fair Botanists, Sarah Sheridan
Explore the space and stories of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before turning attention to a recent novel inspired by gardens of Enlightenment Edinburgh.
7 September - Macbeth, William Shakespeare
A portrait of Macbeth hangs in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In this same room hangs a portrait of James VI and I. Explore the connection between the king and the bard, and delve into an interest which they had a common interest- witchcraft.
7 December - Embroidering Her Truth, Clare Hunter
Perhaps one of the most famous residents to make the Palace of Holyroodhouse her home was Mary, Queen Of Scots. Explore Mary's chambers and objects connected with the monarch, including an exquisite embroidery made during the last years of her life.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction at the Abbey Strand book club!
READ MOREJoin us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.
READ MOREDo you enjoy getting creative and learning about the past? If so then the Abbey Strand art club could be just for you. Suitable for 7-12 years olds.
READ MOREJoin professional storyteller Fiona Herbert inside Abbey Strand on 25th October to hear tales of Edinburgh’s past, from folk tales to tales of terror!
READ MOREThis event at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 6th December is open to all, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, together with their siblings, families, and carers.
READ MOREEnjoy seeing the beautifully decorated State Apartments of The Palace of Holyroodhouse, as you make your way to the Great Gallery to hear a wonderful concert of Christmas music on 8th December!
READ MOREJoin florist and Royal Warrant-holder Lottie Longman at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 12th December to create your own festive wreath to take home!
READ MOREJoin us for a special descriptive Christmas Tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse designed for visually impaired visitors.
READ MOREThis Christmas, join us for a magical morning at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on our exclusive, guided Christmas family tour!
READ MOREJoin us in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for this guided festive tour, exploring Royal Christmas traditions!
READ MOREExplore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction at the Abbey Strand book club!
READ MOREFort Kinnaird is hosting a free monthly book club in partnership with Musselburgh Library to bring the community together over the joy of reading.
READ MORELive on stage with special guests, Dame Harriet Walter, one of Britain's most esteemed Shakespearean actors, will perform pieces from her new book, She Speaks!
READ MOREDrop in to meet Robert Fell, author of 'Traveller Storytelling in Scotland: Folklore, Ideology and Cultural Identity', an exciting new book about traditional storytelling in Scotland.
READ MOREJoin Hebridean storyteller and writer Ian Stephen as he presents his new book at Scottish Storytelling Centre on 27th October!
READ MOREJoin Angie Spoto and Lorriane Wilson on Thursday 7th November as they discuss their new fantastically woven and sometimes haunting tales, The Bone Diver and We Are All Ghosts in the Forest.
READ MOREFollowing the recent release of his autobiography ‘A Very Simple Mind’, Derek Forbes is now on tour promoting it! Catch him at The Voodoo Rooms on 12th November!
READ MOREJoin us at The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh on Thursday 14th November when we will be joined by Dougie Donnelly to celebrate the release of his autobiography 'My Life in Sport'!
READ MOREMeet global best-seller and award-winning author, Derek Landy at Waterstones as he signs copies of The Haunted House on Hollow Hill.
READ MORE