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
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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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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Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening
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
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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Community Connections
Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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King’s Gallery: Guided Looking
Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, at The King's Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as she describes various images in the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance.
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Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky
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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The Psychology of Horror Movies
Discover the fascinating connections between horror films and the human mind, exploring themes of psychoanalysis, gender, and more at Assembly Roxy on Wednesday 21st January. Followed by a Q&A.
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Tea and Talks
These tea and talk sessions deliver a series of small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.
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Stories of Endurance: and a Burns Supper
Join Earth in Common at Leith Community Croft for a Burns Supper celebrating Scotland's Bard with hearty food, traditional verse, & inspiring stories of endurance and resilience!
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Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again
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
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
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
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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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!
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People’s Assembly - South Central Edinburgh
Shape the future of your community at this lively People's Assembly in St Oswald's Centre on Saturday 31st January.
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Wetland Wander
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
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
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
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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Curator Talk : The Biba Story: 1964–1975
Join Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum and co-curator of the The Biba Story: 1964–1975, Dennis Northdruft, for an exclusive opening day talk at Dovecot Studios!
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Map Festival
Ever wonder what secrets lie in a map? Or wanted to go behind the scenes of a major collection? Join the National Library of Scotland for the Map Festival, a day dedicated to all things cartographic!
READ MOREAn Evening with Gordon Strachan
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
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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Jean Muir: Signature Style Since 1966
Join Georgina Ripley at Dovecot to explore the collections of the National Museums Scotland, focusing on the Jean Muir archive and her new research exploring British fashion in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Beauty and the Beasties
Be our guest at Edinburgh Zoo this Valentine's Day for a truly ZOOnique date night!
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Jen Stout: Night Train to Odesa: A Scottish Journalist In Ukraine
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
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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Burns Night Whisky Dinner
Join Liberté for a special Burns Night celebration on Sunday 25th January, featuring an exclusive four‑course menu inspired by the very best of Scottish cuisine!
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Showcase: Banned Books
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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Pioneers in Practice: The Legacy of Women in Medicine
Join Surgeons Hall Museum for a captivating evening honouring the vision, skill, and perseverance of some of the women who transformed healthcare and medical science!
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The Women of Holyrood Park
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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Palace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse... the Palace Page Turners sessions explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Portraits & Patterns
Join artist Consuelo Rosa Servan for this practical workshop exploring portraiture, this hands-on session coincides with the closing of Surgeons' Hall Museum's exhibition Women in Surgery!
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Journey into Abstraction: An Introduction to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham
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
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
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
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
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
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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Lunch Time Talk: A Legacy in Pages -The History of the RCSEd Library
Join Steven Kerr and explore the history of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's Library and Archive on Tuesday 24th March!
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Edinburgh Science Festival
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Join critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Taskmaster champion, and award-winning broadcaster John Robins in conversation about alcohol addiction and the journey to sobriety.
READ MOREGordon Strachan: My Life in Football
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
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
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
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
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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William Dalrymple - The Relentless Rise of the East India Company
Do not miss the remarkable story of India and empire as it has never been told before, when William Dalrymple comes to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7th July!
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John Kay and Deacon Brodie
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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Edinburgh International Book Festival
The 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival returns from Saturday 15th to Sunday 30th August with the Theme 'Repair'.
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Enter THE CASTLE with Jon Ronson - Mystery, Crime & Unmoored Men
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
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
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
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
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
Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly charmed as Lucy Worsley reveals the secrets, stories, and splendours of Britain’s royal past.
READ MOREAn Evening with Michael Portillo
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
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:
Simon Yates of Touching the Void
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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Damian Hall - Running Forever
In his first theatre tour, Damian Hall will deliver stories of breaking long-distance running records and representing Great Britain, to running marathons dressed as a toilet and near-fatal mishaps
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Heritage Walk: Stamperland & Netherlee
Uncover local secrets on this 1.5-hour detective trail through Stamperland and Netherlee as expert Stuart Nisbet brings local history to life!
READ MORETalks 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:
eRena Sports’ Safe Gaming Seminar
Empower your family at eRena Sports' Safe Gaming Seminar in Dunfermline on Wednesday 18th February! Learn to identify online risks, promote healthy gaming habits, and protect your kids.
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SCI-FIFE: An Ace Afternoon with Sophie Aldred
Join us at Carnegie Hall on 18th April for an afternoon with Doctor Who’s companion Ace, actor Sophie Aldred, to chat about her time on Doctor Who both classic and new.
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Chaplain’s Conversations: Dr Sandra Romenska
Join Dr Sandra Romenska, Senior Lecturer of the Business School, in conversation with the Chaplain, Donald MacEwan on 18th February at The Byre Theatre!
READ MORETalks 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:
An Evening With Damon Hill hosted by Tom Clarkson
In conversation with Tom Clarkson, acclaimed host of the official F1 podcast Beyond The Grid, Damon Hill will share stories from his remarkable Formula 1 journey at The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!
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Glasgow Film Festival
The 22nd edition of Glasgow Film Festival, Scotland's largest film festival, will run from 25th February to 8th March at Glasgow Film Theatre and venues across Glasgow and beyond!
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Pollokshields Heritage Talk: Pollokshields and Glasgow from the Archive of Historic Environment Scotland
Pollokshields Heritage hosts a range of talks, which explore history and heritage as well as arts and culture. Join them on January 20th for 'Pollokshields and Glasgow from the Archive of HES'.
READ MORETalks 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:
It’s Not Where You Start - A Spoken Word Experience By Scott Kyle
Award-winning actor and producer Scott Kyle brings 'It's Not Where You Start', his most personal and powerful work, to Rutherglen Town Hall on Friday 11th September!
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Pain Association Scotland - Self Management for People Living with Chronic Pain
Pain Association Scotland run professionally-led monthly groups across Lanarkshire for people living with all forms of chronic pain.
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Gordon Strachan - My Life In Football
On what promises to be an entertaining night, Gordon Strachan will be discussing his colourful career and life with Gerry McDade at The Town House Hamilton on Friday 6th March!
READ MORETalks 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
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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Simon Yates of Touching the Void - Pleasure and Pain
Touching the Void mountaineer Simon Yates returns to Beacon Arts Centre with more stories from the last decade... of new adventures and climbs in the far north and south!
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The Scottish Geologist: Luisa Hendry
Get ready for a rockin' day at Erskine Arts on Saturday 7th March as Luisa Hendry, aka The Scottish Geologist, shares her infectious passion for Scotland's incredible geology!
READ MORETalks 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:
Paul Murton: Sarah Murray An 18th Century Traveller
With documentary filmmaker and historian Paul Murton as our guide, Sarah Murray's extraordinary journey is brought vividly to life.
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Skills for the Hills
Join Mountain Aid for a fun, friendly and inspiring day filled with talks, outdoor activities, demonstrations and exhibitor stands - all aimed at helping you enjoy Scotland's hills with confidence.
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David Hockney - The Old Master of the Modern World
This lecture, given by Douglas Skeggs, follows David Hockney’s career as an artist whose imagination has never faltered.
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Highlight Talks
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' 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
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
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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