From tragic tales of treachery to stories of Jacobite journeys, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its many chapters of history have provided the inspiration for a vast array of literary works over the centuries. In the Abbey Strand book club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction.
March - Rizzio, Denise Mina
Explore in fictional form the infamous events surrounding the death of David Rizzio in 1566. Visit the scene of the crime, Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, before delving into Mina's exploration of the days and hours leading up to this dramatic moment.
June - Waverley, Walter Scott
Scott’s first novel is set during the years of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, with significant scenes taking place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In this meeting, visit the chambers used by Charles Edward during his six-week stay at the Palace, and see the rooms described by Scott in his fictional imagining of this time.
September – Quines, Gerda Stevenson
This poetry collection celebrates stories of women of Scotland from across the centuries, many of whom have a connection to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, including Saint Margaret, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne.
December - Hex, Jenni Fagan
Delve into the turbulent world of sixteenth-century Edinburgh and the fear and fascination with witchcraft. Hear the story of Agnes Sampson, who was accused of witchcraft and brought to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for questioning by King James VI and I himself.
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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!Join us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.
READ MOREThis exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
READ MOREJoin Deaf Action for an afternoon of storytelling with Luigi Lerose, a Deaf children’s writer on 4th January!
READ MOREWaterstones Edinburgh West End is delighted to be joined by Sue Lynn Tan on 17th January, in celebrating publication of her latest novel Immortal.
READ MORECelebrated historian, Dr Alistair Moffat MBE presents an enlightening overview of The Great Tapestry of Scotland along with a special book signing and entry to the exhibition Stitched!
READ MOREWaterstones Edinburgh West End is delighted to be welcoming Kate Fagan to the shop on Thursday 23rd January to celebrate the publication of her astounding debut novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay!
READ MOREJoin us for the Night of Ideas, our annual night of debate and discussion at the Institut français d’Écosse on 4th February!
READ MOREDon't miss Comic Con Alba, Scotland’s new event, at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 8th February!
READ MOREScottish Writer Lisa Ballantyne will be at the Institut français d’Écosse on Tuesday 25th February to talk about the themes of three of her novels.
READ MORESpend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA nominated author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE.
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