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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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Costume Society Scotland Events

Selected dates between 3rd March 2025 - 5th May 2025

Come along to the Costume Society Scotland's season of varied talks on fashion, costume, textiles, accessories and related subjects between between October and April at Augustine United Church!

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Palace Page Turners

Selected dates between 7th March 2025 - 5th December 2025

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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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

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

Selected dates between 23rd March 2025 - 21st December 2025

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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Chocolate Love Match - Fort Kinnaird

Selected dates between 29th March 2025 - 5th July 2025

Ready to meet your Chocolate Love Match? Book now to secure one of the limited number of spaces available for our guided chocolate tasting experiences at Hotel Chocolat, Fort Kinnaird!

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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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Interfaith Youth Conference: Standing Against Hate & Building Allyship

30th April 2025

Join the Edinburgh Interfaith Association on 30th April for an impactful youth-led conference focusing on countering hate, fostering allyship, and taking real action against discrimination!

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Royal Portraits in the Press

2nd May 2025

Spanning portraits of Queen Victoria to King Charles III, this lecture taking place at the Abbey Strand Centre, discusses how iconic images are published and remembered.

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Steiner Waldorf Education Taster Weekend

2nd May 2025 - 3rd May 2025

Come and join us for a taster weekend on Steiner-Waldorf education! This is for parents, teachers and anyone else interested in creative approaches to education.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: An Introduction to Gaelic Storytelling

3rd May 2025

Join Gaelic storyteller Martin MacIntyre for an introductory session exploring the history, importance and joy in Gaelic storytelling culture in Scotland.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On

4th May 2025

Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Scotland’s Ancient Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight

5th May 2025

In his new book Scotland’s Sacred Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight, Stuart McHardy explores the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scottish people.

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The Science of Intergenerational Trauma with Dr Jane Mulcahy

6th May 2025

Discover the mechanisms of trauma transmission and the impact of inherited experiences, from families to entire communities in this talk given by Dr Jane Mulcahy at the Assembly Roxy on 6th May.

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Unlocking Success: Women, Tech & Investment

6th May 2025

This exclusive event, on 6th May at the EICC, brings together female founders, investors, and tech leaders to tackle the challenges and opportunities women face in the industry.

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Henri Bergson: Philosophy and Ghosts

7th May 2025

In this talk on 7th May at the Institut français d'Ecosse, Bruno Clément discusses two lectures Henri Bergson wrote in 1913, both of which talk about ghosts.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: The Legend of the Anonymous Poet (Or a 20th Century Barbarian Account)

9th May 2025

This special live performance from filmmaker/storytellers Nadir Bouhmouch and Soumeya Ait Ahmed combines film, lecture and storytelling!

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Fireside Stories: Herbal Histories

9th May 2025

Join artist and storyteller Amanda Edmiston for an evening of botanical storytelling inspired by the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 9th May!

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Festival of Europe

10th May 2025 - 11th May 2025

Scotland's second international Festival of Europe takes place on May 10th and 11th at French Institute, Edinburgh. Come along for a fantastic weekend of discussion, art and socialising!

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield

11th May 2025

The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.

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Falastin Film Festival: Jenin, Jenin

16th May 2025

Jenin Jenin shows the extent to which the prolonged oppression and terror has affected the state of mind of the Palestinian inhabitants of Jenin.

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An Audience with Aggers and Tuffers

17th May 2025

Whether you're a devoted cricket fan eager for insider stories or just looking for a fun evening out, don't miss your chance to catch these two stars live in action!

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Falastin Film Festival: In Conversation with Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta & Yara Eid

17th May 2025

This conversation at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will bring together distinguished voices to share testimonies from Gaza on the ongoing genocide.

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Falastin Film Festival: Longing for Palestine

17th May 2025

A cinematic exploration on borders, the physical, emotional, material & immaterial; those that dictate movement and return, or lack thereof, for Palestinians universally.

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Falastin Film Festival: Performing Archaeology

17th May 2025

Performing Archaeology is a screening of four short films that delve into the manipulation of archaeological heritage and erasure of folkloric traditions by the occupying zionist entity.

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Falastin Film Festival: From Ground Zero

18th May 2025

From Ground Zero is a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza during the ongoing genocide and showing as part of the Falastin Film Festival at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

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Falastin Film Festival: Reclaiming Rhythms

18th May 2025

Two beautiful and powerful medium-length films on the coloniality of archives, reclamation of Palestinian music and dance, and the ethnographic underpinnings of colonization.

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Falastin Film Festival: Talaeen a Junuub / Up to the South

18th May 2025

An oblique, albeit powerful experimental documentary which examines the politics and economics of South Lebanon against the backdrop of the Israeli occupation.

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Gaz Oakley’s Tales of the Homestead - CANCELLED

19th May 2025

In this one-of-a-kind show, Gaz Oakley will take you on a personal tour of his garden offering a behind-the-scenes look at life on the homestead and the journey he went on to get there.

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Levison Wood: Walking The World

19th May 2025

Join Levison Wood, the world-renowned explorer, best-selling author and TV presenter, for on his fifth UK theatre tour, Walking the World: A Life of Exploration and Adventure.

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Pint of Science Edinburgh

19th May 2025 - 21st May 2025
Various Locations Edinburgh

The Pint of Science festival in Edinburgh brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research!

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Guenther Steiner LIVE: Unfiltered

20th May 2025

Buckle up and fasten your seatbelts for a hugely entertaining all-areas-access conversation spanning a decade inside Formula 1, with former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner!

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Ant Middleton - Military Mindset

24th May 2025

Don't miss an evening with Ant Middleton, one of the most inspiring figures of our time, at the Usher Hall on Saturday 24th May!

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Alpine Wine Tasting

25th May 2025

Slonk is celebrating all things Alpine this May at Port of Leith Distillery. Come and discover what makes high-altitude wines so distinctive!

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An Evening with Kate Foster

28th May 2025

Waterstones Edinburgh West End is thrilled to welcome bestselling author Kate Foster on 28th May, to celebrate the publication of her masterfully gripping new novel, The Mourning Necklace!

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Mac Talla Whisky Tasting and Cheese Pairings

30th May 2025

Come along to The Scottish Gantry in Edinburgh on Friday 30th May, as we welcoming Thomas from Mac Talla to our store for a sensational tasting evening with cheese pairings.

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The Port Road Railway: A Talk by Alan McLellan

30th May 2025

Join Alan McLellan to walk the old Port Road railway line from Dumfries to Stranraer, with vintage film clips and photos illustrating his journey into the past at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

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Pride & Prejudice - Queer Book Fair at The Georgian House

6th June 2025

Join us at The Georgian House this Pride Month as we celebrate the opening of Below Stairs Books, our new secondhand bookshop, with a special Queer Book Fair on Friday 6th June!

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Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Carpets

7th June 2025

Explore the history of the world through its fascinating carpets with historian Dorothy Armstrong at Dovecot Studios on Saturday 7th June!

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An Evening with Sarah Pinborough

10th June 2025

Join award-winning author of New York Times bestselling breakout novel (and hit Netflix show) Behind Her Eyes, Sarah Pinborough at Waterstones Edinburgh West End on 10th June!

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Chris Hadfield: A Journey into the Cosmos

18th June 2025

Join Colonel Chris Hadfield for a captivating journey into the majesty of our planet and the vast universe beyond at Edinburgh's Usher Hall on Wednesday 18th June!

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The Story of Champagne with Arthur Motley

18th June 2025

Enjoy a tasting of 5 champagnes, and a talk by Arthur Motley on the fascinating place in global commerce and culture that Champagne holds, at Drinkmonger on Wednesday 18th June!

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Andy Murray - Centre Stage

19th June 2025

Join Andy Murray in conversation with sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter, where they’ll recount intimate and untold moments from Andy’s career in this unforgettable live experience!

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The Night Sky Show

28th June 2025

The Night Sky Show comes to Edinburgh Playhouse to take you on an epic journey from our celestial back yard and across the cosmos!

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A Tea Party with Anna James

29th June 2025

Join bestselling author, Anna James on Sunday 29th June at 2pm, as we celebrate the publication of her enchanting reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice With a Why.

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An Evening with V.E. Schwab

30th June 2025

Join The Portobello Bookshop in welcoming V.E. Schwab to the Traverse Theatre to celebrate the launch of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.

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William Dalrymple - How Ancient India Transformed the World

8th July 2025

Don't miss this chance to hear William Dalrymple tell the story of how India became the great intellectual and philosophical superpower of ancient Asia.

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Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank with Ian Macleod

9th July 2025

Join Alan Wardrop as he presents the new spirit from Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Rosebank alongside 3 well-aged and rather fancy expressions at Drinkmonger on Wednesday 9th July!

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Scottish Colour Floristry

12th July 2025

Join Florist Lottie Longman to discover how colour and the landscape of East Lothian inform her work.

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Watt Whisky Tasting With Mark & Kate Watt

23rd July 2025

Join much-loved ex-employee, Mark Watt and his wife Kate at Drinkmonger for a Watt Whisky Tasting on Wednesday 23rd July!

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Edinburgh International Book Festival

9th August 2025 - 24th August 2025

The 2025 Edinburgh International Book Festival returns from Saturday 9th to Sunday 24th August.

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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour

12th August 2025

Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!

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An Evening with Boris Johnson

2nd September 2025

Join us at the Usher Hall on Tuesday 2nd September for An Evening with Boris Johnson!

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An Evening with Ocean Vuong - The Emperor of Gladness

8th September 2025

The Portobello Bookshop team are hosting an event with Ocean Vuong at the Assembly Rooms on Monday 8th September, for an evening of conversation about his second novel.

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An Evening with Racing Icons Mika Häkkinen & David Coulthard

25th September 2025

Don’t miss this unique chance to see Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard as they take the stage for an uncensored, no-holds-barred conversation about their careers and the 2025 season so far!

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High Performance Live

8th October 2025

Join one of Britain's best-respected sports broadcasters, Jake Humphrey, and Psychologist Professor Damian Hughes, as they turn lived experiences of high performers into your life lessons!

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Explorers – The Age of Discovery with James May

17th October 2025

From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life, presented by British television presenter and award-winning journalist James May!

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An Evening with Mary Beard

18th October 2025

Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot.

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Adam Frost

26th October 2025

Award-winning British garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, is leaving the garden and heading back out on tour, with a date at Assembly Rooms!

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An Evening with Heart Of Midlothian Legends

2nd November 2025

An Evening with Heart of Midlothian legends comes to the Assembly halls in Edinburgh starring legends: John Robertson, Gary Locke, Ryan Stevenson and hosted by Iain Ferguson.

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Stewart Copeland - Have I Said Too Much

9th November 2025

In this fascinating "Evening With", Stewart Copeland will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer!

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DOMINATION: The Fall and Rise of an Empire with Alice Roberts

10th November 2025

Join Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another!

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Digital Scotland 2025

19th November 2025

Digital Scotland is Scotland’s largest digital transformation summit for public sector policy and technology leaders, taking place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 19th November.

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Bez In Conversation

21st November 2025

Bez is back with his 'In Conversation Tour - The Nine Lives of a Happy Monday' and brings it to La Belle Angele on Friday 21st November!

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David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time

22nd November 2025

Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!

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Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
MNB
Wonder & Co
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Franciscan Publishing Company

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:

Heritage Talk: Digging Up East Renfrewshire’s Past

Heritage Talk: Digging Up East Renfrewshire’s Past

20th May 2025

Join Susan Hunter to hear the highlights of her long journey into local archaeology at Eastwood House on Tuesday 20th May.

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Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Selected dates between 16th January 2025 - 15th May 2025

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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An Evening With Liam McIlvanney

An Evening With Liam McIlvanney

15th July 2025

Waterstones Newton Mearns are thrilled to be joined by Liam McIlvanney on Tuesday 15th July in The Primavera Bistro to celebrate the release of his newest book, The Good Father.

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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:

Tim Peake Astronauts: the Quest To Explore Space

Tim Peake Astronauts: the Quest To Explore Space

4th September 2025

After multiple sell-out tours with his debut show, My Journey to Space, Tim Peake brings his hugely anticipated new show, ASTRONAUTS: The Quest to Explore Space! to The Alhambra Theatre!

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Pint Of Science St Andrews

Pint Of Science St Andrews

19th May 2025 - 21st May 2025

The Pint of Science festival in St Andrews brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research!

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Killer Couples

Killer Couples

19th November 2025

Emma Kenny's Killer Couples promises an evening filled with intrigue, psychological depth, and discussions that will linger long after the show ends!

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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:

Reclaim the Working People’s Game

Reclaim the Working People’s Game

9th May 2025

As part of the Glasgow 850 May Day celebrations, the Glasgow Trades Union Council warmly invites you to our football public meeting and social.

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Auction House Scotland - Property Masterclass

Auction House Scotland - Property Masterclass

6th May 2025

Auction House Scotland are delighted to be hosting another Property Masterclass event on the evening of Tuesday 6th May at The Village Hotel.

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Bez In Conversation

Bez In Conversation

13th December 2025

Join 'Madchester' legend Bez as he discusses his unbelievable scrapes with mortality, periods of financial ruin, and narcotic-strewn hi-jinks at this in conversation event at Oran Mor Glasgow!

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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:

Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense

Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense

10th July 2025

Three of the country's favourite television personalities from the world of antiques entertain you with tales from the saleroom, television and beyond.

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An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson

20th July 2025

Royle Family and Brookside star Ricky Tomlinson is coming to Condorrat Social Club for a fantastic event... An Evening With Ricky Tomlinson hosted by Asa Murphy!

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Pain Association Scotland - Self Management for People Living with Chronic Pain

Pain Association Scotland - Self Management for People Living with Chronic Pain

Selected dates between 23rd January 2025 - 17th December 2025

Pain Association Scotland run professionally-led monthly groups across Lanarkshire for people living with all forms of chronic pain.

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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:

World War II Talk and Artefacts

World War II Talk and Artefacts

28th May 2025

Paisley Heritage are joined by Pete Scally at Whitehaugh Barracks on Wednesday 28th May for a talk on World War II.

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Paisley Heritage Event: Group Tour of Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood - CANCELLED

Paisley Heritage Event: Group Tour of Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood - CANCELLED

3rd May 2025

On Saturday 3rd May, join Paisley Heritage Group for an introductory talk and walk around of the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood.

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Paisley & District U3A Talks: No Life Half Lived

Paisley & District U3A Talks: No Life Half Lived

1st May 2025

Anyone affected by chest, heart and stroke issues can tap into local support on Thursday 1st May at this free talk event hosted by Paisley & District U3A.

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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:

Loch Lomond Beaver Talk

Loch Lomond Beaver Talk

14th June 2025

The Scottish Wild Beaver Group will be at Balmaha Visitor Centre on Saturday 14th June to give a free talk on Beavers!

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Forage to Fork: Natural cooking with Theo Chana

Forage to Fork: Natural cooking with Theo Chana

14th May 2025

Join MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Theo Chana as he shares how to forage and cook using natural ingredients to support sustainable, healthy living at Central Library Stirling on 14th May!

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Stewart Copeland – Have I Said Too Much

Stewart Copeland – Have I Said Too Much

8th November 2025

In this fascinating "Evening With", Stewart Copeland will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer!

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Events in Other Areas

Highlight Talks

Highlight Talks

Selected dates between 11th September 2024 - 18th June 2025

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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Boswell Book Festival

Boswell Book Festival

9th May 2025 - 11th May 2025

Boswell Book Festival, the world's only festival of biography and memoir, comes to Dumfries House for 2025 between the 9th and 11th May!

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A Blether O Books: Scotland Through Literature

A Blether O Books: Scotland Through Literature

1st November 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Join the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum this November as they welcome a selection of authors in this celebration of Scottish literature!

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Sponsored Links

RSPB
Napier Uni
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
MNB
Wonder & Co
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Franciscan Publishing Company
RSPB
Napier Uni
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Sip & Paint Starry Night Over Edinburgh
Looking for a creative night in Edinburgh? Then come along to Las Iguanas for a sip and paint experience on Thursday 15th May run by PopUp Painting!
Beltane Sound Bath Meditation
Join Marcela Tršová at The Open Door Community Centre in Morningside for this Beltane Sound Bath Meditation on 2nd May!
Martin McAloon
Martin McAloon returns to The Voodoo Rooms on Thursday 13th November with his Two Wheels Good UK tour, in celebration of the 40 anniversary of Prefab Sprout's album 'Steve McQueen'.
Beltane Fire Festival
Beltane Fire Festival returns on 30th April 2025. Join us for an immersive experience of revelry as we light the fires on Calton Hill!
Edinburgh Indiepop Alldayer
Join the Edinburgh Indiepop Collective on Saturday 4th October at The Mash House for a day of music, memories, and indiepop joy!

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