Evening events, Talks & lectures

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.

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.

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…

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.

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).

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.

Audrey Niffenegger, bestselling author of 'The Time Traveller's Wife' and 'Her Fearful Symmetry', comes to Southbank Centre to discuss her life as a writer and an artist. She also introduces her latest work, 'The Raven Girl'. This dark and gripping illustrated fairy tale is now being brought to life in a ballet written…

A showcase of short films by local film directors followed by discussion.

Barbara Kingsolver's works of fiction, poetry and non-fiction include the international bestseller 'The Poisonwood Bible' and 'The Lacuna', winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction. At this event she discusses her latest novel, 'Flight Behaviour', a captivating and topical story of class, poverty and climate change.

A detailed talk with the Historic Scotland Rangers Service followed by an easy walk around the palace and loch to look and listen for bats.

Learn the story of William Wallace and his compatriots as costumed actors bring the Battle of Stirling Bridge to life.

A panel event as part of University of Edinburgh's 'Women in Warfare' conference, featuring novelist Sue Reid Sexton, lecturer and critic Faith Pullin and historian Yvonne McEwen and chaired by historian Jenni Calder.

Pecha kucha session featuring women working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine across Glasgow.

Big Ideas presents big questions, then lets an expert have a stab at answering it before turning it to the audience for discussion. Brief, informal and relaxed, the pub-based event is open to anyone and everyone.

Borders Writers’ Forum members look to a variety of literary sources, from poetry to prose to history, for discussion on the alluring nature of Scotland.

The hardworking staff at Edinburgh's universities are let out for the night to share their tales about the weird, wonderful, and often very funny, world of research.

Bright Club features its usual intoxicating blend of comedy and academia as lecturers from the city's universities turn their studies into entertaining stories.

An evening of stand-up comedy and science, with Simon Watt, Bright Club, Helen Arney and some of Glasgow's funniest academics.

To celebrate the launch of Nick Haynes new book, Fiona Hyslop MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Cultural and External Affairs) and Ian Walford (Chief Executive, Historic Scotland) talk about the old school campus.