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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READ MOREThis exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
READ MOREDon't miss Comic Con Alba, Scotland’s new event, at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 8th February!
READ MOREJoin us at the Lighthouse Bookshop on Tuesday 11th February to celebrate the recent publication of two new Tapsalteerie poetry books from Mae Diansangu and Rachel Plummer!
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 MOREJoin celebrated designer Dame Zandra Rhodes in conversation with Dovecot Director Celia Joicey about her latest book 'ICONIC' on Wednesday 5th March!
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.
READ MOREScotland's largest and most prestigious antiquarian book fair, the Edinburgh Book Fair, returns on 28th and 29th March in a stunning new venue for 2025!
READ MOREStacey Dooley MBE is returning to the stage for an intimate evening inspired by her new book, Dear Minnie: Conversations with Remarkable Mothers.
READ MOREJoin Tigest Girma at Waterstones Edinburgh West End as she dicusses her deliciously dark, dangerously romantic Black vampire fantasy debut, Immortal Dark!
READ MOREOne of the world’s most eminent writers and thinkers, Professor Richard Dawkins, joins the Edinburgh Science Festival 2025 on 14th April for a special event as part of his last tour on the road!
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