Category: North Edinburgh News

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth with Monsters and Myths Trail

Halloween Fun this October!

THIS October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

From myth-busting monster hunts to late-night planetarium thrills, Dynamic Earth promises a Halloween season filled with discovery, imagination, and just the right amount of fright!

At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Monsters and Myths Trail – a Halloween adventure curated and illustrated by Dynamic Earth’s own talented team. Visitors are invited to journey through immersive galleries and track down legendary creatures, both real and imagined. From Halloween favourites such as zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster to icons of Scottish folklore including selkies and the Loch Ness Monster, this self-guided trail reveals the fascinating science behind the stories.

On the trail, interim CEO Anastasia Rocke said ‘October is one of our favourite times of year at Dynamic Earth. Our new Monsters and Myths Trail brings together creativity, science and storytelling in a way that captures the wonder of Halloween while staying true to our mission – helping people of all ages understand the incredible world around them. We’re especially proud of our incredible staff whose passion and talent made this programme possible. Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something here to make your October unforgettable.’

Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team is delivering brand-new spooky science sessions to celebrate the season. For families with younger children, under 6, the Dynamos and Dynamites sessions will combine gentle Halloween-themed fun with hands-on discovery, helping children explore some of the world’s spookiest creatures.

Dynamic Earth’s October programme runs throughout the month, with highlights including:

Monsters and Myths Trail

Daily from 3rd October – 2nd November | £4.50 add-on to Science Centre & Planetarium

Embark on a thrilling journey through Dynamic Earth’s immersive galleries and uncover the real-life science behind legendary creatures. Upon purchase, visitors receive a Trail Passport to guide their adventure, collecting stamps and tackling interactive science challenges along the way. 

Budding explorers will uncover both myths and monsters whilst discovering the real creatures that shaped the stories we know and love today. Uncover different legends: from the shadowy waters of Loch Ness and its famous monster to Halloween favourites like vampires and zombies. Complete the trail and claim a fossil detective set to take home – perfect for budding explorers.

Seasonal Science Sessions

DynaMites: There’s No Such Thing As A…

 Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 10–11am | Book here

A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for under-4s. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).

Dynamos: There’s No Such Thing As A…

 Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 2:30 pm | Book here

A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for 4 – 6 year olds. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).

Dino’s: Monstrous Myths

Saturday 1st November, sessions throughout the day | Book here

Dynamic Earth’s Dino’s Saturday Science Club invites 6–12 year olds to get hands-on with spooky science this Halloween. Through fun activities and a take-home craft, children will explore the real creatures that inspired famous myths and monsters

October Holiday Club 

13th, 14th, 15th and 17th October | Book here

This October, children aged 7–12 can join Dynamic Earth’s Holiday Club for four days of discovery and adventure. Each day brings new scientific challenges – from outdoor investigations in Holyrood Park and wildlife spotting, to creative crafts, games, and experiments. And, with flexible booking, families can choose the days that best suit their holiday plans. Led by Dynamic Earth’s Learning & Engagement team, the club offers the perfect mix of fun and hands-on science, inspiring the next generation of planet protectors. 

Planetarium Programme

What’s Up: Dark Matter Detectives | Book here

3rd September – November 30th 

Step into the role of a space detective in What’s Up – Dark Matter Detectives, the latest presenter-led Planetarium show from Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers. The Universe is full of mysteries, from dark energy to the elusive dark matter that shapes the cosmos. Join Dynamic Earth’s team of astral agents to discover the hidden clues the Universe leaves behind and explore one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: what is dark matter?

Planetarium Lates 

16th – 18th October | 18+ | Various concession prices available |  £20 per ticket | Book here

 Adults can enjoy an atmospheric evening under the stars with cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Aliens, or lose themselves in The Dark Side of the Moon dome shows. Cocktails and a spine-tingling atmosphere guarantee a Halloween night to remember.

Family Film Screenings

13th – 19th October daily | £6 per ticket | Book here

Every Saturday and Sunday between 4th October and 2nd November | £6 per ticket

Family favourites including Monsters Inc., Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, and Scooby Doo: Frankencreep light up the dome every morning from 10:00 am.

October Membership Offer:

This October, there’s more than just Halloween fun in store at Dynamic Earth! Visitors can upgrade their Annual Pass from £25 and receive a 12-month membership at Dynamic Earth.

A Dynamic Earth Annual Membership Includes:

  • Exclusive invites to Members Only events
  • Free tickets to selected seasonal events
  • Welcome £5 voucher for the Cafe or Gift Shop
  • 10% discount in the Cafe and Gift Shop every time you visit
  • 20% discount on parking at Dynamic Earth every time you visit
  • £2 per child entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play
  • Priority access to skip queues
  • Regular updates via Dynamic Earth’s Members e-newsletter
  • Priority notification on special events

T&C apply. 

Visit Dynamic Earth and Transform Your Halloween!
Celebrate Halloween at Dynamic Earth with a mix of science, storytelling, and spooky fun. From uncovering legends on the Monsters & Myths Trail to family-friendly Planetarium shows and late-night screenings for adults, October at Dynamic Earth offers unforgettable adventures for all ages.

For tickets, timings, and full programme details, visit Dynamic Earth’s Halloween page.

Save the Date: Edinburgh Diwali celebrates 10th anniversary

Sunday 2nd November 2025

TEN YEARS OF UNITING COMMUNITES AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Join us in celebrating a decade of light, culture, and community as Edinburgh Diwali marks its 10th Anniversary on Sunday 2nd November 2025.

This year’s landmark event promises a spectacular celebration featuring a vibrant parade through Edinburgh’s New Town, music, dance and cultural performances, the return of public fireworks displays to Princes Street Gardens at the Ross Bandstand, and much more.

Since 2015, Edinburgh Diwali has showcased the spirit of the Indian festival of lights and Scotland’s rich multicultural tapestry by bringing together communities to celebrate diversity. Started as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, Edinburgh Diwali has gone on to become one of the UK’s most prominent public Diwali celebrations, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Edinburgh’s city centre.

Last year’s celebrations lit up the city with incredible energy, featuring unforgettable performances covering classical to contemporary from across cultures from more than 200 performers, notably Scottish Regiment Band, the electrifying Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, dynamic dance troupes Bollyfeat and Dance Ihayami, and a headline performance from the sensational Kaykay & Co., the London based British Asian fusion band. This year’s 10th anniversary celebration promises to be even bigger, with details of the full programme to be revealed nearer the date.

This special milestone edition of Edinburgh Diwali will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 2nd November 2025. The event is free to attend and open to all, encouraging people from across Edinburgh and the surrounding area to participate in this family-friendly festival of light.

For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit:

 edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.

Aldi donates over 43,000 meals to local charities over summer

Aldi stores in Edinburgh and The Lothians donated over 43,000 meals to families in need throughout the recent summer holidays. 

All Edinburgh and Lothian stores aided local charities and foodbanks during the period of increased demand by redistributing surplus food through community giving platform Neighbourly.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 and has already donated more than 8.8 million meals so far this year to those in need nationwide.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are proud to continue supporting incredible causes across the country this summer, helping to provide fresh, wholesome food to those who need it most.

“School holidays can be a challenging time for many families, and this summer we’re continuing our efforts to provide support where we can through our partnership with Neighbourly.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “Summer holidays represent one of the busiest times of the year for charities and food banks, and this year was no different.

“Aldi’s generous donations played a key role in helping support families, and our partnership continues to make a meaningful difference to those who need it most.”

Shoppers can also donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide. 

Britain’s fourth largest supermarket also works with Company Shop, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.  

Scotland hosts global gaming summit

First Minister welcomes industry leaders to global showcase

First Minister John Swinney says Scotland is positioned to become “a global hub for digital innovation” as a prestigious computer games conference being held in Scotland for the first time gets underway.

The DICE Europe summit – supported by the Scottish Government – will see 150 global gaming industry leaders come to Edinburgh for key talks and to hear from Nintendo’s Managing Executive Officer Satoru Shibata, who was invited to speak by the First Minister.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will address an opening reception at Edinburgh Castle where global delegates will be entertained by Nicola Benedetti.

Roundtables will focus on Scotland’s rise to become a global powerhouse in the industry and the role Artificial Intelligence will play in game development. Scotland is now home to 130 gaming companies with a £340 million annual industry turnover with staff numbers have doubling from 1,045 to 2,125 since 2015.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s gaming industry is experiencing extraordinary growth that demonstrates our nation’s capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. The transformation from 15 companies to 130 in just over a decade shows how quickly Scottish talent can compete on the global stage and create real economic value for our communities.

“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide – they are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment, and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation. This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence.”

Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman, 4J Studios, developers of Minecraft Console Edition, who helped bring DICE to Scotland, said:

“It’s monumental so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland.  After a couple of challenging years worldwide, confidence and growth prospects have returned to the sector.

“With the forthcoming release of GTA 6, which is set to reshape the video game landscape, and our own new game Reforj alongside all the other incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage.”

DICE Europe takes place from 15-17 September.

More – Welcome to the Official D.I.C.E. Edinburgh Website

Mental health partnership manifesto calls for urgent action

A partnership of seventeen leading organisations is calling for urgent action in its Scottish election manifesto to prioritise addressing Scotland’s mental health emergency.

Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership has unveiled its manifesto, ‘Scotland’s Mental Health: It’s Time for Action’, ahead of the Scottish election next May. The manifesto demands that the next Scottish Government takes bold and decisive action to address the current crisis and to transform the country’s mental health in the longer term.

With mental health poorer than it was before the Covid pandemic, and stigma and discrimination still prevalent within society, mental health services are struggling to cope with an unprecedented increase in demand. With no corresponding increase in funding or resource, and a burnt-out workforce, this is collectively creating a spike in waiting lists for support and treatment.

The manifesto is built around the Partnership’s framework of the 3Ps – Promote, Prevent and Provide – to ensure that there are commitments to increase resources for early intervention and prevention; a choice of support, care and treatment in the right place and at the right time for all; and an ambitious public health programme to improve mental health literacy that will tackle stigma and discrimination.

The Partnership states that ‘urgent action’ can be met with a substantial increase in investment to achieve better outcomes for Scotland, by exploring sustainable, multi-year funding for the third sector, addressing the mortality gap, expanding and retaining the mental health workforce, and shifting the balance of care back to the community.

It also believes that the next Government must include a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing to lead on transforming mental health in Scotland. With a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy that has seen little progress– based around the 3Ps – it needs to be strengthened with coordinated approaches delivered across the country to implement national strategic priorities at a local level, and a ‘mental health in all policies’ approach.

Gordon Johnson, Policy Lead for Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, said: “There must be immediate and decisive action from the next Government.

“The time for talking and planning has passed. We are now in a mental health emergency, and we need bold and ambitious measures that will address this crisis.

“We are far away from success. A great deal of work is required to tackle the mental health emergency in Scotland. This manifesto of coherent and connected proposals will enable significant progress to be made.

“The focus for the next Government needs to be achieving radical change that will lead to sustainable support and services that can ultimately deliver better long-term mental health outcomes for Scotland’s people.

“We look forward to working in partnership with that Government to implement these proposals.”

SMHP manifesto – strictly embargoed 15th SeptemberDownload

Sir Chris Hoy joins Sir Tom Hunter to lead out Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk today (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.

This year’s Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh saw 38,000 walkers raise a record £8 million for over 1,800 charities – a £1 million increase compared with 2024.

Since Kiltwalk joined forces with The Hunter Foundation 10 years ago, the event has delivered £58 million for 4,000 Scottish charities, with £44 million raised by 216,000 Kiltwalk heroes and £14 million provided by The Hunter Foundation.

At Holyrood Park, Sir Tom addressed the tartan clad walkers: “Edinburgh – you are 8,500 strong, and you brilliant Kiltwalkers are going to raise £1.8 million this morning for the charities you care about.

“This is the last Kiltwalk of 2025, and it has been a record-breaking year. While this is great, it shows the need that is there for every charity in Scotland.

“38,000 walkers over four walks this year have raised £8 million, but most importantly, over 1800 different Scottish charities have benefitted from your Kiltwalk kindness, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Every year, Kiltwalkers choose a charity, and this year, Kiltwalkers could choose to walk for Sir Chris Hoy’s wonderful Tour de 4, and you Kiltwalkers have raised £95,000 for his charity.”

Sir Tom was joined by Edinburgh-born, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who delivered an inspirational address to the 4,000 Mighty Striders before they set off on their 21-mile journey.  

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I genuinely have been blown away by the support from Sir Tom and the Kiltwalkers. This is the first year that we’ve done the Tour de 4, and the support we’ve received and the money we’ve raised has been astonishing.

“Kiltwalk has been our gold standard to look to and see what our event could be like, because we see what you all do as a community, and it’s astonishing. Whatever cause it is you’re here for, this is a day to celebrate. It’s a day to stand up, to remember people, and bring everyone together in a joyful walk.

“The support is going to make a huge difference for us and push us towards the £2.5 million mark, thanks to Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation doubling the £95,000 raised by Kiltwalkers.”

“I wish you all the very best today in your walk. Enjoy yourselves and keep smiling!”

Today 350 Kiltwalkers supported Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 campaign, established by Sir Chris following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer. Their donations are distributed between five specially selected charities: Cancer Research UK, Maggie’s, Prostate Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Now, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Departing from the coastline at Fisherrow Links in Musselburgh, 2,900 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll while 1,600 Wee Wanderers undertook a 4.5-mile challenge leaving from Victoria Park. Kiltwalk heroes received their well-deserved medals at the finish line in Edinburgh’s iconic Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

Additionally, four lucky Scottish Charities were surprised with a £5,000 boost each from The Hunter Foundation in the Kiltwalk’s ‘Happiest Minute’. The Edinburgh winners were:

  • Love from Jamie – an Edinburgh based charity that works with health professionals to provide vital funds to families that need it most.
  • Held In our Hearts – providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families.
  • Breast Friends and Family – providing breast cancer patients with the little things that make a big difference.
  • Hibernian Community Foundation – helping local communities with practical help and making football accessible for all.

All Edinburgh Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with the chance of winning a car worth £30,000, thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark.

Russell Borrie, chief executive officer at Arnold Clark, said: “The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts.

“We know it’s always a great occasion that’s enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year.

“We’re also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!”

Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%.

Today’s Edinburgh event closes this year’s 10th anniversary events.

Final fundraising announcements and news on Kiltwalk 2026 will be available soon on www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Working with Migrants? Cultural Competence training opportunity

📢📢📢Elevate your professional practice with our Cultural Competence Training, designed for those working with migrants. Enhance communication, build trust, and deliver more personalised, person-centred care.

What you’ll learn:

Effective cross-cultural communication

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

Cultural awareness and safeguarding

Understanding migrant integration

Details:

21.10.2025 at ELREC, 14 Forth St., EH1 3LH

Duration: Full-Day (6 hours)

Pricing: £105 per person

Registration: email mrostami@elrec.org.uk

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge and make a real difference!

#CulturalCompetence#ProfessionalDevelopment#MigrantSupport#Training#Edinburgh.

Bridges, Not Boundaries

Neil Lal highlights the strategic value of trade and investment Between Scotland and India

In a statement releasedyesterday, Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, called for an ambitious deepening of trade and investment between Scotland and India, emphasising the clear economic and strategic benefits that such a partnership brings to both nations.

“As India continues its rise as a global economic powerhouse, Scotland must seize this moment to align our strengths, invest in shared opportunity, and build a modern partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and mutual prosperity,” said Mr. Lal.

India, now the fifth-largest economy in the world with a GDP exceeding $3.7 trillion, is projected to become the third-largest by 2030. In the year to March 2024, UK–India trade reached £36.3 billion, growing by over £10 billion in just three years. Scotland’s exports to India—currently valued at over £725 million—span sectors including renewable energy, education, technology, and food and drink, all primed for growth.

Key facts highlighted in Mr. Lal’s statement include:

Scotch whisky exports to India rose by 60% in 2023, with India becoming the largest market by volume.

Over 55,000 Indian students are currently studying in the UK, with increasing enrolment in Scottish universities.

India’s digital economy is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030, offering partnership potential in fintech and AI.

Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy sector can support India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Mr. Lal also underscored the role of the Indian diaspora in Scotland, which contributes over £1 billion annually to the Scottish economy, describing them as “a vital bridge between our communities and our commercial futures.”

With the UK and India of a recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the opportunities for Scottish exporters and Indian investors alike are substantial. Mr. Lal called for both governments, business leaders, and civil society to “work together to ensure Scotland is at the heart of this historic agreement.”

Through his leadership of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, Mr. Lal is actively engaging with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen this bilateral relationship through business forums, trade missions, academic partnerships, and community-led diplomacy.

“The future of international trade is not about borders—it’s about building bridges. Let Scotland and India build one stronger than ever before,” Mr. Lal concluded.

Children First unveils 48th ‘Bunnies and Brambles’ Banchory Bangle prize draw in bid to raise £15K

The eagerly awaited 48th prize draw for the Children First Banchory Bangle, titled ‘Bunnies and Brambles,’ has launched.

In partnership with renowned jeweller Malcolm Appleby, Scotland’s national children’s charity hopes to raise £15,000 through the prize draw, to give children and families help when they need it most and hope for a brighter future.

Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. The charity protects children from harm, keeps them safe and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland.

Designed by Malcolm Appleby, these stunning hand-engraved bangles draw inspiration from the vibrancy and beauty of nature, with bunnies and brambles symbolising renewal, growth and hope.

This year’s Banchory Bangle is a stunning Scottish treasure that comes in three variations: gold-plated, silver and bronze. With tickets on offer for a suggested donation of a £1 or more, everyone has a chance to win an exceptional piece of Malcolm’s artistry while helping protect Scotland’s children.

The bangle will be proudly displayed by the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh as part of  ‘A Celebration of the Banchory Bangle’ exhibition, featuring many of Malcolm’s stunning creations from over the years.

Each year, the prize draw is run by the Children First Deeside Committee and has raised more than £200,000 since 1976.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “Malcolm Appleby’s Banchory Bangle is a unique piece of Scottish treasure and this year’s design is stunning. We can’t thank Malcolm enough for his tremendous support over the years.

“The prize draw provides a rare opportunity to win an exceptional piece of jewellery while raising vital funds to keep children safe from harm.

“We are in the grip of a childhood emergency in Scotland. Now, more than ever, children, young people and their families need Children First’s support.

“Every penny raised from this year’s Banchory Bangle prize draw will go towards protecting Scotland’s children by providing expert practical, emotional and financial support through our local services and national support line.”

Engraver Malcolm Appleby, said: “Everyone’s a winner! Even if you don’t win the bangle you are helping to create a better world for children in Scotland and a better society for our future.”

Last year’s winner, Claire Hepburn told of her ‘absolute shock’ to win the bangle after taking part in the annual prize draw for many years.

She said: “It was an absolute shock. You never think you might win this, so it was absolutely wonderful.

“I have visited Malcolm’s workshop and I do have another bangle from him, so this was just the icing on the cake. It’s such a good feeling knowing you are giving donations for a worthy cause.”

The first bangle was made 47 years ago in Banchory, Malcolm’s then home, at Crathes Station, to mark Malcolm’s 21st year of living in Scotland.

The project has evolved over the decades with the continued support of the Children First Deeside Committee and long-term connection with Taylor’s On The High Street where the prize bangles are on display and prize draw tickets are for sale.

Anyone from across the UK can enter the prize draw at: 

https://childrenfirst.org.uk/get-involved/events/the-banchory-bangle-raffle-2025/

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland this autumn

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer 

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait 

18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026 

Free admission 

Alfred Buckham | Daredevil Photographer | National Galleries of Scotland 

A Dropbox of images can be found here 

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer. 

From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs ever taken, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques in the darkroom paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.

Free to visit at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, this will be the first major exhibition dedicated to Alfred Buckham and can only be seen in Scotland. 

This exhibition will bring together over 100 photographs and objects including popular works from the Scottish national collection, alongside extensive archival material generously loaned by Alfred Buckham’s grandsons, Richard and John Buckham. Thanks to the support of the Buckham family, personal objects including letters, photographs and even the passport Alfred Buckham used will be put on public display for the first time. 

A maverick of early aviation, Alfred Buckham (1879-1956) created his own unique style of photography by combining daring exploits in the air with innovation in the darkroom. Born in London, Buckham learned his craft by teaching photography before joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916, a predecessor to the Royal Air Force.

Hailed as an exceptionally skilled flyer, he combined his talent for aviation with his passion for photography, resulting in remarkable endeavours and trailblazing images. Based for most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, central Scotland became a natural playground for Buckham to refine his photographic techniques and let his imagination soar.

Daredevil Photographer will chart his phenomenal story from his early photographic experiments in Scotland to exciting adventures in South America and look closer at the skilled and inventive ways he created his work. 

Explore Scotland from the air and get a new perspective of well-known sights, just as Buckham himself would have. Daredevil Photographer celebrates the impact Scotland had on Buckham’s work through his images of recognisable landmarks including St Andrews Golf Links, Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument in Stirling.

The exhibition will also feature several images of the Forth Rail Bridge, Buckham’s most photographed landmark. The iconic bridge was the subject of one of his first composite photographs and appeared on the 1918 RAF Turnhouse Christmas card, which will go on display alongside the original photography. 

Daredevil Photographer will delve into the darkroom and uncover more about the creative processes used to bring Buckham’s unique images to life. After the First World War, Buckham began experimenting with composite photography; a technique where several negatives are used to create one photographic print.

While this wasn’t a new concept, composite photography added a layer of creative freedom to Buckham’s work, much like a very early form of Photoshop.

From his vast collection of glass negatives – he had over 2000 cloud images alone in his ‘cloud library’ – Buckham had the means to create images which became immersive, giving a unique sense of flying alongside these incredible aircraft while viewing the world below. 

It was through the technique of composite photography that some of Buckham’s most famous works were born, including the iconic aerial view of Edinburgh (about 1920). This striking photograph shows a bi-plane hovering amongst wispy clouds above Edinburgh Castle, with Arthur’s Seat visible through the mist in the background, and the bustling city below.

For the first time, Edinburgh will be displayed alongside the camera and original glass negatives Buckham used to capture and create this much-loved image. Visitors will also be encouraged to get inspired and try their hand at creating their own composite creations through interactive exhibits. 

Telling Buckham’s story through his own words and memories, Daredevil Photographer allows visitors to meet the courageous and humorous man behind the camera. Firsthand accounts of his incredible exploits in the air and ingenious creative methods on the ground will enhance his story and highlight his adventurous spirit: Ah! One was a rare daredevil in those days! (Alfred Buckham, The New York Times, 1930).

A free and unique immersive audio experience will bring Buckham’s world of flight and imagination to life through his own words. Hear Buckham’s grandson Richard give a voice to his grandfather’s memories and reflections on his daredevil persona. 

Daredevil in every sense of the word, Buckham went to incredible feats to capture the perfect shot, which the exhibition will explore. His preferred methods included standing in an open cockpit while mid-air, with his leg tied to the seat as a nod to safety. As a result, he experienced no less than nine crashes in his lifetime, one ending in a serious throat injury that cut his military career short.

However, he would not be deterred, describing his eccentric photography methods in a surprisingly relaxed way:  

“It is not easy to tumble out of an aeroplane, unless you really want to, and on considerably more than a thousand flights I have used a safety belt only once, and then it was thrust upon me.

“I always stand up to make an exposure and, taking the precaution to tie my right leg to the seat, I am free to move rapidly, and easily, in any desired direction; and loop the loop; and indulge in other such delights, with perfect safety” –  Alfred Buckham, The Camera, January 1927. 

Daredevil Photographer will celebrate Buckham’s skill in the air through a range of his mesmerising photographs. Encounter stunning images of the leading aircraft of the day, such as the Bristol Fighter, a two seated bi-plane designed for aerial reconnaissance, and the bizarre airships of the 1920s.

See them soaring through the skies in all weathers, amongst an array of remarkable landscapes. The exhibition will include one of his most well-known works, The Heart of the Empire (1923), on loan from the V&A Museum in London and displayed in Edinburgh for the first time.

The photograph follows a bi-plane as it glides across the London skyline, with landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the River Thames in view. Exhibited by the Royal Photographic Society in 1925, The Heart of the Empire secured Buckham’s position as one of Britain’s leading aerial photographers. 

Experience the golden age of travel through Buckham’s portfolio of images spanning across the globe. In 1931, a commission from Fortune Magazine took Buckham on an epic fifteen-week trip across the Americas, covering 19,000 miles and setting a world record. Starting in New York City and taking the opportunity to capture the newly built Empire State Building, Buckham photographed his intrepid journey from the United States to the tip of South America to share with the world.

Daredevil Photographer will chart Buckham’s incredible journey, from expansive views of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and the snowy caps of the Andes Mountains to perilous scenes of smoking volcanic creators in Guatemala and Mexico. Through his death-defying adventures and stunning photographs, Buckham expanded public understanding of the world, creating an exciting legacy which continues to capture imaginations today.   

Louise Pearson, curator of photography at the National Galleries of Scotland says: “Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching photograph of Edinburgh is one of the most popular artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland collection.

“This enthralling image becomes even more intriguing when you learn that it is a darkroom jigsaw – a composite photograph made through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the remarkable story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer via numerous loop the loops.” 

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer is a free exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, opening on 18 October 2025.