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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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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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Find Out Fridays

Selected dates between 15th August 2025 - 19th December 2025

Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.

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Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 23rd October 2025 - 26th February 2026

Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

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Weekly Tours at St Cecilia’s Hall

Selected dates between 28th November 2025 - 17th December 2025

Join our team of volunteers at St Cecilia's Hall for a FREE weekly tour of the collection!

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

Selected dates between 30th November 2025 - 13th December 2026

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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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction

Selected dates between 5th December 2025 - 29th January 2026

Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

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Life Of A Ghost Hunter

Selected dates between 13th December 2025 - 19th December 2025

How do real life ghost hunters hunt ghosts? Join Phantom Seekers Paranormal for a light hearted look at what goes into hunting ghosts, what we do and how we do it.

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Aleister Crowley - The Beast, The Bard, The Brat

16th December 2025

Wild rumours spread about Aleister Crowley throughout his eccentric life. Come along and hear about a side to the sorcerer that is seldom heard!

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Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley

6th January 2026
Edinburgh South

Join the School of Physics and Astronomy at 50 George Square on Tuesday 6th January for a drinks reception followed by a lecture from Sir Steven Cowley!

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Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

15th January 2026

Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.

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Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky

21st January 2026

The Scotch whisky industry faces a growing problem: fake vintage whiskies. Some bottles sold as rare single malts from the 1800s or early 1900s are actually much younger.

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Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again

24th January 2026

Justin Hawkins brings his YouTube show “Justin Hawkins Rides Again” to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 24th January!

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Celebrating Burns

25th January 2026

Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!

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Parkaeology

25th January 2026

Join archaeologist Rachel Pickering on Sunday 25th January and hear about the history and archaeology of Holyrood Park!

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Showcase: Ripley Alchemical Scroll

28th January 2026

Join us at the Physicians’ Gallery on 28th January as we explore the Philosophers’ Stone and the secret to eternal life!

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Wetland Wander

31st January 2026

Join a ranger on Saturday 31st January to celebrate World Wetland Day and discover Holyrood Park's lochs and bogs!

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Winter Wetland Wander

1st February 2026

Join a ranger on Sunday 1st February to celebrate World Wetland Day and discover why the wetland of Linlithgow Loch is so important for wildlife!

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Laura Young: Talking Science and Taking Action

5th February 2026

Environmental scientist Laura Young shares what she's learned about bridging the gap between research and public understanding.

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Conservator Talk: Conserving the Campi Cartoon

6th February 2026

Victoria Button, Royal Collection Trust’s Head of Paper Conservation, discusses her work in preparing drawings for presentation in Drawing The Italian Renaissance, on display at The King's Gallery.

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An Evening with Gordon Strachan

11th February 2026

On what promises to be an entertaining night, Gordon Strachan will be discussing his colourful career and life at Reconnect Howden Park on 11th February!

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An Evening with Val McDermid

11th February 2026

We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Val McDermid's Edinburgh launch of the latest Karen Pirie thriller, Silent Bones. Join us in welcoming the Quine of Crime to the Assembly Roxy!

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Jen Stout: Night Train to Odesa: A Scottish Journalist In Ukraine

18th February 2026

Over the last three years of Russia's war against Ukraine, journalist and writer Jen Stout has brought the conflict home to readers in Scotland with her evocative firsthand reporting.

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An Evening With Greig Laidlaw

Selected dates between 19th February 2026 - 12th March 2026

Join former Scotland captain and rugby legend Greig Laidlaw at Bonnie & Wild, as he takes you behind the scenes of his illustrious career!

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Showcase: Banned Books

25th February 2026

Join us at the Physicians’ Gallery on Wednesday 25th February for this talk on the banning and censoring of scientific books, especially during the 1500s Catholic Inquisition!

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Ash Sarkar: In Conversation

27th February 2026

Join political commentator Ash Sarkar at Assembly Roxy Edinburgh to discuss her explosive debut Minority Rule, which reveals how the collective power of ordinary people is under attack.

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Curatorial Talk: The Patrons of the Renaissance

27th February 2026

Join Martin Clayton, Head of Prints and Drawings at Royal Collection Trust, for this lunchtime lecture as he discusses the vital role of patrons in the creation of Italian Renaissance art.

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An Evening With Alex O’Connor

28th February 2026

Join YouTuber and host of the Within Reason podcast Alex O’Connor for an evening of discussion and audience questions on God, religion, consciousness, and more at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh.

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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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Writing the French Caribbean: an Introduction

3rd March 2026

Broaden your horizons on a journey to the French Caribbean for Francophone Month at this talk by Professor Lorna Milne FRSE, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques!

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Kate Bradbury: Gardening for Biodiversity

5th March 2026

Award winning writer and wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury shares inspiring ideas to transform your garden into a haven for biodiversity.

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The Women of Holyrood Park

6th March 2026 - 8th March 2026

Come along and hear about the women of the past who shaped the Holyrood Park of today, on these March guided walks!

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Journey into Abstraction: An Introduction to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham

12th March 2026

In this richly illustrated talk Rob Airey will introduce the long creative career of artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004), focusing on both her journey to abstraction and travels into landscape.

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Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves

15th March 2026

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.

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City Streets, Scottish Islands and Silhouetted Hills: Bet Low (1924-2007) Art and Life

17th March 2026

This talk on artist Bet Low complements the City Art Centre Exhibition Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000.

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John Kay and the Golden Age

20th March 2026

This lecture given by Eric Melvin, an established and respected local historian, is to mark the Bicentenary of John Kay's Death.

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John Henry Lorimer: Capturing the Characters of Edinburgh

21st March 2026

In this Spring talk, the artist’s great great niece Charlotte Lorimer gives this talk to complement the City Art Centre Exhibition ‘Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture’!

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Kendal Mountain Tour 2026

24th March 2026

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 comes to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 24th March!

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Edinburgh Science Festival

4th April 2026 - 19th April 2026
Various Locations Edinburgh

Exploring the theme Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 will showcase the research and innovation created through international partnerships that address shared challenges!

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Jason Fox: Embrace The Chaos

7th April 2026

Challenge your limits, change your habits, and transform your life with this brand-new show from Jason Fox at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Tuesday April 7th!

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Edinburgh Science Festival: An Evening with Astronaut Helen Sharman

12th April 2026

In this special event join Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, as she shares her unique, personal experiences from her historic 1991 mission aboard the Mir space station.

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Edinburgh Science Festival: Hamza Yassin’s Adventures in Nature

12th April 2026

Hamza Yassin, everyone's favourite wildlife cameraman, returns to the Edinburgh Science Festival to share stories from his adventures!

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Portraiture from the Fleming Collection

23rd April 2026

Director of the Fleming Collection, Theodore Albano, brings us on an exploration of four centuries of Scottish Portraiture in this talk at the Assembly Rooms.

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Monty Don: A Journey Through British Gardens

25th April 2026

Join Britain’s best-loved gardener Monty Don when he brings his brand-new show, celebrating his landmark book and BBC2 series, British Gardens, to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday April 25th!

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John Kay’s Edinburgh Street Characters and Visitors to the City

1st May 2026

Eric Melvin, an established and respected local historian, gives the talk on artist and engraver John Kay (1742 – 1826).

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John Robins - ‘Thirst’ In Conversation

2nd May 2026

Join critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Taskmaster champion, and award-winning broadcaster John Robins in conversation about alcohol addiction and the journey to sobriety.

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Gordon Strachan: My Life in Football

7th May 2026

On what promises to be an entertaining night, Gordon Strachan will be discussing his colourful career and life with Gerry McDade at the Corn Exchange Haddington on Thursday 7th May!

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Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth

15th May 2026

Fresh from filming the third series of Channel 4's Our Welsh Chapel Dream, Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth invite you behind the scenes of their creative partnership in this new show!

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Betwixt the Sheets LIVE with Dr Kate Lister

23rd May 2026

Join historian Dr Kate Lister for a riotously entertaining and equally enlightening evening as she brings her award-winning podcast Betwixt the Sheets LIVE to the Assembly Rooms stage!

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Richard Dawkins – Genes and the Meaning of Life

11th June 2026

Join Richard Dawkins for a ground-breaking exploration of the science of genetics and the story of evolution as you have never heard it before.

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An Evening with David Sedaris

4th July 2026

David Sedaris returns to the Usher Hall on Saturday 4th July to read new and unpublished stories, take questions, sign books and meet his audience!

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John Kay and Deacon Brodie

9th July 2026

Join us to explore the life of John Kay (1742 – 1826), a self-taught artist and engraver who sketched the famous Deacon William Brodie.

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Enter THE CASTLE with Jon Ronson - Mystery, Crime & Unmoored Men

19th September 2026

In this brand-new live show Jon Ronson, bestselling author of The Psychopath Test, brings us on a perilous journey with his new book!

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Jay Rayner: Nights Out in the Kitchen

27th September 2026

Join wit, raconteur, and occasional pastry-wrangler Jay Rayner, for a couple of hours of intense foodie insight, fabulous dinner ideas and the occasional dodgy one too.

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Miriam’s Full English LIVE

6th October 2026

Join Miriam Margolyes OBE in conversation at the Edinburgh Playhouse for stories from her new book, naughty confessions, and a no-holds-barred Q&A where no question is off-limits!

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Professor Brian Cox: Emergence World Tour

7th October 2026 - 8th October 2026

After performing his smash-hit show 'Horizons' to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new tour world tour Emergence!

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Jeremy Bowen: Truth Under Fire

9th October 2026

Join BBC's International Editor, Jeremy Bowen at the Assembly Rooms on 9th October. It's an essential evening for anyone who wants to understand the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.

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My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley

23rd October 2026

Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly charmed as Lucy Worsley reveals the secrets, stories, and splendours of Britain’s royal past.

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An Evening with Michael Portillo

5th November 2026

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.

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Noel Fitzpatrick – Medicine & Music

22nd May 2027

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick is hitting the road with a completely new show, combining his passion for both animals and music and he brings it to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 22nd May 2027!

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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:

Go West - We Close Our Eyes, And Other Stories - An Intimate Evening With Singer Peter Cox

Go West - We Close Our Eyes, And Other Stories - An Intimate Evening With Singer Peter Cox

16th October 2026

Best known as the lead vocalist of pop duo Go West, Peter Cox will look back on his stellar career that spanned four decades when he comes to Eastwood Park Theatre on Friday 16th October!

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Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Selected dates between 18th September 2025 - 21st May 2026

The Busby and Clarkston Horticultural Society is a gardening club for all who enjoy growing and learning about plants, why not join them for their exciting range of talks by knowledgeable speakers!

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Simon Yates of Touching the Void

Simon Yates of Touching the Void

31st January 2026

Touching the Void mountaineer Simon Yates comes to Eastwood Park Theatre with more stories from the last decade... of new adventures and climbs in the far north and south!

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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:

Kevin Heath: The Lost Ships Active & Scotia

Kevin Heath: The Lost Ships Active & Scotia

16th March 2026

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Laura Young: Talking Science and Taking Action

Laura Young: Talking Science and Taking Action

4th February 2026

Environmental scientist Laura Young shares what she's learned about bridging the gap between research and public understanding.

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Chaplain’s Conversations: Dr Sandra Romenska

Chaplain’s Conversations: Dr Sandra Romenska

18th February 2026

Join Dr Sandra Romenska, Senior Lecturer of the Business School, in conversation with the Chaplain, Donald MacEwan on 18th February at The Byre 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:

Existentialism: The Punk Philosophy

Existentialism: The Punk Philosophy

11th January 2026

Join the Humanist Society Scotland for their next meeting which will feature a lively and thought-provoking talk from Dr. Stuart Hanscomb on how existentialism breaks the rules.

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David Elder Lecture Series

David Elder Lecture Series

Selected dates between 26th November 2025 - 22nd April 2026

The David Elder lecture series at Glasgow Science Centre presents a line-up of fascinating talks by expert astronomers, spaceflight pioneers, award-winning science writers and broadcasters.

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Miriam’s Full English LIVE

Miriam’s Full English LIVE

4th October 2026

Join Miriam Margolyes OBE in conversation at the King's Theatre Glasgow for stories from her new book, naughty confessions, and a no-holds-barred Q&A where no question is off-limits!

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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 Professor David Wilson

An Evening With Professor David Wilson

16th January 2026

Popular criminologist and media presenter Professor David Wilson returns to his childhood hometown of Carluke to discuss his latest book, A History of Modern Britain in Twenty Murders!

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An Evening with Gregor Fisher

An Evening with Gregor Fisher

13th March 2026

Scottish stage and screen legend Gregor Fisher is taking to the road with the first leg of his UK tour, don't miss him at Lanark Memorial Hall on Friday 13th March!

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An Audience with Charlie Lawson

An Audience with Charlie Lawson

16th December 2025

Exciting news for Coronation Street fans! Charlie Lawson the star actor that played Jim McDonald is bringing his brand new show to Cumbernauld New Town Hall on Tuesday 16th December!

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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:

It’s Not Where You Start - A Spoken Word Experience By Scott Kyle

It’s Not Where You Start - A Spoken Word Experience By Scott Kyle

12th September 2026

Award-winning actor and producer Scott Kyle brings 'It's Not Where You Start', his most personal and powerful work, to Beacon Arts Centre on Saturday 12th September!

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Christmas Artist Meet Up: Daniel Gough, Animation and Documentary

Christmas Artist Meet Up: Daniel Gough, Animation and Documentary

20th December 2025

Join Refractive for an evening with Artist, Animator and Director Daniel Gough as part of the Paisley Docs: Rebels and Innovators programme.

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An Evening With Gregor Fisher

An Evening With Gregor Fisher

27th March 2026

Scottish stage and screen legend Gregor Fisher is taking to the road with the first leg of his UK tour, don't miss him at Beacon Arts Centre on Friday 27th March!

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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:

David Hockney - The Old Master of the Modern World

David Hockney - The Old Master of the Modern World

19th March 2026

This lecture, given by Douglas Skeggs, follows David Hockney’s career as an artist whose imagination has never faltered.

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An Introduction to Ice Age Art

An Introduction to Ice Age Art

15th January 2026

Paul Bahn gives this lecture on the main techniques employed, the pigments, the lighting methods and some of the reasons why this art corpus comprises some of the greatest imagery ever produced.

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Alice Morrison: Crossing Saudi Arabia On Foot

Alice Morrison: Crossing Saudi Arabia On Foot

11th February 2026

Alice Morrison shares stories of the people she encountered, a country fiercely proud of its past and optimistic about its future amid a cultural revolution, particularly regarding the role of women.

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Events in Other Areas

Highlight Talks

Highlight Talks

Selected dates between 8th October 2025 - 24th June 2026

On selected days throughout the year the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and volunteers hold a Highlight Talk exploring the life and works of Robert Burns!

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Dawn Hollis: Mountains Before Mountaineering

Dawn Hollis: Mountains Before Mountaineering

28th January 2026

Dawn Hollis' talk tells a different story of intrepid travellers who climbed peaks and passes with fear and delight.

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John Goodlad: The Salt Roads

John Goodlad: The Salt Roads

25th February 2026

Based on his best-selling book The Salt Roads, John Goodlad tells the extraordinary story of how salt fish from Shetland became one of Europe's staple foods.

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Jack Capener: Living with the Last Inca

Jack Capener: Living with the Last Inca

25th March 2026

High in the Peruvian Andes, in a spectacular high-altitude landscape, earth worship and subsistence farming intermingle and the essence of an ancient way of living persists.

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Sponsored Links

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Open Pass Scotland
Local Motive Markets
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Popular Events

Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
A Christmas Story
The Ukrainian Youth Partnership are proud to A Christmas Story, performed by and choreographed by the children and adults of the Ukrainian community.
Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: Around the World Starflyer
Try it if you dare! The Starflyer is back at Edinburgh's Christmas giving the finest, and most thrilling, views of the stunning city centre skyline!

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