Evening events, Talks & lectures

Award-winning traditional African acrobats from Ghana, West Africa. A breathtaking performance, not to be missed. A family friendly event (i.e. suitable for all ages).

Graphic design as an extreme sport. Andie Airfix talks about the challenges working with music’s ‘megastars’ including Metallica, Thompson Twins, Stones, Doa, Leppard, Zeppelin and more. Talk dates: May 10/11; (Def Leppard). 17/18; (Metallica). 12/19/24; (Music design; Early Days). 8/15/22/25; (Music design; Latter Days).

Presenter of the Today Programme for almost 20 years, James Naughtie talks about his career in political journalism and touches on his passion for music, giving an insight into his interesting life.

Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion, proprietors of the Dundee-based art studio Dalziel + Scullion, talk about creativity's role in challenging, reflecting and shaping the future. They focus on the interplay between human activity and nature's complexities and the possibility for a more meaningful kinship with the…

A look at the work of Janet Henderson, who helped to establish the organic, local sourcing and healthy eating scene here in Scotland, and a glance at the future of food culture in the country. Booking is essential.

As the Lions head off to tour Australia, former Scotland internationals John Beattie and Peter Wright talk about life on the rugby team. David Barnes, author of Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British and Irish Lions, also gets in on the conversation.

A free, hour-long peek backstage at the inner workings, characters, scenes and high points of The Pirates of Penzance.

Broadcaster and storyteller Morton shares everything he knows about the delicious golden liquid, from its history to secrets from its makers to songs and stories inspired by it. As it will be impossible to listen to these tales without having a few drams yourself, three single malt whiskies will be tasted.

Writer, perfume expert and jogger Alex Musgrave talks about his life in poetry and scent (he's Business Manager of Penhaligon's), with a chance to smell the perfumes he mentions. Ages 16+. Booking is essential.

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of poet, artist and naturalist Alexander Wilson.

The amiable bushcraft expert shares stories from his three decades roughing it in the bush.

Composer Tod Machover, conductor Peter Oundjian and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra take us through the creation of a new piece of music celebrating the City of Edinburgh and its Festival and co-created by members of the public.

Author, composer and founder of the European College of Hypnotherapy, Dr. Keith Hearne conducted the world's first sleep-laboratory into 'Lucid' dreaming at Liverpool University. Here he reveals his discoveries, and what these findings tell us about dreams, the unconsciousness, and how to induce our own lucid…

How much have our attitudes to abortion moved on in the last century, and what is literature's role in the debate? We hear from two novelists who address this subject in their work. Kate Manning is the author of My Notorious Life by Madame X, a novel based on the true story of an infamous midwife in New York at the…

Colin Wiggins, Head of Education at The National Gallery in London, will give an introduction to the work, themes and concerns of Ana Maria Pacheco.

Peter Abrahams, Professor of Clinical Anatomy at Warwick University, explores the value of Leonardo’s anatomical drawings as a tool for understanding the human body, and how closely the artist anticipated the range of imagery used by the medical profession today.

Rebecca Goldstein ponders the conflict between literature and moral philosophy and whether or not literature is more adept at engendering moral advances than dear old Plato might have imagined.

One of Britain's leading intellectuals, AC Grayling makes his case against Religion and for Humanism. He gives a talk which asks, what is the alternative to religion as a view of the world and a foundation for morality? Is there a world-view and a code of life for thoughtful people who wish to live with intellectual…

The historian and writer discusses her classic autobiography of Mary, Queen of Scots, published more than 40 years ago.

Four established freelancers talk about the tricks of the trade and explain how to find clients, how to create a great online presence and how to manage your taxes effectively.

Leonardo is celebrated as both an inspired artist and anatomist. This special event considers how contemporary artists, performers and scientists are informed by each other’s work in their exploration of the human body. Part of the Clod Ensemble’s Performing Medicine programme in collaboration with Wellcome Trust.