Abbey Strand Book Club
Explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction at the Abbey Strand book club!
About Abbey Strand Book Club
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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Other Events at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described
Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
READ MOREPalace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Royal Rhyme Time
Join us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.
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Witches or Healers
Hear the story of Agnes Sampson, a woman accused of witchcraft and discover the scents of some of the herbs Agnes would have been familiar with as she worked as a local healer.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.
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Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks
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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The Edinburgh Sketcher at The King’s Gallery
Join Mark Kirkham, better known as the Edinburgh Sketcher, to explore Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh on 22nd November!
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Descriptive Tour: Drawing the Italian Renaissance
Join us for a special descriptive tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh, designed for visually impaired and blind visitors.
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Family Yoga: Mixed Age Group
Taking inspiration from Drawing the Italian Renaissance, join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a fun family yoga session full of movement, music, songs and stories.
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Family Drawing Workshop
Take inspiration from drawings in our latest exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance and join us for a special family drawing workshop.
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Festive Wreath Making at Holyroodhouse
Join florist and Royal Warrant-holder Lottie Longman at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 1st December to create your own festive wreath to take home!
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Drawing The Italian Renaissance: A Gallery Late
Step into the world of Renaissance artistry for a special evening event at our exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
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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Carols at the Palace
Enjoy 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.
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Descriptive tour: A Royal Christmas
Join us for a special descriptive Christmas Tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse designed for visually impaired visitors.
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BSL Interpreted Tour: Royal Christmas Traditions
In this BSL guided festive tour, explore Royal Christmas traditions in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Christmas Activity Day
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 13th December for a fun festive activity for the whole family to enjoy!
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Recitals for Wrigglers
This Christmas, join Recitals for Wrigglers in the Great Gallery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a festive concert specially created for babies and toddlers.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
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Conservator Talk: Conserving the Campi Cartoon
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.
READ MOREFamily Yoga: Early Years
Taking inspiration from Drawing the Italian Renaissance join us for a fun family yoga session full of movement, music, songs and stories. Suitable for children 16 months to 4 years old.
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Storytelling: Inspired by drawings
Join storyteller Claire McNicol as she explores tales inspired by drawings of the Italian Renaissance in an exciting interactive storytelling session.
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Curatorial Talk: The Patrons of the Renaissance
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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German Rhyme Time for Under 5s
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Talk and book signing with Jenny Colgan
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An evening with Allison Meldrum: Keep Me Safe
Waterstones Edinburgh West End is delighted to welcome Allison Meldrum along to the shop on Wednesday 29th October to celebrate the publication of her absorbing and pacy new thriller, Keep Me Safe.
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Book signing with Hannah Gold -The Lone Husky
Come and meet internationally bestselling children's author, Hannah Gold, on Wednesday 5th November, as she signs copies of her thrilling tale of arctic adventure, The Lone Husky!
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