Featured Events in Edinburgh in June, 2025 (July Updated)

The Cold War was a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Scotland’s unique landscape provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research. The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

This is the first exhibition of its kind to show primate taxidermy specimens behaving as they would in the wild. 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises. Specimens on display include the Barbary Macaque, Western Lowland Gorilla, and ring-tailed Lemur.

Young people across Scotland have created a dazzling range of artworks for this exhibition. Supported by our team of artists, groups of children have made inspiring installations, while individuals have responded to an open call to share their art with the world. Young visitors to the exhibition can also get inspired and make their own mark by sending in their art. All artworks by 3 to 18-year-olds, living in Scotland, submitted to our online gallery before October will be added to a looped, digital display in the exhibition.

The exhibition sheds light on behind-the-scenes processes, from photographers’ handwritten annotations to correspondence with members of the Royal Family and their staff, revealing the stories behind some of the most celebrated photographs ever taken of the Royal Family.

Explore the creation and use of maps during the Second World War. Discover their use through personal stories, photography, and memorabilia. Between 1939 and 1945 over 3 billion maps were produced for the Allied, Soviet and German forces. Used to navigate the jungles of south-east Asia or for devising an escape plan, the maps on display are now mementoes. Maps kept alongside medals and photographs to say ‘I was there.’ You'll find aerial photography, war diaries, and even a fashionable dress made from escape and evasion maps. The exhibition introduces us to a Prisoner of War, an RAF pilot, a Brigadier and an army chaplain through the maps they kept as a memory of their war service.

For our Anniversary concert we decided to ask past and present members which songs mean the most to them. So we asked people for their top 4 songs, and our set list is made up of the winners! Expect songs written by us, a pop gem or two, and lots of folky stuff from around the world and throughout the ages. It will also be a chance to chat and reminisce with Castle Chorus members old and new. We'll go to the pub in Summerhall afterwards too. Information Source: Castle Chorus | eventbrite

The most listened to Scottish politics podcast Holyrood Sources returns for one of its signature live events. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver - three insiders with experience at the highest levels of politics, government and media - to ask questions of two of the party leaders who wish to be Scotland's Next First Minister. Plus, hear from experts to react in real-time to the offers and proposals of the two politicians. Information Source: Holyrood Sources | eventbrite

Experience the rich musical traditions of the Mediterranean as two dynamic bands take the stage at Leith Depot on June 5th for an unforgettable night of live music. Con’tylia and Scylla will bring the vibrant sounds of Greece and Southern Italy to Edinburgh, celebrating the timeless rhythms and melodies of their homelands. Scylla (/ˈsɪlə/) will ignite the night, with the vibrant sounds of Southern Italian folk music. Their performance will captivate the audience, blending rhythmic percussion, expressive melodies, and the rich storytelling traditions of South of Italy musical heritage. You will expect a rich array of harmonies, from traditional love songs to the frantic rhythm of the pizzica. Following them, Con’tylia, a group renowned for their deep passion for Greek folk music, will transport audiences with their soulful renditions of traditional tunes. Con’tylia delves into the rich traditions of Eastern European and Middle Eastern folk music. Rooted in Greece, their sound is deeply influenced by Northern Greek, Balkan, Rebetiko, and Maqam cultures, blending vibrant jazz-infused harmonies, soulful string arrangements, and infectious rhythms. The quartet wields an eclectic array of instruments, including the Cretan lute, Turkish oud, bendir, guitar, djembe, and castanets, occasionally incorporating the bouzouki and low whistle for added depth. Leith Depot, one of Edinburgh’s most beloved independent music venues, provides the perfect setting for this intimate and immersive musical experience. Whether you are a lover of world music, a fan of Mediterranean culture, or simply looking for a unique night out, this concert promises to be a celebration of rhythm, history, and connection. Tickets are £13 + £1.79 Fee Information Source: Musikanti Production | eventbrite

Chemistry of the Evening Raise your glasses, you fine and eligible singles, you are in for an exciting night of dating. Meet like-minded singles face-to-face at our busy speed dating event at Le Monde, George Street, Edinburgh. It's time to relax, make real life connections and meet your perfect partner in crime! Here, at SpeedDater we know that chemistry only happens in person, so our events are perfect for singles that want to find someone special in real life. During the event you will be going on between 6 and 12 mini dates lasting about four minutes each. Our professional hosts and well-tried organisation make meeting people easy and a lot of fun. We are passionate about helping singles to find love in real life. Come with a smile and an open mind, you never know who you could meet at one of our events. What to Expect: Flirt, Laugh, Match When you arrive, our lovely SpeedDater host will welcome you and sign you in. You will be given a badge number that will match a table in the room and the ladies stay seated while the men rotate from table to table until they meet each woman. To help you remember all participants you will have a card to mark down all individuals that you like. You'll also have breaks for drinks and chit-chat. And after the event? The day after your speed dating event you can log in to our secure website and click the 'matches' tab. You will find out who you mutually matched with and can get in touch again via our messaging system. Don’t forget about SpeedDater’s guarantee - if you didn’t meet someone you liked the first time your next singles event is free! What have you got to lose? Itinerary 19:00 Registration opens 19:30 Speed Dating begins 20:15 Break for drinks and chatting 20:30 Speed Dating resumes 21:30 Speed Dating ends and post event socialising begins Please have a look at our upcoming events: www.speeddater.co.uk Information Source: SpeedDater | eventbrite

60 th Anniversary Conference – “Law Reform: Shaping Society?” This year is the 60th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission. Since its establishment by the Law Commissions Act 1965, the Commission has sought to perform an integral role in ensuring Scots Law effectively meets society’s needs. The keynote speaker is Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court. He will be joined by: Lady Wise, President of Scottish Tribunals and Senator of the College of Justice Dr Alisdair MacPherson, University of Aberdeen Professor James Lee, King’s College London. This will be a unique and timely opportunity to engage in a fascinating reflection on the value of law reform in Scotland, the challenges as the Commission looks to the future, and an opportunity to network with others who have shared interests. Celebrate six decades of law reform with us at this special in-person and online event. Information Source: Scottish Law Commission | eventbrite

Join us for six fascinating lectures exploring Scottish place-names from 20 to 22 June in Edinburgh and online. Place-names make a unique contribution to our understanding of how we humans have interacted with our environment over the centuries. They afford us a rare glimpse into the minds of those who coined them – their concerns, their priorities, their perceptions of the world, both physical and spiritual. Place-names also have much to teach us about languages, living and dead, and about their societal and political context. They are constantly evolving, acquiring new layers of significance, at the same time helping shape our identity and sense of belonging. This event is open and free to all. Please note: online and in-person tickets give you access to all six sessions of the 2025 Rhind Lectures, you may attend any or all of them. Tickets are free and popular, so early registration is advisable. If you are unable to attend in-person, please let us know at your earliest convenience. Presented by Dr Simon Taylor Dr Simon Taylor is Reader in Scottish Name Studies at the University of Glasgow. He has worked in the field of Scottish place-names since the early 1990s, and has published widely on the subject, including several in-depth regional surveys. One of the founding members of the Scottish Place-Name Society in 1996, he is now its honorary Preses. He was editor of the Journal of Scottish Name Studies from its inception in 2007 until 2020. Friday 20 June 5pm: Place-names in Scotland, yesterday, today, tomorrow Humans have always had a fascination with the origins and meanings of place?names, a fascination which in our own civilisation we can trace at least as far back as the Old Testament. The systematic study of place-names in Scotland goes back several centuries, and this lecture will introduce some key fi gures in its evolution. The lecture will conclude with an overview of the present state of the discipline and its future trajectory. 6.30pm: Place-names and Language Place-names are important, sometimes unique, witnesses to the historical languages of Scotland and the ways in which these languages interacted with each other. This lecture will look both at the languages themselves and at their interaction, from a socio-political as well as from a linguistic perspective. It will also address the issue of dating the different linguistic strata and of assigning names to a particular language. Followed by a drinks reception. A selection of Society books, ties and scarves will be available to purchase. Saturday 21 June 3pm: Place-names, settlement and society Place-names illuminate many aspects of social history, including settlement, assembly, hunting and the administration of justice. This lecture will discuss some of these aspects of social history through the close analysis of representative place-names from across Scotland, above all those coined in the medieval and early modern periods. 4.30pm: Place-names, archaeology and enviornment The focus of this lecture will be place-names’ relationship with archaeology and environmental history. It will explore how place-names can be sign-posts for the archaeologist, as well as indicators of how people through the ages have interpreted visible archaeological remains. Place-names also invoke and describe past landscapes reaching back into the medieval period. They are especially valuable as witnesses to early woodland and wetland and their exploitation, as well as to the former distribution of birds and animals. Sunday 22 June 3pm: Place-names and the church Christianity in Scotland’s early history is inscribed not just in its manuscripts and stones but also in its place-names. This lecture will look at some key place-name elements associated with the Church and attempt to tease out from them something of that early story. It will also look at another marker of the historical importance of religion, that of the legion of saints commemorated in our namescape. 4.30pm: Place-names great and small Place-names arise from humans’ creative engagement with their environment, so it is no surprise that they embody a wide range of human responses: prosaic, utilitarian, imaginative, evaluative, humorous, mocking. There is also scarcely anything too small to be given a name, and these so-called microtoponyms can be found in sources from medieval boundary descriptions to modern colloquial language. There is also a lively movement of place-names across the globe, driven by a variety of motivations, both positive and negative. All the above types of names are found in Scotland, and they will provide the focus of this fi nal lecture. What are the Rhind Lectures? The Rhind Lectures are a series of six lectures delivered annually on a subject pertaining to history or archaeology by eminent authorities on the subject. They have been given since 1876 and commemorate Alexander Henry Rhind of Sibster (1833-63) who left a bequest to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to endow the lectures which perpetuate his name. Accessibility The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail. Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building – please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway. A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift). Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue. If attending via Zoom, captions are included. You can find further information on Accessibility here . If you have any further queries, do not hesitate to get in touch at events@socantscot.org . House Rules The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying. All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event. Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online. Support Us The Society is grateful for our thousands of Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all. If you're interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow. Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter and receive updates direct to your inbox. Image captions: Detail from 1654 Blaeu (Robert Gordon) map Extima Scotiae (Courtesy of NLS Maps) Mist clearing over Biggar, looking north-east over Castle Hill with its earthworks to Broomy Law with its masts. On the horizon the Pentland Hills (Credit: William Patterson) The head of the carline of Carlinhead Rocks, Kinghorn (Credit: Simon Taylor) Alexander Henry Rhind of Sibster (1833–1863) by Alexander S. Mackay (1832–1899) (Credit: National Museum of Scotland) Information Source: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland | eventbrite

The evening will begin with an exclusive guided tour of the zoo after closing followed by a talk at our giraffe house and drinks courtesy of Glenmorangie. Your support for RZSS allows us to partner with Glenmorangie and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to help aid giraffe conservation in countries where the need is greatest. Through science and genetic expertise, the partnership continues to be a source of positive news for giraffe conservation. Please note this event is suitable for adults aged 18+. Entry for this event is through our members gate at the top of the Edinburgh Zoo car park. For further information please contact events@rzss.org.uk Information Source: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo | eventbrite

New and fresh independent sounds featuring: Reality:Television Demi & The Urge Somnia Dylan Wilson Information Source: CVGV events | eventbrite

Information Source: The Edinburgh Combat Project | eventbrite

Young Singers Programme RecitalThe Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus invites you to the recital of this year's cohort of young singers. These developing musicians have been part of the SCO Chorus for the last season, and taken part in masterclasses with soloists such as Roderick Williams, Anna Dennis, and Emma Morwood to help their vocal development. This recital will showcase both their individual talents and their ensemble skills; with a programme ranging from Monteverdi to Britten this will be an hour of spectacularly curated music. Emily Kemp (soprano) Ciara O'Neil (soprano) Maria Campbell (soprano) Holly Gowen (alto) Ben Evans (tenor) Fraser MacDonald (tenor) Luke Francis (bass) Philip Sharp (accompanist) Greg Batsleer (Chorus Director) Susan White (Chorus Manager) Information Source: eventbrite

The next Edinburgh Dogmatics Conference will take place from Tuesday 3rd June until Thursday 5th June 2025 and will be held in Edinburgh Theological Seminary. The Speakers are Henri Blocher, Myk Habets, Paul Nimmo, Sara Parvas, Zach Purvis, Ken Stewart, Steve Holmes and A.T.B. McGowan. This year the theme will be 'Creeds, Confessions, and the Church'. Along with our speakers we will be looking back into history to examine the historical confessions that have united Christians for centuries. We're excited in particular to be focusing on the Council of Nicaea. This will be the third conference on the theme of ecclesiology. The papers from our 2021 conference were published as Engaging Ecclesiology , and the papers from the 2023 conference on ‘The Holy Spirit & the Church’ are currently being edited for publication. The cost of the conference is £80 for those attending in person and £30 for those attending on-line. Further programme details to follow. Information Source: Highland Theological College | eventbrite

Edinburgh College of Art welcomes visitors to the annual Animation Screening. Join us at Edinburgh's Everyman Cinema for a special screening of graduating students' work. Timings & Ticket Prices 5.30pm - Doors open6pm - Screening beginsTickets are priced at £10 + Eventbrite admin fee (includes screening and a free drink at the reception)Following the screening, finishing at 7.30pm, you are invited to join staff and students for a drinks reception in the cinema bar. Please note: Booking is essential for us to manage capacity.Access Please let us know if you require any support accessing this event by emailing ⁠eca.events@ed.ac.uk. Please see ECA's privacy notice for more information on how your personal details provided will be used and stored. Information Source: Edinburgh College of Art | eventbrite

Smoke With Taste: Torabhaig x The Glasshouse BBQ & Whisky Tasting Whisky, BBQ, and unbeatable views – what more could you want? Join us at The Glasshouse Hotel for Smoke With Taste – a flavour-packed evening of Torabhaig whisky tasting, sizzling BBQ bites, and stunning views from our rooftop terrace beneath Calton Hill and across the Edinburgh skyline. Start the evening with a welcome cocktail, followed by a guided tasting of Torabhaig’s exceptional whisky range. Guests will also get an exclusive first taste of their brand-new release Sound of Sleat, launching just the day before. Enjoy delicious BBQ food prepared by The Glasshouse kitchen and soak in the atmosphere from one of Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop settings. A perfect night for whisky lovers, foodies, and anyone looking to enjoy something a little different in the heart of the city. Book your ticket and join us for a smoky, spirited evening to remember. Information Source: The Glasshouse | eventbrite

We guarantee a night of rip-roaring laughter at the expense of uptight and the easily offended. Tony Law Tony is surreal. He has an compellingly obscure take on life and is comforted by the bizarre and surreal. The Comedy Unleashed audience at the London club love him. Check him out: Here’s a video of Tony Law More comedians will be announced soon. DetailsDoors and bar open from 6.30pm. Show starts 7.15pm and finishes at 10pm. Bar open until 11.00. Artists on the bill may change. Ticket buyers will be added to the Comedy Unleashed email newsletter. You're free to unsubscribe at any time. We reserve the right to bar entry to anyone that we think might cause trouble. Information Source: Comedy Unleashed | eventbrite

This talk will uncover pivotal moments in Scotland’s LGBTQ+ past that have shaped its unique place in British queer history. From the queer chosen families of women in 1930s Edinburgh and the activism of the Scottish Minorities Group in the 1970s, to past and present struggles around trans rights, this talk traces a century of resilience, resistance, and change. What does the last 100 years of Scottish queer history tell us about where we are today? Are we moving forward, backward, or is the path something entirely different? About the speaker Dr Sam Rutherford is Lecturer in LGBTQ+ History at the University of Glasgow. This event is part of our Pride Month celebrations. When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. For more information, visit the National Library of Scotland privacy pages , in particular the events notice and feedback and complaints notice. We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members. Information Source: National Library of Scotland | eventbrite

Join Sue Lawrence on Thursday 5th June, at 7pm as she chats to Flora Johnston about her deeply moving tale of the sisterhood, heartbreak and resilience of the Scottish women on the World War II home front, Whispers in the Glen. Clova, Scotland, 1942. The midst of the Second World War. Sisters Nell and Effie Anderson live together in the Old Schoolhouse. Effie is a teacher, while Nell works as a postwoman, delivering news – often of the worst – from the frontline to her neighbours. Though they love and care for one another, there are unspoken tensions and mysteries that put distance between them. Then, a plane carrying Canadian and British soldiers crashes over their village, and the only surviving soldier stumbles up to their front door. In his pocket is a photo that will set in motion a chain of events threatening to uncover their families’ generations-old secrets. Told across a dual timeline of Effie and Nell’s adult years through World War II and their adolescence during World War I, Whispers in the Glen is a novel about secrets, lies – and the dangers of keeping them hidden. - Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat. Tickets are £3and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of Whispers in the Glen by Sue Lawrence. The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@blackwell.co.uk Information Source: Blackwell's Edinburgh South Bridge | eventbrite

Welcome to the Miss GB Edinburgh Final! Come join us at Prestonfield House for an exciting evening filled with glamour and empowerment. Watch as stunning contestants compete for the coveted title of Miss & Ms GB Edinburgh. Be prepared to witness amazing talent, breathtaking evening gowns, and fierce competition. ( tickets also available directly from Miss GB Edinburgh socials ) Fizz reception at 5pm followed by 3 course meal This charity event in aid of Simpson's Special Care Babies will have raffle, auctions and exquisite entertainment too Don't miss out on the chance to see who will be crowned the next Miss GB Edinburgh! Grab your tickets now and get ready for a night to remember. Information Source: Ava & Kay Morgan | eventbrite

We can't wait to see you at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Concert! Date: 6 June, 2025 Time: 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm Location: Ross Bandstand, Edinburgh Come and experience a powerful night of worship with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir live in concert! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with uplifting music, testimonies, and an encouraging message from Pastor Brian Pettrey. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir began with only nine members in a small rundown building in a difficult area. Carol Cymbala, ministering alongside her husband, Pastor Jim Cymbala, had no formal training, but growing up as a pastor’s daughter in a musical home, she had absorbed the sounds of many cultures, and the Lord had put into her heart the dream of one day directing a large choir. Today the popular Grammy Award–winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, comprised of men and women of all ethnic and national origins, continues to be used by the Lord to sing the gospel in the inner city of New York as well as domestically and internationally. Central to its ministry is a continual emphasis on prayer and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tickets are offered through local churches on an each one bring one basis. We are delighted to be partnering with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, who is committed to the Church in Scotland by heavily supporting the event financially to make tickets available to as many as possible on a subsidized basis. Please would you prayerfully consider inviting a friend, family member, or colleague to join you at the concert? They won’t be disappointed. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is joining us for a 3-city tour around Scotland. Click the city name to join us in Aberdeen or Glasgow. Information Source: The Heralds Trust | eventbrite

Welcome to the Cream Tea fundraiser 2025! Come join us at Holy Cross Church for a delightful afternoon filled with scrumptious scones, clotted cream, and delicious tea. Whether you're a fan of jam-first or cream-first, there's something for everyone at this event. There will also be cakes and a raffle. If you'd like to donate a prize or a bottle of fizz, please get in touch! Tickets £6, plus ticket fee if bought online. Each ticket includes a chance of winning a great raffle prize! Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon surrounded by friends. Mark your calendars and get ready for a sweet time! Information Source: Elaine Lennon | eventbrite

The Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra invites you to join us for our summer concert in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. Our programme for this concert includes: Gershwin – Cuban OverturesMarquez – Danson No. 2Arnold – Four Scottish DancesMaxwell Davies – Orkney Wedding with SunriseProkofiev – Violin Concerto No. 2 Information Source: Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra | eventbrite

The talks are open to the public and will take all place in the Assembly Hall and Rainy Hall, on The Mound in Edinburgh. Admission is via ticket - please book on this page. We would ask people attending the dinner on the Friday evening to pay a minimum of £50 and those attending on Saturday only to pay a minimum of £10. Those attending both on Friday and Saturday should pay a minimum of £60. Those attending the dinner on Friday should indicate any dietary requirements. Please also indicate if assistance is needed with access or any other special requirements. Speakers: Fr Nicholas Crowe OP Fr Nicholas was born and raised in Stevenage. Upon the completion of his undergraduate studies in Geography at the University of Cambridge, he trained for the priesthood here at Blackfriars. After his ordination as priest, he was assigned first to the Dominican Priory in London, and later to the Priory in Leicester. During this time, he served as the Vocations Director for the Dominican friars in Great Britain, and Director of the Dominican Youth Movement. After a period of further studies in moral theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, Fr Nicholas returned to the English Province and was assigned to the Dominican community in Cambridge where he served as Prior. He was elected Prior of Blackfriars Oxford in February 2023, and subsequently as Prior Provincial of the English Province in April 2024. He teaches pastoral theology. Fr John Farrell OP Father John Farrell is a Dominican Friar who has held many offices in the Province and was Prior Provincial from 2008-2016. Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, he entered the Order in 1972 after a degree in history at the University of York. Assigned to Edinburgh in 1975 he completed graduate and postgraduate degrees in theology at New College, Edinburgh and was ordained deacon in George Square and priest at St Peter's Morningside. He was for a time assistant university chaplain in George Square. He has served as parish priest in London and Newcastle and has taught in four seminaries and on several training courses for lay ministry in Southwark, Westminster and Newcastle. His main work now is giving retreats. He is based at Holy Cross, Leicester. Fr Dermot Morrin OP Fr Dermot is a Dominican friar who is member of English Province, assigned to Scotland, but is from the south of Ireland. Having been educated by the Dominican friars at Newbridge College, he completed a degree in Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin. However, he felt called to be a priest and studied for the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in Rome. He got to know the Dominican friars in Oxford and in 1991, he joined them and was clothed as a novice in Edinburgh. He completed a degree in Philosophy and Theology at Oxford, was ordained in 1997, spent 12 years in St Dominic’s Priory in London mostly as the Prior and/or Parish Priest. In 2009 he moved to Edinburgh where he has been Lead Chaplain and Superior for 11 out of 15 years. Since October 2023 he has combined this role with that of Chaplain at Polmont YOI & HMP. Helene van der Ploeg Helene was on the Board of the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) for 5 years, before taking up the role of CEO in 2023.. She has been in catering and hospitality throughout her career, running her own ventures and specialising in start-ups, commercial and social enterprises including Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. In her role at Space @ Broomhouse Hub, she led on the construction of their £3m new community building and the subsequent development of social enterprises and community activities. Latterly, she was the Director of Food & Enterprise at The Larder, delivering the startup of their new Bakery Shop and developing their outside catering and opening of their Cafe and Community Shop in Broxburn. In 2016, Helene completed a Masters in Gastronomy with Distinction, focusing on sustainable food procurement in local authorities. Her focus is on food as that vital connector, to engage with the community, and work towards reducing poverty, social isolation, and mental health issues, challenges so prevalent with the members (beneficiaries) of GCP. Whilst Helene loves all things food, she is an advocate for the great outdoors too – from kayaking to hill walking; horse-riding to a good stomp; she is keen to share these passions as a balance to her work and a chance to connect with others. Sepi Golzari-Munro Sepi is an independent analyst, writer, and broadcaster specialising in climate and the clean energy transition. She works at the nexus between business, Government and the public - advising on political, communications and campaign strategies while providing regular commentary to major media networks. Her experience across NGO, private and public sectors - at international and national levels - has given her the range of experience required to make connections that would otherwise go unmade... bringing fresh strategic insights, solving tricky problems and communicating complex ideas with clarity. As a UK official, including at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Sepi facilitated dialogue between business leaders and Government Ministers, led international trade missions, and advised on UN negotiations. She later served as Executive Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, where she worked cross-party to shape and communicate interventions to secure a prosperous clean energy transition. She has co-presented on BBC Radio 4’s flagship environment programme, featured in documentaries and televised debates, and provides regular commentary for major media networks, publications and live events including Glastonbury Festival, UN climate conferences and party political conferences. She is the host of the newly launched Public Knowledge podcast and can be found on LinkedIn, or— more likely — exploring Scotland’s mountains and coastline. Elizabeth Drummond Young Dr Elizabeth Drummond Young is a teaching fellow in philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. She designs and teaches philosophy courses for both matriculated students and members of the public specialising in applied ethics, moral philosophy and critical thinking. She has a special interest in making the work of women philosophers better known. She has chaired the Albertus Institute and makes regular public philosophy presentations, as well as contributing to academic conferences and publications in her specialised areas. Professor Alasdair MacLullich Alasdair MacLullich is Professor of Geriatric Medicine in Edinburgh. Alasdair works clinically in acute geriatrics and orthogeriatrics at the Royal Infirmary. His research is focused on delirium including clinical assessment, communication, the patient experience, biomarkers, and outcomes, and more recently also on hip fracture care. He co-founded the European Delirium Association, and was chair of the SIGN guideline on delirium. He is currently the chair of the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit. The Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon Musician, scholar, and priest, the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon has a distinguished background in both performance and academic research. Before ordination, he was a professional singer, performing with leading early music ensembles and chamber groups across the United States. Praised by The New York Times for his “attractive round tenor,” he appeared as both a soloist and ensemble singer in major concert venues and international festivals. His academic work focuses on Gregorian Chant, specialising in the interpretation of medieval notation and its implications for performance. Alongside his research, his theological training has shaped a particular interest in how music functions within worship and religious thought—not only as a historical practice but as something that continues to shape contemporary faith and culture. He has contributed to books on professional development for musicians and the practicalities of working in the classical music industry. Now Rector of St Michael and All Saints, Edinburgh, he continues to explore the intersection of music, theology, and human expression. …but this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26 Information Source: St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy | eventbrite

Parental Duty Doors 20:00 Last Orders 00:15 18+, so get your childminders booked early. Information Source: Parental Duty | eventbrite

Trying to teach your child how to cycle? Not having much luck? Well Professor Balance and his unique teaching style will soon have your child on two wheels - or your money back! What do you need to know? Bring your child's bike if they have one. Subject to demand we have a selection of loan bikes available to help your child learn to ride depending on how things go. Bring a snack and water. Don't forget some chocolate - for Professor Balance! You can choose between two tickets - primary aged pupils (£50 - no win no fee) and pre-school (£25 no refund). If your child (except pre-scholars) is not riding on 2 wheels you'll get your money back (less Eventbrite fees). Alternatively return for free in Kilsyth until your child is cycling. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to remove stabilisers as Professor Balance will be introducing your child to the 'Stabiliser Fairy'. Information Source: Professor Balance | eventbrite

What happens when poetry works its alchemy on the past? Even the most ordinary histories -- from our personal aches to shared upheavals -- can yield the most rare and uncommon shards. Fellow writers Cynthia Miller, Shze-Hui Tjoa, and Tim Tim Cheng will join Singapore poet Theophilus Kwek in a reading to celebrate the launch of his new collection Commonwealth (Carcanet Press), which dwells on the dreams and displacements that have shaped the lives of multiple generations within an ever-changing city. Theophilus Kwek is a writer, editor and translator based in Singapore. His work has been published in The Guardian, Times Literary Supplement, The Straits Times, and elsewhere; and performed at the Royal Opera House. Two of his previous collections of poetry were shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize, while his pamphlet, The First Five Storms, won the inaugural New Poets’ Prize. In 2023, he was the youngest writer and first Singaporean to be awarded the Cikada Prize by the Swedish Institute, for poetry that “defends the inviolability of life”. He is a member of the Folio Academy, and part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. His latest book is Commonwealth (Carcanet Press, 2025). Cynthia Miller is a Malaysian-American poet and co-founder of the Verve Poetry Festival. Her debut collection Honorifics won an Eric Gregory, was awarded Best First Collection at The Laurel Prize and was shortlisted for the Forward Prize and the Seamus Heaney Poetry Prize. Her poems have appeared in The Rialto, Ambit, The Telegraph, Butcher's Dog, MIT Technology Review and Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal. Shze-Hui Tjoa is the author of the memoir The Story Game from Tin House books, named a best nonfiction book of 2024 by Electric Lit and Paste Magazine. She is a nonfiction editor at Guernica and Adi Magazine, and her latest author interviews can be found in BOMB, Lit Hub, Electric Literature, Between the Covers podcast, and elsewhere. She is currently working on a hybrid memoir about touch, music, and motherhood. Tim Tim Cheng (she/they) is a poet from Hong Kong. Her debut collection, The Tattoo Collector (Nine Arches Press, 2024), is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation. Her pamphlet, Tapping at Glass (Verve, 2023), was shortlisted for The Kavya Prize and named one of The Poetry Society’s Books of the Year. In her work, she explores the intersection between the personal and political, land and body. Information Source: Typewronger Books | eventbrite