History Events in Edinburgh on 17 May 2025
Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh on the 17 May 2025, or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
A Dram of History
Venture beneath the Royal Mile and raise a glass to Scotland’s most iconic drink with this exclusive experience at The Real Mary King’s Close.
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!
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Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour
This walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!
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Escape the Past: The Anatomist
Descend into a world of grave robbery, mystery and malpractice as you embark on a thrilling adventure into Edinburgh’s dark past.
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Escape the Past: The Deacon’s Cabinet
From Escape The Past comes a new escape room 'The Deacon’s Cabinet', a historical heist escape room which challenges you to outsmart the infamous Deacon Brodie!
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Maps: Memories from the Second World War
Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.
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Monumental Treasure Hunt: West Princes Street Gardens
Welcome to the Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, a cultural & historical exploration for children & adults of all ages to enjoy.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
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Shining a Light: A History of Nursing Support Workers: Exhibition
Discover the fascinating history of nursing support work and celebrate the contribution that nursing support workers continue to make today.
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Some Kind of Tours: 5 million years of Edinburgh history in 90 minutes
Unearth the twisted tales of Greyfriars Kirkyard and uncover Scotland's sinister past on this unique, 90 minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s atmospheric Old Town.
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The Musical Instrument Collection through the Years
Join St Cecilia’s Hall Curator Dr Sarah Deters on 17th May for this free guided tour to celebrate International Museum Day!
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The Scottish Colourists: Curator Talk
Join James Knox, Director of the Fleming Collection, at Dovecot to discuss why the Scottish Colourists deserve wider recognition for their contribution to European art in the early 20th century.
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The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives
Discover this groundbreaking exhibition in partnership with the Fleming Collection, which for the first time showcases the Scottish Colourists in the context of their European contemporaries.
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The World of King James VI and I
Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.
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Whisky Tasting and Tales
Taste 4 deliciously different whiskies while taking a journey into the history of whisky in Scotland and its profound importance within Scottish culture.
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History Events in East Renfrewshire
History Events in Fife
History Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Denny Social
The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) and members of Dumbarton community invite everyone to step into the world of William Denny & Brothers in this new immersive exhibition!
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Jessie Stephen: Maryhill’s Suffragette
This exhibition at Maryhill Burgh Halls brings to light the remarkable story and achievements of Jessie Stephen (1892-1979), a working-class woman who became a powerful force of social change.
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Library Resources For Family History
Starting out on your family history journey can be daunting... join one the Mitchell Library librarians for a FREE introductory session on library resources for family history.
READ MOREHistory Events in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Lamington Heritage Exhibition
This exhibition explores the history surrounding Lamington from early times through the regeneration of the village until the death of the 3rd Lord Lamington in 1951 and up to the present day.
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Leadhills Miners Library
Leadhills Miners Library is the oldest subscription library in the British Isles and is now a museum of literature and village life, open weekends May to September!
READ MOREHistory Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
History Cafe: The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley
Join Renfrewshire Heritage in Blend Coffee Lounge at Paisley Arts Centre on Saturday 17th May for their in-person History Cafe discussing The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley.
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Sma’ Shot Cottages
The Sma' Shot Cottages are a major attraction in the Renfrewshire area, providing visitors with an insight into two distinct periods of Paisley's weaving history!
READ MOREHistory Events in Stirling
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Stirling Ghostwalk
Take a tour of the strange tales and stranger characters of Stirling's Old Town on the Stirling Ghostwalk... comedy, drama, fact and fable - fun for boys & ghouls of all ages!
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Scotland’s National Hero
Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero.
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