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.
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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!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 us in the Family Room at The Palace of Holyroodhouse to get up close to some historical and replica objects.
READ MOREJoin us in the Family Room at The Palace of Holyroodhouse to discover the stories behind some special crowns. Get creative by decorating your own crown to wear as you visit the rest of the Palace.
READ MOREFor the first time, families will be able to join free short tours of the beautiful Physic Garden at the height of summer.
READ MORELearn about the history of the Palace Gardens, where 500 years ago a medieval menagerie was home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and bears.
READ MORETake part in a fun family workshop exploring fashion in Georgian Britain at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 10th August!
READ MOREJoin Art Guide Trudi Collier for a British Sign Language tour of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh on 14th August!
READ MORETaking inspiration from the exhibition Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians, join historical dance expert Alena Shmakova for this lecture on 23rd August!
READ MOREJoin us at The King's Gallery on 20th September for an exciting opportunity for students in arts, heritage and culture to explore to the exhibition, Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians!
READ MOREJoin Surveyor of the King's Pictures, and curator of the exhibition, Anna Reynolds on 20th September for an exclusive view of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians!
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 MORETopping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh are thrilled to be welcoming social media sensation Andy the Highlander on 31st July, who joins us to present Lochs & Legends!
READ MOREFringe by the Sea is back with a bang! With over 250 events between August 2nd and 11th in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick, there's something to suit every taste!
READ MOREJoin translator Thomas Clark on a fascinating journey through Orwell, Scots and the language we use today.
READ MOREAdmit it, Jamaica made Scotland wealthy. Author of Bought and Sold: Scotland, Jamaica and Slavery, Kate Phillips tells the real story of Scotland and slavery.
READ MOREEnjoy a thrilling journey through time and mythology unlocking captivating secrets with historian and folklorist Stuart McHardy!
READ MOREJoin us at Waterstones Edinburgh West End on Wednesday 7th August as we welcome Alex Howard to the shop to celebrate the paperback release of The Ghost Cat!
READ MOREIn poetry and song, award-winning writer/actor/singer Gerda Stevenson presents the remarkable women from her acclaimed book, Quines: Poems in Tribute to Women of Scotland.
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