Calling all Edinburgh storytellers & history lovers!
The William Anderson Award for Local History Projects is back
We’re inviting Edinburgh residents aged 18 years and over to submit an original essay (1,500–2,000 words) exploring the city’s rich past, inspired by the themes of Edinburgh 900 — from royal connections and faith to innovation, Enlightenment, and beyond.
A financial prize of £200 will be awarded to the winning project, supported by the descendants of William Anderson’s family in Canada. A printed copy of the winning entry will be placed in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection at Central Library for reference.
Submissions to be sent to localhistory@edinburgh.gov.uk
Help us celebrate Edinburgh’s story and shape its legacy!
Join us to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of humanity as we share stories of John Edmondstone, Joseph Knight and Ann Thompson, Malvina Wells and Jack Gladstone whose lives were marked by the Slave Trade and fight for freedom while discovering the darker side of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Reserve your free tickets, supported by The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh 900 Civic Fund, ahead of the Friday event at:
Edinburgh Leisure celebrates National Sporting Heritage Day (30 September) by spotlighting the Sporting Memories Club at Meadowbank Sports Centre – a lasting legacy of the Edinburgh 900 exhibitions.
As National Sporting Heritage Day (#NSHD2025) shines a light on ‘Collections at Risk’, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to showcase the Sporting Memories Club – a weekly gathering for older adults, including those living with dementia and their carers to share stories and relive sporting moments.
Launched in April 2025, the club was inspired by a one-off Sporting Memories event held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool last year, which coincided with the launch of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions. The success of that event led to the creation of a regular Wednesday session at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
“The club is more than just a chat over tea – it’s a celebration of shared history, community spirit, and the joy of sport,” said Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at the Sporting Memories Foundation.
“Thanks to lead volunteer Bob Irvine, sessions are engaging and inclusive. No booking required – just turn up!”
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply enjoy a good story, the Sporting Memories Club welcomes you.
What: Sporting Memories Club
Where: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, EH7 6AE
When: Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 pm – Free to attend
Who: Open to all, including people living with dementia and their carers
The Sporting Memories Club is one of several legacies from Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900, a City of Edinburgh Council initiative marking 900 years of the city’s history. Over the past year, Edinburgh Leisure delivered three pop-up exhibitions:
25 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Edinburgh Leisure
Great Lengths – Celebrating Edinburgh’s Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool
Teeing Off Through Time – Edinburgh’s golf journey
Hosted across venues including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Glenogle Swim Centre, Meadowbank, and Ocean Terminal, the exhibitions attracted over 12,000 visitors.
“These exhibitions have strengthened community connections and laid the groundwork for future collaborations,” said Kerry Teakle, PR Officer and Edinburgh 900 lead.”
Supporting Heritage Through Community Grants
To mark last year’s National Sporting Heritage Day, Edinburgh Leisure received a £500 micro-grant from the Sporting Heritage Community Grants Programme, funded by National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund.
This supported a small permanent golf heritage exhibition at Silverknowes Golf Course, complementing Teeing Off Through Time and uncovering untold community stories.
The success of this project led to an invitation to present at the Sporting Heritage Study Day at the Heart of Midlothian Museum on 26 September.
Collections at Risk – Can You Help?
This year’s theme highlights the vulnerability of sporting collections. If you have memorabilia related to Edinburgh Leisure venues – such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the ‘old’ Meadowbank Stadium or any of the golf clubs that use Edinburgh Leisure courses – please contact Kerry Teakle, PR Officer at kerryteakle@edinburghleisure.co.uk.
Share your stories: #NSHD2025
Partnerships That Keep the Memories Alive
A collaboration with the Living Memory Association (LMA) has extended the reach of the exhibitions.
Currently, Great Lengths and 25 Things are on display at LMA’s Ocean Terminal space until 28 October, opposite the Wee Museum of Memories.
LMA also runs social history projects, free play areas, and reminiscence groups, and is working with Edinburgh Leisure on a podcast capturing personal stories from Glenogle Swim Centre, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Visit Edinburgh Interfaith Association’s #Edinburgh900 exhibition “Stories of Belief: Celebrating 900 Years of Faith Communities in Edinburgh” at the St James Quarter from 16 – 23 July.
For more information visit tinyurl/storiesofbelief
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Dalry Swim Centre, is marking a remarkable milestone – 130 years of serving the city – with a day of celebration on Monday, 14th July.
“Dalry has been at the heart of the community for decades,” said Wendy Avinou, Manager at Dalry Swim Centre. “We’re so lucky to have this gem of a building still in use today. Generations have learnt to swim here – grandparents, parents, and now their children. It’s a living legacy.”
To mark the occasion, staff will be donning Victorian swimwear in a light-hearted video to be shared on social media ahead of the big day. The team is also inviting past and present swimmers to stop by and share their memories.
John Duke, a regular swimmer at Dalry remembers: “I’ve been swimming at Dalry since the early ’90s and used to come after work at Oven Fresh, and even after moving house twice, I kept coming back. I brought my grandkids here three times a week, and I’ve been part of the over-60s sessions every Monday and Wednesday.
“Dalry’s always had a personal feel. The staff know me, they know my medical needs – I have diabetes, and they’ve always looked out for me. After my first shoulder operation, I used the pool for rehab – though I could only last five minutes in the sauna before the metal in my arm started heating up.
“Some of my favourite memories are the Christmas parties for the over-60s. They’d bring out a giant inflatable dog that took up half the pool, and we’d have a laugh before heading upstairs for sandwiches and a wee drink. Billy Reid, the supervisor, even dressed up as Santa! It’s not just the pool – it’s the staff and other customers that make Dalry special.”
Grove Swimming Club, founded in 1901 and still training at Dalry, will showcase a nostalgic display of historic photos, medals, and trophies. They are due to celebrate their 125th anniversary next year.
One former member fondly recalls:“I was a member of Grove back in the 1950s. I went to Balgreen School, and we were taken to ‘the baths’ – I loved Dalry.
“After swimming, we’d grab a wee ‘shivery bite’ from the shop down the road before catching the bus home. Those were the days.”
And another member, Christine Baker, who is still involved with Grove Swimming Club said: “Dalry was a huge part of my childhood—from baths in the upper gallery to learning to swim with my dad.
“I joined Grove Swimming Club in the ’60s and I’m still involved today. So many happy memories.”
Children from Dalry Primary School have contributed artwork celebrating the centre’s history, which will be proudly displayed in the foyer.
Adding historical depth to the celebrations, Jackie Sangster from Historic Environment Scotland will deliver a talk on the legacy of Edinburgh’s Victorian swimming baths.
Many of the city’s contemporary swimming pools were part of a scheme to build public baths to promote cleanliness and hygiene among the working classes, who did not have routine access to such facilities. To attend, please contact Martin Bews, Operations Manager: martinbews@edinburghleisure.co.uk to register your interest and confirm timings.
Dalry Swim Centre, with its elegant 7-bay Italianate façade and sunlit 25-yard pool, has been a community cornerstone since 1895. In 2010, it was saved from closure thanks to a passionate local campaign backed by 3,500 petitioners, MSP Sarah Boyack, and Councillor Donald Wilson. A major refurbishment in 2018–2019 modernised the facility while preserving its historic charm.
Dalry is one of five stunning Victorian pools operated by Edinburgh Leisure, alongside Warrender, Leith Victoria, Glenogle, and Portobello. These venues blend timeless architecture with modern amenities—including upgraded changing rooms, energy-efficient systems, and warm, welcoming spaces.
Part of Edinburgh 900 Celebrations
Dalry’s anniversary is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s “City of Leisure” theme for Edinburgh 900.
Visit Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions, all under one roof at St James Quarter on Leith Street (next to Mor Bakery) on until 15 July, 10:00 – 16:00, to explore:
Great Lengths – the story of Edinburgh’s Victorian pools
Your Health is for Life – 25 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh Leisure
Edinburgh Leisure staff will be on hand to discuss membership options, fundraising, and volunteering.
As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across Edinburgh, Edinburgh Leisure helps people enjoy healthier, happier, and more active lives.
Their facilities and programmes serve community members of all ages and abilities. As a charitable trust, every penny they receive goes back into supporting the health and wellbeing of Edinburgh residents.
On Friday 20 June, over 1,100 children from 22 City of Edinburgh primary schools joined together for the Edinburgh 900 Big Sing event at the Usher Hall.
Taking to the stage was an orchestra of 70 primary school aged musicians, eight singers from Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble and a choir of pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools.
The event showcased collaborative performances from the City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service, Youth Music Initiative Music Instructors, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students and Love Music.
During the event, pupils were invited to join in and sing six songs, taught and led by presenter and choir leader, Stephen Deazley. The event also featured the world premiere of a song written especially for the event by the award-winning Scottish indie-pop band, Sacred Paws, called ‘Better Side Of Town’.
Musicians Ray Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers worked with pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools to write lyrics and musical material for the song alongside Love Music’s Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
This event formed part of the celebration of Edinburgh 900, marking 900 years of formal ‘local democracy’ when, in 1124 King David I created the royal burgh of Edinburgh, one of the oldest in Scotland.
This year, a series of events, talks, tours and tales will help to tell the fascinating and diverse stories of Edinburgh’s journey and unique story.
PICTURE: Adam Cooke
Councillor James Dalgleish, Convener Education, Children and Families Committee commented: “It was a real pleasure to hear the musical talents of Edinburgh primary school children on display in the setting of the Usher Hall.
“Music has a unique ability to unite and inspire, and it was fantastic to see the way that pupils from across our schools joined together to in a fun and inclusive way.
“I want to thank our Instrumental Music Service teachers and school staff who made this event possible, and congratulate our young musicians on a brilliantperformance.
Stephen Deazley, Love Music Artistic Director said:“Creating space and opportunity for joyful communal singing is so important for our young people and school communities.
“Nothing lifts your spirit like it, which is why we were delighted to be invited to work alongside amazing musicians from Edinburgh’s instrumental Music Service to bring this ambitious project to the Usher Hall.”
Visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral will come face-to-face with those of the first ‘Edinburghers’ in a new exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations.
Marking the joint 900th anniversaries of both Edinburgh and St Giles’ Cathedral, this extraordinary exhibition presents the results of new scientific research into the medieval citizens buried within the grounds of the Cathedral.
Originally excavated in 1981, these remains have undergone new detailed analysis using advanced methods including ancient DNA sequencing, isotopic analysis, radiocarbon dating, and forensic facial reconstruction.
This collaborative project offers a compelling look at the lives, diets, health, origins, and identities of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.
The exhibition will feature:
Facial reconstructions of five individuals by Maria Maclennan, projected throughout the Cathedral using immersive lighting designs by artist Mettje Hunneman.
A specially commissioned short documentary by Cinetopia, featuring interviews with the research team and members of the Cathedral community.
A focus on three key burial groups – individuals from the birth of the burgh and foundation of the Cathedral in the 12th century, two 15th-century male pilgrims and eight women buried inside the Chapel of Our Lady between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said:“This exhibition invites visitors to travel back through nine centuries of Edinburgh’s history, to meet the earliest people who called this city home. Thanks to scientific research and creative collaboration, we are able to share new insights into their lives, origins, health, and identities and, to actually see their faces once again.
“Edinburgh 900 is a year-long celebration of our city’s rich history, culture, and bright future. This exhibition brings the faces of our very first residents to life for our audiences of today. My thanks to our partners, scientists, artists, and all those whose contributions have brought this exhibition to life.”
City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson added: “This has been a fascinating project that brings together new archaeological science and the creative arts to tell the story of Edinburgh’s first residents in an imaginative and exciting way.
“Visitors to the exhibition will come face-to-face with the first inhabitants of the city, ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary chapters of history. While we are accustomed to the tales of the famous and powerful, this project shifts the spotlight to the everyday citizens, telling their stories in the very place they once walked, worshipped, and were laid to rest.
“To honour their lives in such a meaningful location has been a rare and powerful opportunity. It’s been an immensely rewarding partnership to be part of, and I’m grateful to the church, talented specialists and the artists whose hard work and dedication have have helped to tell these stories.”
Sarah Phemister, Head of Heritage and Culture, St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “This exhibition is a celebration of the remarkable talent, collaboration, and creativity of the scientists and artists who have breathed life into the faces of the past.
“Their work connects us across centuries, reminding us that St Giles’ has always been a place where history, innovation, and human stories have met at the very heart of Edinburgh.”
Free and open to the public from 6 June to 30 November 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the Cathedral’s medieval past in a new way—bringing faces and stories from Edinburgh’s early history to life.
Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer School of Design, Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) The University of Edinburgh, said:“It has been an enormous privilege to contribute to such a fascinating and interdisciplinary project, which adopted a truly interdisciplinary approach requiring collaboration on the part of many.
“Each craniofacial approximation involved the marriage of archaeological evidence together with myriad scientific analyses undertaken by the research team, to help inform final facial appearance: forensic anthropology, radiocarbon dating, isotopic signature, DNA profiling, and forensic-artistic techniques.
“Craniofacial Approximation is a hybrid sci-art practice dedicated to restoring the face of an unknown individual from their skeletal remains. In archaeological contexts, as is seen here in St. Giles’ Cathedral, the practice is often an important means of restoring visibility, identity, and humanity to those long lost or forgotten, and/or in promoting education and encouraging public engagement with historical figures of interest from the past.
“For each reconstruction, I produced both a more ‘neutral’ face (depicting how the individual may present in contemporary day Edinburgh), in addition to a ‘historical’ face, depicting the individual dressed in clothing/artefacts typical of the time in which they lived.”
Dr Tobias Houlton, Lecturer in Craniofacial Identification and Forensic Imaging at University of Dundee, said:“This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS) and the University of Dundee.
“While this particular project has been a year in the making, it builds on many years of collaboration and graduate involvement from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). It provides a unique opportunity for CAHID graduates to further develop their expertise in facial identification while contributing to meaningful research in partnership with CECAS.
“The exhibition showcases the powerful synergy between science and art in restoring the faces of Edinburgh’s earliest citizens and enriching our understanding of the city’s medieval past.”
This project has been made possible with support from Historic Environment Scotland, and all partner organisations.
A new online exhibition launched by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Museums & Galleries, Libraries and Archives services brings together 900 years of objects relating to Edinburgh.
From Greyfriars Bobby’s collar to the National Covenant, visitors to a digital exhibition can see all kinds of fantastic objects and artworks and find out more about their stories.
Edinburgh 900: Objects from Nine Centuries of City Life is hosted on the Capital Collections website. It showcases not only some of the treasures viewable in museum and gallery venues around the city, but also many items that have never been fully shared with the public before.
These include a 19th century record of petty criminals, a rare Hearts and Hibs football programme, beautiful contemporary silver and ceramics and historic documents from as early as the 12th century.
The exhibition launched on Friday 23 May with the first 20 objects, with new objects being released each month between May and September, when the City’s Edinburgh 900 celebrations officially conclude.
The team behind the exhibition have not only been photographing and researching these amazing treasures, they’ve also been engaging with community groups across the city to capture their responses to them.
Groups including MindRoom who work with neurodiverse young people and dementia-friendly group Art In the City, have been connecting with the objects and having their responses recorded for display in the digital exhibition.
This work is in partnership with the Open University who have provided the interactive digital app technology to capture community responses.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh 900 is a year-long celebration of our city’s rich history, culture, and bright future.
“It’s incredible to see the diversity of historic objects cared for on behalf of the city all viewable together online.
“I’m sure viewers are going to really enjoy seeing the tiny historic details the photographs reveal, as well as diving into the background stories and responses from the community. It’s a real celebration of Edinburgh’s past and present.”
A small display in the City Art Centre foyer showcasing some of the objects included in the online exhibition will open in the Summer.
Calling all Edinburgh storytellers & history lovers!
Entries open: 1 October 2025
Deadline: 31 December 2025
A financial prize of £200 will be awarded to the winning project, supported by the descendants of William Anderson’s family in Canada. A printed copy of the winning entry will be placed in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection at Central Library for reference.
